The day of Princess Consort Ping’s visit arrived in the blink of an eye. Bai Qingqing did not dress up extravagantly and wore her usual attire. She even argued with her mother, "If I put too much effort into my appearance, the princess consort might misunderstand and think we have certain intentions. That wouldn’t be good."

  Madam Qiao thought about it and agreed, so she let her be. Once their guests arrived, she welcomed Princess Consort Ping and her entourage into the residence.

  Madam Qiao led the princess consort to the seat of honor and served the finest tea. She was both courteous and warm, ensuring that not a single flaw could be found in her hospitality.

  After exchanging pleasantries with Madam Qiao, Princess Consort Ping turned her attention to the Bai family's two daughters. Bai Yaoyao was lively and energetic, her personality exuberant. The princess consort only glanced at her briefly before shifting her focus to Bai Qingqing.

  Despite her simple attire, Bai Qingqing exuded an elegant and fresh charm. Her face was both bright and delicate, carrying a natural, youthful grace. Even by standing there quietly, she effortlessly drew attention.

  From the corner of her eye, the princess consort noticed that Fu Yi was also looking at Bai Qingqing. Her heart frowned imperceptibly, but her face remained gentle as she smiled and beckoned Bai Qingqing forward. "Come closer and let me have a look. It has been a while since we last met, and you have grown even more beautiful."

  Bai Qingqing was confused. Since when did the princess consort praise her like this? Even so, she remained composed and stepped forward to pay her respects.

  "Just look at this lovely girl," the princess consort said warmly. "I feel an immediate connection with you. The incense you gifted me last time was wonderful—far better than anything I usually use. I had been wondering when I might ask you for more."

  Bai Qingqing's expression showed clear reluctance and unease as she hesitantly replied, "If my humble work has pleased Your Highness, then I am honored. However… Chang Princess Huaifu has already taken quite a few of them…"

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  "…It's no matter," the princess consort said after a brief pause. "I was merely mentioning it. I can ask you for more whenever you make new ones in the future."

  "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness," Bai Qingqing responded politely, saying nothing more.

  She deliberately played the part of the reserved and dull-witted lady—the very type that Princess Consort Ping had never liked. In the past, the princess consort had repeatedly criticized her, saying that she lacked cleverness and insight, that she was far inferior to Fu Yi’s lively and charming cousin.

  And yet, now the princess consort was praising her for being poised and graceful? Bai Qingqing was utterly baffled.

  "Yi'er, come here," the princess consort suddenly called.

  Fu Yi stepped forward, and the princess consort turned to Madam Qiao with a smile. "This is my son, Fu Yi. He has always been deeply devoted to his studies, which I find rather dull. I heard that the Guogong Manor has acquired many rare flowers and plants not commonly seen in Xuancheng. Why not have Qingqing show him around?"

  Madam Qiao’s heart skipped a beat. The meaning behind the princess consort’s words was unmistakable. She looked toward Bai Qingqing, only to find her daughter's face calm and composed. Slowly, she relaxed and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea. Qingqing, Yaoyao, why don’t you accompany Young Master Fu for a stroll in the garden?"

  The princess consort smiled again. "This must be Yaoyao. They say the Guogong Manor has two precious daughters—one gentle and one playful. I have always regretted not having such a bright and carefree girl in my household. Yaoyao, would you be willing to chat with me for a while?"

  Madam Qiao’s expression changed slightly, and she was about to say something when she noticed Bai Qingqing subtly shake her head. Then, Bai Qingqing gracefully curtsied and said, "In that case, I shall take Young Master Fu for a walk."

  The princess consort’s smile remained warm and benevolent. "Go ahead."

  …

  As Bai Qingqing and Fu Yi stepped out of the hall, her expression grew distant.

  She had no idea what the princess consort was planning. It felt like a tangled mess in her mind, like an unraveled ball of yarn.

  In her past life, she had deliberately distanced herself from the Fu family, staying far away and maintaining her boundaries. So why was the Fu family now seeking her out? Why did they seem so eager to push her and Fu Yi together?

  This didn’t make any sense!