The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 18

Song Qingqian followed her to the polo field. There were already more than a dozen young ladies from noble families practicing cuju. Upon seeing Xiao Beitang arrive, they all approached her to pay their respects.

When they noticed Song Qingqian behind her, they also offered her polite bows.

A few of the Qianyuan couldn’t help but glance sideways, their eyes lingering on Song Qingqian. Though the field was open and spacious, Song Qingqian could still smell the disordered and unpleasant scents of their pheromones. These Qianyuan were still young and brimming with vitality—it was only natural they couldn’t help themselves in front of an alluring Kunzhé who stirred their hearts.

Someone whispered beneath their breath, “Didn’t they say Her Highness doesn’t care for the Crown Princess Consort? Then why bring her to cuju? Doesn’t look that way to me.”

“With such beauty, even a heart of stone would melt into spring water, wouldn’t it?”

Xiao Beitang had gone to change into her sports attire and returned shortly after.

“Your Highness, we’re one player short to make two full teams.”

Xiao Beitang glanced lazily toward the edge of the field and said, “Pick someone from the guards.”

“But the guards have never played cuju. It wouldn’t be fair.”

Everyone fell into an awkward silence.

“I’ve heard that the Crown Princess Consort was once a skilled cuju player. Might she be willing to join us?”

All eyes turned toward Song Qingqian. One Qianyuan voiced her concern, “But the Crown Princess Consort is a Kunzhé. Would it be appropriate for her to play with us? If someone accidentally offends her…”

Physical contact was inevitable during cuju.

Song Qingqian had originally planned to decline, but the other’s words piqued her interest instead. Smiling, she said, “It’s been a long time since I last played cuju. I wouldn’t mind trying again. That is, if Your

Highness permits?”

Xiao Beitang gave her a meaningful look. She could play cuju? With a faint expression, she replied, “You have your own legs. Why ask me? If you wish to play, go get changed.”

Song Qingqian had expected her to refuse. After all, Xiao Beitang wasn’t even willing to accept a random guard, let alone a Kunzhé like her.

Song Qingqian gave a respectful bow and said with a smile, “Then I shall go change.”

She quickly changed into her athletic attire, removed her hairpins, and tied her hair into a high bun. Paired with her cool and elegant features, she appeared sharp and striking—an impressive and valiant figure.

All eyes followed her as she entered the field. After taking her position, she looked toward Xiao Beitang’s direction and noticed a young Kunzhé beside her. The moment this Kunzhé saw Song Qingqian, her smile visibly froze.

Song Qingqian recognized her—it was Li Ningyu.

Li Ningyu had arrived while Song Qingqian was changing and hadn’t expected to see her here, let alone playing cuju alongside Qianyuan.

When Song Qingqian remained silent and expressionless, she often gave off an unapproachable aura. A few Qianyuan nearby wanted to strike up a conversation, but didn’t dare.

“Does Your Highness often play cuju?” Song Qingqian asked one of her teammates.

The Qianyuan, startled and thrilled that Song Qingqian spoke to her first, responded eagerly, “Her Highness has loved cuju since she was young—she plays several times a month.”

“I see. Besides cuju, what else does Her Highness enjoy?” Song Qingqian’s gaze lingered on Xiao Beitang as she continued her questions.

“She often plays polo with us, too,” the Qianyuan replied, her eyes never leaving Song Qingqian.

“I haven’t asked for your name yet. May I know which family you are from?” Song Qingqian shifted her gaze back.

“I’m Lin Zi He, daughter of Lin Wangge, the Assistant Minister of the Office of State Ceremonies,” she said with a beaming smile.

“I look forward to seeing your performance on the field, Miss Lin,” Song Qingqian complimented her sincerely.

Lin Zi He’s face flushed like the evening glow, her joy unmistakable.

“You seem to know quite a bit about Her Highness?” Song Qingqian asked again.

“I wouldn’t say that. The ones who truly know Her Highness are Xiao Lin and Xiao Wanqi—they’ve been with her since childhood.”

“I see.” Song Qingqian nodded, clearly not planning to ask further.

But Lin Zi He quickly added, “Still, I know a fair bit about Her Highness.”

“In that case, would you share with me her likes and dislikes?”

Lin Zi He enthusiastically divulged everything she knew.

The two chatted happily, drawing envious glances from the others.

Xiao Beitang had been watching them from the beginning, quietly muttering under her breath as she turned away, “What’s there to smile about like that?”

“What was that, Your Highness?” Li Ningyu asked, confused.

“Nothing,” Xiao Beitang replied with a faint smile as she walked onto the field.

The gong sounded. Both sides took their positions. The match began.

Song Qingqian followed behind Xiao Beitang, watching her poised and focused stance. It was hard to imagine this stern, serious side of her.

“If you know your limits, don’t bother scrambling for the ball,” Xiao Beitang said coldly.

Song Qingqian could hear the concern behind her words.

Once the match started, Xiao Beitang played aggressively. Her footwork was unexpectedly precise and skillful—far beyond what Song Qingqian had imagined.

After only a short time, Song Qingqian realized the players here had considerable skill. No wonder they hadn’t wanted to include a random guard.

She didn’t hold back either—interceptions, ball control, her techniques were deft and fluid. Xiao Beitang remained impassive, but inwardly she was clearly impressed.

Everyone was fired up, especially Lin Zi He, who played with extra effort.

Xiao Beitang found her performance peacock-like and flashy—distasteful, but she begrudgingly acknowledged the drive.

Physical collisions occurred constantly. Qianyuan were physically stronger than Kunzhé, and Song Qingqian had to rely on her superior technique to keep up.

Every time someone clashed with Song Qingqian, Xiao Beitang couldn’t help but grow tense. She hadn’t even noticed how her gaze kept returning to her, how her heart tightened, or how she kept worrying others might injure her. She silently rooted for her.

That unease quickly faded under Song Qingqian’s skilled footwork, allowing Xiao Beitang to finally immerse herself in the game.

“You’re protecting me, aren’t you?” Song Qingqian asked with a smile.

Xiao Beitang only responded, “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Back and forth they went—attacks, defenses, no side willing to yield. The score remained neck and neck as the match reached its climax.

With a brilliant shot from Xiao Beitang, the match neared its end. The score was tied, and time was running out.

Li Ningyu cheered excitedly from the sidelines.

When play resumed, Lin Zi He, desperate to win, began playing recklessly—resorting to underhanded tactics.

She used her physical advantage to collide with opponents. During a fierce scuffle, she kicked someone in the head. The girl collapsed to the ground, writhing in apparent pain.

Xiao Beitang loathed opportunists like her and refused to cooperate further.

Song Qingqian saw it all.

Despite the commotion, Lin Zi He managed to score the final goal.

The gong rang again. The match was over.

Lin Zi He looked proudly toward Song Qingqian, hoping for praise.

But Song Qingqian didn’t even glance her way. Her eyes were on Xiao Beitang, whose expression showed no hint of joy as she quietly walked to the sidelines.

Angered by Lin Zi He’s behavior, the opposing team surrounded her, accusing her of playing dirty.

Heated arguments broke out on both sides. Only after the imperial physician confirmed the injured player was not seriously harmed did everyone finally breathe a sigh of relief.