The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 58

A single discordant note from the pipa drew Xiao Beitang’s gaze toward the hall. It was Linglong. Linglong was also staring at her in shock. Xiao Beitang nearly forgot—she had sent her to the Jiaofang Bureau some time ago.

Linglong quickly lowered her head and resumed playing. She had been distracted just now, causing the error. She would likely be punished for it upon returning today.

How could it be? How could Jiang Tang be the Crown Princess? Wasn’t she the young lady of the Jiang family? But there was no mistaking it—she was seated at the head, unmistakably her. Linglong knew she couldn’t be wrong. So, all her past hopes were just laughable illusions. With her own status, she could never marry her—not even as a concubine.

Flustered and distraught, Linglong’s playing became completely off tempo and lost all grace.

Xiao Beitang frowned in confusion. How did her pipa skills decline after entering the Jiaofang Bureau?

Song Qingqian naturally recognized the performer in the hall as Linglong as well. She turned to Xiao Beitang and asked softly, “Did Linglong only just learn of Your Highness’s identity today?”

Xiao Beitang responded indifferently, “Probably. I never mentioned it before.”

Yuwen Yue, observing closely, sensed something was amiss. Before Xiao Beitang arrived, Linglong had been playing flawlessly. After seeing her, she fell apart instantly. Clearly, there was more to this than met the eye.

Only Xiao Beitang remained oblivious, simply thinking Linglong was out of practice.

After finishing her piece, Linglong was dismissed early. She was supposed to perform two more. The steward, seeing her poor performance, decided to replace her.

The stewardess herself had harbored hopes—Linglong was beautiful and talented with the pipa. In an occasion like this, filled with nobles and with the Crown Princess in attendance, if Linglong were to rise in

status, the stewardess could claim to be her benefactor. But instead, she had failed miserably and might even get the stewardess punished.

…

“Oh, I wonder if Princess Yuwen enjoys cuju?” Xiao Beitang asked lazily, turning her head.

“I love it. I used to play often for fun,” replied Yuwen Yue.

“Then why don’t we have a match tomorrow?”

“Gladly. I look forward to the challenge.”

Xiao Beitang had already planned a few days of leisure—boating, sightseeing, hunting, polo, and now cuju. After a few days of entertainment, surely they’d take their leave.

Once the banquet ended, Song Qingqian finally let out a breath of relief. Aside from Xiao Beitang being a bit more affectionate than usual, nothing else had crossed the line. She only hoped the coming days would remain peaceful.

On the way back, Xiao Beitang was slightly tipsy, her steps unsteady. She clung to Song Qingqian and refused to let go. With no other choice, Song Qingqian had to support her back to her quarters.

After settling her onto the bed, Song Qingqian was just about to leave when Xiao Beitang suddenly pulled her down and pinned her underneath.

Song Qingqian’s heart pounded wildly. Xiao Beitang was now so close, her intoxicated gaze fixed on her face, consciousness barely hanging on.

With a silly grin, Xiao Beitang murmured, “Song Qingqian, you are… you are my Crown Princess.”

“Yes, yes,” Song Qingqian humored her.

“I… I forbid you from talking to them… to them so much.”

“Alright, alright.”

“And you can’t… can’t look at them either.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Then you… you better keep your word.”

“Mm-hmm, I will.”

There was no use reasoning with a drunk. Just agreeing with her was easier.

Though muddled, Xiao Beitang was still faintly aware.

Right now, Song Qingqian was gently helping her undress, tender and careful, just like a wife tending to her husband. Xiao Beitang’s heart stirred. Dazed, she reached out and brushed Song Qingqian’s cheek with the back of her hand—clumsily, barely touching. She was beautiful, like a glowing pearl in the darkness, radiant before her eyes. She couldn’t look away.

As Song Qingqian undressed her, she kept pacifying her. The drunkenness was clearly taking over—her words were slurring beyond recognition. Eventually, she began mumbling incoherently, and Song Qingqian couldn’t make out the words.

Then came a wave of intense pheromones. Song Qingqian’s breath caught.

Xiao Beitang stared at her with reddened eyes, unmistakable desire in her gaze.

She leaned in for a kiss, but Song Qingqian swiftly pushed her away. She took a few deep breaths to steady herself.

Xiao Beitang’s head hit the bed hard, sending a wave of dizziness through her. She held her forehead, trying to clear the fog.

Song Qingqian stared at her in alarm. How could she be so unruly even while drunk?

Xiao Beitang had only a shred of awareness left. She had been pushed away. Just like that—without hesitation.

She lay there, her vision blurry. She lifted her head to glance at Song Qingqian, barely able to make out her figure before collapsing again.

Song Qingqian sighed in relief. She ordered someone to prepare sobering tea, gave some instructions to Xing’er, and after glancing once more at Xiao Beitang, returned to her own chambers.

Soon after, Xiao Beitang’s last thread of consciousness faded, and she fell into a deep sleep.

Song Qingqian removed her makeup before the mirror and sighed.

Xiaotao asked, “Your Highness, why do you sigh?”

“It’s nothing.”

She was troubled. Xiao Beitang was always trying to get close to her—too cold and she’d get upset, too close and she’d take advantage. It was hard to find the right balance.

The next morning, Xiao Beitang rose early. She threw off the covers and got out of bed, dazedly recalling what had happened the night before.

Though her mind had been clouded, she clearly remembered Song Qingqian pushing her away.

Xing’er, sensing something was off, tentatively asked, “Your Highness, shall I help you dress?”

“Yes.”

Outside the bedchamber, she saw Song Qingqian waiting. Xiao Beitang quickly composed herself and smiled.

“Let’s pay our respects to the Empress Dowager first.”

Song Qingqian studied her for a moment, then nodded.

Xiao Beitang asked, “Cuju… are you coming?”

Song Qingqian hesitated. Though it was a form of entertainment, it was still a diplomatic competition. Since she and Xiao Beitang were tasked with hosting Yuwen Yue and her entourage, and since the visiting princess was also an omega, her presence was appropriate.

But the way Xiao Beitang asked—did she not want her there?

She tested, “What does Your Highness think?”

Xiao Beitang replied casually, “Up to you. I was just asking.”

“…”

The Emperor was waiting for Xiao Beitang in the Kunning palace. If she wanted to speak with him privately, this was the only opportunity.

“Father Emperor, Empress Mother.”

“No need for formality,” the Emperor coughed and asked, “I heard Princess Yuwen Yan performed a dance publicly yesterday?”

“She did.”

The Emperor frowned, clearly deep in thought.

The Empress asked, “Was there anything improper about it?”

The Emperor shook his head. “Perhaps I’m overthinking.”

Song Qingqian asked, “Your Majesty also suspects that Princess Yuwen Yan is here for Her Highness?”

The Emperor looked at her and sighed. “Indeed.”

He turned to Xiao Beitang. “Tang’er, you must avoid her at all costs. Keep your distance.”

Xiao Beitang replied indifferently, “What could happen between us? Besides, I think you’re all overthinking it. I already have a Crown Princess. Would a proud princess of Northern Liang be content to become a concubine?”

The three exchanged glances.

Song Qingqian said coolly, “Even if Your Highness had no consort, she could only ever be a concubine.”

“?”

“No matter how noble her status, she is still of Northern Liang. She is not one of us—how could she bear the future heir as the main consort? That would be unacceptable.”

“Performing a dance publicly was already a lowering of her status,” the Emperor added.

Xiao Beitang fell silent, cheeks flushed. It seemed such a basic truth—why hadn’t she thought of it?

The Emperor then asked, “You’re going to play cuju today?”

“We are. Just for fun,” Xiao Beitang replied.

“Be careful—don’t get hurt, and don’t hurt anyone else.” Though his words were of concern, they still sounded to Xiao Beitang like distrust and constant doubt.

Song Qingqian smiled, “Your Majesty, don’t worry. General Zhang will be there—she’ll keep an eye on things.”

General Zhang? Xiao Beitang’s expression darkened.

Song Qingqian didn’t notice the shift and explained, “Zhang Dingqing, daughter of the Duke of Dingguo. Your Highness should know her. She’s spent many years defending the border and is well-versed in

Northern Liang’s ways. She’ll be helping with reception duties…”

Xiao Beitang frowned slightly, remaining silent.

She trusts that Zhang Dingqing so much? But Zhang Dingqing’s gaze toward her was far from pure. And Song Qingqian didn’t even try to avoid it?

The Emperor nodded. “Alright. It’s getting late—off you go.”

At the cuju field, Yuwen Yue and her entourage had already arrived and were warming up.

“Your Highness. Crown Princess.”

Zhang Dingqing and her group stepped forward and saluted.

Xiao Beitang scanned Zhang Dingqing. She couldn’t help it. Taller than her, trained in martial arts, and sturdier—this was the type who clearly appealed to omegas.

Someone like Song Qingqian would surely prefer her—reliable and steady.

Lost in thought, Xiao Beitang forgot to tell them to rise. The group remained bowed for a long while.

“Your Highness?” Song Qingqian called softly.

She snapped out of it. “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Zhang Dingqing stood, glanced at Song Qingqian, and offered a polite smile.

Song Qingqian gave a small nod in return.

Xiao Beitang noticed everything. Her hand clenched in her sleeve.

With a false smile, she said coldly, “General Zhang.”

“Your Highness.” Zhang Dingqing looked puzzled but saluted respectfully.

Xiao Beitang pulled Song Qingqian into her arms without warning. Song Qingqian stumbled into her chest, caught off guard. She looked up in confusion, only to see Xiao Beitang smiling thinly.

“I’ve often heard my Crown Princess praise you. Seeing you in person, the reputation is well-deserved.”

Zhang Dingqing frowned slightly. Hadn’t they met before? She could sense Xiao Beitang’s hostility—but how did she know about her feelings for Song Qingqian? There was no time to dwell on it. She simply bowed

and said, “Your Highness flatters me.”

Xiao Beitang sneered, “If it’s my Crown Princess’s own praise, how could I not believe it?”

Zhang Dingqing bowed lower in silence.

As she spoke, Xiao Beitang unconsciously tightened her grip on Song Qingqian’s shoulder. Song Qingqian winced in pain, frowning slightly. She didn’t understand—when had she ever praised Zhang Dingqing to her? And this tone—what game was Xiao Beitang playing now?