The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 11

“There are many rules in the palace. No matter how kind Their Majesties are to you, you must never overstep your bounds.” Lady Song reminded her daughter again, her mind turning over and over with worry, afraid she might overlook something important.

“I will remember that, Mother,” Song Qingqian nodded earnestly.

Lady Song held her daughter’s hand, eyes misty with emotion. Her voice was hoarse. “Qingqian, I truly never wanted you to enter the palace. Anywhere else, your father and I could protect you. But that deep, hidden palace…”

Song Qingqian gently squeezed her mother’s hand in return. “Mother, I can protect myself. Please don’t worry.”

Still, concern lingered in her mother’s voice. “But ever since your engagement, I’ve been inquiring about Her Highness. I’ve heard she acts on impulse… even His Majesty struggles to keep her in check.”

Qingqian handed her a handkerchief and poured her a cup of tea, smiling as she said, “Mother, your daughter is a teacher by trade. If there’s anything I’m good at, it’s educating the impulsive.”

Reassured, Lady Song nodded. “Qingqian, the palace isn’t like the prime minister’s residence. Once you’re inside, seeing you won’t be as easy as it is today.”

“That won’t happen. If you want to see me, just come to the palace. And I can always come back to visit,” Qingqian comforted her gently.

But Lady Song knew she was only trying to put her at ease. She scolded lightly, “How can it be that simple? The palace is filled with rules and restrictions.”

Qingqian paused for a moment, then said with a smile, “Then if Mother finds the palace too stifling, I’ll come visit more often.”

Lady Song looked at her and gave a bitter smile.

The two talked late into the night before Lady Song finally left. She repeated her reminders over and over again, and Song Qingqian listened patiently without complaint.

—

At Zichen Palace, Xiao Beitang hadn’t been allowed to leave for several days. The Emperor had placed her under house arrest, and the Empress watched over her daily, forbidding her from leaving the palace again before the wedding.

Whenever she grew impatient and muttered complaints, the Empress no longer indulged her as she once did, forcing Xiao Beitang to finally quiet down.

Red silk lanterns adorned every corner of the palace, filling it with festivity. Zichen Palace was especially resplendent—lanterns, decorations, and fresh arrangements made it dazzling. But to Xiao Beitang, the bright red everywhere was a glaring eyesore.

Palace staff bustled in and out, busy preparing. Crates and chests were sent to the Eastern Palace, filling the courtyard. Liuzi counted items nonstop, giving precise instructions for their placement.

Xiao Beitang’s sleeping quarters, the Fuhua Pavilion, had been entirely redecorated at the Empress’s request. It now looked completely transformed.

—

The next day, before dawn, Song Qingqian rose to serve her parents as she always did. But this time was different—this was the last morning she would do so before her marriage.

Palace attendants had arrived to help her dress and prepare.

Lady Song stayed by her side the entire time, never taking her eyes off her daughter as she was groomed.

Qingqian wore a brilliant red bridal robe embroidered with golden phoenixes. With a phoenix coronet and ceremonial mantle, her attire rivaled the standards of an empress. Regal and dignified, it was a stark contrast to her usual plain clothing.

When all was ready, Lady Song looked her daughter over from head to toe, moved to tears. Her Qingqian—so breathtakingly beautiful. Even Xiao Beitang, she thought, was unworthy.

Once the maids had been dismissed, Qingqian turned and smiled at her mother.

“My Qingqian has truly grown up,” Lady Song murmured, eyes already brimming with tears.

“Please don’t cry, Mother.” Qingqian tried to rise to comfort her, but the heavy robes and ornate headpiece held her in place.

“Don’t move. Sit properly,” Lady Song gently stopped her, sitting down beside her and holding her hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

Then she laughed through her tears. “I’m just happy. Every mother hopes the same thing—we don’t ask you to become phoenixes or dragons. We only wish for your peace, happiness, and a smooth life.”

“I know, Mother.” Qingqian was never one to cry easily, but she, too, was moved. A soft mist formed in her eyes.

Seeing her daughter’s troubled expression, Lady Song chuckled, “Don’t cry, Qingqian. Your makeup will smudge.”

Qingqian forced down the lump in her throat, sniffled slightly, and smiled brightly. The mist in her eyes gradually cleared.

“That’s more like it. A bride should leave home with joy in her heart.”

“The auspicious hour has arrived. The Crown Princess is to bid farewell to her parents,” came the reminder from the palace official at the door.

Prime Minister Song and the entire household were waiting in the front courtyard. Qingqian walked out slowly and bowed deeply to bid farewell to her parents.

“Please escort the Crown Princess to the bridal sedan,” the attendant called.

Qingqian held a golden fan adorned with dragon and phoenix motifs. Her personal maids, Xiaotao and Baixue, followed closely behind, helping her into the red bridal sedan with a golden roof.

All of Chang’an’s streets, from the Prime Minister’s estate to the palace, were lined with red silk. Every shop and household hung red lanterns printed with golden double happiness symbols. The Emperor had spared no effort in making it a grand affair for the Prime Minister’s family.

Though Song Lian was known for his integrity, his wife’s success in business had made their family well-off. The dowry prepared for Qingqian was both generous and grand.

Strictly speaking, brides entering the palace weren’t supposed to bring much with them. But with only one son and one daughter, Lady Song spared no expense. Cart after cart of chests, each sealed with red wedding characters, followed the bridal sedan into the palace.

This grand wedding was praised by the entire capital. Crowds lined the streets, held back by the imperial guards like iron walls.
—

At Zichen Palace:

That morning, before dawn, Xiao Beitang was roused by the Empress, who entered with her maids in tow.

“Beitang, it’s time to get up.”

Xiao Beitang grumbled, turned over, and kicked off the covers.

“Up you go~” The Empress pulled her up by the arm. Still groggy, Xiao Beitang stood wobbling, her eyes half-closed.

The Empress barked an order, “Attend to Her Highness’s toilette and attire.”

Yawning and stretching, Xiao Beitang finally opened her eyes. A maid was already kneeling before her with a washbasin.

She lazily wiped her face with a towel, then rinsed her mouth slowly.

The maids helped her change, layer by layer, dressing her in ceremonial robes far heavier than usual. They placed the imperial coronet on her head, the nine strands of jade beads swaying in front of her.

It was too heavy—it made her head throb. She steadied it with her hand.

Still dazed, she was led to the Fengxian Hall. As she looked up at the plaque above the entrance, she straightened her posture. Inside stood the Emperor, solemn in his dragon robes.

“Your daughter greets the Empress and Emperor.” Before the ancestral tablets, in such a solemn atmosphere, Xiao Beitang dared not be casual. She bowed respectfully.

“Beitang, come forward,” the Emperor’s voice was steady and dignified.

She stepped up to stand slightly behind him. Palace attendants handed them each three sticks of incense.

“To our ancestors above—may you bless the Dayu Dynasty for generations to come.”

The Emperor knelt on a cushion and bowed deeply. Xiao Beitang followed, bowing three times.

After honoring their ancestors and performing rites to Heaven and Earth, the formalities stretched until dusk. Song Qingqian’s bridal sedan had reached the palace gates. Xiao Beitang was then led by the ceremonial officer to the steps of the Taiji Hall to greet her bride.

She stood solemnly at the base of the steps. Officials lined both sides, the air heavy with ritual and respect. All eyes turned toward the bride, smiles blooming on every face.

Soon, Song Qingqian was helped down from the sedan. She held a round silk fan and walked slowly toward Xiao Beitang, kneeling in greeting.

The fan concealed her face—only her slender jade-like hands and graceful figure could be seen.

Still, that wedding gown was quite beautiful.

Xiao Beitang tilted her head slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of her bride’s face. But before she could, the ceremonial officer behind her gave a subtle cough, reminding her to mind her posture. She straightened

immediately.

“Let the newlyweds enter the hall!” the officer called.

Xiao Beitang exhaled deeply, extended her hand, palm up. Song Qingqian, still holding her fan, placed her hand into hers.

Together, they entered the hall, performed the bowing rituals, and knelt before the Emperor and Empress. The Empress beamed with joy, and even the Emperor wore a rare smile.

“Your children greet the Emperor and Empress,” they said in unison.

The ceremonial officer recited the congratulatory blessing aloud—written personally by Song Lian. His words echoed through the hall, accompanied by solemn music.

Standing to the side, Song Lian gazed at the pair like a matching set of jade and gold. For a brief moment, his eyes glistened. But he quickly composed himself and smiled again.

Throughout the ceremony, Xiao Beitang didn’t glance at Song Qingqian again. The two remained solemn, eyes forward, waiting for the rites to conclude.