She stood at the forefront of the crowd, devoutly kneeling in prayer. However, after offering her respects, she instructed the others to rise.

  The abbot of Qinghan Temple stepped forward in surprise. “Your Highness, according to tradition, one must kneel for two full hours to demonstrate sincerity. This…”

  Princess Huaifu smiled faintly at him. “Bodhisattvas are compassionate. If one prays with a sincere heart, their wishes will surely be heard. There is no need to rigidly adhere to custom. Women are naturally frail—if praying causes harm to the body, wouldn’t that be undesirable? What do you think, Master?”

  The abbot pressed his palms together and sighed. “Your Highness is benevolent. I pale in comparison.”

  Originally, they were supposed to kneel for two hours. Now, thanks to Princess Huaifu, they were spared the ordeal. This was truly a joyful matter. In their happiness, the ladies of various noble families even donated more incense money than expected. If they didn’t have to kneel for so long, they were more than willing to give more!

  When Bai Qingqing went to make her donation, Princess Huaifu had yet to leave. As she approached, the princess turned slightly to the side, noticing her. Bai Qingqing sensed this and offered a graceful curtsy with a faint smile, her demeanor poised and elegant, leaving a favorable impression.

  Princess Huaifu immediately found her likable and asked, “Which family are you from? And what fragrance are you wearing? It smells quite pleasant.”

  “Replying to Your Highness, I am Bai Qingqing, eldest daughter of the Duke of England’s household. This fragrance is something I personally crafted—it refreshes the mind. Your Highness flatters me; I do not dare accept such praise.”

  “You made it yourself? No wonder I’ve never smelled it before. It’s quite unique.”

  Bai Qingqing had never met Princess Huaifu before and knew little of her character. Now, seeing her so approachable and warm, she relaxed. “It’s merely a pastime to pass the time, nothing worth mentioning. But it does have its uses—it can aid in sleep or provide mental clarity.”

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  “Aid in sleep?”

  Princess Huaifu seemed thoughtful. After making her donation, she asked Bai Qingqing if she would be willing to speak with her in private.

  Bai Qingqing naturally agreed and followed the princess to the rear of the temple hall.

  Madam Qiao was momentarily stunned. Several familiar ladies gathered around her.

  “Elder Sister from the Bai family, why did your daughter leave with the princess?”

  “The Duchess has quite the skill—your daughter has actually caught the princess’s eye. I’ve never seen Princess Huaifu show such closeness to any noble lady before.”

  “Indeed! Could you teach us, Duchess? How did you manage to make the princess view your daughter so favorably?”

  Madam Qiao quickly regained her composure and replied calmly, “The princess has her own considerations for speaking with Qingqing. How could we presume to guess? If you’re curious, you may ask her yourselves.”

  “Oh, we’re just curious! Everyone says Princess Huaifu is frail, introverted, and not fond of socializing, which is why she rarely appears at gatherings. But now, upon her first meeting with your daughter, she’s already engaging in deep conversation. Naturally, we couldn’t help but wonder.”

  "Exactly, exactly! I've met the Bai family's eldest daughter before—she was always reserved and quiet, never one to speak much. But now, she seems like a completely different person, even her demeanor has changed. Elder Sister Bai, how did you teach her?"

  Madam Qiao led the group to a place where they could talk freely. With practiced ease, she engaged in casual conversation, deftly deflecting their curiosity. She spoke humbly and calmly, explaining that as daughters grow, their personalities inevitably change, and perhaps it was precisely because of their similar temperaments that Bai Qingqing and the Eldest Princess got along so well.

  However, despite her composed exterior, she couldn't help but feel anxious about her daughter, who had left with the princess.

  At that moment, Bai Qingqing was seated before Princess Huaifu, a cup of fragrant tea at her side. The scented sachet from her waist was now in the princess’s hands as she examined it closely.

  Holding it near her nose, Princess Huaifu took a gentle sniff. Immediately, she felt her mind clear, and the lingering drowsiness from her restless night at Qinghan Temple vanished. A look of surprise crossed her face.

  "It truly works. I feel instantly refreshed," she remarked. "And the scent is so subtle and elegant. Does this fragrance have a name?"