The Crown Prince's Cherished Darling

[Scheming hostage × cunning crown prince | She runs, he pursues | A battle of equals]

Sent to Liang as a hostage from a defeated state, Chu Jiao's mission is to win over Xiao Zhi, the moody crown prince of Liang.

She acts innocent, sends him poisoned pastries, pretends to stumble, and makes the admiration in her eyes look utterly sincere.

The crown prince seems to enjoy it. He gives her precious treasures and special privileges, and stands up for her.

Everyone says the cold-faced crown prince has fallen for her. Only Chu Jiao knows that whenever he smiles and calls her “Jiaojiao,” his eyes are full of frost.

He enjoys her flattery, but sees through her schemes.

During an assassination attempt, Chu Jiao takes a poisoned arrow meant for him. When she wakes after three days unconscious, she finds the usually unflappable crown prince with rumpled clothes and dark circles under his eyes, gripping her hand tightly.

His eyes hold a panic and menace she has never seen before. “Since you dared to provoke me, don't think you can die so easily.”

Chu Jiao gives him a weak smile. “Don't worry, Your Highness. I'm tough to kill...”

She thinks her performance is flawless, unaware that he has already fallen into her trap.

In this game that began with scheming, who will be the one to lose their heart?