Chapter 22 Which Lady of the Family

Among the young ladies, Bai Qingqing had arranged everything with exquisite care and comfort. The assortment of pastries and tea fruits was impeccable, and rows of blooming flowers were neatly placed under the veranda, allowing the girls to admire them without being exposed to the sun. Beyond that, she had also prepared games such as the Flying Flower Verse and Pitch-Pot, adding small prizes to make them more engaging, ensuring the guests enjoyed themselves to the fullest. The fragrance used inside the house was a floral scent she had personally blended—light yet lingering, never overwhelming, wafting subtly through the air. Many guests were secretly inquiring about its source. Bai Yaoyao, feeling immensely proud, declared, “This was made by my elder sister herself. You won’t find it anywhere else! The scent I use is also her creation—my sister is truly amazing.” Bai Qingqing had no time to stop Yaoyao from boasting and simply let her be, while sending someone to check on the men’s banquet. The gathering for the male guests was designed to be elegant and understated, yet it was no less thoughtful. Bai Qingqing had selected several renowned paintings of camellias for display and had even gone to great lengths to acquire a special wine brewed from camellia flowers. The wine was mild in strength but carried a unique charm, earning high praise. Seeing that everything was proceeding smoothly as planned, Bai Qingqing finally allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. Seizing a rare moment of leisure, she wandered through the garden, taking in the flowers. Along the pathways of the residence, flowers had been arranged as well—though not of rare varieties, they were still vibrant and beautiful, blooming in a contest of colors, attracting early spring butterflies that flitted about, reluctant to leave. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. She was lost in admiration when Zidai gently tugged at her sleeve. Bai Qingqing heard footsteps approaching from behind. Straightening herself, she was about to greet the newcomer, but upon recognizing the person, the warmth in her smile stiffened slightly. She had not expected to see Lu Qingyun here. In her past life, before marrying into the prince’s household, Bai Qingqing had never even heard of Lu Qingyun. It wasn’t until much later that she learned—from the princess consort’s own lips—that back then, while she had been deeply in love with Fu Yi, he had feared she might harm Lu Qingyun and had carefully hidden her away, sending her elsewhere. When Bai Qingqing found out, she had been filled with grievance. Was that truly how Fu Yi saw her? Later, she met Lu Qingyun once. As the princess consort had described, she was indeed charming and lovely, lively and graceful. Standing beside Fu Yi under the princess consort’s gaze, they made such a perfect pair—an exquisite match, flawless and radiant. As Bai Qingqing studied Lu Qingyun, the other woman was also observing her, the unease in her heart growing stronger. So this was the Bai family’s young lady that Aunt had spoken of? She was even more breathtaking than the rumors described! With such beauty, no wonder Cousin held her in his heart! “May I ask which family you belong to? You seem unfamiliar to me—I don’t recall seeing you before.” Bai Qingqing’s smile returned, her voice warm and cordial. Lu Qingyun, clad in elegant finery, bore a striking resemblance to the princess consort in both manner and bearing. Yet she did not answer the question. Instead, she remarked, “I hear this banquet was arranged entirely by Miss Bai? How very capable you are.” “Did you not hear my question, miss?” Lu Qingyun blinked her wide, innocent eyes. “All guests are welcome, yet Miss Bai’s tone sounds more like an interrogation.” “Zidai, go find out which family this young lady belongs to. Did she have an invitation? I personally reviewed the guest list for today, and I know everyone my sister invited. How is it that the gatekeepers let someone in so carelessly?” Bai Qingqing’s smile faded. As Zidai was about to step away, Lu Qingyun’s feigned innocence could no longer hold. The servant behind her hurriedly spoke up, “Miss Bai, my lady is from the Household of Prince Ping...” “Lies! I personally reviewed the guest list—there was no invitation for anyone from Prince Ping’s household! How dare you falsely claim such a name? Just what is your intent?”