The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 13

The fact that Song Qingqian remained neither arrogant nor resentful and hadn’t dissolved into tears despite the cold shoulder she’d received made Xiao Beitang think that, perhaps, she wasn’t so bad after all.

Seeing how sensible the bride was, Emperor Jing felt even more frustrated by Xiao Beitang’s lack of ambition. She shot her daughter a sharp look. “One more thing. It’s the height of summer and the Imperial Academy is on break. Once it reopens, you, Lin’er, and the others will enroll. Qingqian will also be joining the Academy as a teacher.”

Xiao Beitang: “?” Xiao Beitang frowned, staring at the Emperor.

Emperor Jing’s own brow furrowed. No one ever dared to stare her down like that; it was offensive and disrespectful, yet this child did it constantly. “You needn’t look at me that way,” the Emperor said coolly. “If you dare skip a single day, I will place you under permanent house arrest. You won’t leave this palace again. And as for Lin’er and the others, if you don’t want to drag them down into house arrest with you, you’d best behave and go to the Academy.”

Xiao Beitang’s gaze turned predatory. Suddenly, Song Qingqian caught a faint scent of Oolong tea. She glanced at the Princess, was this her pheromones (xin su)?

The Emperor felt a wave of pressure. Xiao Beitang was fuming, instinctively using her pheromones to suppress those around her, as Qianyuan often did.

Emperor Jing narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice, “If you don’t believe me, feel free to test my resolve.”

Sensing the atmosphere was at a breaking point, the Empress rose and walked to the center of the hall. “Tang’er, listen to your Mother. Go to the Imperial Academy. Having Lin’er and your friends there will be much better for you than having a private tutor hovering over you all day.”

Song Qingqian spoke up softly. “Your Majesties, perhaps it’s best to give Her Highness some time to think.”

The Emperor sighed. “Very well. There are still a few days before the Academy reopens. You may consider it.”

After the Emperor left, the Empress kept the two of them in the side hall for a chat. She beckoned them closer. “Tang’er, Qingqian, from now on, you must share both joy and sorrow. Be of one heart.”

“Tang’er, Qingqian is your wife now. You must cherish and respect her. You are not to bully her, do you understand?” The Empress was still worried the girl might do something reckless.

“I understand,” Xiao Beitang replied noncommittally.

She really has two faces, Song Qingqian observed. In front of the Emperor, she was like a dark, biting wolfhound, constantly looking for ways to cause trouble. In front of the Empress, she was much more docile like a gentle puppy. Even if her compliance was mostly performative, the difference in her attitude was like night and day.

The Empress offered a few more words of advice before letting them go.

“Your Highness is as skilled at hiding as ever,” Song Qingqian remarked as they walked out.

Xiao Beitang: “?”

Xiao Beitang stopped and turned, looking at her suspiciously. What did she mean? Was she angry? Had she dropped her “sensible” act? Or was she mocking her?

Song Qingqian gave a meaningful smile. “Is Your Highness not returning to Zichen Palace?”

“Go back by yourself,” Xiao Beitang replied shortly, turning to leave.

“Your Highness,” she called out again.

Xiao Beitang turned, her brow knit in irritation. “What now?”

Song Qingqian took a step forward. “It’s nearly noon. Is Your Highness going out of the palace at this hour?”

“What? You’re going to try and control me too?”

Song Qingqian laughed. “I wouldn’t dare. I am merely showing concern for my husband, as is my duty.”

“Song Qingqian, I won’t interfere with you, so don’t meddle in my business. It’s best if we just leave each other in peace.” With that, Xiao Beitang turned and vanished.

Song Qingqian watched her retreating figure and smiled softly. She really isn’t easy to get along with. But, she’s a bit of a paper tiger, isn’t she?

“Xiao Tao, let’s go back.”

“Her Highness is truly too much,” Xiao Tao grumbled, still not used to the palace. “To be so cold to you after leaving you alone all night and then to speak to you like that today.”

“Xiao Tao,” Qingqian reminded her calmly. “I told you: in the future, it’s best not to say such things.”

Xiao Beitang wandered the streets aimlessly. It was only noon; the Hundred Flowers Pavilion wasn’t open yet, the gambling dens weren’t ideal at this hour, and she hadn’t made plans with Xiao Lin. Bored, she headed to Zuixian Restaurant for a solitary meal.

She didn’t have to leave the palace, but with Song Qingqian now in Zichen Palace, it no longer felt like her own private sanctuary. She felt awkward and had no idea how to interact with her.

She sent word to Xiao Lin and the others to meet her at the pavilion in the afternoon. When she arrived, the doors had just opened; she was the day’s first customer.

“Miss Jiang! It’s been a few days. You’re here early,” Mother Hua greeted her with a practiced smile. “Linglong was just saying how much she missed you.”

Xiao Beitang nodded slightly. “Where is she?”

“Linglong! Miss Jiang is here!” Mother Hua’s voice boomed through the building.

Linglong hurried out from the back, her eyes wide with surprise and joy. “Miss Jiang, you’re early. Why don’t we sit in the Rain-Listening Pavilion? I’ll brew some tea.”

Linglong hadn’t expected her. She’d heard from Xiao Lin that the Princess was busy with her wedding. Since the wedding was only yesterday, Linglong was thrilled that she had found time to visit today. At least it proves the woman at home hasn’t completely captured her heart, she thought.

“Fine.” Xiao Beitang followed her upstairs, fanning herself lazily. She paused to admire two orchids on a mahogany stand.

Linglong soon returned with tea. “Shall I help you with your outer robe?”

“A few days away and the orchids have bloomed,” Xiao Beitang remarked, snapping her fan shut and extending her arms for Linglong to assist her.

Linglong couldn’t hide her happiness. “Yes, they bloomed beautifully. I was worried you’d miss them if you didn’t come.”

Xiao Beitang sat down. Linglong poured tea as a servant brought in snacks and fruit. Usually, they weren’t alone, Xiao Lin and the others were always there. Without them, the Princess felt a slight sense of boredom creeping in.

“I heard your wedding was only yesterday,” Linglong tested. “How did you find the time to come today?”

Xiao Beitang smirked. “What? Now that I’m married, is Linglong not happy to see me?”

“That’s not it! Of course I wanted you to come.” Linglong stammered, her face flushing.

Xiao Beitang observed her. That blush didn’t look like an act. “I knew you’d miss me, so I came,” she teased.

“You’re teasing me again. But, won’t your wife be upset?” Linglong pressed, hoping for a sign that the Princess disliked her new bride.

“I don’t know.” Xiao Beitang took a sip of tea. She didn’t want to talk about home, and Linglong knew that. The persistent questioning was beginning to irritate her. “Let’s not talk about her. Didn’t you say you had a new song?”

Linglong’s smile widened; she had heard the answer she wanted. “I’ll play it for you now.”

She sat with her pipa, her fingers moving gracefully over the strings. Xiao Beitang reclined, closing her eyes to the music. As the poets said: The bold strings rattled like a sudden rain; the fine strings murmured like a secret whisper.

Linglong was the best pipa player the Princess had ever heard, even the court musicians couldn’t compare. That was the real reason she had chosen Linglong, not her beauty as a courtesan.

Eventually, Xiao Lin and the others pushed the door open. Seeing the Princess lost in the music, they slipped in quietly and took their seats.