"How dare they choose Cheng over Xuan? Lady Xia's world was crumbling, and she would make them pay."
———
Lady Xia stormed into her quarters, her face flushed with anger. Her handmaid scurried behind, struggling to keep up.
"How could this happen?" Lady Xia shrieked, whipping around to face the cowering servant. "I specifically told you to inform me of any changes regarding Cheng's statusand yet somehow his succession and engagement slipped past your notice?"
The handmaid fell to her knees, trembling violently. "F-forgive me Lady Xia, I only just learned of it m.. myself. Word in the palace is that the em..emperor arranged it to solidify the CrownPrince's place as heir."
Lady Xia's eyes burned with rage. The succession was one thing, but an engagement? That could ruin all her careful plans. "Incompetent fool!" she snapped."If you can't handle this simple task, what use are you to me?"
"Cheng chosen over Xuan?"
"How did that cursed fool get what was Xuan's rightful place?" She had raised Xuan from infancy, planned every step to bring him to the throne.
Did the emperor really think he could play with her like this? Underestimate her power? Fool.
She pinned the cowering girl with a menacing glare. "Mark my words.. this will not stand. I've worked too long and sacrificed too much to see it all handed to that cursed child. One way or another, Cheng will not make it to the throne."
Then she swept out of the room.
Lady Xia walked through the royal gardens, ignoring the bows and greetings of servants. Her mind was set on one thing, changing the emperor's decision about Cheng.
She entered the emperor's private quarters without being announced. "Your Majesty, we need to speak privately," she demanded, not waiting for his approval.
The emperor sighed wearily but signaled for the guards to leave. "What now, Qiaoxia?"
"You know Prince Cheng is not fit to rule," Lady Xia began. "His condition could bring disaster to the realm, and you want to tie another family to ours through this engagement? It's too dangerous. Prince Feng or Xuan would be better choices."
"I won't hear this again, Qiaoxia. I stand by my word. Doubting it insults my wisdom." The emperor's eyes flashed with anger.
Hearing that, Lady Xia gave a stiff bow. "Pardon me, Your Majesty. I worry only for the empire's future."
Slowly, she stood up, gave a final curtsey and left the room, barely containing her anger.
She returned to her chambers with a single thought in her mind; Cheng had to be stopped before his power became untouchable.
But how?
A direct strike would expose her hand, and her hostility toward his ascension was already too visible to deny. No. That would be foolish. She needed something cleaner, quieter and Irreversible.
Days later
Mr. Sha's Estate
Xiao knelt before her father, bowing low, and holding the respectful posture for minutes longer than necessary.
"Have you spoken to the Ruán girl?" he asked flatly.
Right.
She should have known, this was never about her.
"No, Father. Meiying and I haven't spoken since—"
She tried to swallow the pain of feeling more like an asset than family.
"Since I took you in out of charity." His cold words felt like a blade cutting right through her. "You'd do well not to forget that, or my lenience could cease."
Xiao felt a lump form in her throat but she kept her face calm. Taken in out of charity… he reminded her often, yet it always hurt.
As he regarded her, she wondered if he'd ever look at her as more than a pawn, as someone who deserved his affection. She lowered her head and replied as evenly as she could. "I only wish to serve, Father."
"See that you do,"
"I hear of your… fancies regarding the second prince. Cease that foolishness. A girl of your class should know where to reach, or your future will be bleak."
Xiao's face burned with shame. Even her small, hidden feelings for Yizong had been uncovered and dismissed as childish.
And his words were a clear warning, she had no right to her own desires. "Yes, Father," she replied, her voice barely audible.
"And if you do see her," he continued, "stay close. Report back any information she shares with you."
Her gaze met his at those words, and the message was clear, he wanted her to spy on Mei.
Why Meiying?
His cold, assessing look told her that even kinship was something to be exploited.
"You may go," he said finally, waving her away.
Xiao rose slowly, bowing once more before she turned to the door.
She left the study knowing, as always, that she did not exist to him beyond convenience. He never asked how she was, never offered even the smallest warmth.
He was always quick to send her away, as if her presence was a bother.
She had warned herself not to feel it, not to expect anything more. Yet the ache remained. Would he ever see me as his own?
Xiao wandered quietly until she heard voices from a nearby courtyard.
Parting the curtain of flowering vines, she glimpsed Princess Xin Yi laughing softly among her ladies. They chatted idly, sipping from fine porcelain cups. Xiao watched in silence and thought, Is this the shallow life Yizong chose in place of a true bond with me?
Yes, Princess Xin Yi was beautiful. Their union promised alliances, stability. But none of that justified discarding a future that had once been real.
As Xiao observed them, a thought settled into her mind. What better way to reach Yizong than through the woman meant to stand at his side?
Smoothing her expression, she stepped into the courtyard and lowered herself into a flawless curtsy.
"Your Highness," she said evenly, "may I have a word with you in private?"
Princess Xin Yi nodded to her ladies and turned with a warm smile. "Please, sit. How may I help you?"
Xiao hesitated a bit, then spoke. "I often find myself alone in this palace. I have seen you in the courtyard from time to time and have come to admire you. If it pleases you, I would be honored to offer my friendship."
Princess Xin Yi smiled gently. "You are very brave to speak so openly. I understand how lonely this palace can be. I sense your sincerity, and I would be happy to be your friend."
Xiao released a quiet breath of relief. "Thank you, Princess. Your kindness truly honors me."
"Please, call me Xin Yi." Her smile was open, and free of guile. "Come, walk with me. I will introduce you to some of the ladies I keep company with."
That was easier than I expected, Xiao thought as she followed behind Xin Yi.
Her new "sister's" kindness might yet offer more than a path to Yizong.