Fuyi felt bitterness in his mouth. Seeing Bai Qingqing’s expression, he knew that no matter how he explained, she wouldn’t believe him. Any woman who had just experienced such danger wouldn’t possibly believe it.

  "Today's events have frightened you, my lady. But no matter what, this was never my intention. I will give you an explanation."

  Fuyi lowered his gaze and suddenly handed the sachet back to Bai Qingqing. "Keep this well, lest others see it in my possession and start spreading rumors."

  Bai Qingqing naturally didn't want to take it, but Fuyi had been in the scented room for so long. If he had no sachet...

  She was still hesitating when, all of a sudden, her eyes widened. Water splashed before her—Fuyi had jumped into the lotus pond.

  The water wasn’t deep, just reaching his waist. But with the lingering cold of early spring, it was icy to the bone. The unhealthy flush on Fuyi's face gradually faded into a pale, bluish-white hue.

  Bai Qingqing was completely caught off guard by his actions. She couldn’t tell whether it was a plea for sympathy or something else, but she felt no pity. If anything, she was the one who had been wronged!

  Hearing the commotion, some servants rushed over. Seeing Fuyi in the water, they panicked and hurried to pull him out, only to be sharply rebuked by him.

  Not far away, voices rose from the direction of the courtyard where Bai Qingqing had just fled. The commotion was growing. Her heart turned cold, but she didn’t leave. Instead, she stood still, waiting—for those people to come when they heard the noise.

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  Sure enough, a large crowd soon arrived, led by the Princess Consort of Prince Ping. When she saw Bai Qingqing standing calmly by the pond, her eyes flickered imperceptibly.

  Then, spotting Fuyi in the water, her expression changed drastically. "What is going on? Yier! Why are you all just standing there? Get him out at once!"

  Fuyi was already in terrible shape. By the time the servants pulled him out of the water, his whole body was trembling, on the verge of unconsciousness.

  The Princess Consort hastily ordered someone to fetch a physician, her sharp gaze landing on Bai Qingqing. "Can you explain this?"

  Bai Qingqing remained composed, her face full of innocence. "What does Your Highness mean by that? Do you think Fuyi’s fall into the water has something to do with me?"

  "…He fell, and you were the only one present. I was merely asking what happened."

  "Oh, it seems that Young Master Fu felt warm and decided to cool off in the water."

  She smiled nonchalantly and tucked the sachet away. "I also feel a little overheated today, so I won't disturb Your Highness any longer. I'll take my leave."

  The Princess Consort had no reason to stop her. Before Fuyi lost consciousness, he had managed to say that he felt hot. Everyone around had heard it.

  So, all she could do was grit her teeth in frustration and tend to Fuyi first.

  Only after getting into the carriage did Bai Qingqing’s composed demeanor slowly fade. A belated shiver ran through her.

  She dared not imagine—if she hadn’t had the sachet with her today, if Fuyi had truly done something to her—what would have become of her life?

  The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became, sinking into panic, scaring her maid, Zidai.

  "I can't go home like this… It will frighten my parents. Take me to Yanlai Tower!"

  …

  The highest floor of Yanlai Tower was never open to outsiders. No one knew what was up there.

  Ge Shao ascended the spiraling staircase, knocking on the door before standing quietly outside, waiting.

  Only after the voice inside called him in did he carefully push the door open and enter.