Fated to be queen

The first encounter

As the Empress and Xiaoliang strolled through the garden, their laughter blended softly with the rustling leaves and birdsong. The peaceful moment was interrupted when a palace guard appeared in a rush, bowing deeply before speaking.

“Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence immediately.”

The Empress’s smile faded slightly, and she turned to Xiaoliang. “Go back to my chambers, my child. Receive your payment for the tea leaves, and after that, you may return home to assist your mother.”

Xiaoliang bowed gracefully. “Yes, Your Highness.”

As the Empress departed with the guard, Xiaoliang walked calmly toward the Empress’s chambers. Upon arrival, she noticed a small cluster of vibrant butterflies fluttering near the entrance. She paused, captivated, and extended her finger. One particularly colorful butterfly settled gently on it. A gentle smile curved her lips as she admired its delicate wings.

Just then, a sharp voice broke the calm.

“What are you doing here? Who are you—and why are you lurking near the Empress’s chambers? Are you here to steal?”

It was Ling Xui, her tone biting, her eyes narrowed. Dressed in an elaborate robe, she looked every bit the noblewoman she wanted others to see—but her scowl betrayed her.

Without flinching, Xiaoliang turned toward her, the butterfly fluttering away. “I suppose you’re not daft enough to ignore the dozens of palace guards stationed here. Surely, you're not blind to the one standing right behind you?” she said with a raised brow and a polite but pointed smile.

“You… How dare you speak to me that way, you commoner!” Ling Xui snapped, her face flushed with fury.

Xiaoliang stepped forward calmly, her voice cool but firm. “Respect is not a title. If you wish to be treated with dignity, you must first show it to others. I’m certain our mothers taught us at least that much.”

Before Ling Xui could respond, Xiaoliang turned to the nearby palace guard. “The Empress asked me to receive payment for the tea leaves we delivered.”

The guard, who had witnessed everything in silence, nodded and gestured toward the entrance. “You may go in.”

As the doors opened, Xiaoliang walked gracefully past Ling Xui, her chin slightly raised—dignified and unbothered. Ling Xui stood rooted, seething in silence, watching the girl she had just met easily step where she herself had long desired to belong.

After receiving her payment, Xiaoliang stepped out of the Empress’s chambers, only to find Ling Xui still standing by the entrance. Without sparing her more than a glance, she walked past her like she was part of the decor.

Ling Xui scoffed loudly behind her. “So you came for this chicken change? And yet you walk around with so much pride.”

Xiaoliang froze, folded her arms and replied sarcastically, “I guess you're too big now to walk among commoners like us. Why don’t you grow wings and start flying? Or better yet, build your own palace. Because as far as I know, you don’t belong here either.”

Her voice was calm, but her words cut sharply. Ling Xui stood there fuming, not expecting the soft-spoken girl to have such a sharp tongue.

Trying to recover, she marched over to the palace guard. “I want to see the Empress.”

“The Empress is currently in a meeting with the Emperor and the council,” the guard replied firmly.

With a huff, Ling Xui turned on her heel and stormed off—only to spot Xiaoliang making her way down the corridor. Without thinking, she followed.

Xiaoliang had barely reached the outer courtyard when she ran into the Crown Prince Yu Chen and Commander Hao. Hao raised a brow, giving the prince a subtle smirk.

“I’ll leave you to it,” he said knowingly, before bowing and taking his leave.

Yu Chen’s eyes lit up. “So we meet again.”

Xiaoliang chuckled. “Hmm… I did tell you that we may or may not cross paths again. Seems like you’re really lucky.”

“Very lucky,” he said with a grin, clearly enjoying her company.

Before they could say more, Ling Xui finally caught up. Her voice sliced through the moment. “Oh, you know her? How mannerless can you be—talking to the prince like he’s your childhood friend?”

Xiaoliang opened her mouth to respond, but Yu Chen stepped in smoothly. He placed a protective arm around her shoulder and smiled.

“This is my friend—Mei Xiaoliang,” he said firmly. “Xiaoliang, this is Ling Xui. Her mother is Lady Ling, and her father used to be one of my father’s advisers.”

Ling Xui froze.

She had hoped, expected, that he would introduce her as his childhood friend. Maybe even someone special. But he had reduced her to a mere formality.

Yu Chen turned to Xiaoliang again, ignoring Ling Xui’s crushed expression. “She’s quite stubborn, this one,” he said, gently pinching Xiaoliang’s nose with a fond smile.

“I’ll see her off,” he added, taking Xiaoliang’s hand and leading her away.

Behind them, Ling Xui stood speechless, her heart boiling with envy.