The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 18

Song Qingqian followed her to the cuju (ball game) field. A dozen young ladies from noble families were already there practicing. Upon seeing Xiao Beitang’s arrival, they flocked toward her to pay their respects, though many stalled, offering polite bows to Song Qingqian who followed closely behind.

Several Qianyuan (Alphas) couldn’t help but steal glances at the Crown Princess Consort, their eyes lingering a moment too long. Despite the vast openness of the field, Song Qingqian could still detect the jumbled, somewhat unpleasant scent of their pheromones. They were young and high-spirited; it was only natural for them to struggle with their composure when faced with such a captivating Kunze (Omega).

Whispers broke out among the group. “I heard Her Highness disliked the Crown Princess Consort. If that’s the case, why bring her to a cuju match? It doesn’t look like the rumors are true.”

“With a beauty as peerless as the Crown Princess Consort, even a heart of stone would melt into spring water, wouldn’t it?”

Xiao Beitang returned shortly after, having changed into her athletic attire.

“Your Highness, we are one player short of two full teams,” someone noted.

Xiao Beitang glanced toward the sidelines and said nonchalantly, “Just pick one from the guards.”

“But the guards have never played cuju. It might make the match unfair.” The group hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

“I’ve heard that the Crown Princess Consort was once a master of the game,” one of the ladies suggested. “Would you care to join us?”

All eyes turned to Song Qingqian. Another Qianyuan expressed concern: “The Crown Princess Consort is a Kunze. Playing alongside a group of Qianyuan, I fear it might be improper. What if someone accidentally offends her in the heat of the game?”

Physical contact was inevitable in cuju.

Song Qingqian had intended to decline, but the remark piqued her interest. She smiled. “It has been a long time since I last played, but I would like to try. I only wonder if Her Highness allows it?”

Xiao Beitang gave her a long, meaningful look. She knows cuju? “The legs are yours,” she said flatly. “Why ask me? If you want to play, go change.”

Song Qingqian had expected a rejection, considering Xiao Beitang had looked down on even the trained guards. “Then allow this consort to change,” she replied with a graceful bow.

She returned quickly, her jewelry removed and her hair tied high in a sleek bun. Combined with her cool, elegant features, she looked remarkably spirited and valiant.

As she entered the field, the players’ eyes followed her. Standing her ground, she looked toward Xiao Beitang and noticed a young Kunze standing by the Princess’s side. The girl’s smile faltered the moment she saw Song Qingqian.

Song Qingqian recognized her from a previous encounter: Li Ningyu.

Li Ningyu had arrived while Song Qingqian was changing. She hadn’t expected the Princess Consort to be here, let alone participate in a match with Qianyuan.

When Song Qingqian was silent and expressionless, she projected an aura of unapproachable frost. Consequently, the Qianyuan nearby wanted to strike up a conversation but didn’t quite have the nerve.

“Does Her Highness play often?” Song Qingqian asked a Qianyuan teammate beside her.

Surprised and delighted to be addressed, the girl answered eagerly, “Her Highness has loved cuju since childhood. She plays at least a few times every month.”

“I see. Besides cuju, what else does she enjoy?” Song Qingqian kept her eyes on Xiao Beitang.

“She also frequently plays polo with us,” the Qianyuan replied, her gaze never leaving Song Qingqian’s face.

“I haven’t asked your name yet. Whose daughter are you?” Song Qingqian finally looked at her.

“This servant is Lin Zihe. My father is Lin Wangge, the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies.” Lin Zihe couldn’t hide her grin at being noticed.

“I look forward to seeing your performance on the field, Miss Lin,” Song Qingqian said with sincere praise.

Lin Zihe’s face instantly flushed like a sunset, her joy plain to see. “Miss Lin seems to know Her Highness’s likes and dislikes quite well?”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Lin Zihe admitted. “If you want to know who truly knows her, it would be Xiao Lin and Xiao Wanqi. They have been by her side since they were children.”

“I see,” Song Qingqian nodded, signaling the end of her questions.

Lin Zihe quickly added, “But I still know a fair amount!”

“Then tell me, what are Her Highness’s usual hobbies?”

Lin Zihe began to spill everything she knew. As the two talked and laughed, the other Qianyuan looked on with envy.

From across the field, Xiao Beitang watched them chatting like old friends, their faces bright with smiles. She grumbled under her breath and looked away. “What’s there to be so happy about? Laughing like that.”

“What did you say, Your Highness?” Li Ningyu asked, confused.

“Nothing.” Xiao Beitang let out a sharp laugh and turned to start the game.

A gong sounded, the players took their positions, and the match began.

Song Qingqian stayed close to Xiao Beitang. Watching her “husband” standing ready, she was surprised to see such a serious, focused side of the Princess.

“If you have any self-awareness, don’t go diving into the scuffles,” Xiao Beitang said coldly.

Song Qingqian heard the subtext: she was worried about her.

Once the ball was in play, Xiao Beitang was aggressive. Her footwork was remarkably skilled, far exceeding Song Qingqian’s expectations. It soon became clear that these players had actual talent; no wonder they didn’t want a random guard filling in.

Song Qingqian, however, held her own. Her interceptions and ball control were fluid and masterful. Though Xiao Beitang kept a stoic face, she was inwardly impressed.

The players were full of fighting spirit, especially Lin Zihe, who was playing with excessive fervor. Watching her show off like a peacock, Xiao Beitang felt a surge of disdain but also found herself playing harder in response.

Collisions were frequent. The physical strength of a Qianyuan vastly outmatched a Kunze, and Song Qingqian only managed to hold her ground through sheer technical superior skill.

Every time an opponent closed in on Song Qingqian, Xiao Beitang grew tense. She didn’t even realize she was constantly checking on her, her heart tightening whenever another player got too close to her wife. She was secretly breaking a sweat on Song Qingqian’s behalf.

That worry soon faded as Song Qingqian’s footwork proved flawless. Eventually, Xiao Beitang was able to fully immerse herself in the game.

Noticing the way the Princess was shielding her, Song Qingqian teased, “Is Your Highness protecting me?”

Xiao Beitang gave a one-word reply: “Delusional.”

The match was a fierce back-and-forth of breakaways and tight defense. The score remained neck-and-neck as the game reached its final minutes.

With a brilliant goal from Xiao Beitang, the game neared its end. The teams were tied, and time was running out. Li Ningyu cheered wildly from the sidelines.

When the ball was put back into play, Lin Zihe, desperate for a win, began to play dirty. She used her physical weight to slam into opponents and, in a scramble for the ball, kicked an opponent in the head. The player collapsed, rolling on the ground in visible agony.

Xiao Beitang, who despised such unsportsmanlike conduct, immediately refused to coordinate with Lin Zihe further. Song Qingqian took note of this.

Lin Zihe continued her aggressive play, eventually forcing the ball into the goal just as the gong sounded. The match was over.

Lin Zihe turned to Song Qingqian with a triumphant look, expecting praise. But Song Qingqian didn’t look at her. Instead, she watched Xiao Beitang, who showed no sign of joy as she walked calmly toward the sidelines.

Seeing Lin Zihe’s behavior as crossing the line, the opposing team swarmed her, shouting accusations. A heated argument broke out until the imperial physician confirmed the injured player would be fine. Only then did the tension begin to ebb.