The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 37
Song Qingqian summoned the imperial physician to examine her carefully, to check for any internal injuries. The physician was visibly shocked upon seeing her condition. After a thorough inspection, he respectfully reported, “Your Highness, fortunately, the injuries are only superficial.”
Only then did Song Qingqian breathe a sigh of relief.
Xiao Beitang had some bruising on her body as well. The physician advised her not to bathe for the time being and prescribed some ointments to reduce the swelling and promote bl00d circulation.
“Your Highness, take off your clothes—I’ll apply the medicine for you,” Song Qingqian said casually, as if there were no concern over impropriety.
Xiao Beitang’s face flushed red. “Let Xing’er do it instead…”
“Very well.” Song Qingqian handed the medicine bottle to Xing’er and left the room on her own accord.
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The next day, Song Qingqian accompanied Xiao Beitang to the morning greetings. As soon as she stepped into the hall, the Empress noticed the swelling and bruises on her face from afar. Even the Emperor’s hand trembled slightly as he raised his teacup.
“What happened? Who hurt you like this?” The Empress scrutinized her from head to toe, examining her carefully.
“It’s nothing serious,” Song Qingqian replied with a smile, showing little concern. “The physician said it’s only surface wounds. Please don’t worry, Mother.”
“Weren’t you at the Imperial Academy? How did you end up returning like this?” Emperor Jing frowned.
Song Qingqian knelt on the palace floor and said, “Your Majesty, this was not Her Highness’s fault. The blame lies with me.”
Xiao Beitang looked at her in surprise and interjected, “What does it have to do with you? It was my fault. I quarreled with someone and lost my temper. That’s why it escalated into a fight.”
“You’ve never been one to fight with others,” the Emperor said, casting her a meaningful glance.
“I’m at the Imperial Academy now. If someone offends me, I can’t just summon the shadow guards to deal with them. Besides, it was Xiao Lin who got into an argument with others first—I just went to help. Many people were involved. It had nothing to do with Song Qingqian.” Xiao Beitang explained seriously.
A trace of a smile flickered at the corner of the Emperor’s lips. She never used to explain herself, and would often say things just to provoke him. It seemed that marrying Song Qingqian had indeed been a wise decision. The child was now a different person—engaged, lively, and even eager to study after just a few days.
The Emperor cleared his throat and hesitated before saying, “But they injured you.”
“I injured them as well,” she replied quickly. “It was mutual.”
Song Qingqian stood silently to the side, saying nothing.
After some contemplation, the Emperor finally said, “If that’s the case, and you still wish to go, then so be it.”
“Thank you, Imperial Father.” Xiao Beitang offered a shallow bow.
The Emperor’s eyes flickered with surprise. Did she just say thank you? The sun must be rising in the west.
In a great mood, Emperor Jing left Kunning Palace smiling.
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Back at Zichen Palace, Song Qingqian gave Xiao Beitang a few instructions before preparing to leave the palace.
“You’re going to the Imperial Academy?” Xiao Beitang had barely sat down before springing up again.
“I’ll go alone. You stay here and rest.”
“No way. I’m going with you—what if they try to bully you again?” Xiao Beitang made a move to leave.
“Be good. I’m only going to settle what happened yesterday. No one will bully me.” Song Qingqian pulled her back by the arm. “And I certainly won’t let anyone bully you either.”
“You really don’t want me to go?” She frowned.
Song Qingqian smiled and said, “Really, there’s no need. Just wait for me to come back.”
“…Alright then.”
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Song Qingqian arrived at the Imperial Academy alone. As soon as she entered, many students began whispering and pointing.
Ignoring them, she went straight to the dean’s study, where Master Li was already waiting.
The dean paced a few steps and said, “Yesterday’s incident had a wide-reaching impact. I’ve already looked into it thoroughly. Xiao Lin and Xiao Wanqi were the first to strike during an argument with Sun Cheng.
Jiang Tang and others then joined in, turning the conflict into a full-blown brawl.”
He sighed deeply. “This morning, I received several visits from students’ parents demanding explanations. Regardless of the circumstances, the ones who struck first were in the wrong. Since both Master Song and
Master Li are here, let us resolve the matter today. What do you think?”
Song Qingqian asked calmly, “So, based on your investigation, you’ve concluded Xiao Lin and the others were at fault?”
Master Li gave a cold snort. “They threw the first punch. That alone makes them wrong.”
Song Qingqian asked coldly, “Then according to you, no matter what insults others might hurl at you, you would remain calm and composed?”
Master Li sneered. “Master Song, let’s not change the subject. We’re discussing how to deal with these students who fought, not me. Besides, Sun Cheng didn’t say anything offensive.”
Song Qingqian chuckled. “Whether he did or didn’t—now it’s entirely up to your word?”
“Let’s all calm down,” the dean tried to mediate. “No need to get upset.”
Song Qingqian replied sternly, “Dean, grant me a few days. Once the students have recovered, let both sides confront each other face to face. If Sun Cheng really did say that I was having illicit relations with someone, I will not let it slide. That kind of slander is no less serious than physical violence. It tarnishes both the academy’s reputation and mine. Such disrespect for teachers should warrant expulsion.”
She paused before continuing, “One more thing. I was wrong to accept your punishment the other day. I wasn’t leading them astray in amusement. The real issue was that, like some of you, they look down on a teacher who is of the kunzhe gender.
If I can’t earn their respect, how can I ever gain a foothold here? No matter what method I used, these past few days, they’ve treated me with respect—and even risked punishment to defend my name. That alone gives me solace.”
The dean and Master Li’s expressions darkened, their faces turning stormy.
Song Qingqian didn’t back down. “If the academy intends to place all the blame on Xiao Lin and Xiao Wanqi, I cannot agree. That would be unjust.”
“Master Song, I’ve tolerated you because you’re kunzhe. Don’t push your luck.” The dean’s tone was cold.
Song Qingqian replied sharply, “And what crime is it to be kunzhe? Do you truly believe that makes me inferior?”
She gave them a cold glance. “You talk about kunzhe at every turn—as if being kunzhe makes me unfit to teach? Absurd. If this is how narrow-minded the Imperial Academy is, it’s a disgrace to call it the finest institution in the land.”
“You—!” The dean trembled, pointing a shaking finger at her. “Insubordinate! Outrageous!”
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. I have matters to attend to.” With that, she turned and walked out decisively.
If she hadn’t accepted the punishment of sweeping for ten days, yesterday’s events might never have happened. The ones overstepping boundaries were clearly them.