Bai Qingqing’s face was full of admiration, yet her gaze swept over the watching ladies, noting their knowing expressions with satisfaction.

There must be no more foolish girls like the one she had been in her past life. She couldn’t understand why Fu Yi and Lu Qingyun, clearly in love, would keep it a secret. Wasn’t that just harming others?

Having achieved her goal, Bai Qingqing turned her attention back to entertaining her guests. She had gone to great lengths to arrange this flower-viewing banquet, and she wouldn’t let trivial matters disrupt it.

After ensuring her guests were at ease, Bai Qingqing decided to step away to change her attire. But as soon as she left the courtyard, she spotted Fu Yi standing beneath a tree by the path, as if he had been waiting for her.

“Qing… Miss Bai, may I have a word?”

Bai Qingqing remained composed as she curtseyed. “Has Master Fu lost his way? I’ll have someone escort you back.”

Her polite and distant tone unsettled Fu Yi. He instinctively took a step forward, only to see Bai Qingqing naturally put more space between them, her gaze holding a faint hint of questioning.

It was only then that Fu Yi realized—the woman before him was no longer the Bai Qingqing who had once been hopelessly infatuated with him. A sense of loss settled over him.

“There was a misunderstanding earlier. My cousin and I do not have that kind of relationship.”

Bai Qingqing: “?”

“I just… I didn’t want you to misunderstand…”

“Master Fu must be joking. Misunderstanding or not, I only believe what I see. And besides, what does this have to do with me?”

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Bai Qingqing’s eyes curved slightly, but there was little warmth in them. Her heart grew cold. What was he trying to do? Coming to her specifically to say this—what did he mean by it?

Fu Yi also realized he had acted rashly. Seeing the chill in her eyes, he decided to drop the matter and change the subject. “Please don’t take it to heart. I was just worried about rumors spreading. But actually, there’s another matter I’d like to trouble you with today.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about the fragrance you once gifted my mother—Spring Grace. She was very fond of it. I found out it was made by you. Would you happen to have any left? I sincerely wish to ask for some.”

“I don’t.”

Bai Qingqing refused without hesitation, leaving no room for negotiation.

“I was reckless before,” she added coolly. “Her Highness the Princess Consort is an esteemed lady—how could I have been so thoughtless as to present her with something I made myself? It was truly inconsiderate of me. I ask Master Fu for forgiveness. I only craft fragrances as a personal hobby and occasionally share them with close friends. Her Highness was merely being kind and indulgent in her praise—Master Fu need not take it seriously.”

“No, that’s not it. I can tell my mother truly loves it. Please, for the sake of my filial devotion, grant me this request.”

Bai Qingqing sneered inwardly. Oh, she knew all too well what a devoted son Fu Yi was.

Everything he did was for the Princess Consort. He had even expected her to revere the Princess Consort as if she were her own mother. Yet when the Princess Consort made things difficult for her, she had once foolishly hoped he would stand up for her—only to find that, in his eyes, the Princess Consort was never in the wrong. The fault had always been hers. She hadn’t been good enough, hadn’t pleased the Princess Consort enough.

Bai Qingqing also knew that the Princess Consort did genuinely love her fragrances. In her past life, every scent the Princess Consort used had come from her hands. The fragrances had to be unique, refined, noble… Yet neither she nor Fu Yi had ever considered her efforts a hardship. They had only thought that being chosen to serve them was her great fortune.

“Is Master Fu trying to make things difficult for me?” Bai Qingqing asked with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Is there any rare fragrance the House of Prince Ping cannot obtain? Besides, Spring Grace was something I created purely by accident—I wouldn’t be able to replicate it exactly even if I tried. Wouldn’t that only disappoint Her Highness in the end? Master Fu’s filial piety is commendable, but perhaps he could also spare a thought for others?”