Many of the noble ladies of Xuancheng were present as well. Upon seeing Madam Qiao and Bai Qingqing, they greeted them warmly, exchanging pleasantries with practiced ease.

Bai Qingqing stepped forward to pay her respects to Consort Xian. Her etiquette was flawless, every movement measured and precise. But even so, she caught the faint trace of disdain in the consort’s eyes. It was subtle, well hidden—but unmistakable.

Bai Qingqing wasn’t surprised. She carried on exactly as she should.

Consort Xian suppressed her displeasure. Just one look at Bai Qingqing’s enchanting appearance was enough to sour her mood—no proper girl from a good family should look so striking. It was too much, too conspicuous. And though the girl carried herself with quiet decorum, the way she avoided engaging with her spoke volumes. Calculating. Reserved. Dangerous.

With such a face, it was no wonder the young master of the Fu family had lost his senses over her, even forsaking the duties of mourning. A walking calamity, that’s what she was.

Forcing a smile that never touched her eyes, Consort Xian summoned Bai Qingqing to her side. Her gaze swept critically up and down before she turned to the Princess Consort of Prince Ping. “This girl is too eye-catching. There’s a point when beauty becomes a flaw. Don’t you want to reconsider?”

Those nearby perked up their ears at once. What was Her Highness implying? And why was she saying it to the Princess Consort?

The Princess Consort responded with a gentle, good-natured smile. “A child can’t choose her looks. The rest can be taught in time.”

Oh? Oh? Oh? There was definitely something going on that they hadn’t known!

In an instant, countless eyes turned toward Bai Qingqing. She stood there, caught between Consort Xian and the Princess Consort, left hanging like some item awaiting appraisal.

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Madam Qiao stepped forward, masking her fury with a gracious smile. She offered a bow and drew Bai Qingqing to her side. “Your Highness and Your Grace—what young lady are you speaking of? May we have the pleasure of seeing her as well?”

The Princess Consort immediately replied, “Why, we were just praising Qingqing—such a fresh and radiant girl.”

Madam Qiao’s smile was just as polished. “Your Highness flatters her. I see many young ladies here today, all more than worthy. If I recall correctly, Your Grace has a son who’s still unwed—why not take this chance to look around? As for my Qingqing, her fortune is too shallow; we wouldn’t dare delay such an important matter.”

Madam Qiao’s words were clear and steady, her demeanor upright and composed. The Princess Consort of Prince Ping looked slightly embarrassed, and even the smile on Consort Xian’s face froze, her tone turning stiff. “I happen to think your daughter and Fu Yi make a fine pair. Or is it that the Duchess of England looks down on the Prince Ping’s household?”

The atmosphere turned icy in an instant. Anyone with eyes could see the tension now hanging in the air.

Madam Qiao hadn’t expected Consort Xian to launch a public attack. She drew a deep breath. “Your Highness jests. I would never dare harbor such thoughts. It’s just that Her Grace, the Princess Consort, has long had someone in mind for her daughter-in-law—most in Xuancheng are well aware of it.”

Consort Xian, growing impatient, snapped, “That’s someone she raised like a daughter, kept close at her side. Besides, wasn’t it your daughter who pushed to have the girl sent away?”

Bai Qingqing quickly grabbed her mother’s hand, giving it a firm squeeze to keep her calm. Then she stepped forward and spoke respectfully, “When exactly is Your Highness referring to? Though you are noble and exalted, and I hold you in the highest regard, I also wish to protect my own name. Surely, Your Highness would not forbid me from defending myself?”

Consort Xian, who had been about to lash out, was forced to bite her tongue. What else could she say now? The girl had sealed off every avenue of attack with a single sentence—sharp-tongued little viper.

“What’s there to defend?” Consort Xian huffed. “The Princess Consort herself said it—she’s already been sent away.”

A flicker of irritation crossed the Princess Consort’s face. Consort Xian had many qualities, but subtlety was not one of them. Most of the time, her bluntness was useful. But now? She’d blurted out something that should never have been spoken aloud in such a setting.