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

Standing before the imposing vermilion gates of the Duke of Wei's mansion, Lady Pei felt a surge of anxiety. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. The gatekeeper, recognizing her, hurriedly announced her arrival. Soon, she was led into the main hall.

Inside the hall, Lady Jiang Huaiyu, wife of the Duke of Wei, sat in the main seat with a faint smile on her face. Pei bowed, and Jiang Huaiyu personally helped her up, saying, "Sister Pei, it's been many years, and you've become even more dignified."

Madam Pei forced a smile and said, "Sister Jiang, you flatter me. I am here today because my daughter is about to get married, and we are facing some financial difficulties. I would like to ask for your help."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "Sister Pei, there's no need to be so polite. We're like sisters. Just tell me if you have any difficulties."

Madam Pei bit her lower lip and said, "To be honest, the Marquis of Changtai's mansion is indeed in some financial straits right now, and my daughter's dowry..."

Before she could finish speaking, Jiang Huaiyu interrupted, "Don't worry, sister, I have three thousand taels of silver here. Take it for now. As for my daughter's dowry, I will add some more when she gets married, so that she can have a grand wedding."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Madam Pei's eyes, and she quickly said, "I am truly grateful for your generosity, sister. However, my husband..."

Jiang Huaiyu frowned slightly and chuckled, "Sister Pei, I know you're dissatisfied, but husband and wife should always be more tolerant of each other. Although Marquis Changtai isn't a particularly upright man, you should be able to feel his affection for you."

Madam Pei sighed and said, "Sister is right. I know my husband has me in his heart, but seeing him looking so worried all day makes me suffer too. Sometimes, I really hate that I have no choice."

Jiang Huaiyu gently patted her hand and said, "Sister, life is full of disappointments. All we can do is try our best to make our lives better. Take this three thousand taels of silver to solve your current predicament. As for the rest, we can deal with it slowly."

After thinking for a moment, Madam Pei went straight to the Jing'an Marquis's residence to find Madam Liang. She rode in a carriage and slowly entered the Jing'an Marquis's residence. She saw that the residence was prosperous and magnificent, with pavilions and towers, a scene of wealth and luxury. Madam Pei nodded slightly, thinking to herself: "For such a wealthy family, a mere five hundred taels of silver is nothing more than a drop in the ocean."

Upon arriving at Liang's residence, Pei was led into the living room. Liang was already waiting there. Seeing Pei enter, she smiled slightly and said, "Sister Pei, you've arrived. Please have a seat."

After taking her seat, Madam Pei looked at Madam Liang and said with a smile, "Sister Liang, I've come here to borrow some money from you to help my family out of our urgent financial crisis."

Madam Liang frowned slightly. She had already anticipated Madam Pei's intentions, but she hadn't expected her to be so direct. After a moment's thought, she said, "Sister Pei, as you know, the household expenses are enormous, and I have limited funds. How about this, I'll give you five hundred taels for now, to tide you over."

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei's expression changed slightly, and she couldn't help but feel somewhat displeased. She forced a smile and said, "Sister Liang, you misunderstand. It's not that I'm unaware of your family's difficulties. It's just that this matter is indeed urgent, and five hundred taels of silver is really a drop in the bucket."

Madam Liang smiled calmly and said, "Sister Pei, I know your difficulties, but I have mine too. I have done my best with five hundred taels of silver."

Pei was helpless and increasingly dissatisfied. Just as she was about to say something more, footsteps came from the doorway. Then, Marquis Jing'an walked in.

Marquis Jing'an, dressed in magnificent robes, exuded an extraordinary air. He looked at Madam Pei, pondering to himself, but smiled and said, "Madam Pei, I have long admired your name. I never expected to meet you here today."

Madam Pei quickly rose and bowed, saying, "Your Excellency is too kind. I have only come to borrow some money from Sister Liang."

Marquis Jing'an nodded slightly and said, "Madam Pei, I have heard about your family's difficulties and have some ideas. How about this, I will give you one thousand taels of silver, hoping to relieve your family's urgent needs."

Madam Pei was stunned; she hadn't expected the Marquis of Jing'an to be so generous. She quickly said, "My lord, this is impossible. Sister Liang has already given me five hundred taels; I cannot accept any more."

Marquis Jing'an smiled and said, "Madam Pei, you misunderstand. This money is not a loan, but an investment. I have heard that your daughter, Mai Xiyue, is both beautiful and talented. If we can marry her to my son, the benefits of our two families' marriage will be self-evident."

Pei's expression changed slightly. She knew what the Marquis of Jing'an was thinking and couldn't help but feel worried. She looked at Liang, hoping she could help her out of this predicament.

Madam Liang smiled slightly and said, "My lord, Sister Pei's daughter, Mai Xiyue, is indeed both beautiful and talented, but marriage requires mutual affection. What do you say, Sister Pei?"

Madam Pei's heart tightened, and she quickly said, "Sister is right, marriage is a matter that needs to be considered carefully. Mai Xiyue is still young, and I want to observe her for a while longer."

A hint of disappointment flashed in the eyes of Marquis Jing'an, but he still smiled and said, "Madam Pei, since that's the case, I'll lend you a thousand taels of silver first. We can discuss the marriage after you've made up your mind."

Pei could no longer refuse and could only gratefully agree. In her heart, however, she secretly vowed to protect Mai Xiyue and not let her become a victim of a political marriage.

Leaving the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, Madam Pei was filled with mixed emotions. Looking at the silver in her hand, she couldn't help but sigh, "Life is unpredictable. I never expected that borrowing money would go so smoothly. I hope it was all worth it."

Inside the Youtang Hall, Jiang Huaiyu instructed his maid Cuiying to summon Wei Ruoyi.

A moment later, Wei Ruoyi stepped steadily into the hall. Although she was over forty, she still possessed a captivating charm, and her demeanor exuded nobility. She bowed to Jiang Huaiyu and said softly, "Madam, what brings you here?"

Jiang Huaiyu personally moved a chair for Wei Ruoyi to sit down, and then said, "Sister Wei, I would like to talk to you about Feng Hui's marriage."

Wei Ruoyi was slightly taken aback. She knew this day would come sooner or later, but she still felt uneasy. She nodded gently and said, "Madam, please feel free to speak your mind."

Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment and said, "Feng Hui is the eldest son of the family, so his marriage should not be taken lightly. I think his wife should be the eldest daughter of an official of at least the third rank."

Wei Ruoyi frowned slightly. She knew this was the Wei family's rule, but she felt somewhat displeased. She said softly, "Madam, Feng Hui is still young. Is there any need to rush things?"

Jiang Huaiyu shook her head and said, "Sister Wei, as you know, the eldest son of the Wei family often has to shoulder more responsibility. Getting married earlier will also help stabilize his position."

Wei Ruoyi was silent for a moment, then said, "So, how does Madam plan to choose a daughter-in-law?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "After I finish dealing with the affairs of this period, I plan to have Steward Zheng collect some portraits of girls who meet the criteria, and then we can choose together."

Wei Ruoyi sighed softly. She knew that Jiang Huaiyu's decision was unchangeable and she could only comply. She said, "Then I'll trouble you, Madam."

Wei Ruoyi nodded slightly, her eyes filled with admiration and respect, and said, "Sister Jiang, your decision is truly brilliant. My gratitude to you is beyond words."