Fu Yi did not bring Chun Jiao back, nor did he bring back a result that would satisfy the princess. But strangely, she could not say anything about it.

"It was my fault for not thinking things through. Qing Yun just wanted to go see the flowers, but who knew that Bai Qingqing would suddenly cause trouble? You know how timid Qing Yun is, and this isn't her fault."

Fu Yi said calmly, "It was Qing Yun who took the initiative to speak with Bai Qingqing. I don’t think she’s that timid."

The princess paused for a moment before speaking, "Well, it was just her curiosity, and it’s common to greet the host when attending a banquet."

"So, you mean that the rumors about me and Qing Yun must have already started circulating outside, and you don't mind? In a few days, the wife of Lord Guangyang will come to visit, right?" With one casual remark, Fu Yi immediately changed the princess’s expression. The second daughter of Lord Guangyang was the one that the shameless woman had arranged for Fu Xiao to meet. Everyone knew the purpose of her visit.

"Lord Guangyang has been in seclusion ever since he was severely injured years ago, but he’s only recently resurfaced. If he were to accept the marriage proposal with my elder brother, my father might be tempted, wasn’t that what you told me before? Now Bai Qingqing misunderstands me and Qing Yun, and you’re not anxious anymore. If that’s the case, I won’t be anxious either."

"How can you say such a thing! Do you want the position of heir to fall into the hands of that bastard and be trampled underfoot?"

Fu Yi calmly looked at the princess, "Whether or not I have the title of heir, no one will trample me underfoot. If I want to approach Miss Bai, it’s not for the title of heir."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Mother should consider Qing Yun’s reputation. She’s a young lady, and her reputation is important. It shouldn’t be spread around recklessly."

Fu Yi didn’t want to explain further. If he had approached Bai Qingqing for the title of heir, he would regret it for a lifetime. This time, he wouldn’t make the same mistake!

Although Bai Qingqing had firmly rejected Ning Yan’s unreasonable demands, she had helped him that day. "I am someone who knows how to distinguish between gratitude and grievance."

It seemed like she was trying to convince herself as she went into the room to prepare the incense. When Bai Yaoyao came to find her, she was greeted by a cold fragrance that was subtle and difficult to identify.

"Big sister, did you mix up some rare fragrance again? It smells so good, but it’s a little too cold."

Bai Qingqing put away the incense. Cold was good; cold complemented that person perfectly!

"Yaoyao, you look really nice today. Are you going out?"

Bai Yaoyao finally remembered the purpose of her visit to find her sister. She grabbed Bai Qingqing's hand and coquettishly shook it, "Sister, you shouldn't always stay cooped up at home. You need to get out more. Look, the weather is beautiful today, perfect for going out."

"So?"

Bai Yaoyao smiled sweetly, her eyes narrowing with delight. "So, I specially made a reservation for us at Yanlai Tower. The place has fantastic music and dancing, tea and scenic views—it’s all absolutely wonderful. I’ve reserved a great spot; from up there, you can see almost half of Xuan City! I’m sure you’ll love it if you go."

Bai Qingqing, who had always been close to her sister, especially after her rebirth, felt even more affection for her, and their bond was now stronger than ever, seamless.

She pretended to think for a moment and poked Bai Yaoyao’s cheek with her finger. "I remember… someone was particularly happy about finally being able to go to Yanlai Tower, but now it’s suddenly become something you specially arranged for me?"

Bai Yaoyao just grinned, "Hehehe, Sister, you’re so smart."

Bai Qingqing raised an eyebrow, "Weren’t you looking forward to it? Why don’t you want to go anymore?"

"It’s not that… it’s just that today, I have somewhere else I want to go."

Bai Yaoyao revealed a mysteriously playful smile. "There’s a poetry gathering at Lingbo Lake in the western suburbs today, inviting talented scholars from all over. I heard that Lord He, the Crane Master, will also be there! He’s the handsome man who’s rumored to have cranes following him wherever he goes. Imagine how handsome he must be!"

As she spoke, Bai Yaoyao became more excited. "And there’s Master Lu, the jade-like scholar—gentle and beautiful, like a fine jade; and Master Liu from Hezhou, with his willow-shaped eyebrows and apricot eyes, a peerless beauty... How could I miss such a grand event? They’ll even have a contest to crown the most outstanding one—I'm sure it'll be so stunning it’ll make people gasp!"

Stolen novel; please report.

Bai Qingqing silently handed her a cup of tea to help her calm down. "Sounds pretty lively."

"Isn’t it?! Why don’t you come with me, Sister?"

"Then what about Yanlai Tower?"

Bai Yaoyao pouted. "You know how hard it is to book a spot at Yanlai Tower. You have to pay a deposit a month or even half a month in advance to reserve a place. I finally got us a spot, and if we don’t go, the money will be wasted—it’s non-refundable…"

She looked up and blinked at her. "So you go, and when you come back, you can tell me why Yanlai Tower is so popular."

That was one reason, but another was that she thought her sister hadn’t been going out enough lately, which wasn’t like her. Bai Yaoyao was a little worried, so she was trying to cheer her up.

Bai Qingqing gently tapped her nose. "If you’re going to the western suburbs, it’s getting late. If you don’t leave now, you’ll be back too late."

"Ah, I have to hurry! Sister, you can’t forget, there’s the best pastry at Yanlai Tower called Green Cloud Crisp, you must try it!"

Bai Yaoyao was quick to leave, eager to see her handsome scholars. Bai Qingqing shook her head helplessly as she watched her go.

Zidai brought her a cup of milk tea and smiled lightly, "The second young lady is right. You should go out more. Even I’ve heard of Yanlai Tower, and I’m sure it’s not an ordinary place. Perhaps you should go and have a look?"

Bai Qingqing's fingertips still carried a faint, cold fragrance. She had indeed spent quite a bit of time indoors these past few days.

"Well then, speaking of which, I've never been to Yanlai Tower."

Bai Qingqing changed into a new outfit and jewelry. After some careful consideration, she decided to bring the newly made incense with her—just in case.

In her previous life, Bai Qingqing had heard of Yanlai Tower, but she had never been interested in such widely praised places. She didn’t enjoy too much bustle, so she had never gone. Later, when she became engaged to Fu Yi and began socializing as the heir’s consort, she often heard people mention it.

It was said that Yanlai Tower had excellent feng shui, especially since it had brought several couples together. It was increasingly revered by the people of Xuan City, and it was said that if two people who shared mutual affection went together, their bond would deepen.

At that time, Bai Qingqing was moved. She had subtly mentioned the idea several times, hoping to go there with Fu Yi. It wasn’t so much to strengthen their relationship but simply because she wanted to spend more time with him.

But until the Bai family’s downfall and her own death, Fu Yi had never taken her there.

"Miss, Miss, we’re almost there, Yanlai Tower, it’s indeed lively!"

Bai Qingqing came back to her senses and gently lifted the curtain to look outside. Not far off, a multi-story tower stood out, incredibly eye-catching.

The carriage stopped at the street corner. Bai Qingqing got off and walked to the front of Yanlai Tower, secretly startled.

No wonder it was so hard to come to Yanlai Tower. The carved railings and painted beams were grand and imposing, and even the smallest brick and tile looked far from ordinary. In front of the building was a pond of clear blue water, gently rippling. A bridge made of white jade arched over it, and as she stepped onto it, brightly colored fish swam beneath her feet, swirling in clusters—such a sight was truly a joy to behold.

After announcing their names and presenting the reservation card, someone immediately came to lead them inside.

Once inside, Bai Qingqing’s eyes were instantly drawn to a high platform at the foot of a winding staircase. Exotic dancers in colorful attire spun in elegant circles, their bright skirts flying in layers, dazzling in their beauty.

Bai Qingqing was captivated by the sight. The waiter didn’t rush her but quietly waited for her to regain her senses before leading her upstairs.

As expected, Bai Yaoyao had reserved a prime spot. It faced the platform directly, and from the windows behind, the expansive view of Xuan City stretched out before them, a breathtaking sight that left one feeling utterly refreshed.

After ordering the Green Cloud Crisp, which Bai Yaoyao had specifically recommended, Bai Qingqing also ordered a few other things. The waiter agreed and left respectfully. Once the door was closed, Zidai could no longer hide her excitement.

"Miss, this place is incredible!"

Bai Qingqing smiled and nodded. "Indeed, it’s breathtaking. Since we’re here, let’s enjoy it to the fullest."

The performance on the high platform changed to a singer with a soft, ethereal voice that tugged at the heartstrings. Bai Qingqing sat by the railing, her arm resting on the window frame, listening to the music while gazing at the view outside, feeling more at ease and carefree than ever before.

It was at this moment that she truly noticed how beautiful Xuan City was, how charming the scenery was. What a shame—it was because of the obsession in her heart that she had missed so much...

"Hey, Miss, look over there, isn’t that...?"

Bai Qingqing followed Zidai's pointing finger and looked in the direction. In the distance, two figures were walking toward them. Though far away, one of them was particularly memorable, no wonder even Zidai recognized them.

"Have you found out where their informants are?"

Mu Shu immediately tensed up upon hearing this. "My lord, we’ve found out, but..."

Ning Yan stopped in his tracks. "But what?"

"Well, the place might not be to your liking. Although their news is well-hidden, upon closer investigation, it seems to be connected, in some way, to Jinxiu Tower."

Ning Yan narrowed his eyes. Jinxiu Tower was a famous brothel in Xuan City. He hadn’t been there much, and had no interest in it. "Make sure they investigate thoroughly. I don’t like returning empty-handed after a wasted trip."

Mu Shu’s heart tightened. He’d better keep a closer eye on it. If his lord intended to go there personally, and it turned out to be a place his lord disliked... A shiver ran down his spine at the thought. That would be frightening.

Bai Qingqing noticed that Ning Yan and his men had been standing by the bottom of Yanlai Tower for quite some time without moving, and couldn’t help but feel puzzled. "What are they doing?"

"Miss, do you think they can’t get in? Didn’t Second Miss say that it’s hard to find a spot at Yanlai Tower? Even though that gentleman is from the Jinyiwei, not everywhere will let him in."

"You make a good point."

Bai Qingqing thought about Ning Yan’s frustrating arrogance. It was very likely that he had come here without asking and, only upon arriving, realized that he couldn’t get in. It was only natural for him to be in a difficult situation, torn between his pride and his current predicament.

She thought about the incense she had brought with her and softly instructed Zidai.

Below, Mu Shu was in the middle of answering Ning Yan, reporting all the details about the people in Xuan City that he wanted to know. He suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Ning Yan, who had been listening with his head lowered, raised his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a young girl slowly walking toward them. His brow arched slightly, a look of interest flickering in his eyes. Wasn’t this one of her maids?