The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 54

Song Lian studied Xiao Beitang with a probing gaze, but she remained entirely unaware.

Xiao Beitang harbored no grand ambitions—at least, not for now. Though His Majesty was still in the prime of his life, concerns inevitably arose over the question of succession.

In the future, a clash between Xiao Beitang and Yuwen Yue would be inevitable. How could the Emperor not worry?

“Father,” Song Qingqian asked, “do you know the purpose of Yuwen Yue’s visit?”

Song Lian shook his head. “In the state letter, Yuwen Yue merely said that, having newly assumed power in Great Liang, she hopes to establish lasting goodwill with Great Yu and will bring her younger sister,

Yuwen Yan, to the capital as a gesture of sincerity.”

“Yuwen Yan?”

Stroking his beard, Song Lian sighed and lowered his eyes. “His Majesty suspects Yuwen Yue’s true intention is to propose a political marriage—uniting her sister with a prince or princess of our dynasty.”

Song Qingqian understood his implication and murmured, “But we have only one royal heir…”

Xiao Beitang declared flatly, “Absolutely not. Great Liang harbors wild ambitions. I will not marry this Yuwen Yan. The Empress Mother would never agree either.”

Song Lian cupped his hands in a placating gesture. “Your Highness, no need to be agitated—it’s merely speculation for now.”

Xiao Beitang muttered, “I won’t marry some barbarian girl.”

“All right, Your Highness,” Song Qingqian tried to soothe her. Her anxiety was written all over her face.

Still, Song Qingqian couldn’t help but feel a growing unease. Xiao Beitang lacked political polish. With Yuwen Yue entering the capital, the crown princess could no longer stay in idle comfort as before. If His

Majesty assigned her to receive the visiting envoy, could she shoulder such a burden?

This wasn’t speculation—it was a certainty. Xiao Beitang was the Crown Princess of Great Yu; Yuwen Yue was the Princess of Jing from Great Liang. Countless eyes were fixed on her.

After leaving the Prime Minister’s residence, Song Qingqian sat in the carriage, lost in a flood of thoughts.

“What’s wrong?” Xiao Beitang noticed her slight frown, reached out to hold her hand, and asked gently.

Glancing at her, Song Qingqian saw again the brightness of youth in her eyes. Despite being heir apparent, Xiao Beitang seemed indifferent to state affairs, unaware of the responsibilities looming over her.

But Song Qingqian couldn’t afford to be so carefree. Not only did she have to think about these things—she had to find a way to ensure Xiao Beitang passed this trial safely. She pressed her lips together and asked,

“Your Highness, with Yuwen Yue coming to the capital, His Majesty will likely ask you to receive her—perhaps even host the state banquet. Are you afraid?”

“Me? The Empress Mother has always handled such matters. I only ever show up for appearances,” Xiao Beitang replied without a second thought, believing this had nothing to do with her.

Song Qingqian gave her a long, steady look that made Xiao Beitang uneasy. Had she said something wrong?

Avoiding her gaze, Xiao Beitang mumbled, “She dares enter our capital unafraid—why should I be afraid of her?”

“I know she won’t be easy to deal with. I know you’re all worried I won’t manage.” She shifted closer, a hint of grievance in her voice.

“Your Highness, I’m only concerned you won’t be able to handle her.”

She inched even closer and asked with some dissatisfaction, “You’re only worried I won’t be able to handle Yuwen Yue—but what if she really does try to marry off her sister to me? Aren’t you worried about that?”

Song Qingqian was momentarily speechless. She answered calmly, “Your Highness, I’m speaking of state matters. The issue of Yuwen Yan is not something you or I can decide. Besides, it is only natural for the

Crown Princess to take a secondary consort one day. Whether I worry or not makes no difference.”

So… she truly doesn’t care whether I have another woman by my side? Then why did she get jealous over Linglong?

Xiao Beitang froze for a moment, then turned away in silent frustration.

She wanted to ask—but every time she saw that distant look in Song Qingqian’s eyes, she lost the courage. It was as though the answer was written clearly on her face and in her gaze, making Xiao Beitang feel as if she were being unreasonable.

As their carriage passed through the palace gates, Zhao Yan was already waiting to escort them to Kunning Palace.

“Empress Mother, Imperial Father”

“Rise,” came the Emperor’s weary voice.

The Empress asked gently, “How is Madam Song’s health?”

“She’s recovering well, thank you, Your Majesty. She only needs some time to rest,” Song Qingqian replied.

The Empress nodded. “That’s good.”

“Tang’er,” the Emperor said mildly, “the Household Department reported yesterday that you took some items the night before. Is that true?”

The Empress glanced at her with a look that was… not without meaning.

“Yes.” Xiao Beitang answered calmly. She had expected this matter to come up—she hadn’t feared it when she acted, and she didn’t fear it now.

The Emperor took a sip of tea before placing the cup down, saying placidly, “I’ve already instructed the Household Department—next time, you don’t need to be stopped or report to me.”

Xiao Beitang looked at him in surprise. Her Father had always scolded her for taking things. Even if she wasn’t punished, there was always a lecture. But today, not a word?

Not a word? The Emperor had already vented his frustrations to the Empress the day before. In the end, he couldn’t stay angry—not when the items were sent to the Prime Minister’s manor. If she’d squandered them elsewhere…

“She’s just raising someone else’s child, never brings anything back, but when giving things away—how generous she is.”

The Empress couldn’t help laughing. She had spent a long time soothing him. If the things had belonged to someone else, Xiao Beitang might have hesitated. But if they were the Emperor’s? She showed no mercy.

The Emperor gave her a side glance. A debt is a debt. He said slowly, “Tang’er, starting tomorrow, attend court sessions daily at the Hall of Political Affairs.”

What?! Just for taking a few things? She had thought her Father was being generous. Turns out—so petty!

“I won’t go,” Xiao Beitang refused immediately. Overreacting over a few items was going too far.

The Emperor, unsurprised, looked at Song Qingqian and said, “Then at the very least, attend the Grand Court Assembly. Also, in a few days, Princess Yuwen Yue and Yuwen Yan will arrive. You will be responsible for receiving the envoy.”

“All right.” She agreed swiftly, even with a hint of enthusiasm.

The Emperor was startled. Normally, she would do anything to avoid these matters. He had been counting on Song Qingqian to persuade her. Why did she agree so readily? Was this reverse psychology actually working?

Still skeptical, he cleared his throat and added, “I mean for you to receive both Princess Yuwen Yue and Princess Yuwen Yan. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” Xiao Beitang replied without hesitation.

The Emperor glanced again at Song Qingqian. “This is a matter of great importance. As crown princess, you must be impeccably mannered and dignified—to show the might of our nation…”

Xiao Beitang frowned. She understood the hidden meaning: her Father feared she’d embarrass her. She said, annoyed, “If Your Majesty believes I’m unfit for the task, then appoint someone else.”

Now why the sudden temper?

“That’s not what I meant. I only hope you—never mind. Qingqian, you’ll accompany her to receive the envoys,” the Emperor said, sighing. This child harbored too many grudges against him. Better leave the lecturing to Song Qingqian.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Song Qingqian replied with a bow.

Leaving Kunning Palace, Xiao Beitang stormed off, temper flaring. Song Qingqian caught up to her and called, “Your Highness, was His Majesty referring to the gifts you sent to my family?”

Xiao Beitang stopped abruptly and frowned. “So, what if he was? Are you going to lecture me on what I should or shouldn’t have done?”

Song Qingqian sighed softly. “That’s not what I meant. I’m grateful, truly, for how much you value my family.”

But her tone clearly disapproved of what Xiao Beitang had done—then she turned around and changed her tune. Did she think Xiao Beitang was unreasonable? Or simply hopeless?

Head bowed, Xiao Beitang asked dejectedly, “Song Qingqian, do you think I’m useless? Just a petty, unreasonable girl?”

Song Qingqian paused and said gently, “You’re just a little willful, that’s all.”

Everyone seemed to think she had everything. But she felt wronged too. People might act respectful to her face, but behind her back, who knew what they said?

She hadn’t cared before. After all, she really didn’t take her duties seriously. So, she never minded the gossip. But now, she cared—especially about Song Qingqian’s opinion.

She pressed her lips together and gave her a deep look. “I won’t let you down.”

Song Qingqian didn’t know how to respond. Her hand, half-lifted, dropped back to her side.

Sometimes she felt Xiao Beitang was actually quite sweet. A few kind words could make her so happy. When she misbehaved, she was like a donkey—if you just stroked her gently in the right direction, she’d settle down right away.