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

Imperial Household Department.

The Minister of Rites and the Director of the Imperial Household Department both looked at Aunt Rong with embarrassment.

"Madame Rong, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already prepared the betrothal gifts for the Prince Regent to be sent to the Xu family.

Everything was done according to the rules and regulations, completely in line with royal etiquette. Why did the Empress Dowager ask you to bring so many valuable items?"

The Minister of Rites frowned and nudged Steward Qian with his elbow subtly.

Suggesting that it was time for him to speak up for himself.

Manager Qian cleared his throat and was about to speak.

Then I heard Aunt Rong say seriously.

"The Empress Dowager's thoughts are not something we can easily guess. Since there is an order, you should follow it."

Manager Qian wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave a flattering smile.

"Adding so much extra betrothal gifts exceeds regulations, and I'm afraid it will cause criticism from others."

Aunt Rong glanced at the two of them and said sternly.

"The Empress Dowager truly loves her son, and the Prince Regent is a noble and distinguished prince, so please don't be so rigid about etiquette."

Seeing that Rong Mama said this, no one said anything more.

Manager Qian quickly directed everyone to carefully count and move the boxes of betrothal gifts.

Just as a few people were supervising the palace maids in packing up the betrothal gifts, they heard the eunuch's announcement from outside the door.

"The Regent has arrived."

Everyone was shocked and knelt down to pay their respects.

Regent Chu Musheng strode in, wearing a black robe embroidered with python patterns. He had an upright posture and a majestic look on his handsome face.

He glanced at the boxes of betrothal gifts, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Everyone, get up. How is the preparation of the betrothal gift that I am going to give to Miss Xu?"

The Minister of Rites hurriedly replied respectfully.

"Reporting to the Regent, everything is ready. The Grand Empress Dowager even ordered Madam Rong to bring some people to add some more. I am afraid that I have violated the regulations."

Aunt Rong said immediately.

“Your Highness, you and the Grand Empress Dowager are a loving mother and a filial son. This is also the Grand Empress Dowager adding to Miss Xu’s makeup!”

Chu Musheng nodded slightly.

"Please, Madam, thank the Queen Mother on my behalf."

Aunt Rong bowed.

"Your Highness is very polite. I will return to Kunning Palace and report to the Grand Empress Dowager."

After saying this, the people waiting for them left the Imperial Household Department.

Chu Musheng then looked at everyone and gave instructions to the Minister of Rites.

"Now that the betrothal gifts are ready, send them to the Xu residence immediately without delay."

Everyone responded quickly.

The Minister of Rites said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will arrange for someone to deliver it right away."

Chu Musheng nodded, turned around and strode away. His wedding was approaching, so he had to deal with the official business of the court first.

The Minister of Rites did not dare to delay and hurriedly directed everyone with Steward Qian to carry the betrothal gifts onto the carriage.

A row of gorgeously decorated carriages were lined up in an orderly manner, and each carriage was filled with exquisite betrothal gifts.

There are dazzling jewellery, mountains of silks and satins, and a dazzling array of rare antiques.

Accompanied by the sound of palace music, General Qian gave an order and the team slowly set off.

Along the way, there were sounds of music and salutes.

People stopped to watch and talked about the grand occasion.

"The regent's betrothal gift is truly magnificent!"

"Miss Xu is so lucky."

There are more noble ladies in the capital who are unwilling to give in.

"Alas! How could the noble and respected Regent be so bewitched by the daughter of a minor official?"

"Yes! The Regent is already taken, what's the point of us still choosing exquisite jewelry here? Can we still expect the prince to pay us a second glance?"

The ladies who were choosing jewelry in the silver shop all laughed at themselves and sighed.

The Xu family had already received the news. The whole mansion was decorated with red and colorful decorations, and was in a festive mood, nervously preparing to receive the betrothal gifts.

The Second Master paced back and forth in the main hall, while the Second Madam directed the servants to stand in two rows on either side of the gate.

Soon, the betrothal gift team arrived at Xu's house. The vermilion door was opened and everyone in the Xu family welcomed them respectfully.

The Minister of Rites stepped forward and said loudly, "The betrothal gifts for the Prince Regent have arrived!"

Mr. Xu and Mrs. Xu quickly bowed and expressed their gratitude.

The second master smiled widely, bowed and spoke loudly.

"Thank you all for your patience. Please come into the mansion and serve tea."

The crowd filed in and carried boxes of betrothal gifts into the courtyard of Xu's house.

The second master accompanied the Minister of Rites for tea.

The Second Madam, Madam Ding and Manager Qian were busy checking and counting the betrothal gifts one by one.

The maids served tea and water, whispering to each other.

"The Prince Regent truly cares deeply about our young lady. She will surely live a life of wealth and prosperity in the future."

At this time, Xu Ke was in the backyard. Hearing the noisy sounds in the front yard, he really wanted to run to the front yard to see what was happening.

Being held back by Dingdang and Anxiang.

"Miss, this is the betrothal gift sent to you by the prince. How can you go and watch your own fun? You should be more respectful."

Xu Ke pouted.

"I'll just take a look, it's nothing."

Dingdang and Anxiang looked at each other.

Dingdang continued to persuade.

"Miss, this is against the rules. If the people from the Imperial Household Department saw you, they would probably think you have lost the demeanor of a lady from a noble family."

Xu Ke sat down at the table helplessly.

It’s not that she really wants to go and see it, but ever since the wedding date was set, her parents haven’t allowed her to go out for a walk for her safety.

Even her plan to add makeup to her cousin Xie Su was done by her mother.

I feel bored after staying at home for a long time. When I’m bored, I want to see some fun, no matter whose fun it is!

"Alas, there's nothing good about getting married. There are so many restrictions."

Xu Ke said this to the two maids.

"Miss, you can't say that. This marriage is something that many people would have begged for but couldn't have gotten."

Anxiang also kindly comforted her.

After hearing this, Xu Keke's eyes turned and he pulled Anxiang to sit at the Eight Immortals Table.

"Anxiang, tell me, young lady, what are the bad romantic relationships that the Regent has? Um... which women want to marry the Regent?"

Anxiang looked embarrassed.

"Miss, if you ask me that, I will tell you the truth. Every unmarried young lady from a government official's family in Shengjing City wants to marry the prince."

Xu Keke took a deep breath and looked at Anxiang with wide eyes.

"Anxiang, I heard from Aunt Ding that you know martial arts?"

Anxiang lowered her head embarrassedly.

"I understand a little, I understand a little. Why do you suddenly ask this, Miss?"

Xu Keke picked up the round fan and waved it gently, laughing and joking.

"I'm afraid I'll make too many enemies and be overwhelmed in the future."

As he was speaking, Xiaohong, who had gone to the front yard, came running over, bowed to Xu Keke and said:

"Miss, the prince sent someone to ask if you are satisfied with the betrothal gift?"

Xu Ke rolled his eyes and didn't even see it, so it was hard to say whether he was satisfied or not.

"Xiaohong, please reply on behalf of the young lady and tell her that she is very satisfied."

"Hey!"

Xiaohong ran back to the front yard and told the second lady exactly what the young lady had said.

After counting and checking all the betrothal gifts, the people from the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department said goodbye and left the Xu family.

The second wife looked at the betrothal gifts covered with red silk all over the yard and said to Madam Ding with a smile.

"With so many betrothal gifts, plus the dowry we prepared for Coco, it will be a grand occasion with a dazzling array of flowers stretching ten miles across."

Aunt Ding also nodded with a smile on her face.

"Madam is right. It is because the prince values our young lady that he sent such a generous betrothal gift."

The second lady's eyes were full of relief.

Watching the servants in the mansion moving the betrothal gifts into the warehouse, he wondered what details needed to be improved.