The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 5

Dunsu spoke slowly, her tone cool:

“Ms. Song is indeed extraordinary, but I wonder—how can a Kunzhe possibly serve as a teacher?”

Before answering, Qingqian replied mildly, “May I ask, Your Highness, why you believe a Kunzhe cannot?”

She could easily detect the hostility in Dunsu’s voice.

Dunsu sneered, “Kunzhe experience monthly heats and are heavily influenced by the pheromones of Qianyuan. If a heat were to strike during a lecture, wouldn’t that be incredibly embarrassing? Besides, aside from the undifferentiated students, most at the academy are young Qianyuan—do you truly think they have the self-control to restrain their pheromones?”

With clear disdain, she added, “In my opinion, Kunzhe should stay at home, tend to their husbands, raise children, and keep out of sight.”

Song Qingqian smiled faintly.

“Yet I’ve heard that Your Highness is often out and about, tirelessly entertaining for the sake of your husband. You maintain close ties with many in court—but among them, how many are Kunzhe?”

Dunsu’s face turned cold. “Insolence! How dare you say such things before the Empress herself? Never mind that I am a princess of Dayu—how dare a junior such as you speak so rudely just because I chided you?

Prime Minister Song certainly raised a bold daughter.”

Yet the more agitated she became, the more guilty she appeared. The consorts around her covered their lips, suppressing laughter.

Qingqian bowed gracefully. “I misspoke. If my words were offensive, I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

Her apology was swift and appropriate. In front of the Empress, Dunsu couldn’t press further.

But everyone with discernment could see it: though Song Qingqian had conceded on the surface, it was Dunsu’s own behavior that had already lost public favor.

With the gentlest lift of her lips, the Empress said,

“His Majesty just the other day praised Ms. Song, lauding her essays as piercing in their critique of corruption and elegant in style—very much in the vein of her father.”

“His Majesty is too kind,” Qingqian responded with a respectful nod.

The Empress smiled and asked, “Shall I call you Qingqian? Tell me, have you been betrothed?”

Qingqian’s heart skipped a beat. Why this question? Could it be that a marriage decree was imminent? If either the Emperor or Empress gave such an order, even her father would find it hard to refuse.

She hesitated briefly, then replied, “Though I am not formally engaged, there is someone I care for deeply.”

That—technically—was a lie to the throne. Anxiety crept into her chest.

“I see,” the Empress murmured with a trace of regret.

They chatted for a while longer. The Empress bestowed some gifts and then dismissed the ladies to return home.

Qingqian breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Aside from that one question about marriage, nothing unusual had happened today—and that was, in itself, a small blessing.

On the way home, Lady Song kept scolding her, saying she’d spoken too boldly. Qingqian only smiled and promised that next time, she would be more restrained.

But deep down, she thought—there would be no next time.

When she returned, Song Lian was already home, calmly sipping tea in the front hall, waiting for his wife and daughter.

“Father,” she greeted.

Setting his cup down with a smile, he asked, “You’re back. So, tell me—Her Majesty summoned you to the palace… was it really just to admire the flowers?”

“It was.”

“And who else was present today?”

“Several princesses, consorts, and the families of some senior court officials.”

“I see…” He sighed. “The Empress is kind-hearted, and His Majesty is wise. It’s just a shame that the Crown Princess is such a reckless child.”

“Did something happen?” Song Qingqian rarely heard her father speak of the Crown Princess.

Song Lian let out another sigh. “Just a few days ago, Her Highness played another trick on the Grand Tutor, forcing him to resign. His Majesty is quite distressed and brought it up with me after court today—he’s deeply troubled.”

Qingqian thought for a moment.

“That would be the eighth Grand Tutor to resign, wouldn’t it? Our Crown Princess is truly unrestrained.”

“Indeed. She’s sixteen now and hasn’t once attended court or participated in state affairs. If this continues, I dare not imagine what will happen when Dayu is placed in her hands.” He shook his head, pressing his

fingers to his temples.

Qingqian walked over and began gently kneading his shoulders. “Father, you pour your heart and soul into serving Dayu. You’ve truly worked hard.”

He sighed again.

“Our Song family has served Dayu faithfully for generations. His Majesty appointed me Prime Minister—I cannot betray that trust.”

Lady Song teased, “You talk all day about court and His Majesty, but you barely ask after your own children.”

“How can you say that?” Song Lian said with mock indignation. “When have I not cared about them?”

Lady Song frowned.

“Xuer’s marriage has been delayed again and again. The Wang family is clearly being difficult, yet you refuse to swallow your pride and speak on his behalf. He’s worked so hard for Wan’er’s sake…”

Though guilty, Song Lian still tried to argue. “My dear, I do care about Xuer’s marriage. But Lord Wang and I are colleagues—it’s not appropriate for me to interfere. Children should win their futures through their own efforts.”

Lady Song rolled her eyes and turned to another issue. “Forget Xuer for now. Look at your daughter—today, in front of so many, she openly rebuked Princess Dunsu! That one isn’t someone easily offended. Now the entire capital knows of her sharp tongue. It’ll only make her harder to marry off!”

“Mother,” Qingqian muttered, “your daughter has no intention of marrying. What does it matter if I’m ‘hard to marry off’?”

Lady Song sighed helplessly. “Fine, fine. The two of you just want to give me grief.”

Song Lian got up and walked over, draping an arm around his wife’s shoulders.

“Don’t be angry, my dear. The children have their own paths. We can’t control everything.”

He coaxed her gently, leading her toward the back garden. As they left, he winked mischievously at Qingqian.

She couldn’t help but laugh and watched them go before heading back to her own courtyard.

—

In Kunning Palace, the Empress lounged lazily in her chair, reading one of Song Qingqian’s essays.

Emperor Jing entered silently and gestured for the attendants to withdraw.

He lifted his heavy robe and tiptoed over. The Empress was deep in thought and didn’t notice him approach.

“Yanyan~”

Startled, the Empress nearly dropped the scroll. She glared at him. “Must you be so childish?”

“What’s so captivating?” he asked, taking the essay from her. “Is this one of Song Qingqian’s?”

She poured herself a cup of tea and said quietly, “Yes. I had it brought especially. No wonder—she is indeed Song Lian’s daughter. Her writing is brilliant, her perspective exceptional.”

“You don’t seem too pleased though,” he observed.

“I asked her today—she already has someone in her heart. So, whatever plans you were entertaining… they likely won’t work.”

“Is she engaged?”

“No.” The Empress set down her tea and shook her head.

The Emperor thought for a moment. “Yanyan, if she’s not yet engaged, there’s still a chance. Tomorrow, I’ll speak to Prime Minister Song personally.”

“You’re truly going through with this?” The Empress frowned. “Even if Prime Minister Song agrees, I doubt Tang’er will. She’s headstrong. If she’s unwilling, forcing her into marriage will only bring misery.”

The Emperor wrapped an arm around her and said softly, “So long as you stand by me, she’ll have no choice but to agree.”

The Empress narrowed her eyes. “You’re not planning to use force again, are you?”

Looking into her eyes, the Emperor sat beside her, pulled her close, and whispered,

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it with care.”