The Crown Princess Is Jealous Again - Chapter 7

The following day, Song Qingqian accompanied her father to the palace.

” Your servant (this minister’s daughter) pays respects to Your Majesty and Her Majesty.”

“Rise,” Emperor Jing said, unable to suppress her smile at the sight of the girl. This was her first time meeting Song Qingqian in person. With her striking features and refined bearing, the girl far exceeded the Emperor’s expectations.

“Qianqian, coming here personally. I assume you have something to say to me?”

“In reply to Your Majesty: my father has informed me of your intentions. However, I still have certain reservations,” Song Qingqian replied, her brow knit in a look of feigned hesitation.

“Speak freely,” the Empress interjected, sounding even more anxious than the Emperor.

Emperor Jing shot the Empress a doting look and chuckled. “Yes, speak your mind.”

Song Qingqian continued composedly. “Since ancient times, the husband has been the guide for the wife. It is difficult for a Consort to restrain a Crown Princess. Most women in the inner palace rely on flattery and submission, but I possess a blunt temperament. I fear that if I cross Her Highness and provoke her wrath, neither I nor the Song family will meet a peaceful end.”

“Qianqian, rest assured. Tang’er is merely playful; she is not wicked by nature,” the Empress said, her protective motherly instincts kicking in.

Song Qingqian smiled faintly. “Her Majesty is correct. However, serving a sovereign is like living with a tiger. I only seek a way to ensure the safety of myself and my family. Otherwise, how would I dare to exert myself in disciplining Her Highness?”

“As long as I am here, I will protect you and the Song family,” Emperor Jing promised solemnly.

“I believe Your Majesty’s word. But forgive my audacity, what if the day comes when neither Your Majesty nor Her Majesty is here?” Song Qingqian asked, her voice steady and bold.

“Qianqian! Mind your tongue!” Song Lian’s back went cold, breaking into a frantic sweat at his daughter’s bluntness.

Emperor Jing let out a meaningful laugh. “What you say is not without reason. I imagine you already have a plan in mind?”

Song Qingqian knelt once more. “I ask Your Majesty to grant me several conditions.”

The Emperor observed her. If Song Qingqian hadn’t asked for anything, she would have doubted the girl’s reputed intelligence. “Let us hear them.”

“First: during the period I am disciplining Her Highness, I ask that Your Majesties always stand by my side.”

“Second: Your Majesty must grant me actual authority, even if it is only a small unit of secret guards.”

“Third: should I overstep my bounds or offend Her Highness out of necessity, I ask that Your Majesty grant me immunity from punishment.”

“Fourth.” She paused, emphasizing her next words. “I ask Your Majesty’s permission that, should the day come when I no longer wish to be Her Highness’s Consort, I may leave the palace of my own accord. No one may stop me, and no one may take out their anger on the Song family.” Her emphasis on “no one” left no doubt as to whom she was referring.

Song Qingqian finished and performed a deep bow.

The Emperor studied her. This girl is much shrewder than her father. She chuckled. “Is that all?”

Song Qingqian blinked. She was likely the first person to ever negotiate with the Sovereign in such a manner. Instead of being displeased, the Emperor seemed even more impressed.

“The first three are trivial. As for the fourth, you simply mean to say that if there is no affection between you and the Princess, you do not wish to be trapped in this palace. That is perfectly reasonable. I promise you: whether she remains the Heir or ascends the throne, the matter of staying or leaving remains in your hands. As for the Song family, as long as they do not commit treason or rebellion, no one shall touch them.”

Emperor Jing stood, walked down to her, and helped her up. “I shall also grant you a Golden Medallion. You may enter and leave the palace at will, and it can command the Kun-class secret guards. Will this suffice?”

Song Qingqian gave a serene smile. “My thanks to Your Majesty.”

The Empress walked down and took Qingqian’s hand. “Wonderful. Qianqian, do not worry so much. You haven’t met Tang’er yet, but once you do, you will surely like her. I feel the two of you will live in harmony, much like the Emperor and I.” In terms of looks alone, Xiao Beitang was undeniably beautiful.

Song Qingqian offered a polite smile. “Harmony” was something she didn’t dare hope for; leaving with her life intact would be a miracle. As for Xiao Beitang, she had seen her before.

After lunch at the palace, the imperial decree followed the Prime Minister back to his estate. The news spread through the capital like wildfire.

Inside the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, the atmosphere was one of intoxicating music and dance. Xiao Beitang grabbed her outer robe from the rack and threw it on.

“A-Tang, leaving already?” Xiao Lin asked, leaning back as a girl fed her grapes. She glanced at the setting sun. “It’s still early.”

“I’m off.” Xiao Beitang flicked her long hair out of her collar, grabbed her fan, and walked out without a second thought.

Xiao Wanqi, reclining in a beauty’s arms, spoke up lazily. “Let her go. You know her; she always heads home before dark.”

Xiao Beitang gave a sharp grin. “See you tomorrow.”

The horse’s hooves clattered against the palace road. As she reached the gates, Liu Zi rushed forward to take her horse. “Your Highness, you’re finally back!”

“Mmh.” She dismounted, brushing the dust off her sleeves.

“Their Majesties are waiting for you at Zichen Palace,” Liu Zi said urgently.

Xiao Beitang continued her leisurely stroll. “Did they say why?”

She hadn’t caused any trouble in the last two days. Why wait for her?

“You’ll know once you get there, Your Highness,” Liu Zi stammered, afraid to say more.

She shot him a glance and quickened her pace.

Inside Zichen Palace, the servants were kneeling in the courtyard. As she walked through them, a wave of irritation rose in her chest. She assumed the Emperor was taking her absence out on the staff.

Upon entering, she saw Emperor Jing sitting at the desk with a dark face, the Empress by her side.

“Imperial Mother, Mother Empress.” Xiao Beitang knelt lazily.

“Tang—” The Empress’s warm greeting was cut short by a cough from the Emperor. She took the hint and fell silent.

“Where have you been fooling around this time?” the Emperor barked.

“You already know the answer. Brothels, theaters, pleasure houses, does Imperial Mother wish to hear the details?” Xiao Beitang replied flippantly.

“Tang’er, speak properly. Don’t always say things to provoke your Mother,” the Empress reminded her gently, while tugging on the Emperor’s sleeve to soften her stance.

“Yes,” Xiao Beitang drawled, bracing one leg to stand up.

Seeing her lack of remorse, the Emperor’s temper flared again. “Who gave you permission to stand?”

Xiao Beitang smirked and knelt back down. Seeing the Emperor’s displeasure actually made her feel better.

“Your Mother and I have something to tell you. Kneel properly!”

“Yes.” Xiao Beitang was indifferent. She assumed they had picked a ninth tutor for her to terrorize. She was an expert at this by now.

The Emperor took a breath to steady herself. “You are sixteen now. Your Mother and I have selected a Consort for you. The decree was issued today. Once the Bureau of Astronomy picks an auspicious date, the wedding will take place.”

“What?” Xiao Beitang’s face went pale. She bolted upright. “Wedding? What wedding?” She looked at the Empress in a daze.

“Tang’er, don’t worry,” the Empress coaxed. “Qianqian is a wonderful woman. Both your mothers like her very much. You will surely grow fond of her.”

“Qianqian? Which Qianqian?” Xiao Beitang’s mind was racing. This wasn’t part of the plan.

“The Prime Minister’s eldest daughter, Song Qingqian. Your Crown Princess Consort,” Emperor Jing said, each word hitting like a hammer.

Xiao Beitang’s confusion turned into a deep scowl. “I won’t do it. Let whoever wants her marry her, but I won’t.”

“My decree has been issued. Your consent is not required,” the Emperor said, her face turning ashen as her voice rose.

Xiao Beitang looked at the Empress, who was patting the Emperor’s leg to calm her. “Tang’er, we are doing this for your own good.”

“For my own good?” Xiao Beitang let out a cold snort. “I knew nothing about this, yet the engagement is already set. Mother, am I nothing more than a puppet for you to move as you please?”

“Tang’er, calm down and listen to Mother.”