Fated to be queen

A big privilege

Xiaoliang made her way through the palace gates, her calm steps echoing softly against the stone path. She wore a soft blue hanfu that complemented her fair complexion, and as she passed, a delicate floral scent lingered in the air, turning heads even among the palace guards.

One of the guards nodded respectfully. “Proceed,” he said.

She bowed lightly and continued, her basket of carefully wrapped tea leaves in hand. Upon reaching the Empress’s chamber, a maid stepped out. Xiaoliang approached with her usual grace.

“I’ve come to deliver the tea leaves,” she said gently.

The maid gave a quick glance and nodded, motioning for her to follow inside.

The Empress, seated in front of a mirror as her maid arranged her hair, turned the moment she saw Xiaoliang’s reflection in the mirror.

“Oh, my child, you are here!” Her eyes lit up. “You really came to see me.”

She rose with a soft smile and signaled to another maid to take the tea leaves. Xiaoliang bowed low.

“Come with me, my child. Let’s go for a stroll. The garden looks beautiful today.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Xiaoliang responded, falling into step beside her.

Meanwhile, at the training grounds, Prince Yu Chen collapsed onto the grass, breathing heavily from the intense session with Commander Hao. His white robe clung to his chest, soaked with sweat.

“Let me breathe,” he muttered between gasps.

Commander Hao laughed and dropped down beside him. “So… what are you intending to do about Xiaoliang? Are you just going to pretend she doesn’t make your heart skip a beat?”

Yu Chen chuckled. “You make it sound like it’s that easy. Do you know how stubborn and witty that girl is?”

The look in his eyes betrayed more than just admiration—it was clear he had fallen for her, hard.

Back in the gardens, the Empress walked slowly, enjoying the breeze, with Xiaoliang respectfully beside her.

“My child,” the Empress said after a moment of silence, “I would truly love to see you more often in the palace. Do you do anything aside from delivering tea leaves?”

Xiaoliang smiled shyly. “No, Your Highness. I help my mother and do some small things during my free time.”

“Small things? What can this beautiful child of mine do?” the Empress asked, clearly enjoying the conversation.

“Well… I can sew a little,” Xiaoliang replied softly.

The Empress beamed. “Ah! So you have your mother’s hands. Lady Yu was one of the best seamstresses in the palace. I’d love to see what her daughter can do. Maybe you’ll even make me something?”

Xiaoliang blushed, her eyes twinkling. “I would be honored, Your Highness.”

The Empress nodded, her mind already spinning with thoughts.