Bai Qingqing took a few sips of tea, the warm liquid driving away the chill from her body. "It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, big brother. I’ve missed you so much. Don’t you want to see me? If not, then I…"

  "How could I not?"

  Bai Yan realized she was teasing him when he saw her stifling a smile, and couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re mischievous."

  Bai Qingqing stuck out her tongue, pushing the incense towards him. "Big brother, open it and have a look. I made a few adjustments, not sure if you’ll like it."

  The incense inside the box was somewhat similar to the ones Bai Yan used in his room, but there were differences. The previous ones were a bit warmer, while the new ones Bai Qingqing made had a lighter sweetness, more suitable for the spring season.

  "Your craftsmanship is flawless. In Xuancheng, there are so many incense shops, but only the incense you make suits me. Many people have asked me where I got it from, but I never tell them."

  Few knew that the daughter of the Earl of England was also an expert in making incense. Bai Qingqing seemed to have a natural talent for it. The same ingredients, when blended by her, became far more pleasant. She had a sharp sense of smell and a unique approach, creating incense that was both distinct and captivating. As a result, all the incense used in the Bai family came from her hands.

  "I only know how to make these small things. I’m glad you can use them, big brother."

  Bai Qingqing’s eyes flickered slightly. "Brother, there’s something I don’t know who to ask. I feel a bit embarrassed to bring it up, but I’m truly puzzled…"

  "Don’t hesitate. There’s nothing you can’t tell me."

  "A few days ago, I had a dream…"

  Bai Qingqing spoke of the events in her past life as though they were just a dream, showing a look of fear. "I know it was just a dream, but after I woke up, I couldn’t shake the unease. Big brother, you know that nothing lasts forever, and that life is unpredictable, but I realized that if something truly happens to our family, I wouldn’t even know who to turn to for help…"

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  This was what Bai Qingqing truly feared.

  In her past life, before her marriage, the Bai family had protected her well. She only saw the bright spring but never glimpsed any shadow. After marrying into the Prince Ping manor, she was even more confined to the rear courtyard, as if her eyes were covered and her hands and feet bound. When something happened, she was left in a state of panic and confusion.

  "I’m the eldest daughter of the Bai family. I shouldn’t be so useless!"

  Seeing his sister seriously criticizing herself, Bai Yan felt both amused and comforted.

  "Who dares say you’re useless? I’ll teach them a lesson for you."

  "Big brother, could you tell me, if the situation in my dream truly comes to pass, what should I do?"

  Seeing Bai Qingqing’s serious and solemn expression, Bai Yan couldn’t bear to brush her off. After careful thought, he said, "If such a crime is to be confirmed, there must be evidence. I believe only the Imperial Guards, who handle arrests and investigations, would have the ability to look into it. However, our family has never had much contact with the Imperial Guards. At most, they would conduct routine inquiries. In fact, we have a bit of a connection with Lord Ning from the Military Command. He visited a few days ago."

  Bai Qingqing immediately committed this to memory. "What is Lord Ning like?"

  "Well… I believe he’s a person of strong integrity, and he’s passionate. He’s never put on airs when he’s come to the manor. He’s easy to get along with."

  Bai Yan smiled as he saw his sister deep in thought. "But it’s just a dream. Don’t worry about it. If something really happens to the family, it will be me and father who will handle it. You, as a girl, don’t need to think about such matters."

  Bai Qingqing nodded in agreement, returned to her courtyard, and stayed in her room for most of the day.

  She knew better than anyone that it wasn’t just a dream. When disaster struck, not even her big brother, nor her father, would have the strength to resist. The entire Bai family would be imprisoned overnight, and all the people she knew with any connection to the Bai family would avoid her.

  She never wanted to experience that helpless, fearful feeling again!

  As a young lady in the inner chambers, her ability to act was extremely limited. Bai Qingqing locked herself in her room for most of the day, and the only solution she could think of was her own marriage.

  Women were different from men—they couldn’t hold official positions to protect themselves. Before marriage, they relied on their family, and after marriage, they relied on their husbands. Thus, marriage was of the utmost importance to women, almost like a second rebirth.

  In the past, Bai Qingqing had, like all the girls in Xuancheng, great hopes for marriage. She wished to live in harmony with her husband, to share a peaceful life together. But now, her feelings of love had withered, and all she wished for was for the Bai family to escape that crisis. She was willing to give up everything.

  "I wonder what Lord Ning looks like…"

  Bai Qingqing lightly bit her lip, her lowered eyes hiding the emotions within.