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

After a moment's thought, she made a new suggestion: "Boss Dou is interested in opening a brothel, so selling this restaurant to you wouldn't be out of the question. However, as I mentioned before, I'm buying this place to start a new business, although I'm not yet sure what exactly. Since Boss Dou is interested in buying, I have a win-win solution. I'll transfer the restaurant to you, but not in cash; instead, I'll exchange it for shares in the brothel you're opening. This way, both of our needs will be met. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

After a moment's hesitation, Mr. Dou gave an awkward smile and slowly said, "Madam Hou, this matter is of utmost importance, and I cannot make a decision on my own. I must consult with the owner to see if it can be done. If the owner agrees, I will come back to discuss it with you in more detail; if the owner does not agree, I will send someone to inform you in time."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu felt uneasy. Although the matter seemed promising, the attitude of the owner behind Boss Dou was still unknown. If the owner refused, the 4500 taels of silver he had invested would likely be lost, and his plan to acquire two more shops on that bustling street would also be thwarted.

However, Jiang Huaiyu knew that wealth and honor often come with risks, so she immediately nodded and said, "Alright, then I will wait for Manager Dou's good news."

She secretly pondered that if the owner didn't agree, she would sell the restaurant to someone else to ensure that the street would become famous, and then try to acquire two more shops there, which would also be a feasible strategy.

He couldn't help but secretly admire his own business acumen.

As evening fell, Wei Fenghui hurried home from Yueming Academy.

He walked into a secluded alley and encountered several thugs wearing black masks, who forced him to the end of the alley.

Wei Fenghui cursed inwardly and tried to turn and flee, only to find three thugs blocking his escape route from behind. Caught between two enemies, with nowhere to run, he could only shout in a low voice, "Who are you? What is your purpose?"

The leader of the thugs let out a cold snort and said in a low voice, "Young Master of the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion, we are just doing this for money. You only need to let us give you a good beating."

Wei Fenghui pondered to himself that these people weren't after money; they just wanted to get him beaten up. He usually kept a low profile and hadn't made any enemies, the only exception being Liao Yuteng from yesterday.

"Gentlemen, I'm willing to pay double the amount of silver you received, just please let us pass," Wei Fenghui said in a deep voice, trying to resolve the current crisis with money.

……

In the shadowy corners of the streets and alleys, the ringleader of the thugs laughed loudly, his voice grating, "Hey, the boss already anticipated your protest, so he set an exorbitant price. You probably can't even afford half of it. Don't forget, the news of you making a living by selling your calligraphy yesterday has already spread like wildfire. You don't look like a wealthy man with a fortune in your pocket."

A surge of anger welled up in Wei Fenghui's heart. This Liao Yuteng was truly ruthless, actually hiring thugs to attack him and even anticipating his response.

It seemed he was in grave danger this time and was bound to get a beating. He secretly resolved to protect his face and not let his mother see him injured.

Wei Fenghui seemed to have accepted his fate. He slowly squatted down, curled up into a trembling ball, covered his head with his hands, and buried his face deep in his abdomen.

"Do it!"

A gust of wind howled, and the sound of heavy punches landing was incessant, but strangely, Wei Fenghui, who was curled up, did not feel the expected excruciating pain. He cautiously opened one eye and saw three agile and powerful men descending like divine soldiers, defeating the group of thugs in a few breaths. The thugs fled in terror, screaming in agony, and disappeared in a flash.

Wei Fenghui was stunned. He slowly released his hands and looked closely. It turned out that the people who had saved him were Instructor Feng from the Marquis's mansion and two loyal servants.

After the three men drove the thugs away, they quickly walked to Wei Fenghui's side. Instructor Feng asked with concern, "Young Master, are you alright?"

Wei Fenghui looked completely bewildered. "Uncle Feng, how did you end up here?"

Instructor Feng smiled kindly. "It was Madam who sent us. Madam learned that you had caused trouble for the second son of the Marquis of Jing'an yesterday, and she was worried that he would retaliate in secret. So she specially asked us to secretly protect you on your way to and from school."

Wei Fenghui suddenly realized what was happening, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart, instantly increasing his fondness for Jiang Huaiyu.

"Thank you so much for your timely rescue, uncles. If you hadn't arrived in time, I would have been in serious trouble."

Instructor Feng gently patted Wei Fenghui's shoulder, his tone full of concern, "It's good that you're alright. Go home quickly. If Madam knew you were safe and sound, she would be relieved."

……

Inside Moyou Hall, there was tranquility and peace.

Instructor Feng recounted the events that had just occurred to Jiang Huaiyu in detail.

Jiang Huaiyu was instantly enraged. This second son of the Marquis of Jing'an was so presumptuous, daring to lay a hand on a son of the Marquis's family. She couldn't help but wonder if the Marquis of Jing'an's wife had tacitly approved of this.

Wei Fenghui's eyes gleamed with gratitude. "I will never forget the fact that Madam sent servants to protect me."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled calmly, thinking to herself that Wei Fenghui still refused to call her "mother" willingly, which was really difficult for him.

“It was nothing, nothing to mention. You are the Marquis’s bloodline, and also my own son. As his mother, it is my duty to protect you.”

Wei Fenghui remained silent for a moment. Although he had not fully accepted Jiang Huaiyu in his heart, he had received great kindness from her after all, so calling her "mother" was not difficult for him.

"Yes, Mother. Fenghui will excuse himself now."

Wei Fenghui gave a slight bow, then turned and left.

After his figure disappeared, Jiang Huaiyu suddenly came to her senses, "Cuiying, did Fenghui call me 'mother' just now?"

Cuiying looked blank and replied softly, "Huh? Is that so? I didn't notice just now."

A look of joy spread across Jiang Huaiyu's face. "That's right, Feng Hui did indeed call me 'Mother' just now."

She clutched her handkerchief tightly, tears welling in her eyes, "He's finally willing to call me mother."

Just then, Wei Fengyun rushed into the house like lightning.

"Mother, I have successfully joined the Sword Subduing Division!"

Jiang Huaiyu raised her head, tears streaming down her face, her emotions still not calmed.

Seeing this, Wei Fengyun asked with concern, "Mother, are you crying tears of joy because I successfully joined the Sword Subduing Division?"

Jiang Huaiyu finally awoke from her blissful reverie, her heart overflowing with joy, while tears of excitement welled in her eyes. "My good child, a mother's joy is beyond words."

As soon as they finished speaking, the two embraced tightly. Wei Fengyun's face was beaming with a bright smile, while Jiang Huaiyu burst into tears amidst laughter.

“Mother, I have now obtained an official position and been promoted to a ninth-rank military officer. From now on, I will be able to receive a monthly stipend from the imperial court.”

“That’s wonderful, my son. You are truly your mother’s pride. But I must remind you of a few things: always remain humble in the Sword Investigation Division, and never try to show off when investigating cases. Remember not to be arrogant just because you are the heir of the Marquis’s mansion. Always follow your superiors’ instructions.”