After returning from the poetry gathering, Fu Yi grew sullen and withdrawn, no longer talkative, and his former obedience toward the princess had completely vanished. She knew he still held a grudge about her methods, but in her eyes, the boy was simply too rigid.

A man destined for greatness shouldn't be caught up in petty grievances. To make a fuss over such a trivial matter, and for the sake of an outsider no less—it was a foolish choice.

She could tolerate most things, but what truly vexed her was how Fu Yi now refused to comply with anything involving Lu Qingyun. Whatever she asked of him in that regard, he pushed back or evaded entirely.

So the princess summoned Lu Qingyun to question her. Lu stood with her head bowed, mumbling, “Perhaps… Cousin overheard some rumors outside and found them inappropriate.”

“That boy is just too thin-skinned. So what if a man gets talked about a little?” The princess sighed, taking Lu Qingyun’s hand and softening her tone. “Don’t be upset. I raised Yi’er myself—I know him best. He’s just embarrassed. You and he grew up together, and I know your heart, child. I’ll make sure justice is done for you.”

A shy, gentle smile crept onto Lu Qingyun’s face as the princess pulled her into a warm embrace.

“I have no daughters of my own, and I’ve long seen you as one. I used to think you might have to wait and suffer some disappointment, but now… it seems there’s no need at all. Let the rumors come true, then.”

“Aunt…”

The princess stroked her silky hair and smiled, sweet and serene. “Give it a little more time, and you may have to start calling me something else.”

While the two of them basked in affection, Fu Yi stood before Prince Ping in a room filled with a heavy silence.

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“His Majesty’s intentions have grown unclear of late,” the prince said slowly. “He brought up old events, things buried long ago, and summoned me along with the Duke of England. It brought back memories of the days when we fought side by side on the battlefield… How swiftly the years have passed.”

He paused, then changed the subject. “And what of you and the girl from the Bai family? Back when Bai Jinghuai and I were brothers-in-arms, we used to joke about arranging a child betrothal. Who would’ve thought that after all these years, the match your mother chose for you would turn out to be a daughter of the Bai family? Truly, fate works in mysterious ways.”

Fu Yi was silent for a moment. “Mother has spoken unfavorably of Bai Qingqing and wants me to marry Lu Qingyun.”

Prince Ping’s expression darkened. “Absurd! She must have lost her senses. It's one thing to raise another’s daughter in the house, but how could she treat your marriage like a child’s game?”

“There are already rumors about me and Lu Qingyun spreading outside. Mother treats her with affection, and I… I have no way to refute them.”

Fu Yi looked helpless. Prince Ping glared at him. “You can’t even handle this? I know you’re filial, but there’s a difference between being dutiful and being a fool! This entire prince’s estate will one day be yours—are you going to let it slide into disorder just like this?”

He paced back and forth in the study. “Tomorrow I’ll have someone send Lu Qingyun away. She’s been living here for years with all the comforts of home—now that she’s of age, it’s no longer appropriate for a young lady to keep staying under someone else’s roof.”

That was the end of it. Prince Ping had no intention of asking the princess’s opinion.

“Word from the palace is that the Princess of Huaifu will be attending this year’s Summer Calendar Festival. You’d best present yourself well then. I’ll speak with Bai Jinghuai again, and perhaps we can finally settle this matter.”

“Oh, and Consort Xian sent over a box of incense—take it to your mother for me. She asked the Princess of Huaifu for it, said the fragrance was lovely and set aside a little just for her. Consider it a small consolation for sending Lu Qingyun away.”

Fu Yi accepted the incense box with a casual glance—only to freeze, as though struck by lightning.

The name of the fragrance was written on the lid: “Enduring as Water.”

Enduring as Water… In a daze, he saw a scene from his past life—Bai Qingqing, delighted, leaning playfully against his shoulder, showing him a new blend of incense she had made, eyes full of hope as she begged him to name it.