Watching Xie Yunzhen with the children left the men in amazement.

The women envied Mingzhu for marrying such a rare good man.

For their husbands, hugging the child occasionally would be a nice gesture!

What’s most important is, Lord is handsome and powerful, yet doesn’t have a single maid in his quarters.

A man so loyal is hard to find even with a lantern.

With Xie Yunzhen leading by example, a young official sitting at the end silently took his one-year-old child from his wife’s arms.

Imitating Xie Yunzhen, he tried to give the child some water.

But having never done such a thing before, he acted clumsily and accidentally choked the child.

Once the coughing stopped, a thunderous crying began.

The woman hurriedly tried to soothe the child, her face full of panic.

The young official apologized to Xie Yunzhen.

Xie Yunzhen blinked and said, "Children choke all the time, there’s no need to panic."

The young official barely had time to breathe a sigh of relief when Xie Yunzhen said coolly, "If you can’t take care of the child, either learn how or don’t interfere, just stick to paying money, otherwise it’s the child who will suffer, wouldn’t you say, Lord Liu?"

Lord Liu quickly clasped his hands, "I accept your teaching, in the future, I will surely learn the way of parenting well."

Xie Yunzhen nonchalantly uttered an "hmm," and didn’t say anything further.

Lord Liu felt uneasy, especially after receiving disdainful looks from his colleagues, he felt he had messed things up.

Cursing himself for being reckless.

Why did he think to use this method to gain the Duke’s favor?

Now it backfired, the flattery was misplaced.

Maybe he’s left a bad impression on the Duke.

Lord Liu was extremely anxious.

Especially seeing his child still crying uncontrollably, he immediately regretted his decision.

If he had known that others also brought their stepchild, he shouldn’t have listened to his mother and insisted on bringing the legitimate child to see the world.

What can a one-year-old child comprehend?

On New Year’s Day, we don’t discuss official matters.

Other women’s wives helped soothe the crying child and then shared parenting tips with the young couple.

Some began talking about recent strange stories, seeing that Xie Yunzhen and Mingzhu didn’t have any objection, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

Taking advantage of his mother’s departure from the table, Xi Wang toddled over to Xie Yunzhen.

Since they had spoken earlier and Xie Yunzhen had accepted his gift, in Xi Wang’s view, he and the Duke were already acquaintances.

His small hands climbed onto Xie Yunzhen’s arm and he curiously asked, "Duke, is this a younger brother or sister?"

Xie Yunzhen’s body tensed, he restrained himself from brushing the little rascal aside.

He lifted Zimu up high, pride unconcealed in his eyes, "She’s so pretty, can’t you tell?"

Xi Wang shook his head and pointed at the small child in Mingzhu’s arms, "That one is pretty too."

Xie Yunzhen felt even more proud.

He cast Xi Wang an appreciative look, as if praising his good taste.

Even the discomfort of being approached by a stranger eased considerably at that moment.

He said warmly, "This is my sister, her name is Zimu."

He then nodded towards his son, "That’s my brother, his name is Zishan."

Xi Wang repeated the names in a whisper, nodding vigorously, "I’ve remembered them."

Xie Yunzhen glanced at him several times.

To see if this was the child’s spontaneous action or taught by family.

Today’s gathering inviting guests to bring children aimed at finding playmates for the kids.

Life’s first friend is very important.

Xie Yunzhen hopes to find a straightforward, kind friend for Zimu and Zishan, someone who can be entrusted.

Life is long, no one remains unchanged.

Perhaps in a few years, the friendship will deteriorate, but by then Zimu and Zishan will be grown up too.

As their father, he will teach them the ability to discern and make choices.

Those whose paths differ cannot plan together, he trusts Zimu and Zishan to choose the right path.

Xie Yunzhen observed Xi Wang.

Compared to the aristocratic families of the capital, the Xi Family’s ethos was quite bold.

Among the clan are many sons filled with righteousness and courage.

During the previous rebellion, the Xi Family contributed significantly, and several grown men in the family sacrificed themselves during the upheaval.

Including that Lord Governor.

Xie Yunzhen suddenly thought that letting Xi Wang study with Zimu and Zishan would be a good choice in the future.

Just right, the two children are still young, he has plenty of time to observe the Xi Family and Xi Wang.

Feeling like he had solved a concern, Xie Yunzhen relaxed slightly.

Planning to chat casually with Xi Wang to see if the little guy was clever.

But then he saw Xi Wang extend his chubby hand, targeting his daughter’s face.

Lowly reprimanded, "Men and women should keep their distance."

Xi Wang reacted with an "ah," sounding a bit confused, "But with my own sister, I can hug her and even kiss..."

Hug.

Kiss.

These words echoed in Xie Yunzhen’s brain, unable to be shaken off.

His entire being felt uncomfortable.

This kid, no way!

Already so hands-on at such a young age, if he became Zimu’s playmate, where would it end?

He removed Xi Wang’s chubby hand from his arm, "Go sit back at your seat, stop running around."

Mingzhu secretly glared at him, then turned to Xi Wang with a smile.

"Sister is a bit chubby, you wouldn’t be able to carry her, but you can hold her little hand."

Xi Wang was good-natured, not holding grudges.

Happily he did as he was told and then exclaimed, "Sister’s hand is so small!"

Watching his daughter’s fair little hand being held by the little rascal, Xie Yunzhen ground his teeth.

It seems like he needs to find a girl to be Zimu’s playmate!

Silently he withdrew his daughter’s little paw, wrapping it tightly in his big hand.

He said to Xi Wang, "There are many soft, fragrant snacks today, they are specialties of the capital, you probably haven’t eaten them before, go and have a taste."

Xi Wang was even happier.

Convinced that the Duke is a good man.

Giving him a red envelope and offering him food, not at all like adults said, intimidating.

Earnestly said, "Duke, you’re such a good man, I like you very much."

After speaking, he ran back to his seat with a pattering sound.

Picked up a piece of golden, soft pastry from the plate, waved it towards Xie Yunzhen, and happily started eating.

Xie Yunzhen’s mouth twitched.

Strangely, he felt the child was somewhat foolish.

Truly letting Zimu and Zishan play with him might lead to some contagious behavior.

Mingzhu laughed and said, "Xi Wang is quite interesting, and very cute."

Xie Yunzhen silently repeated the two words in his mind.

So that’s what the little rascal’s name is, Xi Wang.

Indeed, very interesting.

In the banquet hall, everyone seemed to be exchanging toasts, chatting enthusiastically, but in fact, their attention was fixed on the Xie family of four.

Seeing the Xi Family’s kid brazenly approaching Xie Yunzhen and obtaining a favorable response from the Duke Mansion, everyone was extremely envious.

Then they looked at their own children, telling them to be well-behaved, not to move around, not to talk, and they really just sat there obediently. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Looking like little adults, stiff and rigid, without any adaptability.

Simultaneously thinking, next time there’s an opportunity to bring children as guests, the clever ones should be invited!