Prince Ping’s Residence.

  After returning from the Duke of Engnd’s residence, the princess consort patiently waited for news. In her mind, she had already made her intentions clear—there was no way the Duchess of Engnd wouldn’t understand. By now, the marriage between their two families should have been well underway.

  Yet, several days passed, and the Duke’s family sent no word. Instead, they simply returned the courtesy gifts in the same measure.

  “What do they mean by this? Are they dissatisfied with Yi’er? Do they think they can afford to be picky?”

  The princess consort had been facing setbacks tely. Because of this marriage matter, Fu Yi had been troubled and was noticeably more distant from her than before. And now, the Duke of Engnd’s household was acting this way.

  “Do they really think I have no other options?”

  Momo Ruan approached from the doorway. “Your Highness, don’t be angry. If that’s the case, then it’s Bai family’s girl who cks fortune. Fangrong just reported that His Highness has returned—he wishes to see you.”

  Only then did the princess consort restrain her anger, straighten her attire, and go to meet him.

  When Prince Ping saw her, he actually wore a rare smile. “It seems my wife has a keen eye.”

  “What does Your Highness mean by this?”

  Prince Ping personally pulled her to sit down before slowly expining, “Today, His Majesty entrusted the vacant position in the Ministry of Revenue to the Duke of Engnd. Do you know why? I looked into it and found out that it was because Princess Huai Fu praised the Duke’s eldest daughter in front of His Majesty, who then commended him for raising his children well.”

  “That Bai girl must be quite fortunate to have earned such favor from Princess Huai Fu. Didn’t you consider her for Yi’er? An excellent choice!”

  The princess consort: “……”

  “Are you certain about this, My Lord? I didn’t see anything particurly remarkable about that Bai girl. I doubt she is the one Princess Huai Fu admires.”

  “How could it be false? The princess herself said that she pns to summon her to the pace in a few days. Her fondness is obvious. That old fox Bai Jinghuai is truly lucky—his eldest son and daughter are both outstanding.”

  Prince Ping seemed to think of his own sons. Among them, only his eldest illegitimate son, Fu Xiao, and his legitimate son, Fu Yi, were truly presentable.

  “You have better judgment than Chun’er. I thought the girl Chun’er picked for Xiao—Marquis Guangyang’s daughter—was already a good match, but this Bai girl is even better.”

  Hearing him compare her to Zhou Sichun, a mere concubine, the princess consort felt stifled with anger. However, she couldn’t outright say that the Bai family might not be interested. So, she had no choice but to hold back her frustration and accept it.

  Back in her own quarters, she finally let her emotions erupt. Her fists clenched as they rested on the armrest. If she wanted to outshine that wretched Zhou Sichun, securing Yi’er’s marriage was of utmost importance.

  Thinking about it this way, Bai Qingqing truly was the best choice.

  Since the Bai family refused to see reason, she would have to resort to other means!

  At Bai Residence.

  Bai Qingqing had been feeling unsettled ever since the incident with the mysterious incense. When someone from Yani Tower came looking for her, she was still in a daze.

  “Steward Ge wants to see me?”

  After a brief thought, she instructed her maid to decline the invitation. However, when Zidai returned from delivering the message, she whispered mysteriously, “Miss, the visitor said that it’s actually Miss Qiyue who wishes to see you.”

  “Send someone back to confirm. I will keep my promise and go.”

  When Ge Shao received the response, he stroked his beard with a kind, hearty smile. “Young Master’s pn works brilliantly.”

  Bai Qingqing had no idea why Qiyue wanted to see her, but she found it hard to refuse an invitation from a beauty.

  So, even though her mind was still preoccupied with the matter of the incense, she made her way to Yani Tower on the appointed day.

  It was the same private room as before. Without needing to ask, attendants promptly served tea, fresh fruit, and pastries. When Bai Qingqing looked at them, she realized—they were all the items she had enjoyed the most during her st visit.