Bai Qingqing sighed softly at those words. “It seems this man truly has some genuine affection for you, Sister…”

Qiyue stepped forward and picked up the jar of medicine, a complicated emotion flickering in her eyes. “He shouldn’t waste his feelings on me.”

“When there’s sincerity, it’s not a waste—as long as it doesn’t cause trouble for others.”

Bai Qingqing even found herself viewing Fu Xiao in a new light. In her past life, she hadn’t realized he was someone capable of such deep and devoted feelings, or that he would heed advice so willingly.

“Before, his affection put you in a difficult spot, but now that he’s willing to change for your sake—that alone is something to be valued. I’m not speaking up for him, only that you don’t need to be so pessimistic. In this life, what matters most is following your heart.”

If Qiyue had truly felt nothing for Fu Xiao, Bai Qingqing would never have said these things. But she had seen how cold Qiyue could be with other men, whereas with Fu Xiao, there was only quiet resignation. That alone spoke volumes—perhaps there was a trace of feeling there after all.

Still, Bai Qingqing said no more. Who could say how long Fu Xiao’s feelings would last?

She left Yanlai Pavilion and returned to the Bai estate. The atmosphere in the household was heavy with unease—everyone knew that Bai Qingqing would set off for the southwest the next day, and not a single face could conceal its worry.

Only Bai Qingqing herself wore a bright smile, as if untouched by shadow. She clung to Bai Yan like a spoiled child, nestled close to Bai Yaoyao, and took Bai Rui aside to make him promise to take good care of their parents.

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At last, she went to Bai Jinghuai’s study, and only then did the smile on her face finally fade.

“Father, what I’m about to say, I hope you’ll take a deep breath and think carefully before you act. I was furious too when I first found out—but the Bai family can’t afford any more turmoil now.”

Seeing how grave her expression was, Bai Jinghuai instinctively furrowed his brows and grew solemn. “Go on, Qingqing. Whatever it is, Father promises to listen.”

Bai Qingqing then repeated everything Ning Yan had told her. As expected, Bai Jinghuai was shaken to the core. He began pacing the room, his agitation growing by the second. “That’s impossible. How could that be? He and I have been friends for decades—we fought on the battlefield together, shed blood side by side! The bond we share was forged in life and death!”

Even though he and Fu Yanghong had grown distant over the years, Bai Jinghuai had never once doubted the depth of their friendship.

But Bai Qingqing wasn’t in a hurry to make him believe. Something like this—no one could accept it right away.

“Father doesn’t have to believe it right now. Ning Yan himself said he has no concrete evidence yet. This trip to the southwest is precisely to investigate further. But if what he says is true, then the Fu family was definitely involved in the rebellion all those years ago.”

“You’ve never believed Uncle Ling would betray the court—you’ve always wanted to clear his name. Well, this might be the only chance. So, even if you don’t believe it, I beg you—don’t let anything slip. If you do, Uncle Ling’s case will be buried forever, and our Bai family might fall with it.”

She was too calm—far too composed for a girl her age. Bai Jinghuai, caught in the storm of her words, slowly felt himself settle.

“Qingqing… Lord Ning told you this himself?”

Bai Qingqing nodded. “There are parts I don’t fully understand either. But I believe Ning Yan. There’s something wrong with the Fu family. He asked me to pass this on to you—whether you believe it or not, it’s best to be on guard.”

Bai Jinghuai’s expression gradually cooled. He was no longer young—he’d weathered countless storms. He couldn’t possibly allow himself to lose composure now, not when his daughter was this clear-eyed.

“I understand. This matter… won’t leave this room. Don’t worry, Qingqing—I’ll keep a close eye on the Fu family.”