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

The following days were like a quick tour.

Xu Ke was able to rest and take care of her pregnancy in the palace, while many ladies came to congratulate her.

Nanny Wang acted as the receptionist and did not arrange for her to meet the ladies, but simply accepted their congratulations.

But there are also visitors who may not want to be rejected.

For example, Princess Rui, who is eager to make friends with her, and her close friend Li Yueran.

Princess Rui came at the end of the afternoon on the sixth day of the New Year.

At that time, Xu Keke had just woken up from a nap.

Dingdang, Anxiang and others were enjoying the snow scenery in the garden.

The red plum blossoms in the garden are blooming with bright red buds.

The red plum blossoms look even more beautiful against the backdrop of white snow.

Like dots of cinnabar falling on white rice paper.

Each flower looks like a carefully carved work of art, with some crystal snowflakes hanging on the petals.

Xu Ke could reach out his hand, gently touch the cool petals, and feel the plum blossom's proud spirit in the wind and snow.

Nanny Wang was taking care of miscellaneous matters in the mansion in the front hall.

Accompanying her were two maids, Dingdang and Anxiang.

Further away there are second-class maids ready to be called at any time.

The snow is still falling, like light feathers, slowly drifting down.

The whole garden seems to be shrouded in a layer of gauze, like a dream.

Xu Ke was intoxicated by the beautiful scenery, imagining the mood of walking in the snow to find plum blossoms, and was reluctant to return to the bedroom for a while.

"Miss, let's go to the pavilion and enjoy the snow! There's a charcoal brazier inside and brocade curtains hanging. We won't get cold if we sit inside."

Dingdang rubbed her hands and suggested that Anxiang pick a few plum blossoms and plan to find a vase to put the flowers in later.

"Then go sit in the pavilion for a while."

Xu Ke took the hand that Dingdang supported and stepped on the red felt carpet.

Chief Steward Yao was worried that the floor would slip while the princess was strolling around the mansion, which would scare the prince's offspring.

He specially asked the maids and servants in the mansion to lay red carpets on several main roads.

Make sure to be foolproof.

The master and his two servants came to the pavilion and sat down. The second-class maid served them and brought them a hand warmer and hot tea.

Not long after we sat down, a servant came over with a message.

"Princess, Princess Rui is here to visit. Nanny Wang asked me to come and ask if you would like to see her."

"Go and bring Princess Rui here. I happen to be free and it would be nice to enjoy the snow with her and chat with her."

"Yes."

The boy took the order and left.

Not long after, Princess Rui came over with a smile on her face, surrounded by her maids.

Xu Keke stood up and greeted with a smile.

"Sister Ruifei, please come quickly. It's warm in this pavilion."

"Sister, you are in such a good mood! The snowy scenery with the red plum blossoms is truly breathtakingly beautiful."

As soon as Princess Rui entered the pavilion, she took Xu Keke's hand and said.

Xu Ke can invite her to take a seat.

After Dingdang served hot tea to Princess Rui, she took Princess Rui's maids to play somewhere else.

After the maids left, there were only the two of them in the pavilion.

"Princess, please forgive me for making you laugh. This snowy day really makes people feel happy."

Xu Keke said this and handed Princess Rui a hand warmer.

Princess Rui took the hand warmer and chuckled.

"I really envy you, my sister. You are living such a happy life in the palace and managing Prince Sheng's palace in perfect order."

Xu Ke could feel a little ashamed.

"To be honest, sister, all the big and small matters in this palace are taken care of by Chief Steward Yao and Nanny Wang. I feel embarrassed to take credit for them rashly."

Princess Rui took a sip of tea and her body quickly warmed up.

"Sister, you are too modest. Everyone in this mansion praises you highly."

That's also because Manager Yao and Nanny Wang are good at managing their subordinates.

Xu Ke smiled and changed the subject.

"Sister, why are you free to come here today?"

"Sister Shengfei, we heard the news of victory in the northern border at the palace banquet that day. I believe that the Second Master and his men will be returning to the court soon. This is a great joyous event."

Xu Ke nodded slightly, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Yes, I wonder if they are all safe on the battlefield. This battle was a great victory. I hope there are no casualties among the soldiers."

Princess Rui comforted her.

"Don't worry too much, sister. I'm glad they can return."

After a pause, Princess Rui lowered her voice.

"I wonder if my sister has ever heard of the lifespan of royal men?"

Xu Ke nodded and blinked at Princess Rui.

"I heard the prince mention it once, so it's no wonder my sister was so worried before. However, now that the war is over, I think they are no longer in danger."

Princess Rui chuckled and nodded, her eyes shifting to the scenery in the garden.

"Sister, this time the battle in the north was a victory. I believe you will have several years of peaceful life. This child is truly blessed."

Xu Ke can smile.

"Sister, you're right. I'm so happy that the prince has returned triumphantly. I was worried that he wouldn't be able to make it back in time to see the birth of the child."

Princess Rui held Xu Keke's hand.

"Look how happy you are, sister. It would be better if the Regent was there when your sister gave birth.

I heard that the Queen Mother is planning to hold a celebration banquet for the Regent's return!"

Xu Ke frowned slightly, as she didn't like the young empress dowager in the first place.

Especially after hearing from Lord Chen that the Queen Mother intended to seduce Chu Musheng, Xu Keke became even more wary of her.

However, since the prince returned victorious from this battle, it was justified for the palace to hold a celebration banquet for the soldiers.

After taking a sip of tea, Xu Ke said softly.

"The palace is already preparing a celebration banquet even before the prince returns. This is truly a sign of the emperor's great grace.

But I hope that when the prince returns, he can first settle down and rest, and then hold the banquet."

Princess Rui patted Xu Keke's hand gently.

"Sister, you feel bad for the prince.

However, since the Queen Mother is willing to make preparations, it must be out of respect and praise for the prince's outstanding military achievements.

Let's just wait and see."

Xu Keke nodded, thought about it and asked again.

"Sister Rui Fei, I wonder if the ministers will come out of the city to welcome the prince and his men back to the capital?

Which street will he pass through? Sister, I really want to know as soon as possible so that I can wait for the prince's return in a suitable place."

Princess Rui frowned slightly and thought for a moment.

“In my opinion, it is customary for the ministers of the court to go out of the city to welcome the regent’s triumphant return.

As for which street they will pass through, I am afraid that we will have to wait until the prince's team approaches the capital before we can get the exact news.

Don't worry, sister. I believe the Regent will send someone to inform you in advance."

Xu Keke had an idea in her mind, so she stopped worrying about it and called Princess Rui to eat some cakes.

He also cared about the affairs in Princess Rui's mansion.

"Is everything going well at the residence of Concubine Rui these days?

I heard that the young master is studying very hard, I wonder if he has made any progress in his studies?"

Princess Rui responded with a smile.

"Thank you for your concern, my sister. The young master is quite diligent, and the teacher also praised him for his intelligence and eagerness to learn."

Xu Ke nodded.

"That's great. You'll definitely bring honor to our family in the future. Sister, you have a lot of things to do at home, so please take good care of yourself."

Princess Rui sighed softly.

"My sister is so thoughtful. It's really tiring to take care of all the big family affairs.

Those concubines still make trouble from time to time, but as long as they don’t go too far, I will turn a blind eye.”