In the opulent great hall, a man sat lazily upon a high-backed throne carved with dragon motifs, a woman in pink robes perched on his lap, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.  

“Don’t cry.” Xuan Yanyu’s voice was deep and tender as he gently wiped her tears away with his fingertips.  

“Let me go… please.” Yan Shiyao bit her lip, leaning weakly against his chest.  

The man pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, his dark eyes hiding an unfathomable depth.  

“Brother Yu, I don’t love you. Please let me go, I’m begging you.” Yan Shiyao’s voice was hoarse from crying.  

Leaning down, his thin lips brushed against her ear as his long fingers combed through her hair. His voice was soft but firm. “It doesn’t matter. This prince doesn’t care, as long as you stay by my side.”  

Yan Shiyao’s eyes trembled uncontrollably. “Xuan Yanyu, I hate you.”  

Unfazed, the man merely chuckled lowly. “Ah Yao, do you know why the Second Young Miss ended up the way she did? It’s because you refused to listen—”  

“Shut up! Don’t say another word!” Yan Shiyao’s eyes reddened, tears welling up as she desperately covered her ears with her hands.  

“So, Ah Yao, prepare yourself. In two days, you will become this prince’s crown princess.” Xuan Yanyu wrapped his arms around her slender waist.  

“Never.” Yan Shiyao’s lips trembled as tears streamed down her face.  

Xuan Yanyu narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Tsk. It seems one Second Young Miss wasn’t enough of a lesson…”  

Yan Shiyao stared at him in horror, her body stiffening with fear.  

Noticing her reaction, Xuan Yanyu smirked. “Ah Yao, surely you don’t want your family to suffer the same fate as the Second Young Miss?”  

His fingertips traced her red lips, the gesture tender yet laced with menace.  

[I can’t watch this anymore.] Yan Yuning swallowed hard.  

System: [Master, enjoy your life while you can. In a year, you’ll be—] 

[Shut up! Just shut up!] Yan Yuning picked up a teacup and took a sip, the water soothing her throat and temporarily calming the panic in her heart.  

System: […]

“Second Young Miss, the Eldest Young Miss has sent word inviting you to dine with her at Bixiang Garden.” The maid, Qiuci, bowed respectfully.  

The young lady sighed softly. “Let’s go.”  

Today marked her third day since being brought back to the Prime Minister’s residence—and her first month since inexplicably transmigrating into this novel.  

She had become the cannon fodder of this story, the biological younger sister of the female lead, both daughters of the Prime Minister’s official wife.  

The eldest sister had grown up by their mother’s side as the story’s heroine, while she—from birth—had been sent away to her maternal grandparents’ home.  

It was only because the female lead had said, “I miss my little sister,” that she had been summoned back. At first, she thought life in the Prime Minister’s residence would be luxurious and carefree. But who knew her days were numbered?  

Before she could even enjoy the good life, she would end up being dragged down by her sister!  

Damn it!

In the novel, the female lead had gone out for an excursion and rescued an unconscious man out of pity, bringing him back to the Prime Minister’s residence.  

But that man was the crown prince of Xuanzhao Kingdom—the story’s biggest villain! After waking up, he became obsessed with making the female lead his crown princess.  

However, the female lead was meant for the male lead. When the villain learned she was to marry the male lead, he plotted to invade Qilan Kingdom, where the female lead resided.  

On the eve of the female lead’s wedding, he stormed the capital, taking her and the entire Prime Minister’s household captive.  

When the female lead refused to marry him, he threatened her family—and Yan Yuning, as the cannon fodder, was the first to be killed by that madman!  

When her system, Fafa, explained the plot to her, Yan Yuning’s mind went blank. Why did you have to pick up a random person?! Don’t you know you shouldn’t bring strangers home?! A woman would’ve been one thing, but you brought back a man!!!

The only silver lining was that the author had incorporated a few modern elements into this world, making it easier for her to adapt after transmigrating.

Now, she only had two paths to take:  

First, she could try to make herself more noticeable in front of the crazy crown prince her sister rescued—maybe he’d be merciful enough to spare her later.  

Second, before the male and female leads fell in love, she could snatch the male lead for herself. That way, her love-struck sister wouldn’t refuse the mad crown prince just to marry the male lead, dragging her down in the process.  

“Ningning, come sit.” Yan Shiyao stood up, taking Yan Yuning’s hand and guiding her to the table.  

“Have you adjusted well these past few days?” Yan Shiyao asked with a gentle smile.  

“Very well.” Yan Yuning grinned, squinting her eyes playfully.  

Yan Shiyao studied her younger sister. The girl wore a white dress that revealed a slender neck, a red-and-white silk ribbon tied around her waist with delicate red tassels hanging below.  

The sleeves were embroidered with intricate floral patterns, edged with a string of pearls—exquisite and elegant.  

Two loose strands of hair curled slightly at her chest. Her arched brows, fluttering lashes, small nose, rosy lips, and fair skin made her look like a painting—more beautiful the longer one gazed at her.  

“Ningning, you’ve reached marriageable age. I wonder who’ll be lucky enough to win your heart,” Yan Shiyao mused.  

Xuan Yanyu glanced at the girl across the table. Meeting his gaze, Yan Yuning curved her lips into a faint smile.  

Since she’s so well-behaved, maybe I’ll spare her when the time comes.

Xuan Yanyu withdrew his gaze, picking up a spoon to serve Yan Shiyao some soup.  

“Thank you, Brother Yu.” Yan Shiyao smiled softly.  

Yan Yuning poked at the rice in her bowl. [Fafa, is this crown prince really so free? Hanging around the female lead all day?]

Fafa: [Master, what can we do? The Xuanzhao Kingdom has mostly princesses—he’s the only prince. The emperor dotes on him endlessly, so he does whatever he wants.]

Yan Yuning’s lips twitched.  

Fafa: [Besides, this is a novel world. If the second male lead isn’t by the female lead’s side, how will the plot progress?]

Yan Yuning: […]  

“Ningning, after the meal, I’ve arranged to go out with Mucheng. Why don’t you join us?” Yan Shiyao cheerfully placed some dishes into Yan Yuning’s bowl.  

“Elder Sister, I’ll pass. I was thinking of going out for a stroll.”  

She needed to “accidentally” run into the male lead!

“Alright then. Brother Yu, you stay and keep Ningning company.”  

“Ah Yao.” Xuan Yanyu frowned, his deep voice laced with helplessness.  

“Brother Yu, Ningning just arrived a few days ago. I wouldn’t feel at ease leaving her with just anyone,” Yan Shiyao said, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she giggled.  

“Why wouldn’t you feel at ease? The outside world is safe enough. But you—you’re always careless. I don’t feel at ease if I’m not by your side.” Xuan Yanyu sighed, slowly twisting the jade ring on his thumb.  

Yan Yuning clicked her tongue. [Fafa, I’m so done…]

Fafa: […]

“I suppose the Second Young Miss doesn’t need my company?” He cast a cold, meaningful glance at Yan Yuning.  

“No, no need at all!” Yan Yuning waved her hands dismissively.  

Xuan Yanyu smirked in satisfaction. “Ah Yao, see? The Second Young Miss doesn’t need me.”  

Yan Yuning pursed her lips, stealing another glance at him.  

The man wore a dark, flowing robe, his long hair tied high. His striking features—deep-set eyes, noble brows, and an air of natural arrogance—made him look both regal and indolent as he reclined in the wooden chair.  

Noticing her gaze, he turned his indifferent eyes toward her.  

Yan Yuning immediately lowered her head and focused on her rice.