The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 49
The next morning, Xiao Beitang’s sleeping quarters were already filled with palace attendants standing in neat rows, each respectfully holding an outfit in their hands. She walked past them slowly, examining each garment with a discerning eye—far more seriously than she had the day before in the Imperial Household Department.
Frowning, she shook her head. Too somber. Too dark. Too formal. Too extravagant.
“Are there no others?” she asked Xing’er, clearly dissatisfied.
What’s gotten into Her Highness today? Xing’er wondered. These were the same clothes as always, and usually she never picked this carefully.
“Do you have anything in lighter colors—something dignified, without being frivolous? Not too ostentatious, but still approachable, and not too luxurious either,” she asked.
Xing’er was visibly troubled. When has Her Highness ever taken dressing this seriously? She had never been so particular before.
More clothes were brought in—garments of every color and style imaginable.
After a long while, Xiao Beitang finally selected a white robe she rarely wore. It was a round-collared outer robe embroidered with silver-thread bamboo leaves—delicate, subtle. Underneath, she chose a crimson inner layer and a simple silver coronet to complete the ensemble.
When Song Qingqian arrived, Xing’er was just helping Xiao Beitang change.
This outfit was indeed a departure from Xiao Beitang’s usual style—elegant and restrained, scholarly and serene. Clean and warm, like jade.
Song Qingqian examined her carefully, a bit puzzled.
“Does it look good?” Xiao Beitang walked over and asked with clear anticipation.
“Your Highness is naturally beautiful—anything you wear looks good,” Song Qingqian replied, offering a polite compliment.
Xiao Beitang smiled, slightly embarrassed. She walked to a few large chests at the side, patted the biggest one, and said cheerfully, “These are gifts I’ve prepared for the Chancellor and Madam.”
She prepared gifts too? That caught Song Qingqian by surprise. But it was a good thing—her parents would feel more at ease.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied with a respectful bow.
Xiao Beitang could barely hide her eagerness. “Shall we set off?”
She was acting as excited and expectant as if she were going back to her own family. Song Qingqian couldn’t help but smile. “No rush. We haven’t yet paid respects to the Empress. After that, we’ll go.”
Xiao Beitang paused, then said, “No need. It’s a rest day today—Mother is sure to be in her palace. I’ll send someone to inform her. We can just head out.”
Song Qingqian’s voice turned calm but firm. “Your Highness, we must first pay our respects.”
Xiao Beitang no longer insisted and nodded. “Alright then.”
The two of them went together to Kunning Palace. As expected, Emperor Jing was there as well.
“Fatherr,” Xiao Beitang said, “we’re visiting the Chancellor’s residence today. Just came to greet you before we go.”
The emperor, sipping his tea, looked up. “Going to the Chancellor’s?”
Song Qingqian stepped forward and explained, “Yes. A letter from home said my mother has been unwell for some time. Out of concern, Her Highness is accompanying me to visit.”
“Mm, that’s proper,” the Emperor said, putting down her teacup. “According to custom, a bride should return home three days after marriage. Since your wedding, your mother hasn’t even visited the palace.” She turned to a servant. “Zhao Yan, prepare some gifts for the Crown Princess Consort to bring back to the Chancellor and Madam.”
Xiao Beitang quickly interjected, “No need! I’ve already prepared everything. We’re just about to set off.”
The emperor raised his brows, pleasantly surprised by her thoughtfulness. She actually prepared gifts? How rare.
“Your Majesty,” Song Qingqian added, smoothing the moment over, “I’ve also brought many things. On behalf of my family, I thank you.”
Xiao Beitang had never been subtle about turning down the Emperor, often at Song Qingqian’s expense. Her response softened the refusal.
The emperor smiled. “In that case, take an imperial physician with you. He can stay at the Chancellor’s residence to care for the Madam and pass along my wishes for her recovery.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“The physician—ah, I completely forgot!” Xiao Beitang lightly slapped her forehead, annoyed at herself.
The Empress gently added, “Tang’er, remember to behave properly at the Chancellor’s. Don’t be so impulsive.”
Xiao Beitang nodded obediently. “I will, Mother.”
As they left Kunning Palace, Xiao Beitang asked with a hint of guilt, “After the wedding, I never accompanied you back home… Did that bother you?”
Song Qingqian smiled faintly. “I married into the imperial family. How could I still expect to follow common customs? His Majesty only mentioned it in passing—you needn’t take it to heart.”
Xiao Beitang looked at her tenderly, gathered her courage, and said, “There was distance between us back then, and I didn’t do what I should have. But from now on, just tell me what you want—I’ll do it.”
Song Qingqian replied calmly, “I understand.”
Understand what? That there had been distance between them before? That she should speak up in the future? Or… that she knew Xiao Beitang’s heart? Her light, indifferent tone made it seem as though none of it carried any special weight.
Inside the carriage, charcoal braziers had already been placed, and the windows sealed. Though the sun looked gentle today, its warmth carried the chill of melting snow.
Liuzi draped a fox-fur cloak over Xiao Beitang’s shoulders. The smooth, silken fur shimmered in the sunlight.
Xiao Beitang boarded the carriage first, stepping onto a footstool, then turned and extended her hand with a soft smile.
Xiaotao helped Song Qingqian up. When she looked up and saw that radiant smile, it felt as though a spring breeze brushed her heart. Sometimes, Xiao Beitang really could be warm.
She lacked the arrogance and prejudice so often seen in imperial scions—a rare quality, at least in Song Qingqian’s eyes.
She placed her hand in Xiao Beitang’s. Xiao Beitang gently helped her inside.
They sat, not too close nor too far apart. Suddenly, Xiao Beitang reached over and took her hand.
Song Qingqian instinctively tried to pull away. Xiao Beitang hesitated for a moment, then let go.
Awkwardly, Xiao Beitang said, “I just… noticed your hand was cold. I wanted to warm it for you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Song Qingqian’s heart beat a little faster.
Her ambivalence sometimes made Xiao Beitang feel foolish—like all her warmth was being poured into a void.
But then again, maybe that’s just how Song Qingqian was. She never seemed eager for anything, never appeared truly happy. That one time she’d been jealous of Linglong, Xiao Beitang had thought it meant she cared. But afterward, Song Qingqian returned to her usual indifferent self.
The Chancellor’s residence wasn’t far—just a street away. Xiao Beitang kept lifting the curtain to peek out, clearly impatient.
Soon, the carriage pulled up to the gates. Before it even stopped, Xiao Beitang had already stood and stepped outside.
Song Lian and his family were already waiting at the entrance.
Xiao Beitang stepped down first and turned to offer her hand to Song Qingqian, helping her alight.
“Your subject, Song Lian, welcomes Your Highness and the Crown Princess Consort,” he greeted solemnly.
Xiao Beitang helped him up, smiling gently. “Today, I’m only here to accompany Qingqian back to visit the Madam. No need for formalities.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. It’s cold outside—please come in,” Song Lian said, gesturing toward the residence.
“Very well.” Xiao Beitang paused, then smiled again and took Song Qingqian’s hand as they walked inside.
Song Lian glanced at them curiously before turning to lead the way.
Song Qingqian hadn’t expected these gestures from Xiao Beitang. She was becoming more and more unabashed. But with her father present, she could only go along.
“Where is Madam Song?” Xiao Beitang asked.
Song Lian sighed. “Forgive us, Your Highness. The Madam is bedridden and unable to receive you.”
Unbothered, Xiao Beitang smiled brightly. “No matter. Chancellor, please take us to visit her first.”
She tightened her grip on Song Qingqian’s hand slightly—as if to reassure her.