The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 55

A few days later, Song Qingqian returned to the Prime Minister’s residence under a pretense. Xiao Beitang did not accompany her. First, because Yuwen Yue was due to arrive in the capital soon, and she was responsible for overseeing the visit—Honglu Temple had been persistently consulting her on the details. Second, she knew what Song Qingqian was trying to avoid. Her heat period—it was these few days.

Xiao Beitang had seen Zhang Dingqing in the council hall before. Dressed in a crimson official robe, she stood among the military officials. Her stern, unsmiling expression carried an air of authority and severity.

Occasionally, she would cast a probing glance toward Xiao Beitang, which left her feeling rather uncomfortable.

Song Qingqian didn’t rush back to the palace. Instead, she arranged to meet Zhang Dingqing at a teahouse they used to frequent in the capital.

Zhang Dingqing arrived early and waited.

She greeted Song Qingqian with formality:

“Your Grace, I pay my respects.”

Song Qingqian helped her up with a soft smile.

“Aqing, no need for such ceremony. We’re outside the palace. Let’s keep things as they were.”

“All right.” She still called her Aqing. Zhang Dingqing stood up, a smile blooming on her face.

“Have you waited long?”

“Not at all.” Zhang Dingqing smiled as she unwrapped a parcel of pastries on the table. “I brought your favorite sweets from before. Try them.”

Song Qingqian’s eyes lit up. “Poria cakes?”

“From Zhan’s shop on Guanghua Lane. I remember how much you loved them.” She pushed the plate closer.

“I haven’t had them since entering the palace,” Song Qingqian said wistfully, picking one up and taking a bite.

Zhang Dingqing watched her, a touch of sadness in her eyes. “The palace pastries must be even better, surely.”

“They may look prettier, but the taste doesn’t compare.” Song Qingqian chuckled. “I often think—if His Majesty were to taste these, he might summon the pastry chef to the palace.”

But she took only a single bite. Zhang Dingqing noticed and asked with concern, “Why aren’t you eating more?”

“I had a meal before coming,” Song Qingqian replied casually. “I’m not that hungry.”

Zhang Dingqing nodded, hesitated, and then asked softly, “Qianqian… How are things in the palace? Are you adjusting well?”

Song Qingqian answered, “Well enough. In fact, I haven’t spent much time in the palace. I’ve been at the Imperial Academy more often.”

Zhang Dingqing nodded again. “I see.”

Through the window, Song Qingqian looked out onto the bustling street—crowded with people, carriages coming and going.

Zhang Dingqing followed her gaze and murmured, “The capital is as lively and splendid as ever.”

“You’ve been away a long time. I imagine you miss it,” Song Qingqian said.

Zhang Dingqing looked at her, her eyes filled with subtle emotion. “Yes. The borderlands are harsh and bitter. I often think of the scenery in the capital…”

And of the people.

Song Qingqian glanced at her—she seemed to be harboring something. “Aqing, would you want to stay in the capital?”

Zhang Dingqing looked at her, a flicker of joy in her heart. Was this a wish for her to stay?

She asked, “Qianqian, do you want me to stay?”

Without hesitation, Song Qingqian replied, “If you could stay, I’d be very happy.”

Zhang Dingqing’s eyes sparkled, but then quickly dimmed. She let out a long sigh. “Of course I’d like to. But guarding the border is my duty—and my family’s duty. Northern Liang is stirring again. It’s not easy to return.”

And besides, staying now… has lost its meaning.

She had once intended to come back and propose to Song Qingqian… but everything had changed.

Song Qingqian smiled faintly. “Aqing, life often gives us little choice.”

Zhang Dingqing looked at her, as if wanting to say more—but held back.

Suddenly, Song Qingqian’s gaze shifted to the window. “Just now… who was that?”

“Hmm?”

She frowned. “Heterochromatic eyes?”

Zhang Dingqing stood up and looked outside.

“Qianqian, could you have seen wrong? Heterochromia is rare—usually only appears in people with Persian ancestry. Even on the border, I’ve rarely encountered it.”

“Maybe I was mistaken,” Song Qingqian said, though doubt lingered in her heart.

She had only caught a glimpse—but she was sure.

After the two parted ways, Song Qingqian returned to the palace by carriage. Along the way, she once again saw those heterochromatic eyes in the crowd. The person’s features didn’t resemble those of a Dayu native.

Based on Zhang Dingqing’s words, the individual likely had at least half Persian bl00d.

Such unique eyes were indeed hard to look away from.

Three days later, Yuwen Yue arrived in the capital, bringing Liang Kingdom’s envoys. Xiao Beitang, along with officials from the Honglu Temple, greeted them outside the city and escorted them to the guest manor.

The following day, at court, Emperor Jing received Yuwen Yue.

She walked into the hall, head held high, face calm and composed, with a confident air that was striking even from afar. One of her eyes was a striking blue, drawing whispers from the courtiers.

“The Liang royal family are clearly Han. How does she have heterochromatic eyes?”

“I’ve heard Yuwen Yue is of illegitimate birth. Her mother wasn’t Han.”

“Hush—don’t speak too loudly.”

Yuwen Yue stepped forward and bowed. “Yue pays respects to His Majesty, Emperor of Dayu.”

The Emperor waved his sleeve and smiled. “Princess Yue, the journey here must’ve been long and tiring. You may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. The scenery along the way was beautiful. I traveled slowly and took in the sights—completely forgot the fatigue.”

The Emperor’s smile remained courteous. “That’s good to hear.”

“Our monarch instructed me to bring a small tribute. It’s outside the hall—not much, but we hope Your Majesty will accept it graciously.”

Yuwen Yue remained respectful and composed throughout. Xiao Beitang stood in the hall, silently observing her. She had only seen her in passing the day before. Yuwen Yue was a few years older, humble and restrained, poised and experienced—but not overbearing. Her demeanor contradicted the tales of her behavior on the frontier.

The Emperor said mildly, “Princess Yue is thoughtful. I’ve instructed the Crown Princess to prepare a banquet. She will host you tonight—young people have more to say to each other, so I shall refrain from interfering.”

“Many thanks, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor turned to Xiao Beitang. “Tang’er, treat Princess Yue well today.”

Xiao Beitang cupped her hands in a respectful salute.

Yuwen Yue smiled and returned the gesture.

“The rest of the itinerary will be arranged by the Crown Princess. Please enjoy your stay in Dayu.”

Yuwen Yue bowed again with her retinue. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After court, Xiao Beitang had no intention of engaging further and instructed the Chief of Honglu Temple to escort the delegation back to the guest manor. They would be brought into the palace later for the banquet.

________________________________________

Zichen Palace.

“Your Highness is back. Has Yuwen Yue returned to the manor?”

“Yes.”

Song Qingqian poured her a cup of tea personally. “Your Highness, what is your impression of Yuwen Yue?”

Without hesitation, Xiao Beitang replied, “Polite, composed, and appropriately behaved.”

“You seem to hold her in high regard,” Song Qingqian observed. She seemed distracted, so Qingqian probed, “Then what about Yuwen Yan?”

Xiao Beitang replied indifferently, “Yuwen Yan? I didn’t pay much attention.”

Song Qingqian’s brows eased slightly, almost imperceptibly. She asked again, “I heard Yuwen Yan arrived in the capital yesterday. Because of her heterochromatic eyes, she drew a lot of attention. Even though she wore a veil, her beauty was hard to miss.”

Xiao Beitang sipped her tea, unconcerned. “What does that have to do with me?”

“Then what were you thinking just now?”

Xiao Beitang lightly tapped her fingers on the table. “I was wondering—Yuwen Yue didn’t mention a word about national affairs in court, nor did the Empress bring it up. They simply exchanged pleasantries. What could that mean?”

Song Qingqian nudged the teacup forward. “She’s just arrived. Your Highness, perhaps give it a few days. Watch her moves.”

Xiao Beitang gave a light “hmm,” picked up her cup again, and took another sip.