Yin Huaxin was a young lady boarding with the Duke of Tang's household. She was as beautiful as a flower and supremely talented, yet every young woman in the capital hated associating with her.
There was only one reason: this young lady was far too crafty.
Whenever a young woman got close to her cousin, the heir and the capital's most sought-after gentleman, Yin Huaxin would make a scene and scheme to drive her away.
Even when people exposed her, she would insist that she had no feelings for her cousin, and was only trying to help him focus on his studies.
Yet Yin Huaxin really did keep her distance from the heir, while never letting any of the other handsome young gentlemen escape her clutches.
Third Young Master Ming, Ninth Young Master Nian, her Uncle Yan, and even the heroic Princess Xingyang were all fair game.
At every palace banquet or gathering, young gentlemen would fight over her in a jealous rage.
The young ladies of the capital plotted to teach Yin Huaxin a lesson. But she deftly withdrew at the last moment and got engaged to her cousin, the heir, who had just passed the highest imperial examination.
Only then did everyone, after being led around in circles, realize that the crafty cousin had never given up on her own cousin. She'd only been making a grand show to raise her value and get his attention.
*
At the Duke's residence.
Yin Huaxin bit her handkerchief, her eyes red as she sniffled. "Cousin, you have to believe me. Everyone outside says I got along with Brother Ming, Little Brother Nian, Uncle Yan, and Your Highness Princess Xingyang just to get your attention."
Li Qianyuan wasn't moved. He grabbed the little lady who was full of lies and smiled with bewitching charm. "I don't believe you."
Theme: Strive bravely and keep pressing forward
