A Mistaken Match: The Princess Consort Who Wed in Another’s Place

At the time, she was a renowned physician of the martial world, and he was the young master of a prominent family. After the rain cleared, they shared a breathtaking first glance beside the Lake of Fated Meetings. She saved him when his poison flared up, extending his life by three years. When it was time for her to wed, she wore a phoenix crown and a red bridal gown, taking her sister's place for a purpose of her own. A mix-up of fate led her to marry him. When he lifted the red bridal veil, her delicate, jade-like face appeared, leaving him both astonished and delighted. Thirteen years ago, disaster struck the Chu family. Every piece of evidence pointed to his father, so she went along with the mistake and stayed by his side. In public, they were the loving couple everyone envied. They said Prince Yi loved his wife beyond all reason, and that no one should ever offend the Princess Consort of Yi. They said she was a lucky star sent from heaven who had pulled Prince Yi back from death's door, the treasured darling of Prince Jing's household. In private, they became each other's closest allies, or at least that's what she thought. The love and hatred, old grudges and tangled disputes of the previous generation gradually came to light. She planned to leave once everything was settled, returning to the free life of the martial world that belonged to her. He was clever. Now that she had caught his eye and stirred his heart, how could he let her go so easily? When the sharp-witted her met the gentle yet scheming him, a grand game of winning hearts began. “Longyue, let's make a bet,” he said. She asked curiously, “All right. What are we betting?” “Our hearts. If you have feelings for me, I lose, and I give myself to you. If you don't, you lose, and you give yourself to me. Unless you're afraid of losing...” “Hmph! How could I possibly lose? Fine, let's bet. As if I'd be afraid of you.” After saying it, she felt that something was off. “Mu Yin Feng, you dare to cheat!” she glared angrily at the seemingly harmless man who was actually full of tricks. He smiled. “A bet is a bet. Are you afraid of losing to me, Longyue?” “Fine. I'll make sure you lose everything.” She smiled radiantly, her bright eyes sparkling. He smiled faintly. He wasn't afraid of losing. He was more afraid of winning. The highest station in life is to be a prince, yet fame and fortune bring no freedom. Better to drift along like a little boat, singing of the moon and the breeze, and leave it all behind.