Xia Wei had one goal for the day: leave the imperial gardens and find some peace.

She had just publicly humiliated Bai Yueru, roasted Gu Yan to his face, and left Li Xuan brooding in the background. That was enough drama for one day.

Or so she thought.

Because the moment she stepped onto the main path, she saw something that made her want to turn around and walk into the lake.

A group of noble ladies.

More specifically—Bai Yueru’s devoted entourage.

They were huddled together, whispering furiously. The moment they spotted her, their heads snapped up like startled pigeons.

Xia Wei sighed.

“Great,” she muttered under her breath. “More background characters.”

Unfortunately, background characters still had voices.

“Lady Xia!” One of them stepped forward, eyes gleaming.

It was Lady Zhao, one of Bai Yueru’s closest friends. Or, more accurately, one of Bai Yueru’s professional bootlickers.

Xia Wei mentally prepared herself.

Lady Zhao curtsied delicately before saying in a voice dripping with false concern—

“Lady Xia, I just couldn’t help but notice that you and His Highness had a… rather heated conversation earlier. I hope there are no misunderstandings?”

Xia Wei blinked at her.

Then, with perfect innocence, she said, “Oh, there was no misunderstanding.”

Lady Zhao smiled triumphantly—until Xia Wei continued—

“I was insulting him on purpose.”

Silence.

The other ladies looked horrified.

Lady Zhao sputtered. “You— You can’t speak about His Highness like that!”

Xia Wei tilted her head, looking genuinely puzzled.

“Why not?” she asked curiously. “Did he die?”

Lady Zhao’s face turned an impressive shade of red.

“No! But—”

“Then he’s fine.” Xia Wei smiled sweetly. “He has a thick skin. If he can’t handle a few words, how will he run a country?”

The noble ladies exchanged looks, clearly unsure how to respond.

Xia Wei patted Lady Zhao’s shoulder reassuringly.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “Next time you see His Highness, tell him to grow a spine.”

Then she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the entire group stunned into silence.

Meanwhile…

Li Xuan had seen everything.

He had been standing on the balcony above the courtyard, watching silently.

He had not intended to eavesdrop.

(Yes, he had.)

But he couldn’t help but observe Xia Wei’s every movement.

She was bold, sharp, and completely unafraid.

And for the first time, he realized something chilling.

She was far more dangerous than Bai Yueru.

Bai Yueru relied on pitiful tears, fragile beauty, and orchestrated coincidences.

Xia Wei?

She wielded wit like a blade and charm like a weapon.

And worst of all? She made people love her without even trying.

Li Xuan’s grip tightened on the railing.

He had never paid much attention to Xia Wei before. She had always been a footnote in Bai Yueru’s story.

But now?

Now, she was stealing the entire book.

And he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.

Later That Night…

Xia Wei was sitting comfortably in her courtyard, sipping tea, and congratulating herself on another successful day of chaos.

Then, her maid rushed in, looking panicked.

“My lady!” she gasped. “His Highness has sent a gift!”

Xia Wei paused mid-sip.

“Which one?” she asked.

Her maid looked at her like she had grown two heads.

“...His Highness the Crown Prince, of course.”

Xia Wei sighed deeply.

So Li Xuan had finally taken the bait.

She set down her tea, stood up, and stretched lazily.

“Well,” she murmured, smiling to herself. “Let’s see what he’s up to.”

After all—

If the male lead was supposed to love the heroine, she was going to make him love her instead.

End of Chapter 11

(Small theater)

Xia Wei: Why am I so good at this? Li Xuan: Why am I noticing her now? Bai Yueru: Why is she still breathing?! Gu Yan: Why do I suddenly want to compete?

Sky~