The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 51
“How long has it been since I left? I’ve walked through most of the garden. That should be enough time, right? If I go back now… would they have finished their private conversation? Should I wait a bit longer?”
Yet, for some reason, she really wanted to see Song Qingqian again. How had they only been apart for such a short while, and she was already missing her?
Xiao Beitang drifted into thought as she wandered around idly, occasionally letting out small sighs of boredom. Song Lian followed beside her, easily reading her thoughts.
With a smile, Song Lian suggested, “It’s getting late, Your Highness. Why not return with me?”
Xiao Beitang immediately nodded, visibly delighted. “Yes, let’s go back.”
She really didn’t bother to hide her eagerness.
She turned on her heels and strode off quickly. Song Lian followed behind, unable to hold back a chuckle.
“Princess Consort, I’m back! Have you two finished sharing your secrets yet?” Xiao Beitang poked her head into the room with a goofy, innocent look.
Song Qingqian and Madam Song couldn’t help but laugh.
“Come in, Your Highness, it’s cold outside,” Madam Song said warmly.
Though Xiao Beitang was the exalted Crown Princess, Madam Song found herself oddly fond of her.
Xiao Beitang stepped in with a smile. A servant quickly brought over a stool for her. She sat down and said, “I brought many things with me.”
She signaled for Liuzi to bring in the gifts—large chests, small boxes, and some finely decorated cases.
She casually opened a few, speaking with a light, almost indifferent tone: “I just picked a few things at random. I don’t know if Madam will like them.”
But the items inside were far from ordinary. A glass goblet? How did that end up here? That was a tribute from a foreign nation—there were only four in total.
And those others…
Song Lian was stunned. Even with a reward from His Majesty, one would usually only receive a single item—two at most. Yet here she was, casually bringing so many?
He looked toward Song Qingqian, who was also staring at the items, momentarily dazed. So, these were the things Xiao Beitang had prepared? These must’ve come directly from her own vault.
“Your Highness… these?” Song Qingqian pressed her lips together.
Seeing the change in her expression, Xiao Beitang felt a pang of disappointment. “What’s wrong? You don’t like them?”
Song Lian dropped to his knees. “Your servant is overwhelmed.”
“What are you doing, Chancellor Song?” Xiao Beitang hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.
“These gifts from Your Highness are no ordinary items. I truly do not dare accept them.”
“But I gave them to you—so of course you can accept them. Just take them, Chancellor Song.”
Xiao Beitang was clearly displeased now. After spending all that time selecting them, they didn’t even like them?
And when she was upset, it showed plainly on her face. She’d wear that sullen expression that made her look just like the Emperor—intimidating.
Song Lian looked at Song Qingqian in confusion. Song Qingqian gave a subtle nod, indicating he should accept them for now.
Song Lian bowed again. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Song Qingqian gently tugged on Xiao Beitang’s sleeve and softly coaxed, “Your Highness, these gifts are truly precious. It’s understandable that my father would hesitate.”
Seeing her like that, all Xiao Beitang’s gloom instantly melted away—especially since Qingqian had come to soothe her. She couldn’t help but beam with joy.
“I’ve had lunch prepared. May I invite Your Highness to dine?”
“Wonderful. Madam Song, please rest well. I’ll come visit you again later.”
Madam Song sat up slightly and nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Let’s go,” Xiao Beitang said, naturally taking Song Qingqian’s hand as they walked out together.
In the main hall, Xiao Beitang guided Song Qingqian to the seat of honor.
Just then, Song Qingxu returned, dusty from travel. He bowed formally. “Your servant had pressing duties today and failed to properly welcome Your Highness and the Princess Consort. I beg your forgiveness.”
“Rise,” Xiao Beitang raised her hand. “You must be Song Qingxu, the Princess Consort’s elder brother?”
Song Qingxu straightened and replied, “Yes, I am.”
When he lifted his head, Song Qingqian’s heart ached. He’d grown thin, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, a dull gaze, and a sickly complexion—so unlike the spirited man he used to be.
Xiao Beitang smiled. “Even on a rest day, you’re still working diligently. That’s admirable. Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Noticing how stiffly everyone was seated, Xiao Beitang added, “We’re only here for a family visit—no need for so many formalities.”
Everyone responded in unison: “Yes, Your Highness.”
Still, just saying it once wouldn’t magically ease the tension. Xiao Beitang sighed.
Song Qingqian glanced at her. Xiao Beitang had never been one for formalities, yet today she seemed to be the one feeling restricted.
Soon, the servants filed in with the dishes. Though not as exquisite as palace fare, they still looked mouthwatering.
Song Lian was usually frugal, so this spread already far exceeded the usual standard.
“If the food does not suit Your Highness’s taste, I beg your pardon,” he said.
“It’s fine. I’m not picky,” Xiao Beitang replied.
Song Qingqian cast her a knowing look. Not picky? The very person who insisted on her balanced diet every day was sitting right next to her—and she could say that with a straight face?
Seeing that no one had moved their chopsticks, Xiao Beitang said, “Please, everyone. It’s cold—let’s eat before it gets cold. No need to be so reserved.”
Liuzi was just about to serve her when Xiao Beitang picked up her own chopsticks and started helping herself, eating with obvious enjoyment—an image of someone truly not picky.
Only then did the others begin eating, though they still remained cautious. Compared to her, everyone else barely ate anything.
Xiao Beitang, however, looked as though she were savoring a rare delicacy, clearly delighted. Song Qingqian didn’t have the heart to scold her with palace rules. She was eating happily but still with grace, and that was enough.
After lunch, Xiao Beitang insisted on pulling Song Qingqian to her old bedroom, saying she wanted to see where Qingqian had grown up.
Song Qingqian had hoped to speak with her brother, but Song Qingxu had left right after the meal, saying he had other matters to attend to.
With nothing else to do, she took Xiao Beitang to her room.
It was tucked into a quiet corner of the residence. Just past the gate was a small courtyard with an old ginkgo tree. The yard was neat and clean—someone had clearly been tending to it daily.
Inside, the bedroom was spotless too, as if still inhabited.
The furnishings were simple—not the usual embroidery, sachets, or feminine decorations one might expect in a young lady’s chamber.
A few elegant ink paintings hung on the wall—none by famous hands, but when Xiao Beitang looked closer at the seals, she saw they were signed by Song Qingqian herself.
So, she painted these? They showed real skill.
Near the bed, hanging against the wall, was a sword. She practiced swordsmanship too?
Returning to this room felt surreal for Song Qingqian. She glanced around. It was exactly as she had left it. Clearly, her parents had kept the place just for her.
Suddenly inspired, Xiao Beitang said, “Let’s not return to the palace tonight. Let’s stay here—what do you think?”
Song Qingqian was momentarily stunned. Stay the night? She wanted to—wanted to catch up with her brother, spend a night in this familiar room, be with her family again like before.
But… she was the Princess Consort now, not an ordinary person. Bringing the Crown Princess to stay at a minister’s home—it might be inappropriate.
And given her identity, staying might only bring trouble to her parents. It might be better to leave.
Besides, if she and Xiao Beitang didn’t share a bed while staying here, that too would raise questions.
She shook her head. “We should go back. Staying might be inconvenient.”
Xiao Beitang looked surprised. “You don’t want to stay?”
“I…” Song Qingqian found it difficult to say the words “I don’t want to.”
Xiao Beitang looked at her with a gentle smile. “If you want to stay, then we’ll stay. It’s my decision—you don’t need to worry. I’ve often stayed outside the palace before. My mother won’t blame you.”
Without giving Song Qingqian a chance to refuse, she gave the order to tidy the room. Though in truth, it barely needed any cleaning—it was already spotless.
Song Qingqian didn’t resist further. After all, she truly did want to stay for one night.