Chapter 4. Chunjiao

He closed his eyes and slowly inhaled, thinking that Bai Qingqing would always stay by his side. As long as he turned around, he could see her smiling sweetly, always there, never leaving him. She might have some small grievances, but with her gentle nature, she never minded. As long as he took a little time to talk to her, her eyes would light up, filled only with him. But suddenly, she was gone, tragically dying in his arms. Fu Yi thought he had been well-controlled, that he hadn’t cared much for Bai Qingqing. However, from the moment she left, he realized how tasteless life had become. What does being the heir to the prince’s title matter? What does inheriting the title of a prince mean? Behind all the glitz and glamour, no one shyly leaned against him anymore, no one shyly confessed their feelings to him. Everything he had once sought seemed tasteless. Fu Yi lived in a haze, watching his mother fight with the concubines in the mansion for half a lifetime, watching his half-brother, just like him, become a tool for power struggles. His mother’s praise and favor for him were all based on his being the heir. In this world, there was only Bai Qingqing, who loved him as Fu Yi, not as the Prince’s heir... Heaven be merciful! He could live again. This time, he would never let Bai Qingqing suffer the same grievances as before. He would carefully protect her, with all his adoration, and never let the tragedy repeat itself! In the warm inner room of the Prince’s mansion, the charcoal fire burned warmly. The incense burner shaped like a gilded auspicious beast emitted a faint fragrance, filling the room as if hundreds of flowers were blooming. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. The princess leaned against a soft cushion, the jade hairpin with red gold and turquoise making her appear elegant and noble. She half-closed her eyes, “This incense is quite good today, refreshing and not overpowering.” A maid stepped forward, “Replying to the princess, today’s incense is made by Miss Bai from the Duke of England’s house, named 'Spring’s Charm.'” “Spring’s Charm... That’s a good name. The young lady from the Duke of England’s house has such skills, truly an unexpected delight.” A moment later, someone entered and whispered a few words in the princess’s ear. The princess’s eyes slowly opened, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. “Has he gone back? Did he meet with Yi’er?” The person nodded, and the princess’s lips curved into a shallow smile. “That’s good. My son is scholarly and elegant, with extraordinary demeanor. Any girl who has seen him rarely escapes his charm. Young girls are at the age when their hearts are easily stirred. It’s not surprising for them to fall for him at first sight.” She raised her brow slightly, “Is there anything wrong with Yi’er? His nature is cold, especially towards women. We don’t want to scare the Bai family’s young lady.” “Second young master shielded Miss Bai from the snow, but they didn’t speak much.” “Good, very good.” The princess lowered her eyelids again, the refreshing scent of 'Spring’s Charm' making her feel at ease. Yi’er had not let her down. Next, she just had to wait for the young girl to fall deeply in love, to silently harbor feelings for him. She needed the Duke of England’s help, but she didn’t want to ask directly. The best would be if it came to her door. The girl’s first innocent fluttering heart would be the purest and most stubborn, and no one understood this better than she did. In her past life, when Bai Qingqing had just married, she would often return to the Bai family. However, after Fu Yi was made the heir, the princess subtly expressed her displeasure with her frequent visits, afraid that people would think that Fu Yi’s position as heir was due to the Bai family’s influence. She urged Bai Qingqing to think more about Fu Yi. Bai Qingqing had wholeheartedly devoted herself to Fu Yi, and naturally, she was willing to do anything. From then on, she rarely returned, gradually becoming distant from the Bai family. At this moment, standing at the door of the Duke of England’s mansion, she felt a strange sense of nostalgia.