The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 52

In the afternoon, Xiao Beitang and Song Qingqian took another stroll around the estate. For Song Qingqian, it was a revisit of familiar grounds; for Xiao Beitang, it was a leisurely tour.

The sunlight was gentler by then, and the usual lectures Song Qingqian gave her were noticeably absent. Xiao Beitang liked it this way. She could get carried away at times, and on normal days, Song Qingqian never failed to correct her.

But today, whether it was out of consideration for her pride or the presence of her parents, Song Qingqian was particularly gentle. Though not quite as attentive as a typical wife might be to her husband, it was enough to make Xiao Beitang content.

Before dinner, they visited Madam Song once more, casually mentioning that they planned to stay the night.

Caught off guard, Song Lian scrambled to make arrangements. Since they hadn’t said anything earlier, the household hadn’t expected them to remain overnight, and the sudden preparations caused a bit of chaos.

Xiao Beitang told him not to trouble himself. She had purposely said it late, knowing they would make a fuss otherwise. Song Lian understood and went along with their wishes.

After dinner, Song Qingqian went alone to see her brother, Song Qingxu.

He sat in his study, his expression somber. Upon seeing her, he rose and greeted her politely.

“Brother, what are you working on?” she asked.

“Just some trivial matters. Why are you here? Leaving Her Highness alone—do you think that’s appropriate?”

“It’s fine. She won’t mind.”

Song Qingxu gave a cold laugh. “Won’t mind? I thought people like her—those born into privilege—were all hard to please.”

Hearing the bitterness in his tone, Song Qingqian paused before saying, “Brother, I know you hold resentment in your heart. But not everyone is the same.”

A flicker of displeasure crossed his face. “Qingqian, are you speaking on behalf of the Qianyuan now?”

“I’m not defending them,” she replied calmly. “I just feel that you may be unfairly prejudiced against them.”

“Qingqian, I thought we shared the same view. You’re a Kunzhe, and I’m a Zhongyong—haven’t we both suffered enough injustice? Why should they be born superior? Why must we always be lesser?” His voice was tight with emotion, as though suppressing a long-held fury.

“I used to think it unfair too,” Song Qingqian said softly, “but I don’t hate the Qianyuan for it. Some of them are arrogant, selfish, and biased. But there are others—like Father—who are not few in number.”

And like Xiao Beitang…

Song Qingxu sighed, choosing not to argue further. “You came to persuade me to let it go, didn’t you? Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

Song Qingqian shook her head. “I’m not here to tell you to let it go. That’s easier said than done. I just hope you can talk about it—maybe that’ll help ease the burden.”

He walked to the window, gazing at the moon with a long sigh. “Qingqian, I knew you would understand. We’re the same… helpless in our own ways.”

She said gently, “Brother, if Yuyan were here, she would want you to be kind to yourself. No matter what, you should cherish your own life—for her.”

Song Qingxu gave a bitter smile. “Without her… what’s the point of taking care of myself?”

Seeing his despondent figure, Song Qingqian couldn’t help but feel sorrowful. To love and not be loved in return—perhaps it was the greatest regret in the world.

He said faintly, “Alright, go on back. Just give me some time. I’ll get through this.”

She didn’t press further. Heartache like this couldn’t be eased with mere words.

When she returned to the small courtyard, Xiao Beitang was seated at the table, toying with a box of trinkets Song Qingqian had kept from childhood.

The box was full. It was clear she had treasured them once.

“You’re back,” Xiao Beitang said with a bright smile.

“What are you doing, Your Highness?”

“These are your childhood toys? I’ve never seen anything like them.” She fiddled with them with great interest.

Song Qingqian smiled. “Your Highness grew up in the palace—such things were probably rare there.”

Without thinking, Xiao Beitang said, “Let’s take them home. Someday our children can play with them.”

Song Qingqian froze. What had she said—children?

Xiao Beitang carefully returned each item to the box and closed the lid. Then she looked up and asked, “You finished talking to your brother so quickly? After so long apart, didn’t you have a lot to say?”

“Just chatted briefly. There wasn’t much.”

“I thought you’d have endless things to talk about. I never had any siblings. I always thought it must be a blessing to have someone who shares your bl00d.”

She added, “Your brother does resemble you a little—but not nearly as good-looking.”

She was unusually talkative today, almost… cheerful. She had been in high spirits ever since they decided to come to the Song residence. But why?

“It’s getting late, Your Highness,” Song Qingqian said gently. “We should wash up and get some rest.”

“Alright.”

But… since they hadn’t originally planned to stay the night, they hadn’t brought attendants like Xing’er. After washing up in the bathhouse, Song Qingqian returned to find Xiao Beitang still unmoving, only then realizing the situation.

She instructed, “Xiaotao, go help Her Highness undress and wash.”

“Yes…” Xiaotao hesitated.

Xiao Beitang looked flustered. When Song Qingqian had gone to wash, it hit her—they would be sharing a bed again tonight. Her heart danced with delight, and she had completely forgotten to move.

“No need,” Xiao Beitang said hastily. “I’m not used to others waiting on me. I’ll do it myself.”

She reached up to undo her own sash, but the motion was clumsy and awkward.

Not used to being served? That wasn’t what she said back at Lingshan Temple.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Song Qingqian sighed and dismissed everyone. She had Xiaotao bring warm water, then said just two words: “Come here.”

It was a command, but softened with helplessness.

Xiao Beitang obediently stepped forward. Song Qingqian knelt upright and helped her untie her robes, hanging them up neatly, then removed her hair ornament.

That scent… Why was she releasing her pheromones? Song Qingqian frowned at her.

Xiaotao came in with hot water. Song Qingqian told her to open the windows a bit and then asked, “Does Your Highness also dislike help when it comes to washing your feet?”

“……”

Song Qingqian smiled and gave Xiaotao a look to go ahead and assist.

“Achoo!” Xiao Beitang sneezed hard, shivering as the cold breeze from the open window hit her directly.

After Xiaotao dried her feet, she hesitated, then finally climbed into bed.

Xiaotao quietly left and closed the door.

Xiao Beitang lay stiffly, afraid to move. She turned to look at Song Qingqian, who lay still with her eyes closed, seemingly asleep.

“Song Qingqian,” she whispered.

“Mm?” came the soft reply.

Her voice was lazy, like a cat’s purr.

Xiao Beitang felt a deep sense of contentment, even though there was still enough space between them for another person.

She scooted closer. Song Qingqian opened her eyes and looked at her as if to ask, What are you doing?

Feeling embarrassed, Xiao Beitang said, “It’s a little cold…”

Song Qingqian exposed her, “Didn’t Your Highness always claim to run hot?”

Caught in the lie, Xiao Beitang had no defense. She awkwardly inched back.

“But aren’t you cold?” Song Qingqian said mildly.

“I am!” Xiao Beitang perked up and happily scooted back over.

“Go to sleep.”

“Alright.”