A Love Written In The Stars

"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 status. And 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 Crown Prince Cheng'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, planning 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."

With that ominous promise, she left the room, already thinking of ways to break Cheng's new alliance. Nothing would stop her, even if it meant destroying the empire herself.

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?"

"Prince Cheng is not fit to rule," Lady Xia argued. "His condition could bring disaster to the realm. And now you want to tie our family to another through this engagement? It's too dangerous. Prince Feng or Xuan would be better choices."

The emperor's eyes flashed with anger. "I won't hear this again, Qiaoxia. Cheng has shown himself to be loyal and fair, despite his struggles. An alliance with the northern province strengthens us, and I believe Cheng is meant to be a great ruler."

Seeing that her words were failing, Lady Xia gave a stiff bow. "As you wish, Your Majesty. But I warn you, don't ignore Prince Cheng's weaknesses so easily. The empire's future is at risk." she left the room, her anger barely contained.

Slamming the door to her chambers, she was seething with fury. So, the emperor still refused to see the truth about Cheng. She paced back and forth, like a restless animal.

Something had to be done, and soon, before Cheng grew too powerful. But what? A direct attack on him could implicate her, especially now that her disapproval of his ascension was so apparent. No.

She stopped, an idea forming in her mind. Cheng's engagement—it was the weak point she could exploit. A scandal could ruin the alliance and cast doubt on his fitness as heir.

Lady Xia smiled coldly. If the emperor wanted to cling to his favored son, so be it. She had worked too hard to see her own son's future slip away for sentiment. One way or another, Cheng would fall. She would see to it.

Days later

As the moon hung low, Lady Xia slipped into the private courtyard, where Minister Li was already waiting, bowing deeply as she approached.

"Well? Explain yourself, Minister," Lady Xia snapped. "I was led to believe our plans were secure. Yet somehow, that cursed child became the heir?"

Minister Li winced under her fierce gaze. "My apologies, my lady. The emperor has grown more stubborn in his favor for Crown Prince Cheng."

Lady Xia clenched her fists, barely holding back her anger. "Useless fool! I've rewarded your treachery well, and this is how you repay me?"

"No matter. Our goal remains the same—Cheng must not take the throne, do you understand?"

"Yes, my lady. Give the order, and it will be done. I will see your son Xuan become emperor, as always intended."

"Perhaps a gentler approach, my lady? would work more in our favor this time. Direct confrontation only worsen our chances."

Lady Xia's eyes narrowed. "I've considered that. If rumors of a scandal reached the right ears, it might turn public opinion against him."

Minister Li thought it over. A scandal could weaken Cheng's position without violence, but it would need careful planning.

Her gaze sharpened. "Can you manage this scheme after your past failures? Do not test my patience, Li. Our goals must be achieved by any means necessary."

Minister Li bowed deeply. "I assure you, my lady, by the end, the entire court will doubt his right to rule."

A cruel smile spread across Lady Xia's lips. "Then do not disappoint me again, Minister. The cost of failure will be... most unpleasant."

Mr. Sha's Estate

Xiao knelt before her father, bowing low, holding the respectful posture for a moment longer than necessary.

"Have you spoken to the Ruán girl?" he asked, his voice flat.

Right. She should have known, this was never about her. 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 tried to swallow the pain of feeling more like an asset than family.

"No, Father. Meiying and I haven't spoken since—"

"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. She lowered her head and replied as evenly as she could. "I only wish to serve, Father."

"See that you do," he replied sharply. "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. This was a clear warning—she had no right to her own desires. "Yes, Father," she replied, her voice barely audible.

"And if you do speak to her," he continued, "stay close to the Ruán girl. Report back any information she shares with you."

Her gaze met his at those words. 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, waving her away.

Xiao rose slowly, bowing once more before she turned to the door. She left the study, heavy with the familiar sting of his indifference. He never asked how she was or showed any warmth. He was always quick to send her away, as if her presence was a bother.

She'd told herself so many times not to let it hurt, not to hope for anything different. But the pain lingered. Would he ever see me as his own?

The Palace

Xiao wandered quietly until she heard voices from a nearby courtyard. Peeking through the floral vines, she saw Princess Xin Yi laughing softly with her ladies. Watching them chat and sip tea from elegant cups, Xiao thought, Is this the shallow life Yizong chose over a true bond with me?

Yes, Princess Xin Yi was beautiful, and their union was meant to strengthen the kingdom, but that didn't make it right to throw away a genuine future.

As Xiao observed them, an idea took root. What better way to get close to Yizong than by befriending his fiancée?

With a quick adjustment, Xiao stepped into the courtyard and curtsied deeply. "Your Highness, may I speak with you in private?"

Princess Xin Yi nodded to her ladies and turned warmly. "Please, sit. How can I help you?"

Xiao began, "I often find myself alone in this palace. I've seen you from time to time in the courtyard and have come to admire you. If it pleases you, I would love to offer my friendship."

Princess xin yi smiled kindly. "You're so brave for telling me, I understand that being in this palace by yourself causes loneliness, I sense your sincerity and I would be happy to be your friend."

Xiao exhaled with relief. "Thank you, Princess. Your kindness truly honors me."

"Please call me xin yi" her smile held no guile. "Come, walk with me, let me introduce you to some of the ladies I spend time with."

That was easier than I expected, she whispered, following behind xin yi. Her new "sister's" kindness might indeed offer a pathway to Yizong, an opening she was determined to explore.