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

One day, Madam Pei summoned Mai Xiyue to her inner room, took out a key from her sleeve, and handed it to Mai Xiyue: "This is the key to the dowry vault that your father specially prepared for you. Inside are your favorite jewelry, clothes, and some precious antiques. Take a look, do you like it?"

Mai Xiyue took the keys, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, Mother, I like them very much."

Madam Pei was pleased with her daughter's reaction. She gently patted Mai Xiyue's hand: "Daughter, remember, no matter what happens in the future, your mother will support you. In the Prince Rui's mansion, you must learn to protect yourself and not let anyone bully you."

A determined glint flashed in Mai Xiyue's eyes: "Mother, rest assured, I know what to do."

As the wedding day drew nearer, the atmosphere at the Marquis of Changtai's residence grew increasingly tense. The Marquis of Changtai and Madam Pei were busy preparing for their daughter's wedding every day, while Mai Xiyue quietly prepared for the future in her room.

The day before the wedding, the Marquis of Changtai's residence held a grand banquet, inviting dignitaries from the capital. During the banquet, the Marquis of Changtai and Lady Pei repeatedly toasted the guests, thanking them for their support of Mai Xiyue.

Wearing a gorgeous dress, Mai Xiyue sat quietly to the side, watching her parents busy themselves. She secretly vowed that she would make her parents proud and become the pride of the Changtai Marquis's mansion.

On the wedding day, the Changtai Marquis's residence was brightly decorated and filled with the sounds of drums and music. The Marquis of Changtai and Lady Pei stood before the gates, watching their daughter slowly emerge, their hearts filled with emotion. They knew that from this day forward, Mai Xiyue would no longer be their daughter, but rather the concubine of Prince Rui.

Looking into her parents' eyes, Mai Xiyue felt a deep sense of gratitude. She smiled, bowed to them, and then turned to get into the bridal sedan chair.

As the bridal sedan chair slowly drove out of the Marquis of Changtai's residence, Mai Xiyue's heart was filled with anticipation.

Looking at her father, Marquis Changtai, and her mother, Lady Pei, Mai Xiyue couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. These parents, who had always been indifferent, were suddenly showing her extraordinary concern as her wedding approached. Looking at the forced smiles on their faces, she felt only utter hypocrisy.

"Yue'er, this is your favorite bird's nest, I specially stewed it for you." Mother Pei smiled gently and handed her a bowl of steaming bird's nest.

Mai Xiyue smiled slightly, took the bowl, but didn't drink a drop. She looked at Pei Shi, her heart filled with mixed emotions. The mother who had once forced her to marry the fifty-year-old Marquis of Jing'an as a concubine was now acting like a loving mother in front of her. She sneered inwardly; this was nothing more than a hypocritical gesture they had to put on to maintain the family's reputation.

"Thank you, Mother," she said flatly, her voice devoid of any emotion.

Her father, Marquis Changtai, looked at her with eyes full of concern, as if afraid she might suffer even the slightest harm. But Mai Xiyue knew that this man had always only used her as a tool, either as a marriage alliance partner or as a symbol of family honor.

"Yue'er, don't worry, your father will definitely find you a good husband," Marquis Changtai comforted her.

Mai Xiyue smiled faintly, but her heart was filled with endless irony. A good ending? In her memory, there had never been any parental love, only indifference and neglect. Now their sudden concern disgusted her.

“Father, I’ve long been used to my own life and don’t need your concern,” Mai Xiyue said calmly, her eyes firm.

Marquis Changtai and Lady Pei's expressions changed slightly, but they quickly returned to normal. They continued to smile, as if nothing had happened.

As Mai Xiyue watched their performance, her heart grew colder and colder.

Mai Xiyue sighed and looked at Marquis Changtai, saying, "Father, I'm always worried about life after I marry into the royal family. There are so many rules and complicated interpersonal relationships there, I'm afraid I won't be able to cope."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Changtai frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes. He gently stroked Mai Xiyue's hair and said in a calm tone, "Yue'er, you have been clever and quick-witted since you were little, and I believe you will be able to adapt to life in the Prince's Mansion. But the things you are worried about are indeed things we have to consider."

Mai Xiyue lowered her head, her fingers gently twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice trembling slightly: "Father, I've heard that the expenses in the Prince's mansion are enormous. If I don't have enough money, I'm afraid I won't be able to maintain my position. I... I don't want to be wronged in my husband's family."

Marquis Changtai's expression turned serious, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Yue'er, rest assured, your father will prepare a sufficient dowry for you. Even if I have to borrow money, I will not let you suffer any grievances in the palace."

Mai Xiyue looked up at her father, her eyes sparkling with gratitude: "Father, you are so good to me."

The two remained silent, the atmosphere somewhat heavy. Suddenly, Marquis Changtai changed the subject, asking, "Yue'er, what kind of dowry do you consider sufficient?"

Mai Xiyue pondered for a moment and said, "Father, I think we need at least enough money to cover the daily expenses of the Prince's Mansion, as well as some emergency funds. In addition, jewelry, real estate, land and other physical assets are also essential. Only in this way can I have enough confidence in the Prince's Mansion."

Marquis Changtai nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Very well, I will go and make the preparations now. No matter what, I will make sure you marry into the royal family in style."

Looking into her father's determined eyes, Mai Xiyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

Over the next few days, everyone in the Changtai Marquis's residence busied themselves preparing for Mai Xiyue's dowry. Mai Xiyue also took the opportunity to have several long talks with her father, inquiring in detail about the specifics of the dowry.

One day, Mai Xiyue was talking with her father, Marquis Changtai, in the study.

"Father, are you really going to prepare such a large dowry for me? Won't this be too much of a burden for you?" Mai Xiyue asked with some concern.

Marquis Changtai smiled and gently patted Mai Xiyue's shoulder: "Yue'er, you are my daughter, and it is my responsibility to prepare your dowry. As long as you can live well in the palace, it is worth it for your father to do anything."

A touch of emotion flashed in Mai Xiyue's eyes as she tightly grasped her father's hand: "Father, thank you."

Marquis Changtai looked at his daughter with eyes full of love: "Yue'er, you are my proudest daughter. I believe you will live a good life in the palace."

Mai Xiyue nodded, her eyes shining with determination: "Father, I will try my best. I will not let you down."

As time passed, the dowry prepared by the Marquis of Changtai's family became increasingly abundant. Looking at the wealth her father had prepared for her, Mai Xiyue felt both moved and grateful.

Finally, Mai Xiyue's wedding was approaching. Everyone in the Changtai Marquis's mansion was busy preparing for this grand wedding.

On the wedding day, Marquis Changtai personally escorted his daughter to the bridal sedan chair. Watching his daughter's departing figure, he was filled with pride and reluctance.

After marrying into the royal family, Mai Xiyue lived a very good life, just as Marquis Changtai had hoped. With her intelligence and wit, she successfully integrated into life within the royal household. The dowry Marquis Changtai prepared for his daughter also gave her ample security within the royal family.