The day of Princess Ping’s visit soon arrived, and Bai Qingqing didn’t bother dressing up extravagantly. She wore her usual attire and even argued with her mother, “If I overdo it, the princess might misunderstand and think we have ulterior motives, that would be awful.”
Madam Qiao thought for a moment and agreed, so they welcomed Princess Ping and her entourage when they arrived.
Madam Qiao seated the princess in the most honored place, and the tea served was of the finest quality. The reception was polite yet warm, with no fault to be found.
After exchanging pleasantries with Madam Qiao, Princess Ping’s gaze shifted to the two daughters of the Bai family. Bai Yaoyao, full of life and energy, caught her attention for a moment before she turned her focus to Bai Qingqing.
Though Bai Qingqing wore ordinary clothes, she appeared strikingly graceful and refined in them. Her face was radiant, with a gentle, innocent charm that made her stand out, even when standing silently.
Princess Ping noticed that Fu Yi was also watching Bai Qingqing, and though her expression remained warm, she couldn’t help but furrow her brows slightly. She smiled and waved at Bai Qingqing, “Come closer, let me take a look. It’s been some time, and the eldest Miss Bai has become even more beautiful.”
Bai Qingqing was puzzled. When had Princess Ping ever praised her so? Still, she obediently stepped forward and bowed to the princess.
“Look at you, such a lovely young lady. I took a liking to you the moment I saw you. The incense you gave me last time was wonderful, far more pleasant than what I usually use. I was thinking, when can I get more from you?”
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Bai Qingqing’s face showed a mix of helplessness and unease, and she timidly replied, “I’m glad the princess liked it, but... I’m afraid many of those incense sticks were given to Princess Huai Fu.”
“...It’s fine, I was just mentioning it. When you make new ones, you can give them to me again.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness.”
Bai Qingqing didn’t say more and did her best to play the silent, dull vase, exactly what the princess had always criticized her for—slow-witted, lacking in tact, and far less charming than Fu Yi’s cousin. But now, the princess was praising her for being poised, graceful, and dignified. Bai Qingqing was utterly confused.
“Yi’er, come over here.”
Princess Ping called Fu Yi over and turned to Madam Qiao. “This is my son, Fu Yi. He’s usually absorbed in his studies, so quiet that it’s almost dull. I heard that the Duke’s residence now has many rare flowers and plants from Xuan Cheng. Why don’t you let Qingqing take him to see them?”
Madam Qiao’s heart skipped a beat. The princess’s words were clearly loaded with meaning. She looked up at her daughter, who remained calm and composed, and slowly relaxed. “Very well, Qingqing, Yaoyao, you two go with Master Fu to the garden.”
Princess Ping smiled again. “This must be Yaoyao? They say the Duke’s two daughters are like two flowers, one gentle and the other lively. I, on the other hand, regret not having a bright and carefree daughter. Yaoyao, would you mind keeping me company and having a chat?”
Madam Qiao’s expression changed at once. Just as she was about to say something, she saw Bai Qingqing subtly shake her head, and then, with elegant composure, she curtsied. “Then I’ll take Master Fu for a walk first.”
Princess Ping’s smile remained warm and kind. “Go ahead.”
Once Bai Qingqing and Fu Yi were out of the room, her expression grew distant.
She couldn’t understand what Princess Ping was up to. It felt as though there was a tangled mess in her mind.
Clearly, in this life, she had never sought to get closer to the Fu family. She had kept her distance from them, but now, the Fu family had come to her door, acting as though they were eager to pair her with Fu Yi.
It didn’t make sense!