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

Old Madam Chao took a sip of tea and slowly said, "I do have a purpose. In recent years, I have observed the situation in the court and found that the power of the Fourth Prince has gradually grown, while Consort Chao has been gradually neglected. I am worried that once the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, Consort Chao's fate will be even more tragic. Therefore, I want to seek the help of Madam Jiang."

Jiang Huaiyu's eyes flickered; she hadn't expected Old Madam Chao to be so frank.

Old Madam Chao lowered her head and said apologetically, "Madam Jiang, my son was rude this time and disturbed the peace of your household. I brought this small gift to apologize to you."

Lady Jiang Huaiyu, wife of the Duke of Wei, sat expressionlessly at the head of the table, her gaze icy. She glanced at Old Madam Chao and said coldly, "Madam Chao, you flatter us. Our household has always been peaceful. How can there be any talk of disturbance?"

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Old Madam Chao's face, but she then said sincerely, "Madam Jiang, I know you must have some resentment in your heart. I have come here not only to apologize, but also to say a few words of justice for my daughter and the Fourth Prince. Although their behavior was improper, they were misled by rumors from the outside world, which led them to make such a big mistake."

Jiang Huaiyu sneered, a hint of sarcasm flashing in her eyes: "Rumors from the outside world? Madam Chao, are you trying to excuse your daughter and son? Their actions have already spread throughout the capital, making them a laughing stock. If I don't teach them a lesson today, I'm afraid they will do it again."

Old Madam Chao sighed and said, "Madam Jiang, I know you're right. But they are still my daughter and son, and as their mother, I can't just stand by and do nothing. The gifts I brought today are not enough to make up for their mistakes, but they are a token of my goodwill."

As she spoke, Old Madam Chao took out a ruby ​​phoenix hairpin with outstretched wings from her sleeve and handed it to Jiang Huaiyu: "This hairpin is a family heirloom, priceless. Madam Jiang, if you can accept my apology, this hairpin will be my compensation. Please accept it."

Jiang Huaiyu glanced at the gold hairpin, a hint of greed flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and said coldly, "Madam Chao, do you think you can make up for their mistakes with these gold and silver jewels? Let me tell you, I, Jiang Huaiyu, am not so easily moved."

Old Madam Chao's face showed a hint of anxiety as she said urgently, "Madam Jiang, I understand what you mean. In addition to these gifts, I can also have Consort Chao and the Fourth Prince serve you in the mansion to make up for their mistakes."

A hint of doubt flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes as she asked, "Serve? Madam Chao, what do you mean by that?"

Old Madam Chao gritted her teeth and said, "Madam Jiang, I know you harbor resentment, but I cannot let my daughter and son suffer punishment in vain. If they can serve you in the household, it can be considered a way of atonement. I believe that in time, you will see them change."

Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment, a sly glint in her eyes. She looked at Old Madam Chao and smiled, "In that case, I will accept your proposal. However, I want to test their sincerity first."

Old Madam Chao was overjoyed and quickly said, "Madam Jiang, don't worry, they will serve you wholeheartedly. Then, it's settled."

Jiang Huaiyu nodded and said, "Alright, it's settled then. However, I have another favor to ask, and I wonder if Madam Chao would be willing to help?"

Old Madam Chao hurriedly said, "Madam Jiang, please speak."

A shadow crossed Jiang Huaiyu's eyes as she said, "I want Consort Chao and the Fourth Prince to help me monitor everything happening in the palace, especially the Emperor's illness."

Old Madam Chao was taken aback, but then she understood Jiang Huaiyu's intention. She pondered for a moment and said, "Madam Jiang, this is a matter concerning royal secrets. I am worried that the two of them are not up to the responsibility."

Jiang Huaiyu sneered and said, "Madam Chao, don't worry, I will teach them how to act. As long as they can help me monitor the palace, I guarantee they will be fine."

Old Madam Chao hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded: "Since Madam Jiang trusts you so much, then I will agree. However, Madam Jiang, you must promise me that you will not let them take any risks."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Madam Chao, I won't let them take any risks."

After a moment of contemplation, Old Madam Chao suddenly raised her head and looked at Jiang Huaiyu, asking, "Madam Jiang, I have a question for you, but I don't know if I should speak to you?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and calmly replied, "Grandma Chao, you flatter me. Please speak, Huaiyu is all ears."

Old Madam Chao nodded slightly, a sly glint in her eyes, and said, "I've heard that both Prince Duan and Prince Rui are courting powerful families in preparation for their future struggle for the throne. Are you aware of this, Madam?"

Jiang Huaiyu glanced at Old Madam Chao indifferently, understanding her intentions, but pretending not to know, and said, "Huaiyu has indeed heard about it, but has not studied it in depth."

A hint of joy flashed in Old Madam Chao's eyes. Thinking that Jiang Huaiyu was not concerned about this matter, she took the opportunity to say, "I think that both princes have their own merits. Madam, who do you think is more suitable to inherit the throne?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, but inwardly she was somewhat impatient. She had already seen through Old Madam Chao's intentions; she simply wanted her to support Prince Duan, thereby consolidating her grandson's position. However, she already had her own plans in mind.

"Grandma Chao, I believe that the two princes each have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is difficult to judge them. However, the Wei family already has the Empress's legitimate son, Wei Fengyao. He is intelligent and skilled in both literature and martial arts, and he will surely become a wise ruler in the future. I think that the Wei family's empire should be inherited by the descendants of the Wei family."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Chao's expression changed slightly. She hadn't expected Jiang Huaiyu to reject her suggestion so directly.

She frowned, inwardly cursing Jiang Huaiyu for being so tactless, but still unwilling to give up, she continued, "Madam, I know that Wei Fengyao is your eldest son, but in the struggle for the throne, there are no so many reasons to talk about it. If Wei Fengyao can gain the support of more powerful forces, wouldn't his chances of inheriting the throne be greater in the future?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled calmly, but felt a surge of anger inside.

Old Madam Chao was deliberately testing her, but she would never compromise.

"Grandma Chao, Huaiyu understands your meaning. But if Wei Fengyao is capable, he will naturally gain the support of the people. If he is not capable, forcing himself to fight for the throne will only be harmful. Huaiyu only hopes that Wei Fengyao can become a wise and virtuous ruler. As for the throne, let fate decide."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Chao's face grew even more grim. She hadn't expected Jiang Huaiyu to be so resolute. She secretly vowed to find a way to ensure that Prince Duan ascended the throne, or she wouldn't be able to swallow this insult.

Old Madam Chao frowned and asked, "Huaiyu, what are your thoughts on the Fourth Prince and Prince Rui?"

Jiang Huaiyu slightly raised her eyelids, her gaze sweeping lightly across Old Madam Chao's face before slowly lowering again. After a moment of silence, she did not directly answer Old Madam Chao's question.