Fated to be queen

Behind the innocence

As Xiaoliang and her mother exited the banquet hall, the Empress turned to Yu Chen, who was still staring in the direction they had gone.

With a knowing smile, she leaned toward him. “Have you two met already? You both seemed a little too familiar... Are we already planning to get a Princess in this empire now?”

Yu Chen tried to hide his grin but failed. “Mother, that’s a bit of a rush, don’t you think?”

The Empress raised a teasing brow. “Ah! So you have met her.”

He gave a small, embarrassed nod, and she sighed sentimentally. “My son is already grown… It feels like just yesterday you were learning how to walk in these very palace halls. And now, selecting a bride…”

Not wanting the conversation to dig deeper, Yu Chen quickly stood. “I’ll just go check if everything’s in order.”

The Empress laughed softly as she watched him leave. “He’s running already,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Just then, two noblewomen approached the royal table. The older one, elegant and poised, bowed gracefully. “Your Highness.”

“Ling Linjua!” the Empress exclaimed, smiling warmly. “How have you been? It’s been ages!”

“I’ve been well, Your Highness. But you look absolutely radiant tonight. Truly, the Empress of the Yu Dynasty never ages.”

“Oh Linjua,” the Empress chuckled, clearly pleased. “You haven’t changed—you still know how to flatter an old friend.”

Beside her stood Ling Xui, her daughter—a refined young woman dressed in exquisite silk, her posture modest, her expression shy. She bowed politely.

“And our beautiful daughter, Ling Xui. How are you, dear?”

“I’m well, Your Highness,” Xui replied demurely.

Ling Linjua glanced around and asked casually, “Where is the prince? I thought he’d be seated here.”

“He was just here a moment ago,” the Empress replied, sipping her tea. “He went to make sure everything is in order.”

“A thoughtful child,” Ling Linjua said, feigning admiration. “He’ll make an excellent emperor one day.”

The Empress nodded in agreement and gestured for her to sit, honoring her status as a long-time noble.

Ling Xui, uninterested in courtly talk, leaned toward her mother and whispered, “Mother, may I take a short walk?”

Without waiting for a full answer, she excused herself and glided away in the direction the prince had taken—her eyes sharp despite her gentle smile.

She wasn’t here just for celebration.