The young ladies’ area was meticulously arranged by Bai Qingqing, ensuring comfort and elegance. The selection of pastries and tea fruits was impeccable, and the blooming flowers were neatly placed under the corridor, allowing the guests to admire them without being exposed to the sun.

  In addition to that, she had prepared games such as Feihua Ling and Touhu for entertainment, even setting up prizes to enhance the fun, ensuring that all guests could fully enjoy themselves.

  The fragrance used in the room was a special floral scent she had personally blended—light and not overwhelming, lingering subtly in the air. Many guests were secretly inquiring about its origin.

  Bai Yaoyao was quite proud as she declared, “This was made by my sister herself. You won’t find it anywhere else. I also use the fragrance my sister made—she’s truly amazing.”

  Before Bai Qingqing could stop her younger sister from boasting, she had already spoken. With no other choice, Bai Qingqing let it be and sent someone to check on her elder brother’s side.

  The male guests' banquet area was arranged with a more refined and understated elegance, yet it was no less meticulously prepared. Bai Qingqing had chosen several renowned paintings of camellia flowers for display and had even found a special wine brewed with camellia flowers. The wine had a mild strength but carried a distinct flavor, earning much praise.

  Seeing the banquet proceed smoothly, Bai Qingqing finally let out a breath of relief. Seizing a moment of respite, she strolled through the courtyard to admire the flowers as well.

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  Flowers lined the pathways of the residence—not particularly rare or precious varieties, yet they bloomed vibrantly, competing in beauty and attracting a few early spring butterflies fluttering about.

  Just as she was absorbed in the sight, Zidai gently tugged at her sleeve. Bai Qingqing heard footsteps approaching from behind.

  She straightened up, about to greet the newcomer, but upon recognizing them, the warmth in her smile froze slightly.

  She hadn’t expected to see Lu Qingyun here.

  In her past life, before marrying into the royal family, Bai Qingqing had never even known of Lu Qingyun’s existence. It wasn’t until later, through the princess consort, that she learned the truth. Back then, she had been deeply in love with Fu Yi, and out of fear that she might harm Lu Qingyun, he had carefully protected her and sent her away.

  When Bai Qingqing finally found out, she felt deeply wronged. Was that how Fu Yi saw her?

  Later, she met Lu Qingyun once. As the princess consort had described, she was indeed charming and lively, full of spirit. Standing beside Fu Yi and the princess consort, they looked like a perfect pair—an ideal couple in every sense.

  While Bai Qingqing was scrutinizing Lu Qingyun, the latter was also assessing her, feeling an increasing sense of unease.

  So this was the Bai family’s young lady that her aunt had spoken of? She was even more breathtaking than the rumors described. With such beauty, no wonder her cousin had taken an interest in her!

  “Which noble family does this young lady belong to? You seem unfamiliar—I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

  Bai Qingqing’s smile returned, her voice warm and approachable as she inquired. Lu Qingyun, dressed in an elegant, refined outfit, bore a striking resemblance in demeanor to the princess consort. Yet, instead of answering, she remarked, “I heard this entire banquet was organized by Miss Bai herself? How impressive.”

  “Did you not hear my question?”

  Lu Qingyun blinked her large, innocent eyes. “Guests are all welcome here, yet Miss Bai speaks as if conducting an interrogation.”

  “Zidai, go and check which household this young lady belongs to. Did she present an invitation upon entry? All the young ladies invited by Yaoyao are known to me. How could the gatekeepers be so careless as to let someone in without verification?”

  Bai Qingqing’s smile faded as she gave the order. As Zidai turned to leave, Lu Qingyun’s innocent expression wavered, and the servant behind her hastily spoke up, “Miss Bai, my lady is from the Pingqin Prince’s Manor…”

  “Lies! I personally reviewed the guest list for this banquet, and the Pingqin Prince’s Manor was not among the invited households. How bold of you to falsely claim ties to the prince’s estate! What are your intentions?”