Rank
Alternative
Author(s)
Genre(s)
Type
Tag(s)
(Trope tags: A princess pretending to be domineering × a crown prince who hides his true strength behind a façade of frivolity)
Synopsis:
Jiang Yueying was a princess raised since childhood in the Cold Palace. One day a secret imperial edict ordered her to replace her overbearing twin sister and marry into another kingdom as the bride of their crown prince.
Rumor had it that the Crown Prince Xie Yuting of Liang was a spoiled, unrestrained wastrel and an utterly difficult man to get along with.
She trembled with fear, walking on thin ice, terrified of revealing her true identity. Every day she tried her best to keep a stern face and act fierce.
She thought her disguise was flawless. Yet one day, that arrogant crown prince cornered her, his smile carrying a hint of teasing, “I’ve heard that in Jiang Kingdom the princess was always flamboyant and reckless, so why is she nothing but fragile in my arms?”
“A single kiss and your eyes redden; squeeze your waist a little and you start to cry. Where is your so-called might, Princess?”
…
Jiang Yueying thought her secret would be hidden for a lifetime.
But she never expected that her twin sister would fall in love with Xie Yuting at first sight, even threatening her to return the position of crown princess.
“The affection you gained by stealing my identity, shouldn’t it rightfully be returned to its owner?”
Terrified, she tried to hide. But the lawless crown prince caught her red-handed and pulled her tightly into his arms.
With tears in her eyes, she whispered, “I am not your crown princess…”
Xie Yuting only tightened his embrace, his voice laced with a blade-like edge, “You wrote a divorce letter to dismiss your husband? Dream on.”
Before her very eyes, he tore the letter of separation into shreds. “Whoever marries me, that is the Crown Princess of Liang.”
…
Jiang Yueying had always believed that Xie Yuting was an incorrigible wastrel. Until one day, she stumbled upon a shocking scene.
In the secret chamber of his study, the usually frivolous crown prince sat high upon the main seat. His handsome face no longer bore its habitual mockery, but was as cold and sharp as a blade.
Several senior ministers stood below in silence, holding their breath, reverent and cautious.
Xie Yuting’s voice was stern and commanding, “Since he seeks death, I shall grant him the journey.”
Jiang Yueying panicked and tried to slip away.
Just as she turned, she heard a soft chuckle, “Where are you running away to, my future empress?”
