"Your Highness, this fragrance does not yet have a name. If you like it, you may give it one."

"Then... how about 'Clear Dew'? Like the fresh, transparent dew of the early morning."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

In truth, Bai Qingqing was never good at interacting with others. She had always been someone who followed the rules, quiet and reserved. The one time she ever acted out of character in both her lifetimes was when she fell deeply in love with Fu Yi, only to face a tragic end.

She was aware of her own weaknesses. This rare opportunity must not be wasted due to her nature.

"Please forgive my presumptuousness, but I noticed a hint of exhaustion between Your Highness's brows. Might you have had a restless night?"

Huaifu smiled. "Perhaps it's because I'm not used to being away from the palace. But it's no matter; it will only be a few days."

"Your Highness, as a person of great importance, nothing should be neglected. I have a fragrance called 'Light Pillow,' which is perfect for aiding sleep. Just placing it by your pillow will allow you to fall asleep easily and enjoy a restful night. Would you like to give it a try?"

Before Huaifu could respond, the elderly maid by her side spoke, "All items used by Her Highness have been carefully selected and scrutinized by the royal court or examined by the imperial physicians. Miss Bai's intentions are kind, but this action is truly inappropriate."

Bai Qingqing immediately apologized, "I apologize for my thoughtlessness. Please, Your Highness, punish me as you see fit."

Huaifu smiled and motioned for her to rise. "There’s no need for punishment. You meant well."

She then turned to the elderly maid, a half-smile on her lips, and shook the fragrance sachet in her hand. "I’ve smelled this fragrance without it being checked by the imperial physicians. Shouldn’t you be punishing me as well, maid?"

The maid fell to her knees with a thud. "I dare not."

"Must everything be inspected and verified? The incense at Qinghan Temple, the food offerings, the flowers from the back mountain, even the refreshing breeze... Should they all be checked one by one? If so, then go ahead, and if no results are found, don’t bother returning here."

The elderly maid on the floor trembled. "I... I..."

"Shall I say it again?"

The maid shuddered and crawled out. Huaifu returned to her previous modest, harmless demeanor, even giving Bai Qingqing a shy smile. "I’m sorry you had to witness this. I’ve put up with her for a long time, and it’s rare for me to have the chance to clean up a bit while outside the palace."

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Bai Qingqing was deeply shocked, unable to hide her expression. Her slightly dazed look made Huaifu laugh aloud. "Miss Bai must have been well taken care of. Some of the messier things are handled for you, and you’ve never seen this. It’s quite nice, really."

"I just thought that, as a noble princess, you wouldn’t need to endure such hardships. But I see I was wrong. Women, by nature, face challenges, but each one has their own burdens."

Huaifu’s gaze towards her shifted. She did not see the expected wariness or flattery, but rather a look that seemed to show firm resolve. Her tone, too, became less constrained than before. "Is there anything you need help with in the palace, Your Highness? I am unworthy, but I have unintentionally crafted a few fragrances with some use, such as those that can suppress appetite or help with nausea..."

Huaifu's eyes suddenly sparkled, and she waved for Bai Qingqing to come closer, pulling her down to sit by her side. "Is that so? Really? Come, tell me all about it!"

...

Bai Qingqing had spent a long time with Princess Huaifu. The more time she spent with her, the more she realized that the princess was completely different from what she had imagined, but she truly did have a fondness for fragrances.

Bai Qingqing was enjoying herself, but Qiao Shi was terribly worried. She couldn't show it on her face, so she forced a smile and engaged in idle conversation with those around her, just hoping her daughter would return soon.

"Here she comes, here she comes! Isn't that Qingqing?"

Someone spotted Bai Qingqing and quickly gathered around her. Qiao Shi grabbed her hand, warm and dry, and felt a little more at ease.

"Qingqing, what did Princess Huaifu say to you? We're all dying of curiosity. Come, tell us everything!"

Qiao Shi felt a twinge of displeasure upon hearing this and was about to snap, but Bai Qingqing pressed gently on her hand and smiled. "The princess doesn't often leave the palace and is curious about things outside, so she asked me some questions."

"That doesn't make sense. Why did she ask you?"

"Perhaps I caught her eye. If you don't believe me, you can ask the princess yourself. I'm curious too."

Her smile was gentle, and her words soft, leaving others feeling as if they were striking cotton—powerless. No one dared to ask the princess anything, so they let it go. However, it seemed that the eldest daughter of the Duke's residence had indeed changed from before.

Bai Qingqing couldn't extract any more information, and some people gave up on their inquiries. She seized the opportunity to glance around, but still, she did not see the Princess Consort of Ping.

How could that be? She had been on guard about this at the princess's place, but just then, someone nearby happened to mention it.

"I wonder what's going on at the Ping Prince's residence lately. There's been one mistake after another, with all sorts of problems. The Princess Consort hasn't even had time to come for such an important prayer."

"I've heard my lord mention it a few times. Apparently, the Ping Prince's subordinates have uncovered several things that at first glance don't seem like a big deal, but they keep coming up, and the emperor even reprimanded him."

"How could that happen? The Ping Prince is capable—trouble shouldn't come easily to him. Could it be... the Jinyiwei?"

"How would we know? Don't make random guesses, or you might bring trouble upon yourself."

Bai Qingqing listened intently, slightly stunned. This was something that hadn’t happened in her previous life. But back then, she was so focused on marrying Fu Yi—maybe she just didn’t notice? But the princess consort did attend the prayer back then, didn’t she?