Lady Hou is reborn and, by pampering her illegitimate son, reclaims her life of wealth and privilege

Just then, a servant rushed in, holding a secret letter in his hands. His forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and he said breathlessly, "Grandma, Duke Huguo, Consort Chao has sent a letter."

The Duke of Huguo paused slightly, took the letter, and opened it to read. His brows furrowed, his gaze sharp as he scanned every word. Old Madam Chao stared intently at her son's expression, a barely perceptible hint of tension flashing in her eyes.

The Duke of Huguo handed the letter to Old Madam Chao. She took the letter, read it quickly, a satisfied smile flashing across her face. Then she slowly brought the letter close to the candlelight, watching it turn to ashes.

"Mother, is what this letter says true?" the Duke of Protectorate asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Old Madam Chao raised her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with shrewdness: "What is said in the letter is true. This is an opportunity, an opportunity for us to kill two birds with one stone."

The Duke of Huguo remained silent, his expression shifting unpredictably. He knew his mother was meticulous and far-sighted, and never did anything without certainty.

"Does Mother mean to take advantage of Prince Rui's inaction to push for the Fourth Prince to ascend the throne?" The Duke of Protectorate finally spoke, his voice low.

Grandma Chao nodded: "That's right. Although Prince Rui has the support of his mother, he is hesitant and indecisive. The Fourth Prince, on the other hand, is no less capable than Prince Rui in terms of talent and skill. If he can seize this opportunity, he will surely rise to prominence."

After a moment of contemplation, the Duke of Protectorate said, "But Prince Rui is the current emperor's own son. If we were to touch him, it would cause turmoil in the court."

Old Madam Chao smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes: "I don't want to take action against Prince Rui now, but rather to exploit his weaknesses and make him lose the Emperor's trust on his own. As for the Fourth Prince, with a little guidance, we can make him reveal his true colors."

After listening, the Duke of Protectorate remained silent for a moment, then a hint of approval appeared on his face: "Mother is indeed wise. So, what should we do?"

Old Madam Chao smiled slightly, her eyes gleaming with calculation: "First, we need to spread rumors in the court that Prince Rui is inactive, so that His Majesty will become dissatisfied with him. At the same time, we can secretly support the Fourth Prince, allowing him to gradually stand out in the court."

The Duke of Huguo nodded, a resolute look on his face: "Very well, we will do as Mother wishes. I will personally arrange all of this."

As Old Madam Chao watched her son's retreating figure, a hint of relief flashed in her eyes.

After a moment's thought, the Duke of Protectorate stood up and said, "Mother, this matter is of utmost importance. It involves Prince Rui, so we must be cautious. The Sword-Hidden Division, which oversees all officials, certainly has the right to investigate Prince Rui, but this action will inevitably cause turmoil in the court and may lead to unforeseen consequences."

A shrewd glint flashed in Old Madam Chao's eyes as she sharply glanced at the Duke of Protectorate and slowly said, "My son, as the Duke of Protectorate, you bear heavy responsibilities for the country. How can you sit idly by because of concerns about the turmoil in the court? If Prince Rui truly harbors ulterior motives, how can we allow him to stir up trouble in the court?"

The Duke of Protector of the State lowered his head in thought, and after a moment said, "Mother is right, I understand. I will go to the Sword-Hidden Division later and ask them to assist in investigating Prince Rui."

Old Madam Chao nodded slightly, a relieved smile on her face: "That's very good. As for the matter of the Duke of Wei's mansion, you don't need to worry. Your mother will personally go to apologize and will surely be able to repair the relationship between the two mansions."

The Duke of Huguo looked at his mother with concern: "I am at ease knowing that Mother is personally going. However, the Duke of Wei's mansion holds a prominent position, and I fear that Mother's trip may be inconvenient."

Old Madam Chao glared at the Duke of Huguo and said firmly, "Son, are you worried about your mother? Although your mother is old, what is this little bit of hardship compared to the interests of the country? You just need to focus on handling state affairs, and your mother will take care of it."

The Duke of Huguo could not persuade him any further, so he could only reply, "Your subject obeys."

The following morning, the Duke of Protectorate arrived at the Sword-Binding Division with several attendants. Upon seeing the Duke of Protectorate arrive in person, the head of the Sword-Binding Division hurriedly rose to greet him.

The Duke of Protector of the Nation politely cupped his hands and said, "Chief, I have a favor to ask of you, and I hope you can assist me."

The director looked at the Duke of Protectorate with a puzzled expression: "Duke of Protectorate, what do you need the assistance of the Sword-Binding Division for?"

The Duke of Protectorate said in a deep voice, "Prince Rui has been behaving strangely lately, and I fear he may harbor ulterior motives. I wish to request the Sword-Binding Division to investigate Prince Rui and uncover the truth."

The director frowned and pondered, "Lord Protector of the Nation, Prince Rui is of noble status. This action may cause trouble. I hope you will reconsider."

The Duke of Protector of the Nation firmly said, "Chief, the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen. If Prince Rui truly harbors disloyal intentions, how can we sit idly by? Please rest assured, I will keep a close eye on this matter and will not allow the Sword-Bearing Division to fall into a predicament."

Seeing the Duke of Protectorate's resolute attitude, the director had no choice but to agree: "Since the Duke of Protectorate is so determined, then I will arrange for people to investigate Prince Rui."

The Duke of Huguo nodded in satisfaction and said, "There is one more thing. There is a misunderstanding between the Duke of Wei's mansion and the Duke of Xiwei's mansion. My mother wishes to go to the Duke of Wei's mansion in person to apologize. I hope you will give her your consideration."

The director smiled slightly: "Don't worry, Your Excellency, I will instruct my servants to ensure the safety of the Grand Duke."

The Duke of Huguo thanked the Director and took his leave.

Grandmother Chao, accompanied by several attendants, arrived at the Duke of Wei's residence. Upon learning of Grandmother Chao's arrival, Lady Jiang Huaiyu, the Duke of Wei's wife, hurriedly went out to greet her.

Jiang Huaiyu said with a smile, "It is truly an honor for me that Old Madam Chao has come in person. May I ask what brings you here, Old Madam?"

Old Madam Chao smiled and said, "Madam Jiang, the Western Wei Duke's Mansion and the Wei State Duke's Mansion have always been on good terms. Recently, a misunderstanding has arisen due to a trivial matter, and I have come here to apologize."

Jiang Huaiyu was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Grandma, you're too kind. It was just a small misunderstanding; there's no need to apologize."

Old Madam Chao said solemnly, "It is a blessing for the country that the two Dukes' mansions are on good terms. I dare not let a trivial matter affect the relationship between the two Dukes' mansions. I hope Madam Jiang will understand."

Jiang Huaiyu was deeply moved and hurriedly said, "I am deeply honored that the Old Madam values ​​the Western Wei Duke's Mansion so much. From now on, the two Duke's Mansions will definitely help and support each other."

Old Madam Chao nodded in satisfaction and chatted cordially with Jiang Huaiyu, thus restoring relations between the two families.

The Duke of Huguo was overjoyed to learn that his mother had successfully repaired the relationship with the Duke of Wei's family.

After Mai Xiyue returned, the entire Changtai Marquis's family fawned over her, treating her like a star surrounded by admirers. The atmosphere in the Changtai Marquis's mansion became unusually lively; the once solemn mansion was now filled with laughter and joy.

Marquis Changtai looked at his daughter, Mai Xiyue, his eyes filled with satisfaction and pride. He sat in the main seat and said to Madam Pei below, "Madam, look at our daughter, she is becoming more and more promising. When she becomes the Princess Consort of Rui, our household will be shining brightly."

Madam Pei nodded with delight, “Your Excellency is right. Our daughter is a phoenix from the heavens, destined to marry into the royal family and become a person of high status. I will definitely prepare the most lavish dowry for her, so that she can also swagger around in the Prince Rui’s mansion.”

Mai Xiyue sat to the side, listening to her parents' conversation, a slight smile playing on her lips, a hint of smugness flashing in her eyes.

Marquis Changtai laughed heartily and patted Mai Xiyue on the shoulder: "Good, good, I'm relieved to see you have such ambition."