Ch 124: Allergic Reaction

Meng Tingyue gently sipped the fragrant tea in the Jingbei Prince’s Mansion, her demeanor elegant and refined.

Just then, a delicate pink figure, like a spring breeze, swept across the threshold and lightly entered the room.

She slowly lowered her teacup, rose to greet the newcomer, a gentle smile curving her lips, “Miss Chen, long time no see.”

“Crown Princess,” Chen Luo bowed slightly, her voice appropriately respectful and soft, “Crown Princess, you are too kind. Godmother has some small matters to attend to today and will be slightly delayed. I hope the Crown Princess will not mind.”

Meng Tingyue gently shook her head, “It’s alright. It was I who came unexpectedly today without sending a visiting card beforehand. I should be the one apologizing.”

“Speaking of which,” she paused slightly, her gaze softening as she continued, “This visit is specifically to express my gratitude for Miss Chen’s generous help that day.”

Before she finished speaking, her gaze lightly swept over Qingdian. Qingdian understood and, together with Qinglan, gently placed two exquisitely crafted gift boxes on the table near Chen Luo.

Chen Luo’s gaze involuntarily fell upon the gift boxes.

“These are some old goods from the shop, and some new products that haven’t been released yet. I wonder if they will suit Miss Chen and Princess Jingbei’s preferences.”

Qingdian opened one of the gift boxes. Six small, exquisite round jars were neatly arranged, each jar like a meticulously crafted work of art, with vibrant colors and varied patterns.

Chen Luo recalled the scene at the Perfume Tasting Banquet that day. She had brought back two similar rare items. At a glance, she recognized that these round jars contained Ningxiang Paste, scents she had not yet owned.

A flash of surprise crossed her eyes, unsure whether it was a coincidence or intentional.

Another box contained six small, round jars, vibrant in color, each with different and unique patterns.

If she examined them closely, she would notice a subtle connection between the exquisite patterns and the scent of the Ningxiang Paste within.

Chen Luo lightly covered her lips with a handkerchief, a gentle smile curving her mouth.

“Everyone knows that the Crown Princess’s Ningxiang Pavilion has recently closed its doors, and the Ningxiang Paste sold there is extremely rare. Now we have unexpectedly received so much. It seems we are incredibly fortunate.”

“Indeed, Luo’er is right. These items are rare in the Capital. The Crown Princess has gone to great lengths,” Princess Jingbei said with a smile, lightly stepping into the main hall.

Meng Tingyue gave her a gentle look and softly called, “Princess Jingbei.”

Princess Jingbei carefully examined Meng Tingyue, the joy in her eyes growing stronger.

Her gaze quickly swept over the two exquisite gift boxes on the table. A smile played on her lips as she said, “Crown Princess, you are too kind. It was just a few words from Luo’er, and you even brought gifts.”

Meng Tingyue smiled faintly and replied, “The Prince and I are friends, and I owe Miss Chen for helping me out that day. I should have visited sooner.”

Princess Jingbei laughed, “It’s my son’s good fortune to be favored by His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.”

Meng Tingyue said, her gaze soft and her words sincere, “The Prince is true to his nature, and Miss Chen is clever and kind. They are both blessed.”

Princess Jingbei looked at Meng Tingyue, her affection growing. She found the woman gentle and charming, making her heart happy.

It was a pity that such a beautiful woman already belonged to the Imperial family.

If her son could marry such a gentle and beautiful woman, it would be a most heartwarming event.

Suddenly, Meng Tingyue’s gaze shifted to Princess Jingbei’s wrist, where a few red spots seemed to appear.

“Princess, there seems to be a rash on your arm. I have some knowledge of medicine. If you don’t mind, I would like to examine it.”

A flash of surprise crossed Princess Jingbei’s eyes, then a gentle smile appeared on her face. Her voice was soft and elegant, “In that case, I would appreciate the Crown Princess’s help.”

Meng Tingyue gently moved, carefully lifting the Princess’s sleeve to reveal a section of her arm, as white as jade, yet dotted with several discordant red marks.

“Princess, this condition seems to be an allergic reaction caused by accidental contact with something unsuitable,” Meng Tingyue said softly, with a hint of certainty in her voice.

“Allergic?” Princess Jingbei said, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in confusion. “But there has never been anything in the mansion that has caused such a reaction before.”

Meng Tingyue softly explained, “People have different skin types. Some people have delicate and sensitive skin, and once they touch something, they are prone to redness and itching.”

“Fortunately, the Princess’s condition is mild. Just avoid the allergen for a few days, and your skin will gradually recover.”

Princess Jingbei frowned slightly, asking with curiosity, “According to you, what caused my allergy?”

Meng Tingyue’s gaze flickered, as if tracing clues in her mind, “Princess, did you touch anything today that you haven’t been near before, and did you touch it with that arm?”

Princess Jingbei closed her eyes in thought, then gently shook her head, a hint of confusion in her brow.

“In that case, perhaps the problem is with the clothing…”

“But I wear this clothing all the time, and I’ve never had this problem before,” Princess Jingbei said, her brow furrowed, her confusion evident.

“Perhaps it’s the water used to wash the clothes, or the soapnut is not right,” Meng Tingyue slowly analyzed, her gaze thoughtful.

Hearing this, Princess Jingbei involuntarily looked towards Chen Luo, their eyes meeting.

Princess Jingbei gently probed, “Crown Princess, have you ever tried the Ningxiang Pills sold at Ningxiang Residence?”

“I have, but the scented pills don’t seem to suit my constitution…” Meng Tingyue’s words suddenly stopped, a flash of realization in her eyes. “Princess, could this clothing…”

Princess Jingbei gently nodded.

Meng Tingyue said softly, “Perhaps one of the many fragrances is particularly strong, and it could irritate the skin, causing itching and redness.”

Hearing this, Chen Luo couldn’t help but question, “I also wore clothes washed with the Ningxiang Pills, why am I completely fine, without any discomfort?”

Meng Tingyue patiently explained, “People have different constitutions and sensitivities. Therefore, we cannot draw a definite conclusion yet.”

“Princess Jingbei, you should avoid those clothes for now. If your skin condition improves, it’s very likely the Ningxiang Pills are the cause.”