The regent is determined to get the daughter of a minor official.

The second wife patted her chest.

"You can only judge a person by his appearance, but not by his heart. This child must have been born to Shen Qingfeng and his concubine. I used to think he was a man of affection and loyalty."

Aunt Ding glanced at Dingdang and muttered.

"Is this a son? If it was a girl, he might not bring her home."

Dingdang pouted in dissatisfaction.

"What's wrong with being a little girl? There are so many people in this world, who isn't born by a woman?"

Aunt Ding knew that her daughter would not like what she heard, so she pulled Dingdang to sit down and rubbed her head.

"You kid, I'm not saying girls are bad, I just can't stand those who favor boys over girls."

Dingdang nodded and rested her head on Aunt Ding's shoulder.

The mother and daughter each serve their own master and rarely have time to be close to each other.

This might be because they shared a common hatred and blamed Dingdang's biological father in their hearts.

Xu Ke looked at the scene in a ridiculous manner and changed the subject at the right time.

"You said that Shen Qingfeng has a child of unknown origin. If this matter gets out, what kind of impact will it have on him?"

The second lady frowned and thought for a moment.

"In my opinion, if this gets out, his reputation will definitely be damaged. His opponents in the officialdom will probably use this to make a big fuss, and his career will probably be hindered."

Nanny Ding continued.

"That's right. Even if the child isn't his own flesh and blood, bringing him back secretly like this is bound to lead to gossip and accusations of misconduct."

Dingdang raised her head and sat down.

"Shen Qingfeng deserves it. Who made him do such a shameful thing? Madam, do you still remember that he went to the Xu family to propose to our young lady?

Judging from the time, he knew that someone else was pregnant with his child."

What a word to wake up a dreamer.

The second wife slapped her thigh.

"That's right, I was saying that Shen Qingfeng is clearly a top scholar, why doesn't he despise...

I don't mind Xu Yuanyuan's bad reputation, it turns out he has something to hide."

Nanny Ding nodded repeatedly.

I thought to myself: Shen Qingfeng doesn't despise our young lady for being stupid! It turns out it's because he himself is not clean.

Xu Ke was allowed to look at An Xiang.

Anxiang came over immediately.

"Miss, should we spread this news?"

Xu Ke thought for a moment and said.

"Don't be anxious, let them stir things up on their own. If the rumor spreads, Shen Qingfeng can justify his career by saying he picked up the child."

After hearing what Xu Keke said, everyone thought it made sense and nodded.

The Second Lady said, "My dear girl, you are really thoughtful."

After they chatted for a while, the second lady was about to leave.

Xu Keke pulled her arm to keep her.

"Mother, it's almost noon now. Why don't you stay and have dinner before going back?"

"No, no, when we entered the mansion just now, we saw that Chief Steward Yao and Nanny Wang in the front hall were quite busy.

Many officials from the imperial court have come to give gifts to Prince Sheng’s mansion, so mother won’t keep them any longer.”

The second lady stood up and straightened her dress.

"It's the end of the year, and many people come to our house to give gifts. Mom has to go back to receive them and prepare return gifts for them!"

Xu Ke nodded.

The palace has been very busy recently. The number of people coming to give New Year gifts to the prince is almost breaking down the door every day.

Reciprocity is the norm. If you accept a gift from someone, you should give something in return, right?

Chief Steward Yao and Nanny Wang didn't want their master to work too hard and affect the baby in their womb, so they took on all these tasks.

There are many things to do at the end of the year, not only giving gifts, but also tidying up the house to welcome the upcoming New Year.

The second lady gently touched Xu Keke's head.

"My dear girl, you are pregnant now. The most important thing is to take good care of the baby. Chief Steward Yao and Nanny Wang are both elders in the palace. They will not make any mistakes."

Xu Ke answered obediently.

"Don't worry, mother. I know what's going on."

Only then did the Second Lady feel at ease and leave with Nanny Ding.

Xu Ke looked at their receding backs, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

Family love is an indispensable part of life, and she has long remembered the kindness of the Second Lady to her.

After lunch, Xu Ke, who had nothing to do, decided to go to the front hall to take a look.

She walked slowly along the way, smelling the subtle fragrance of tinkling bells, and took in the scenery of the mansion.

As winter approaches, the lake in the garden loses its former sparkling luster and the water surface becomes as calm as a piece of dark blue silk.

The leaves of the weeping willows by the lake had long since fallen, and their slender branches swayed gently in the cold wind.

The stones on the rockery exude a cold atmosphere, and the originally lush green plants have now turned withered and yellow.

The servants in the mansion would sweep away the fallen leaves every day.

Before I even reached the front hall, I heard a noisy sound coming from inside.

"There must be no mistakes on this gift list, be careful!"

Manager Yao spoke in a steady voice, constantly reminding the servants.

"Yes, butler, we are all very careful!"

The servants kept responding.

Xu Ke walked into the hall and saw piles of gifts and people busy with work.

"Butler Yao, Nanny Wang, are you still able to handle this?"

Xu Ke said clearly.

When Manager Yao and Nanny Wang saw her, a flattering smile appeared on their originally serious faces.

"Princess, you are so thoughtful. It's a mess here. Please don't get your clothes dirty."

Nanny Wang came over and took Xu Ke’s arm and said.

Xu Ke didn't care.

"It's okay, Ma'am, I just came to take a look."

Nanny Wang took out a large brocade box from a pile of gifts, opened it and presented it to Xu Keke.

"Princess, look at this mink cloak.

This is made of the finest mink fur, with shiny and smooth fur and a soft and delicate feel.

Look at the stitches, so fine and neat, and the workmanship is extremely fine.

Wearing it in winter will keep you warm and show off your noble temperament."

As Nanny Wang spoke, she gently stroked the mink cloak.

Xu Keke walked forward, took a closer look, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

I never had the chance to wear a mink coat in my previous life.

"It is indeed a rare and valuable item. I wonder who sent it from?"

Manager Yao hurried forward and flipped through the gift list.

"Princess, this was sent from Prince Rui's residence."

Xu Ke nodded slightly.

"This kind of thought is rare."

Nanny Wang picked up an exquisite small box next to her and opened it. Inside was a pair of dazzling jade earrings.

"Princess, please take a look at this. This jade is rich in water and its color is pure. It will be absolutely beautiful on your ears."

Xu Keke gently picked up the earrings, looked at them in the sunlight, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of her mouth.

"They are all good things, but it's easy to accept gifts, but it takes some thought to return the gifts."

Manager Yao responded.

"Don't worry, Princess. I'm already arranging the return gift. I will definitely not lose the etiquette of our palace."

Xu Ke nodded with satisfaction. "Then I'll have to trouble Manager Yao."