The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 113

Song Qingqian’s previous words had been intended solely as an explanation—a clarification that nothing had ever truly happened between her and Lu Wuyou, and that their marriage had been nothing more than a charade.

She gave Xiao Beitang’s collar a final, expert adjustment before turning to head out. “Bring in the meal. Yi’er, come eat.”

What does she mean by “even”? Xiao Beitang followed her out and sat at the table, watching her intently.

Song Qingqian focused entirely on attending to Xiao Yi, ignoring Xiao Beitang completely. Xiao Beitang ate her porridge, finding it utterly tasteless.

She’s definitely angry!

After the meal, Song Qingqian had Xiao Tao lead Xiao Yi away. As Empress, the imperial concubines were required to pay their formal respects to her this morning; she wouldn’t be free until she had seen them.

Xiao Beitang didn’t leave. She followed Song Qingqian around like a persistent shadow.

“Is Your Majesty not leaving?”

Xiao Beitang gave a dry laugh. “I have nothing to do today. I’ll stay and keep you company.”

“Your Majesty, Consort Yu and the others have been waiting outside for quite some time,” Liu Zi reminded them softly.

Song Qingqian shot a look at Xiao Beitang. “Is Your Majesty still planning to stay?”

Ordinarily, it wouldn’t be a problem, but having four women who shared her likeness in the same room, women she had personally selected made the situation exceedingly awkward. What was worse was that Xiao Beitang seemed to lack the tact to excuse herself.

Xiao Beitang, completely oblivious to Song Qingqian’s mounting irritation, smiled brightly. “Mhm. I’ll stay with you.”

Song Qingqian fell silent for a beat. “Send them in.”

Song Qingqian took her seat with dignified grace, and Xiao Beitang sat beside her.

The concubines entered one by one, each more radiant than the last. They had come to pay their respects to the new Empress, never expecting to find the Emperor present. Some immediately regretted not dressing more elegantly; others began plotting how to leave an impression and catch her eye.

They knelt with the grace of swaying willows. “Peace to Your Majesty, peace to the Empress.”

When Song Qingqian wore a faint smile, she often left different impressions on different people. Xiao Beitang sensed she was unhappy; the others simply saw her as noble and aloof.

Having been the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister’s house and later the Crown Princess for over two years, her aura was far beyond that of a common noble lady trying to appear refined. Her calm composure, paired with her peerless beauty, made her seem like a lone snow lotus atop a mountain peak—breathtakingly out of reach.

Xiao Beitang watched them expressionlessly. Aside from Consort Yu, she didn’t recognize a single one of them. She had stayed only because she feared Song Qingqian would lose her temper upon seeing faces so similar to her own. She wanted to be there to coax her.

Song Qingqian let the silence stretch for a long moment before finally speaking. “You may rise.”

It had to be said, those chosen based on her likeness were all quite striking. Yet, a resemblance is never the original; they all lacked that final spark, which only made them fail to catch Xiao Beitang’s eye. In fact, they only served to irritate her.

The concubines couldn’t help but steal glances at Xiao Beitang while measuring up Song Qingqian, the woman rumored to be the one true inhabitant of the Emperor’s heart.

“This is the first time I have met you all. I have prepared some rewards; I hope you find them acceptable.” Song Qingqian beckoned the attendants forward. She had selected gold, silver, and jade ornaments—the standard protocol for rewarding concubines.

Xiao Beitang’s eyes never left Song Qingqian. She didn’t spare a single glance for the rest of the room, rendering the efforts of those trying to make an impression entirely futile. Seeing that Song Qingqian remained calm, Xiao Beitang breathed a sigh of relief and took a sip of tea. She cursed herself for not issuing an edict to send these women home before Song Qingqian had even returned.

“In the future, I hope you will all join me in serving Her Majesty diligently and helping to extend the imperial bloodline,” Song Qingqian said. Her tone was as calm as autumn frost—seemingly mild, yet piercingly cold.

Extend the bloodline? Xiao Beitang nearly spat out her tea. Her hand jerked, and the cup slipped from her grasp. She scrambled to her feet to avoid the splashing liquid as the teacup shattered on the floor.

Drip, drip. The tea spilled out, slowing to a crawl that matched the frantic rhythm of Xiao Beitang’s heart.

Song Qingqian remained seated, her expression serene and unmoving.

One of the quicker-witted concubines pulled out a silk handkerchief and rushed toward Xiao Beitang with a display of tender concern. Soon, more than one moved to assist.

However, the moment their hands reached toward her, they were driven back by Xiao Beitang’s furious, icy glare. They didn’t dare take another step.

Song Qingqian glanced at her before saying unhurriedly, “You may all return now.”

Once they had knelt and withdrawn, Song Qingqian signaled for the servants to clear the broken porcelain. Ignoring Xiao Beitang entirely, she turned and went to find Xiao Yi.

Xiao Beitang followed a step behind, never straying.

The corner of Song Qingqian’s mouth twitched upward in an almost imperceptible smile that vanished instantly. Am I some kind of tigress? Is she really that afraid of me?

In truth, Xiao Beitang was just feeling guilty—guilty for that single, misguided impulse she’d had years ago. When she heard the words “extend the bloodline,” her heart had nearly stopped. Qianqian is definitely upset!

“Mama, Mama! When are Xiaoyu and the others coming?” Xiao Yi had hauled out all her treasures, lining them up on the floor of the hall—trinkets they had brought back from Suzhou.

“Soon. Why don’t you go to the palace gates to welcome them?”

“Can I?” The light in Xiao Yi’er’s eyes gathered like brilliant starlight.

Song Qingqian smiled and took her hand. “Come, Mama will go with you.”

“I’ll go with you as well,” Xiao Beitang interjected tentatively.

Song Qingqian acted as if she hadn’t heard a word. She didn’t respond, leading Xiao Yi straight out. Xiao Beitang quickened her pace, taking Xiao Yi’er’s other hand.

Last night, after much inquiry, the Village Head had finally learned of Xiao Beitang’s true identity. The news had set the village group ablaze. Some were already putting on airs, boasting that since they were friends with the Emperor and Empress, their fortune was guaranteed.

Only the Village Head hadn’t slept a wink. This morning, he wore a face full of worry. The villagers’ hearts pounded the entire way to the gates; the Village Head’s legs were shaking so violently he could hardly walk.

At the palace gates, Xiao Yi waited with bated breath, her eyes strained with anticipation. The moment the carriage came into view, her mouth broke into a wide grin.

“Xiaoyu! Xiaofang!” she cheered, jumping and waving.

Hearing her voice from a distance, the Village Head’s heart tightened. Inside the carriage, the others exchanged looks in dead silence. Those who had claimed they weren’t nervous now felt their legs turn to jelly and their lips turn white.

The curtain lifted. The Village Head gritted his teeth and led the way out. He took three quick steps, not daring to lift his head, and collapsed into a kowtow. The villagers followed suit, kneeling in a mass.

“This humble commoner, we commoners were blind. We offended Your Majesty and the Empress. Please, Your Majesty, spare our lives!” His voice shook, bordering on tears.

Song Qingqian hurried forward to help him up. “Village Head, what are you doing?”

Attendants stepped in to help the others to their feet. The Village Head remained hunched over, his legs so weak he had to use his hands for support just to stay standing.

Xiao Beitang smiled warmly. “There is no need to be so afraid. You are the Empress’s family. For the past few years, I am grateful for the care you gave her. I invited you here to thank you.”

Still, no one dared to look up.

Xiao Beitang patted Xiao Yi’er’s shoulder, signaling her to go over. Xiao Yi only cared about playing with Xiaoyu and didn’t understand the gravity of the situation. She ran into the crowd, grabbed her friend’s hand, and pulled her toward the palace.

Children have no concept of rank; Xiaoyu and the others followed her inside, laughing and playing. Only then did the adults relax slightly.

Xiao Beitang smiled, her demeanor even more casual than it had been in the village. “Everyone, let’s not stand at the gate. Please, come inside.”

Seeing that no one dared to move, she turned to lead the way herself. Song Qingqian walked by her side. Liu Zi stepped forward with a welcoming gesture, and finally, the Village Head and the others nodded and followed the palace staff inside.