The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 64
The crowd exited the forest together. Xiao Beitang returned to her tent, while the injured were taken for treatment. The others also went back to their respective camps.
The events of the day were riddled with suspicion—everything pointed to a deliberate setup. Xiao Beitang gave an order, “Something is amiss. Liuzi, go summon the steward of the hunting grounds for questioning.”
Liuzi acknowledged the command and left the tent to fetch the steward.
Before long, he returned hastily and reported, “Your Highness, the steward of the hunting grounds has taken his own life in shame.”
Xiao Beitang’s suspicions deepened. If the wolves came from outside, it seemed highly unlikely—who could control a pack of wild wolves? But if they had always been in the forest, how could their presence have
gone unnoticed for so many years? And the attack seemed to have been aimed specifically at Yuwen Yue and her party. Wouldn’t that invite speculation that it was Xiao Beitang herself who had orchestrated an assassination?
No matter how she thought about it, she could not find a reasonable explanation.
“Xiao Si.”
“Your servant is here.”
“Keep your eyes open and stay alert.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Soon after, Yuwen Yue came with her younger sister Yuwen Yan to see Xiao Beitang. Rather than being angry, Yuwen Yue was surprisingly courteous. “We are greatly indebted to Your Highness today. If not for your timely intervention, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”
“This matter was due to my own oversight. I failed to consider all risks and led you into a trap. I owe you an apology.”
“Your Highness overstates the case. There is always some danger in a hunt. Yuwen Yan has already told me everything—how you saved her. I am deeply grateful.”
“You’ve been through a fright. Staying here may only add to your distress. Let us return to the capital today.”
On the journey back, Xiao Beitang and Song Qingqian shared a carriage. The two had not exchanged a single word over the past two days.
After a long silence, Song Qingqian finally asked, “Does Your Highness also find this matter suspicious?”
Xiao Beitang responded calmly, “I have already ordered an investigation.”
With that one sentence, the conversation came to an end.
After another long silence, Song Qingqian asked, “From whom did Your Highness learn archery?”
“Xiao San.”
Song Qingqian nodded, unsure what more she could say… It was clear Xiao Beitang did not wish to talk to her.
They remained silent the rest of the way. By the time they reached the palace gates, it was already dark. Each returned to their own quarters.
Emperor Jing, accompanied by the Empress, rushed over in haste.
Wu Sanqi came to report ahead of time, allowing Song Qingqian to quickly make her way to Xiao Beitang’s chambers.
When she entered, Xiao Beitang seemed puzzled. Moments later, they heard Zhao Yan’s loud cry: “His Majesty has arrived!”
Xiao Beitang rose and went out to greet them.
Before they could formally bow, the Empress rushed forward, grabbing Xiao Beitang by the arms and checking her over, then glanced at Song Qingqian and asked worriedly, “Tang’er, Qingqian, are you both alright?”
“I’m unharmed.”
“How could there be so many wolves at the hunting grounds? When the message came, my legs nearly gave out from fear.”
Had she known Xiao Beitang had even stumbled into a bear’s den, she would’ve surely fainted on the spot.
Xiao Beitang glanced at Emperor Jing and said, “This matter is still under investigation.”
Though the emperor said nothing, his face was heavy with concern—it was clear he was worried.
The emperor’s voice softened. “Let us speak inside.”
Once seated, the emperor’s tightly knit brows finally relaxed a bit. “This incident is of great consequence. I have also sent people to investigate.”
Then, with restrained anger, he said, “All the staff involved at the hunting grounds have been punished. Such negligence deserves nothing less than death.”
“There are too many doubts,” Song Qingqian voiced her thoughts. “Was it mere negligence, or a deliberate act? If it was orchestrated, was the target Yuwen Yue, in an attempt to incite war between Dayu and
Beiliang? Or was someone trying to provoke conflict? Or… were the wolves actually aiming for Your Highness?”
Xiao Beitang glanced at her. Their thoughts aligned. These were the only plausible theories. But she had never seriously considered the last possibility—that she herself was the target.
The emperor slammed his fist on the table. “No matter what, we must get to the bottom of this.”
“It’s getting late. The Empress and I shall take our leave.”
“Your daughter respectfully sees Your Majesties off.”
After they left, Xiao Beitang and Song Qingqian were alone again—an awkward silence hung between them.
“You should go. I need to get some rest.” Xiao Beitang’s tone was cold and distant.
Song Qingqian’s heart sank. She silently bowed and left the room.
The next morning at court, Xiao Beitang attended the imperial assembly.
Yuwen Yue appeared before court for the second time.
After bowing, she said, “I request an audience today to speak of one matter.”
The ministers whispered among themselves. Everyone was anxious about the wolf attack. Was she going to speak of that?
“At the hunting grounds yesterday…”
The court held its breath.
“…thanks to Her Highness’s rescue, both my sister and I were able to escape. My sister, Yuwen Yan, has long admired Her Highness. Now, after being saved by her, she wishes to express her gratitude through marriage.”
When she finished, the court fell silent—then erupted into commotion.
“Is this a proposal for an alliance through marriage?” the whispers grew louder.
Xiao Beitang looked at Yuwen Yue in disbelief. Did she truly mean this? Was she taking advantage of the situation, or had this been her plan all along?
Emperor Jing’s tone grew stern. “Princess Yuwen Yue, not to mention the Crown Princess already has a primary consort—this would be a grievance to your sister. Furthermore, the attack at the hunting grounds was due to the Crown Princess’s lack of foresight. She merely remedied her own error—there’s no need to thank her for it.”
Yuwen Yue bowed again. “Your Majesty, my sister is headstrong. She insisted I come to present this proposal in formal diplomatic fashion. She is willing to enter Dayu as a concubine. If Your Majesty permits it, it would strengthen ties between our nations and fulfill her heartfelt wish. I ask Your Majesty to give it due consideration.”
The emperor looked at Xiao Beitang.
Xiao Beitang replied coolly, “Princess, please inform the princess that I share a deep bond with my wife and have no intention of taking a concubine. I ask for her understanding. As for gratitude—your highnesses have shown great magnanimity and virtue. It is I who should be thanking you. There’s no need to take it to heart.”
Yuwen Yue pressed, “Your Majesties may wish to reflect further. This matter can only benefit both nations.”
Xiao Beitang’s tone turned biting. “If Princess Yuwen Yuan truly wishes to express thanks, why not cede a few border cities to Dayu? I’d be more than happy to accept.”
The court was stunned. Her words were far too blunt—even Emperor Jing was momentarily taken aback.
Xiao Beitang had reached her limit. Though she had appeared calm these past few days, she hadn’t eaten or slept properly. She had tried to maintain composure—but this Yuwen Yue not only coveted Song
Qingqian but also wanted to push her sister into her palace. Did they think she was made of dough?
Yuwen Yue, however, remained composed, her expression unchanged—but she had nothing further to say.
Emperor Jing grew inwardly concerned. Someone who could keep such a calm demeanor would surely be a formidable threat in the future.
After court, news of Yuwen Yan’s desire to enter the palace as Xiao Beitang’s secondary consort spread like wildfire.
By noon, everyone in the palace had heard of it.
Song Qingqian knew as well—Emperor Jing had personally told her. After court, the emperor had taken Xiao Beitang to the Kunning Palace and had invited Song Qingqian too.
“This matter is somewhat our fault,” the emperor lamented, rubbing his forehead. “And today, Tang’er embarrassed Beiliang in court…”
The Empress took Xiao Beitang’s side. “Tang’er, if you don’t want it, your mother will never force you.”
Song Qingqian had mixed feelings. Just days ago, Xiao Beitang had told her to find another woman. But today she had rejected Yuwen Yue outright, and Song Qingqian couldn’t help but feel… pleased.
Emperor Jing tentatively asked, “Qingqian, if I were to agree to this proposal, would you feel wronged?”
Xiao Beitang also wanted to hear her response.
Song Qingqian, ever composed, replied, “If Your Majesty is concerned for my sake, there’s no need. I am not so petty as to be jealous over this. Please consider the matter with the nation in mind.”
Xiao Beitang had expected this answer, yet still felt a sharp pang in her heart. She sighed deeply.
Song Qingqian heard it clearly. She could feel Xiao Beitang’s suppressed anger—the scent of her pheromones filled the air around her.
After a long silence, Xiao Beitang finally spoke: “I’ve made myself clear. If the Emperor truly wishes to approve this match, why not marry her yourself? Your harem is hardly lacking one more woman. But I will never marry anyone you force upon me again.”
Song Qingqian froze. There was a hidden meaning behind her words, and Song Qingqian felt a sudden heaviness in her heart.
The Empress was startled. “Tang’er! Watch your words!”
Then she turned to see Emperor Jing’s face darkening, and caught the sharp scent of her pheromones.
It had been a long time since tension in the palace had run this high.