The princess loved fragrances, and Bai Qingqing was skilled in making them—it was not without reason that they became acquainted. However, what a pity. She had originally thought that Bai Qingqing’s gentle nature would make befriending the princess useless. Rather than that, it would have been better to offer the princess this connection through herself, drawing her closer to Prince Ping’s household.

“Princess Consort, I hear that after the prayer gathering, quite a few people have been subtly inquiring about Bai Qingqing’s marriage prospects. What do you think…?”

The consort’s expression shifted slightly. She slowly picked up her teacup, lightly stirring the leaves with the lid. “She’s rather fortunate. I had thought her worth lay only in being the Duke’s daughter, but if that is the case, then I suppose she is worth a little more of my effort.”

She considered briefly. “Send an invitation to the Duke of England’s household. I will be bringing Yi’er to visit in a few days.”

The old maid responded with a smile, “Your Highness is wise. After this move, those who were hesitating will likely back down. Who would dare compete with Prince Ping’s household for her?”

“Heh, it’s just a woman. There’s no need to compete. I simply dislike having what I’ve set my eyes on coveted by others.”

…

Bai Qingqing returned home, and the very next day, a visitor arrived from the palace. It was a close-serving palace maid of Princess Huai Fu. Silently, she took away the fragrances Bai Qingqing had prepared and handed her a small, round bronze token.

“Her Highness wishes to convey that she accepts Miss Bai’s goodwill. In the future, if you have any wishes, as long as Her Highness can fulfill them, this token will serve as proof.”

Bai Qingqing saw the maid off and stared at the token in her hand, momentarily dazed. Then, joy surged in her heart. She had not sought any benefit from the princess upon learning of her situation—merely borrowing her name was already enough. Yet, unexpectedly, an unintentional act had led to this promise.

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Carefully, she tucked the token away, feeling a newfound sense of security. Perhaps, just perhaps, she could truly help the Bai family avoid disaster!

“Miss.”

Zidai entered the room, shut the door, and swiftly approached Bai Qingqing, lowering her voice. “I’ve looked into it. While I was away, Qinglian and Xueyue took turns attending to you. They were also the ones handling the ruined incense. But according to Xiaotao, the little maid who sweeps the courtyard, there were a few days when Xueyue wasn’t feeling well. Out of consideration, Qinglian took over all her tasks, including handling the incense.”

After a brief pause, Zidai added, “Earlier, Qinglian asked me about your incense-making several times. I didn’t think much of it at the time and assumed she was just curious…”

Bai Qingqing fell into thought. “If I recall correctly, the household purchases were also managed by Qinglian?”

“Yes.”

“Have Xueyue take over that responsibility. If Qinglian asks to see me, don’t stop her.”

Purchasing household goods was an important duty and not one that was easily reassigned. Soon enough, Qinglian came to Bai Qingqing’s quarters, seeking an audience.

Her eyes were swollen, tear stains still visible on her delicate face as she knelt before Bai Qingqing, looking pitiful. “Have I done something to upset you, Miss? Punish me however you wish—beat me, scold me, I don’t mind. Just… please don’t take my duties away. Please don’t send me away from your service.”

Looking at the frail figure on the ground, Bai Qingqing suddenly recalled something—her past life.

When she had married into Prince Ping’s household, she had been allowed to bring two personal maids. Qinglian had knelt just like this, pleading to be taken along.

Thinking she was loyal, Bai Qingqing had agreed, bringing both Qinglian and Zidai with her. Later, when she found herself receiving little favor in the prince’s household, she had initially hoped to rely on the Bai family’s support. So she had Qinglian return home to relay messages.

But every message Qinglian brought back had only been disheartening. Slowly, Bai Qingqing gave up on seeking help.

Later, Qinglian had come to her in tears, saying her mother was gravely ill and begging for permission to return to Bai Manor to fulfill her final duty as a daughter. Bai Qingqing had agreed.

From that moment on, only Zidai remained by her side.