What? You’re Saying the Male Companion I Keep Is the Crown Prince?

[Sweet Romance + Devoted Crown Prince + Younger Hero + Face-Slapping and Scum-Tormenting + Comedy]

Everyone in the capital knows that Yu Zhao, the richest person in the Li Dynasty, keeps a male companion.

But no one knows that the man kneeling at her feet, eyes red as he begs, “Sister, please, don't leave me,” is the crown prince himself.

Yu Zhao is the head of the All Under Heaven Merchants' Guild. She's rich, beautiful, and clever, and suitors line up from the capital all the way to the northern frontier.

Yet she falls flat when it comes to love. Li Yu, the poor scholar she supported for six years, turns on her after passing the imperial examination and placing third. He looks down on her merchant background and publicly humiliates her while embracing the chancellor's daughter.

Yu Zhao: Fine. I'll cut off your money, take back your house, and you and your noble airs can get lost.

That very night, her maid brings home a boy so handsome he hardly seems real.

From then on, Yu Zhao has a clingy shadow at her side.

When she reads the accounts, he grinds ink beside her.

When she practices swordsmanship, he watches with his chin in his hands.

When she goes out, he waits eagerly by the door.

Yu Zhao complains that he's too clingy, and he immediately droops his head:

“Are you tired of me, Sister? Do you not want me anymore...”

Yu Zhao: ...I'm not tired of you. Come back.

She thinks she's merely keeping a well-behaved little plaything.

Until one day, Li Yu uses his power to take revenge and surrounds Lotus Cove with his men.

Just as she reaches for her sword, the boy behind her steps forward and says two words to the official leading the group:

“Kneel.”

Li Yu turns deathly pale. “Y-Your Highness, the Crown Prince?!”

Shen Jin doesn't even look at him. He turns back to Yu Zhao, tears streaming down his face:

“Sister, don't leave me.”

“Please.”