The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 27
In the bedchamber not far from hers, Xiao Beitang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Tomorrow would be the fourth day—she wondered if Song Qingqian would come. At the thought, she suddenly sat upright in bed. Still in her nightclothes, she stormed out of the palace hall in a hurry.
“Your Highness, at least put on a coat—you’ll catch a chill,” Liuzi said, holding her outer robe and hurrying after her.
“Shut up,” Xiao Beitang snapped.
A flicker of guilt rose in her chest, but she still mustered the courage to walk up to the western wing’s entrance.
“Your Highness.” The maid standing guard bowed to her.
“I have something to clarify with the Crown Princess Consort. Go inside and announce me,” she said sternly, her expression displeased as if coming to settle a score.
The maid dared not delay and bowed before opening the door just wide enough for one person to pass. Xiao Beitang craned her neck to look inside, but before she could catch even a glimpse, the door was shut tightly.
She sniffed slightly—orchid fragrance. It had wafted from the room the instant the door opened.
Soon, Baixue came out with another maid and shut the door securely behind her. She bowed. “Forgive me, Your Highness. The Crown Princess Consort has just fallen asleep. Her body has not yet recovered, and she is unable to receive guests. If there is something urgent, perhaps you could return another day, or tell this servant and I will pass the message when she wakes?”
Xiao Beitang hadn’t thought of a proper excuse beforehand—she had only wanted to ask about her condition. But now, a sudden urge to provoke Song Qingqian welled up in her. After all, it was her fault Xiao
Beitang had been left so restless and sleepless.
Clearing her throat, she raised her voice intentionally. “It’s nothing urgent. I merely came to ask whether she has time in the next few days—I’ve arranged an outing to the countryside with Xiao Lin and the young ladies from Baihua Pavilion.”
Her hands were clenched tightly behind her back, an inexplicable nervousness rising in her.
Inside, Song Qingqian had already woken when the maid reported the visitor. Fearing that Xiaotao might reveal something, she sent Baixue out instead. She heard every word Xiao Beitang said.
Baixue glanced into the room instinctively, then respectfully replied, “In that case, once Her Grace wakes, I will pass on your message.”
Xiao Beitang straightened her back and gave a small cough. “Be quick about it. Don’t delay my plans.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Baixue replied. Seeing she wasn’t pushing further, she relaxed slightly. Only then did she notice Xiao Beitang was still in her thin nightwear. Alarmed, she said, “Your Highness, you’re dressed so lightly—please return before you catch cold.”
Xiao Beitang opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed her words, turned, and left.
Inside the room, Song Qingqian had heard everything clearly. Baixue glanced at her, gauging her expression. Before she could speak, Song Qingqian said calmly, “Tomorrow morning, go tell her I’m busy. Wish her an enjoyable trip.”
“Your Grace, are you really going to let Her Highness act so recklessly?” Xiaotao muttered in grievance.
“I can’t deal with this right now.” Song Qingqian sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead, utterly exhausted. “You’re all dismissed.”
Back in her chambers, Xiao Beitang lay on the couch. Despite the cold weather, she felt oddly flushed. She kicked off the blanket, tapping her abdomen with her fingertips, recalling the scent of that orchid.
It was a unique fragrance—faint yet rich, delicate and refined, unlike those overly strong scents. It made her feel… comfortable.
Suddenly, her cheeks felt hot, and her heart itched, as though swarmed by a hundred crawling insects. She twisted and turned, sleep eluding her.
What expression would Song Qingqian wear when she heard she was going to the countryside with the young ladies? Would she be indifferent, completely unmoved—or irritated and jealous?
The former. Definitely the former.
If she really said she was too busy, what should I do? Actually go through with the trip for a few days?
Yes, I’ll have to. Otherwise… how humiliating.
Xiao Beitang mulled this over until she finally drifted to sleep.
As she had hoped, Baixue came early the next morning to deliver the message. Xiao Beitang stared at her, dumbfounded.
So… she truly doesn’t care?
Suppressing her growing frustration, she masked her feelings with a breezy, casual air. “Liuzi, pack up—we’re leaving now.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.” Liuzi cast a glance at Baixue and answered softly. Once outside the palace gates, Xiao Beitang’s irritation only deepened. Her expression darkened, her brows knitted tight.
Liuzi followed aimlessly behind, unsure of where they were going. She asked timidly, “Your Highness… are we… going somewhere in particular?”
Xiao Beitang didn’t respond. She simply spurred her horse toward Xiao Lin’s residence.
It was still early morning. Xiao Lin, still nestled in dreamland, was roused by the servants in haste. Yawning, she made her way to the main hall, where the steward and others were already respectfully assembled.
“Your Highness?” Xiao Lin looked surprised. “What brings you here?”
Xiao Beitang glanced at her, and Xiao Lin quickly understood.
“You’re all dismissed,” she said, waving the servants out.
“Get ready. We’re picking up A’Qi and heading to your country estate for a short stay.”
“Huh? That’s so sudden…”
“What’s sudden? We’ve done it before.”
Xiao Lin licked her lips uneasily. “It’s just… my father’s been watching me closely. He found out about the incident a few days ago and told me not to mess around with you anymore…”
“Then never mind. I’ll go alone.” Xiao Beitang didn’t seem upset—she truly needed to disappear for a few days. Whether Xiao Lin went or not, she was going.
“Hey, wait! Just speak to my father—he won’t object.” Xiao Lin signaled frantically with her eyes.
After a brief pause, Xiao Beitang indeed went to speak with the Prince of Chu. He didn’t say much, only smiled and gave them a few words of advice.
Next, they went to pick up Xiao Wanqi. After she briefly informed her wife, the lady of the household warmly helped her pack and offered some kindly reminders—most of which were about taking care of her health.
As they left the Duke’s residence, Xiao Beitang looked contemplative. She asked Xiao Wanqi, “Doesn’t your wife get jealous?”
“She does,” Xiao Wanqi replied bluntly.
Xiao Beitang thought for a moment. “Then… does she know where you’re really going?”
Xiao Wanqi smiled. “I’ve never told her directly, but she’s probably heard it from others.”
Xiao Beitang’s hand tightened on the reins. “Then doesn’t she complain or throw tantrums?”
Xiao Wanqi glanced at her and chuckled. “She doesn’t. She simply shows concern with her words. It’s because she’s sensible—her position as the legitimate wife remains unshakable.”
Xiao Beitang asked quietly, “So does she truly care about you… or not?”
And what about Song Qingqian? No matter how she acted out, did she really not care at all?
“A’Tang, what’s gotten into you today?” Xiao Wanqi felt something was off.
Xiao Beitang didn’t answer.
Xiao Lin’s countryside estate was peaceful and secluded, with beautiful views. In the courtyard was a pond, and at its center stood an octagonal pavilion for viewing the scenery. Normally, Xiao Beitang loved to sit there and admire the surroundings.
But today, she seemed listless, distracted, sipping wine in silence—her usual joy in nature utterly gone.
Linglong came over to refill her cup.
“What scent are you wearing?” Xiao Beitang wrinkled her nose and leaned slightly away.
Liu Li noticed her discomfort and replied softly, “It’s the fragrance currently popular in the pavilion, Your Highness.”
She frowned. “Too strong.”
It didn’t compare at all to the subtle orchid fragrance in Song Qingqian’s room.
Linglong stepped back with a trace of disappointment but still managed a smile. “If Your Highness dislikes it, I’ll keep my distance.”
“Mm.” Xiao Beitang gave a noncommittal sound from her nose and didn’t look at her again.
Xiao Wanqi peeked out from a woman’s embrace and gave her a look full of implication.