Bai Qingqing smiled gently but didn’t step forward. Instead, she softly said, “This young lady speaks well. If I were in her place, I wouldn’t know what else to add.”
She recognized the woman standing in the middle, the one who was subtly giving off an air of hostility toward her. It was the second daughter of the Marquis of Guangyang’s family, Mo Kexin.
Mo Kexin was also fond of incense. In her previous life, their names were often mentioned together, and later...
Later, Bai Qingqing’s heart had been set on Fu Yi, and Mo Kexin had even made it clear that she intended to compete for him. But then she heard that Mo Kexin was favored by the eldest son of the Prince Ping’s residence, Fu Xiao. It was all a mess. Her relationship with Mo Kexin had been strained, and in the end, Bai Qingqing married Fu Yi, while Mo Kexin never entered the prince’s residence.
Looking back, Bai Qingqing found it all rather amusing.
“Why is Miss Bai smiling?” Mo Kexin’s gaze was fixed on Bai Qingqing’s beautiful face, her lips pressed into a straight line. “I’ve long heard of Miss Bai’s expertise in incense and have been wanting to experience it for myself. Would you be willing?”
“Miss Mo flatters me. It’s just a hobby of mine in my spare time, nothing worth mentioning.”
“Does Miss Bai think I’m unworthy of a match against you?”
“Not at all. You are overthinking it, Miss Mo.”
“Since that’s the case, let it be a bit of fun. There’s more than just me interested in this. With so many people here, Miss Bai wouldn’t refuse everyone, would she?”
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At these words, Luo Lanqi’s expression changed. Wasn’t this just bullying others with power?
She immediately wanted to step in, but Bai Qingqing gently tugged her sleeve.
What a perfect opportunity!
“Miss Mo’s words are indeed right. I shouldn’t disturb everyone’s enjoyment. It’s just that I have no interest today, so I’ll excuse myself and leave first.”
What was going on with her? Was she really just going to leave so decisively? She wasn’t before…
Bai Qingqing didn’t have time to think about what others might be thinking. After apologizing, she planned to slip away, but to her surprise, it was the previously silent and aloof Princess Ping who finally spoke up, “Since Qingqing has no interest, how can we force her? This banquet is for everyone’s enjoyment, not to make anyone uncomfortable.”
Mo Kexin’s face tightened, and she retreated to the side, no longer speaking.
The princess kindly waved at Bai Qingqing, “Come, child, come to my side.”
Bai Qingqing didn’t leave. She wasn’t happy, and she couldn’t understand the princess’s intentions. Slowly, she walked over, only to have the princess warmly take her hand.
“If you’re unwilling, no one will make you do it. If there’s anything bothering you, feel free to tell me.”
The expressions of those around them varied. The way the princess treated Bai Qingqing seemed to signify something important.
Bai Qingqing used the excuse of a curtsy to gently pull her hand away, her smile pure and innocent. “Your Highness is too kind. No wonder Miss Lu said you were as affectionate as a mother; she wasn’t wrong at all.”
She paused for a moment. “By the way, where is Miss Lu today? I hit it off with her right away and was hoping to get closer.”
Mentioning Lu Qingyun, the expressions of those around them shifted again. In the women’s circles of Xuan City, there were no secrets, especially with something as interesting as this. Word had spread quickly, and now, seeing Bai Qingqing mention it openly with such calmness, the implications of the Bai family’s position were worth considering.
The princess’s eyes flickered, and she quickly changed the subject, suggesting that Bai Qingqing enjoy herself today and relax.
As she left the Fragrance Appreciation Pavilion, Bai Qingqing let out a long sigh of relief. Luo Lanqi had stayed behind to chat with someone, so Bai Qingqing decided to take a leisurely stroll, planning to find a casual excuse to leave.