The scent White Qingqing smelled on Ning Yan last night had been lingering in her mind—she felt like she had encountered it before. Now, thinking back, it was strikingly similar to the fragrance she had once accidentally created!

  A chill ran down her spine, and goosebumps rose on her skin. "Find out who handled the disposal of the incense back then," she instructed. "Don’t ask directly—just inquire discreetly."

  "Yes, Miss," Zidai responded and left.

  Left alone in the room, White Qingqing felt restless. Sitting wasn’t comfortable, nor was standing. "It must be just a coincidence," she muttered to herself. "Yes, maybe it's just similar in scent."

  She tried to reassure herself and sat down on the soft couch. This had never happened in her previous life—surely, she was just overthinking.

  But… should she tell Ning Yan about this?

  White Qingqing decided to set the troubling matter aside until after the prayer ceremony. These days, she visited Princess Huaifu every morning to pay her respects. The noblewomen of Xuancheng were astonished, saying she must be truly fortunate to receive such favor after just one meeting.

  With the princess’s favor, White Qingqing’s status would surely rise significantly.

  "This one smells wonderful too. It’s not too strong, but its sweetness lingers, making one’s heart itch with desire. It’s more delightful than anything in the palace," Huaifu remarked.

  She no longer doubted White Qingqing’s skill in fragrance-making. Each scent presented struck her preferences perfectly—some sweet, some elegant, some cool, and some enchanting. Each had its unique charm and did not blend into the ordinary, making them stand out remarkably.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "Are you really giving these to me?"

  White Qingqing smiled. "It is my honor that Your Highness likes them. The fragrances in the palace are crafted by renowned masters; mine are just small experiments—nothing more than a novelty."

  "You don’t need to be so modest. It is precisely because I’ve encountered countless fine things that I can distinguish the truly exceptional from the ordinary."

  Huaifu had a good impression of White Qingqing. With no other attendants in the room, she twirled the tassel of a sachet around her finger and spoke as if to herself, "I never imagined incense could have such varied effects—making people laugh, cry, feel joy, or fall into sorrow. It truly is fascinating."

  "In the palace, medicine and herbs are strictly regulated, but incense is not," she continued. "Your incense-making skills may be of use to me."

  White Qingqing was stunned. She hadn't expected Princess Huaifu to be so straightforward. The sudden revelation left her at a loss for words, but at the same time, she felt a quiet understanding—despite her high status and royal favor, the princess’s life didn’t seem so smooth after all.

  "If Your Highness ever needs my help, please feel free to ask."

  Huaifu smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. "Aren’t you afraid of getting involved? Do you even know what I intend to do?"

  "I may not be wise, but I do know that if Your Highness is willing to take the risk of speaking to me so openly, you must be facing difficulties," White Qingqing answered calmly. "I may not have much experience, but I do believe that women should help one another—regardless of rank or status."

  A flicker of emotion stirred in Huaifu’s gaze. After White Qingqing left, she leaned against a soft pillow, running her fingers over each of the incense boxes.

  "The world says I am doubly blessed, and indeed, I am. My luck is truly remarkable."

  Upon returning home, White Qingqing asked her mother about Princess Huaifu. "Everyone envies the princess, saying she is noble and favored, but I don’t think she lives as carefree a life as they assume."

  Lady Qiao lowered her voice and pulled her daughter aside. "His Majesty has several sisters, but only Princess Huaifu has yet to be engaged. She is not the youngest daughter of the late emperor—there are younger princesses who have already been betrothed."

  "Isn't it said that the emperor and Princess Huaifu share a deep sibling bond, and perhaps he simply wishes to keep her by his side a little longer?"