Crossword Genius

A number that heartens listeners (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ten

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a number' is the definition.
(ten is a number)

'heartens listeners' is the wordplay.
'TEN' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'that' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ten that I've seen before include "time" , "Cardinal number" , "honour" , "PM's address, Downing St" , "Five times two" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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