Bai Qingqing smiled gently but did not step forward. Instead, she responded gracefully, “This young lady has explained it very well. Even if it were me, I wouldn’t have anything to add.”

  She recognized the woman standing in the center, the one who seemed to harbor a subtle hostility toward her—Mo Kexin, the second daughter of the Marquis of Guangyang.

  Mo Kexin was also an avid lover of fragrances. In Bai Qingqing’s previous life, their names had often been mentioned together. Later…

  Later, Bai Qingqing had been devoted to Fu Yi, and Mo Kexin had openly declared her intent to compete with her. However, it was also rumored that she was favored by Fu Xiao, the eldest son of Prince Ping. The situation had been a mess. In the end, Bai Qingqing married Fu Yi, while Mo Kexin never entered the prince’s household.

  Thinking back now, Bai Qingqing found it rather amusing.

  “Miss Bai, what are you laughing at? If there’s something funny, why not share it with us?”

  Mo Kexin’s gaze fixed on Bai Qingqing’s beautiful face, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I’ve long heard of your expertise in fragrances and have wanted to learn from you. Would you be willing?”

  “You flatter me, Miss Mo. It’s merely a personal hobby, nothing worth mentioning.”

  “Are you implying that I am unworthy of competing with you?”

  “Not at all. You’re overthinking it.”

  “If that’s the case, then let’s just treat it as a bit of fun. I’m not the only one interested—many here are as well. Or is it that Miss Bai refuses to respect anyone here?”

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  The moment those words fell, Luo Lanqi’s expression darkened. Wasn’t this just outright bullying?

  She immediately wanted to stand up for Bai Qingqing, but Bai Qingqing gently tugged at her sleeve.

  What a great opportunity!

  “Miss Mo is absolutely right. It would indeed be improper to dampen everyone’s spirits. However, I simply have no interest today, so I’ll take my leave now.”

  Mo Kexin: “…”

  What was going on? She actually wanted to leave just like that? This wasn’t how she used to be!

  Bai Qingqing didn’t care what others thought. After offering a polite excuse, she turned to slip away. However, before she could leave, the previously silent Princess Consort of Prince Ping finally spoke.

  “If Qingqing isn’t interested, we shouldn’t force her. This banquet is meant for everyone’s enjoyment, not for putting people in difficult situations.”

  Mo Kexin’s face stiffened, and she stepped back without another word.

  The Princess Consort smiled kindly and beckoned to Bai Qingqing. “Come here, child, come to my side.”

  Bai Qingqing, unable to make her escape, felt rather displeased. She also couldn’t understand the Princess Consort’s intentions. Slowly, she walked forward, only to have the Princess Consort take her hand affectionately.

  “If you don’t wish to do something, no one can force you. If anything troubles you, just come to me.”

  The expressions of those present varied. The way the Princess Consort treated Bai Qingqing seemed to imply something significant.

  Bai Qingqing subtly withdrew her hand while bowing and smiled sweetly. “Your Highness is too kind. No wonder Miss Lu said you are as warm and caring as a mother—she was absolutely right.”

  She paused for a moment before adding, “Speaking of which, why isn’t Miss Lu here today? I felt an instant connection with her and was hoping to spend more time together.”

  The mention of Lu Qingyun made the surrounding women’s expressions shift again. There were no secrets among the noble ladies of Xuancheng, especially not ones as intriguing as this. Now, seeing Bai Qingqing address it so openly, her poised and unruffled demeanor made the Bai family’s stance all the more thought-provoking.

  The Princess Consort’s eyes flickered slightly before she smoothly changed the subject, simply urging Bai Qingqing to enjoy herself and relax for the day.

  Once Bai Qingqing stepped out of the fragrance hall, she let out a long breath of relief. Luo Lanqi had been held back to speak with someone, so Bai Qingqing decided to wander around for a bit, making an appearance before finding an excuse to leave.