The legitimate eldest daughter of the Duke of England’s family, yet as blank as a piece of white paper, it was clear she had been indulged too much. Such remarks, Bai Qingqing had heard more than once. She wasn’t without regret in her heart and had wanted to make amends, to learn something to remedy the situation, but the princess had little patience to teach her, fearing she would bring shame to the Wang family.

Now, Bai Qingqing wanted to learn everything and was willing to learn anything. Under Qiao Shi's patient guidance, everything was arranged neatly. Even her elder brother, Bai Yan, couldn't help but praise her. “Seeing Qingqing handling things so systematically, even I’m tempted to invite some people to the house for a flower-viewing event.”

“Brother, please feel free to invite them, just don’t mind if I overlook any details.”

That would certainly not be the case. It was Bai Qingqing's first time hosting a banquet, and Bai Yan couldn’t hide his excitement as a proud older brother. He quickly sent out invitations, and before the flower-viewing event was even held, the atmosphere at the Duke of England's residence had already become lively.

Bai Yan had carefully chosen the guests, selecting those who were good at supporting others, those who were straightforward, and those who were tolerant and inclusive...

“Master, you’ve been holding on to the invitation from the Prince of Ping’s household. Are you going to send it or not?”

Bai Yan hesitated. His father had a decent relationship with the Prince of Ping's household, and the two families occasionally interacted, so it would be proper to invite them. But it was also being said in Xuan City that the Princess of Ping was looking for a wife for her son. Sending the invitation now might make people think the Bai family had that intention, and he was conflicted.

“Forget it, send it. Whether they come or not is up to them.”

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Xuan Shu took the invitation and then pulled out another red, gold-embossed invitation. “This one…”

“You can send it along the way. It’s just a formality. In Xuan City, no matter who is hosting a banquet, they always send one over. No one has ever actually come, but we’ll follow the tradition.”

Bai Yaoyao invited all her familiar friends and then realized that her elder sister, who was busy with the banquet preparations, hadn’t sent out any invitations.

“Elder sister, aren’t you inviting anyone? How about you give me a list, and I’ll handle the invitations?”

Bai Qingqing had just finished confirming the types and quantities of pastries to be used that day, and was finally able to sit down and take a break. She shook her head upon hearing Bai Yaoyao, “I don’t have anyone I wish to invite.”

“How could that be? Aren’t you close with the Gu family and the Tian family sisters?”

Bai Qingqing had once thought so, believing she had good relations and many friends. She had even secretly felt a little proud of it.

But later, Bai Qingqing realized it had only been because she was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Duke of England's family. The flattery and praise she received from those people were all due to her status.

When she saw that the heir of the Prince of Ping’s household was not particularly warm toward her, those so-called friendships quickly disappeared. Who would want to invest their thoughts in an unfavored princess consort?

“I have many things to do for this banquet, so I’m not able to entertain anyone. We can talk about it later. Have you sent out your invitations?”

Bai Yaoyao’s attention was diverted, and she started talking about the people she wanted to invite.

At the Prince of Ping's residence, Fu Yi received Bai Yan’s invitation, and a complex mix of emotions filled him.

He certainly wanted to go—only by going to the Bai family’s house could he meet Qingqing. Since his return, he had been focused on making up for the wrongs he had done to her. However, she no longer appeared before him as often as she did in the past life. Fu Yi was desperate, yet at a loss for what to do.

“Master, the princess requests your presence.”

Fu Yi instinctively tucked the invitation away before going to see the princess.

His mother always carried herself with an air of superiority, even toward her own son, maintaining the dignity of a princess consort at all times.

After dismissing those around her, the princess spoke in a languid voice, “Did the Bai family send you an invitation?”