Those in official positions were most adept at discerning the Emperor's will. With the Emperor himself showering the Princess of Rui with lavish rewards, it was clear he greatly valued this pregnancy.
Ultimately, it was the Prince of Rui he valued.
The Emperor's attitude served as a weather vane for the officials' actions. Thus, in the following days, various noble households busied themselves with forging connections with the Prince of Rui's mansion, sending calling cards and gifts until the newly paved threshold of the Prince of Rui's residence was worn thin. Qing Miao and Mian Er did nothing but manage the sorting and cataloging of gifts all day.
"So much?" Situ Yan flipped through the thick ledger, his lips unconsciously curling upwards. "It seems everyone of note in the capital has come to pay their respects."
Lu Nian Fu popped a preserved plum into her mouth. "Indeed. Some names I've never even heard of, requiring us to specifically send someone to inquire. Do you think we should return some of them?"
Situ Yan immediately covered the ledger. "It's just a gift. If we return them all, wouldn't that make me seem out of touch?"
"You don't understand. If people who don't know you send gifts, aren't you afraid they'll accuse you of corruption?"
"That's where you're wrong. They are showing respect. They send gifts because your husband is capable. Look at the Sixth Prince's mansion; hardly anyone attended the Young Prince's birthday banquet."
"So, we just accept these gifts for free?"
Situ Yan desperately wanted to nod, but the capital was a place that placed great importance on etiquette. After some thought, he said, "Receiving them for free isn't ideal. Why don't we find an excuse to host a banquet and invite them over for a meal?"
Lu Nian Fu was speechless, patting her belly. "Do you think it's appropriate for me to organize a banquet and entertain guests in my current condition?"
Situ Yan quickly replied, "Of course, you shouldn't be tired. How about this: I'll specifically invite the male guests, and I'll entertain them. You can rest assured and stay in your room to nurture the baby."
Lu Nian Fu squinted at him. "Is it worth it for this trivial amount of gifts? Inviting a bunch of ministers to your home, be careful the censors don't impeach you for colluding with court officials."
"A clear conscience fears no slander. It's decided."
"No, let's invite the female guests instead."
"Absolutely not. What if you get tired?" He then reached out and touched Lu Nian Fu's belly.
"I don't have to handle those trivial matters. I'll just sit and chat with the guests. If I get tired, I'll excuse myself and rest. Besides, you are currently favored by the Emperor, so no one would dare to point fingers at me."
Situ Yan already found dealing with those ministers tiresome. If it weren't for fear of tiring his wife, he wouldn't be willing to do it himself. Hearing her words, he carefully considered it. If his wife wouldn't be worn out, then entrusting this matter to her would be ideal. "That might work. Let me know when you've chosen a good date, and I'll be here to support you."
Lu Nian Fu shot him a glare.
If he weren't so greedy for gifts, why would she have to go through so much trouble?
"Princess, someone outside has delivered a letter for you," Qing Miao said, standing outside and knocking on the door.
Situ Yan strode over and took the letter. "Who sent it?"
"It looks like a courier from the Tiger Might Escort Agency."
Lu Nian Fu stood up, smiling. "Could it be from Third Young Master?"
Situ Yan's mood soured. "It's not a love letter, why are you so excited? Sit down."
Lu Nian Fu ignored him. "What baseless jealousy is this? I have so much business with Third Young Master, so many transactions. Aren't I allowed to be excited?"
"Hmph, I hope it's truly about business." Although Situ Yan was jealous, he wasn't so ill-bred as to tear open his wife's letter. Reluctantly, he handed it over.
Lu Nian Fu opened it and quickly skimmed through it. Situ Yan leaned in. "What does it say?"
"Nothing much, just asking when you'll be free, as he wants to pay a visit."
Situ Yan froze. "Asking me?"
"Mmm, it says there's a change regarding the copper mine."