"Your Highness, this incense does not yet have a name. If you like, you may grant it one."

  "Then... how about calling it 'Clear Dew'? As fresh and transparent as morning dew."

  "Many thanks, Your Highness."

  Bai Qingqing had never been particularly skilled at socializing. She had always been a rule-abiding, low-key, and reserved person. The only time she ever acted out of character, in both her lifetimes, was when she fell deeply in love with Fu Yi—only to meet a tragic end.

  She was well aware of her weaknesses. This was a rare opportunity, and she could not afford to waste it because of her natural disposition.

  "Forgive my boldness, Your Highness, but I notice a trace of weariness between your brows. Have you not been able to rest well?"

  Huai Fu smiled slightly. "Perhaps it is simply because I am not used to being outside the palace. But it is of no consequence—it is only for a few days."

  "Your Highness is of noble status and must not suffer even the slightest discomfort. I have an incense called 'Light Pillow' that is excellent for sleep. Placed beside your pillow, it will help you drift into a deep and peaceful slumber. Would you like to try it?"

  Before Huai Fu could speak, the elderly maid beside her interjected, "Everything the Princess uses is carefully selected through layers of royal tributes or examined by the imperial physicians. Your kindness is appreciated, Miss Bai, but such an offer is truly inappropriate."

  Bai Qingqing immediately bowed to apologize. "I have been inconsiderate. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

  Huai Fu smiled and motioned for her to rise. "There is nothing to punish you for; you meant well."

  Then, she turned her head slightly to glance at the maid, her expression carrying a hint of amusement. She shook the sachet in her hand and said, "I have already smelled this incense without having it examined by an imperial physician. Should I be punished as well?"

  With a loud thud, the elderly maid dropped to her knees. "This servant would not dare."

  "The temple incense, the vegetarian meals sent to us, the fragrance of flowers from the back hill, the breeze that brushes past—must all of these be examined as well? If so, then you may go and inspect them. And if you fail to come back with any results, do not bother returning to me at all."

  The old maid trembled violently. "This servant… this servant…"

  "Must I repeat myself?"

  The maid shuddered and crawled out, trembling. Huai Fu, once again, resumed her gentle and harmless demeanor. She even gave Bai Qingqing an apologetic smile. "I must have made a spectacle of myself. But I have endured her for too long—since I am finally outside the palace, it is a good chance to tidy things up a bit."

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  Bai Qingqing was utterly shocked. She couldn’t even hide it, her slightly dazed expression making Huai Fu laugh out loud. "Miss Bai must have been raised very well. It seems others have always shielded you from the messier aspects of life. That is a good thing."

  "I just thought that someone as noble as the Princess wouldn’t have to struggle so much. But I suppose I was mistaken. Life as a woman is never easy—it just manifests in different ways."

  Huai Fu’s gaze shifted subtly, as if she had seen something in Bai Qingqing’s eyes—something resolute. Even her tone became different from the cautious politeness of earlier. "Is there anything the Princess needs help with while in the palace? I am not particularly skilled, but by chance, I have experimented with some useful incenses—for instance, one that reduces appetite, or another that alleviates nausea and vomiting…"

  Huai Fu’s eyes lit up visibly. She beckoned Bai Qingqing closer, grabbing her hand and pulling her to sit beside her. "Really? Really? Tell me everything in detail!"

  Bai Qingqing stayed with Princess Huai Fu for quite a long time. The more time she spent with her, the more she realized that this princess was nothing like she had imagined. But one thing was certain—she truly loved incense.

  While Bai Qingqing was having a pleasant conversation, her mother, Madam Qiao, was growing increasingly anxious. However, she couldn’t let her concern show, so she forced a smile and continued exchanging pleasantries with those around her, all the while hoping her daughter would return soon.

  "There she is! Isn't that Qingqing?"

  As soon as someone spotted Bai Qingqing, the crowd immediately swarmed around her.

  Madam Qiao grasped Bai Qingqing’s hand—it was warm and dry, which eased her worries slightly.

  "Qingqing, what did the Princess talk to you about? We’re all dying of curiosity—quickly, tell us!"

  Hearing this, Madam Qiao felt displeased and was about to intervene, but Bai Qingqing gently pressed her hand and smiled. "The Princess rarely leaves the palace and is curious about the outside world. She simply called me over to ask about a few things."

  "That can't be right. Why would she choose you, of all people, to ask?"

  "Perhaps she found me agreeable," Bai Qingqing replied with a gentle smile, her voice soft and unyielding. "If you don't believe me, you may ask the Princess yourself. I’m curious too."

  Her warm smile and smooth words felt like trying to punch a cushion—leaving the others powerless to argue. Who among them dared to actually question the Princess? If she refused to elaborate, then so be it. However, the Duke's eldest daughter truly seemed different from before.

  Seeing that they couldn’t get anything more out of her, some people's curiosity gradually faded. Bai Qingqing seized the moment to glance around—yet, she still did not see Princess Consort Ping.

  How could that be? She had been wary of her while at the Princess’s side. Just then, someone nearby happened to bring up the matter.

  "I wonder what’s been going on with Prince Ping’s household lately. Problems keep cropping up—big and small, one after another. Even for such an important prayer ceremony, the Princess Consort couldn’t make it."

  "My husband mentioned something about it too," another person added. "Apparently, Prince Ping’s subordinates have uncovered several cases. None of them seem serious at first glance, but when they keep piling up like this, even His Majesty scolded him in court."

  "How could this happen? With Prince Ping’s abilities, it shouldn’t be easy for anyone to cause trouble for him. Could it be… the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

  "How would we know? You shouldn’t make wild guesses—you might bring trouble upon yourself."

  Bai Qingqing took in everything, momentarily stunned. This had never happened in her past life. But back then, she had been solely focused on marrying Fu Yi—could she have simply overlooked it?

  Yet, in her previous life, the Princess Consort had attended the prayer ceremony.