The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 44

The next morning, as she was leaving the house, Song Qingqian was still in the courtyard.

Of course—these days, they only had time to pay their respects during rest days. It wouldn’t make sense to go separately.

But Song Qingqian said nothing to her. When she saw her coming out, she simply stepped aside and followed silently behind.

Outside Kunning Palace, Xiao Beitang hesitated for a long time before finally speaking. “Today… you…”

Song Qingqian cut her off before she could finish. “I have business outside the palace today.”

Xiao Beitang gave a dry laugh. “Well… I also have something to do outside the palace.”

To see Linglong? That made sense. It was a rare day off—naturally, she would want to spend it with her beloved.

Song Qingqian simply nodded and quickened her pace.

Xiao Beitang caught up to her. “Since we’re both going out, why not go together?”

“There’s no need. I doubt we’re heading the same way.”

There’s only one road out of the palace, isn’t there?

Xiao Beitang felt a pang of disappointment but didn’t press further.

Back inside, her face was clouded with worry. Xiao Lin and Xiao Wanqi exchanged glances.

“What’s the matter now?”

She sighed. “It’s nothing. Let’s talk about Sun Cheng instead.”

Xiao Wanqi asked, “Did the people you sent to Suzhou return?”

“They did,” she replied, her tone heavy. “But they didn’t find a single clue.”

Xiao Lin glanced at the others. “Maybe we’re overthinking it?”

“I want to visit the Sun residence again.”

Xiao Beitang slammed her fist on the table. The wine pot clanged with the impact.

Xiao Wanqi also felt it wasn’t that simple. “Then let’s go this afternoon.”

________________________________________

Outside the city, by Mirror Lake, Zhang Dingqing was waiting for Song Qingqian.

She had returned to the capital in secret under an imperial edict from Emperor Jing.

Mirror Lake lived up to its name, with serene waters as smooth as a mirror. A pavilion stood over the lake, and with the cold weather, the area was nearly deserted. Wisps of mist drifted over the surface, peaceful and dreamlike.

Inside the pavilion, the soft bubbling of a kettle was the only sound—quiet and steady, not at all jarring. Steam rose in gentle plumes.

“Qianqian,” Zhang Dingqing greeted her with a warm smile as she watched the lake, lost in thought.

Song Qingqian lifted her skirt and knelt on the mat beside her. “Have you been waiting long?”

“No, I just got here myself.”

Zhang Dingqing lifted the kettle and poured hot water into the teapot. Clear tea slowly filled the pot. Then she poured it into two small cups.

Song Qingqian glanced at the still surface of the lake and sighed. “It’s so peaceful here. I haven’t been in such a long time.”

“Yes… We used to come here often during our school days, chatting about poetry and essays.”

Zhang Dingqing looked at her with a wistful smile. “I really miss those times.”

She nudged the cup toward Song Qingqian.

Song Qingqian smiled and picked it up, taking a sip. The warmth spread through her, and she exhaled a long breath. It made her feel much better.

She asked, “His Majesty summoned you back in preparation for Yuwen Yue’s visit to the capital. What do you think of her?”

Zhang Dingqing replied, “She’s hard to read. She took control of Northern Liang not long ago, yet immediately proposed a visit—suspicious, isn’t it?”

“We won’t know her true intentions until she arrives. I’m only worried that if she ends up facing Her Highness directly, we might not stand a chance.”

Song Qingqian gazed thoughtfully at the lake.

Zhang Dingqing paused. “With His Majesty behind you, there’s no need to worry.”

Song Qingqian asked, “Aqing, do you know much about Yuwen Yue’s background?”

“She’s the illegitimate daughter of the King of Northern Liang. Her mother was Persian, but she died when Yuwen Yue was seven. From what I’ve heard, Yuwen Yue didn’t grow up in Northern Liang. She only returned at fifteen, by which time the Crown Prince had been disgraced and deposed, and there was no suitable successor.

She was overlooked at first but eventually established herself. Her past before returning remains a mystery.”

Song Qingqian sighed. “To rise in just a few years is no easy feat.”

Zhang Dingqing nodded. “Northern Liang is practically in her hands now. But I doubt her ambitions stop there.”

“Her Highness still isn’t a match for her. I just fear—”

Song Qingqian trailed off. She hadn’t realized how often she was mentioning Xiao Beitang.

Zhang Dingqing gave a faint, disappointed smile. “Qianqian… do you care for Her Highness that much?”

Without hesitation, Song Qingqian answered, “What I care about is Dayu’s future.”

“But Qianqian… you care about Her Highness, don’t you?”

Zhang Dingqing’s voice trembled as she spoke.

Song Qingqian felt a strange flutter in her chest. Did she care about Xiao Beitang? Of course she did. But the way Zhang Dingqing meant it—she probably meant romantically, didn’t she?

“Aqing, I believe no true subject of Dayu could be indifferent to Her Highness. She is destined to rule one day. Isn’t that so?”

Zhang Dingqing could tell she was avoiding the question. She forced a bitter smile and nodded. “Yes.”

Every time Xiao Beitang was mentioned, Song Qingqian couldn’t help but picture her face. What was she doing now? Enjoying her freedom? Indulging in some woman’s affection?

She stared at the lake, but her heart was restless. Absentmindedly, she downed one cup of tea after another.

Zhang Dingqing noticed her daze. “Qianqian?”

“Hm? What did you just say?” Song Qingqian returned to herself.

Zhang Dingqing smiled. “I said, since you’ve been back for a few days, why not come visit our old teacher with me?”

“Alright. Let’s go now—the day’s still young.”

“Good.”

The two wandered through the streets, picking out gifts.

Meanwhile, Xiao Beitang and Xiao Wanqi were still discussing the Sun Cheng case. Xiao Lin stood upstairs by the teahouse window, watching the street idly.

Suddenly, she waved excitedly. “A-Tang! Come look! Isn’t that…?”

“?”

“That’s Song Qingqian! And who’s that with her?” Xiao Lin asked with a teasing tone.

She chuckled. “Tsk tsk, the two of them are chatting and laughing like old friends.”

Xiao Beitang shot to her feet and rushed to the window. She saw them entering a tea shop, and a short while later, they came back out. Zhang Dingqing grabbed a packet of tea from Song Qingqian’s hands and carried it himself, his arms already full of other things.

The two exchanged some words, and Song Qingqian gave a helpless smile. Then they disappeared into an alley.

Xiao Beitang stared after them in silence, no emotion on her face. But a cold tension formed between her brows.
________________________________________

The pair arrived at their old teacher Mr. Zhang’s residence. The house no longer had its former grandeur.

After Zhang Sir’s son became addicted to gambling, his wife left him, and the scandal ruined Mr. Zhang’s reputation. He resigned from the academy and had since fallen into depression. In the past, many of his students had come to him for guidance—Song Qingqian and Zhang Dingqing included.

Now the courtyard was overgrown and neglected. Only a single servant bustled about. It all felt terribly desolate.

At the door, they called out, “Teacher, your students have come to visit.”

The old wooden door creaked open from inside. When Mr. Zhang saw them, he immediately bowed. “This old man greets the Princess Consort.”

Song Qingqian hurriedly helped him up. “Please, Teacher, there’s no need for such formality—you humble your student.”

His face was worn with sorrow, his white hair messily tied with a grey ribbon. Once proud of his appearance, he used to keep his beard neat and clean—but now, even that was in disarray. All his former brilliance had faded.

Song Qingqian’s heart clenched. Was this truly the man who once taught them the principles of state and virtue?

She had come a few times before, but he had refused all visitors. This was her first time since marrying Xiao Beitang—perhaps he had only opened the door today because of her title.

Tears welled up in Mr. Zhang’s eyes. “This old man is unworthy of such a visit from the Princess Consort…”

“Please, Teacher, don’t speak like that. Let’s go inside.” Zhang Dingqing stepped forward to support him.

Overcome with emotion, he coughed a few times, struggling to compose himself. “I never thought I’d see you both again…”

Song Qingqian poured him a cup of tea and spoke gently. “Teacher, please don’t overexert yourself. Mind your health.”

He hurried to stop her. “How could I let the Princess Consort pour tea for me!”

Song Qingqian stood and bowed respectfully. “Please, Teacher, address me as you used to. If you treat me like a guest, how can I ever return again?”

He seemed comforted by her words and smiled through his tears. “Alright… Qianqian, please sit.”

“I never expected that even as Princess Consort, you would still treat me like this. And Aqing… it’s been so long. I’m truly glad you both came.”

He spoke with trembling emotion, tears streaming down his face.