Prince Ping had sent gift after gift, but Lady Qiao met them all with a polite yet chilly smile—either declining them with grace or returning items of equal value. Her attitude had shifted completely from her former warmth and accommodation; she remained courteous, but the boundaries she set were unmistakable.

More than once, she had said to Bai Jinghuai that their daughter Qingqing’s ability to laugh so freely now was due to her own strength and good fortune—and thanks to the help of Princess Huai Fu—not because Princess Consort Ping had done anything worthwhile. That woman had treated Qingqing like some object to be manipulated, and just because her scheme had failed didn’t mean it could be brushed aside.

Of course Bai Jinghuai understood, but he still had to see Fu Yanghong regularly at court, and that put him in a difficult position.

Fu Yanghong had repeatedly apologized in person, saying his wife needed a serious lesson, that he’d been furious when he found out what she’d done, and if the Bai family couldn’t forgive her, he was even considering casting her off. He insisted their years of friendship couldn’t be destroyed by the foolishness of one ignorant woman.

Bai Jinghuai could only sigh. “You know what it’s like in my household—our two daughters are our very hearts. My wife was so angry she nearly fell ill. I know this matter isn’t your doing… but perhaps we should let things cool down for now.”

Fu Yanghong’s brow creased slightly. “I’ve said this to you many times—you indulge your household too much. Yes, the girls are precious, but you are the head of the family. You need to assert your authority. You never listen. Are you really willing to throw away our years of friendship for their sake?”

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“You’re mistaken,” Bai Jinghuai said. “Since Siwen married me, it’s my duty not to let her suffer. Her family’s not nearby—if I don’t treat her well and listen to her, wouldn’t that be a betrayal?”

He and Fu Yanghong never quite saw eye to eye on this matter, so he rarely brought it up again.

“I can’t meddle in your household affairs, but I won’t let Siwen down. What your wife did was truly out of line—Siwen has every right to be angry. Maybe with time, her anger will fade. There’s no need to rush things, is there?”

Bai Jinghuai had a reputation in Xuancheng for being the kindest of men. Though he’d donned armor and earned glory on the battlefield, in daily life he was gentle, composed, and gracious—praised by all who knew him.

When it came to Bai Qingqing, no matter what Fu Yanghong said—whether he reasoned or pressured, cajoled or threatened—Bai Jinghuai held his ground. The invitation was quietly shelved.

He didn’t want to let his daughter down. After all that scheming by the Princess Consort of Prince Ping’s household, how could her father still act like nothing had happened and continue rubbing shoulders with Fu Yanghong? No father worth his name would do that.

Fu Yanghong tried persuading him several times to no avail. In the end, he had no choice but to give up, his frustration turning to resentment at his wife’s foolishness. She had no regard for their marriage at all. At last, he truly confined her to her courtyard.

Having received grace from above and successfully repaid Ning Yan’s favor, Bai Qingqing suddenly found her days growing easier.

She kept a close eye on any news about Fu Yi while occasionally buying information from Suiyun Pavilion, keeping tabs on the situation in the southwest. In her spare time, she returned to crafting incense.

Suiyun Pavilion had given her two orders for incense with different effects. After completing them and sending them over, she worried whether they’d be satisfied—only to receive a generous payment in return.

A great deal.

Qiyue told her the client was very pleased and reassured her once again that the incense would not be put to ill use.

Relieved, Bai Qingqing felt her private stash grow fat once more. She took Yaoyao out for a stroll through the streets, buying anything that caught her eye, sparing no expense.