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

Wei Fenghui knew this was not the time to show off his strength. He spoke softly but firmly: "The person who attacked me was wearing a veil, but I deduce that they are the culprits."

Jiang Huaiyu thought to himself, "What should I do if I don't have solid evidence?"

Wei Fenghui suffered severe injuries to both legs. This was no simple fight, and if not handled properly, he could become disabled.

Jiang Huaiyu felt guilty, as if all the responsibility should fall on her.

If Wei Fenghui hadn't gone out to sell his calligraphy to alleviate the Marquis's financial burden, how could he have incurred such a deep hatred with the Marquis of Jing'an and suffered this retaliation?

“It’s all my fault.” Jiang Huaiyu suddenly burst into tears. “If I hadn’t agreed to let you live independently, how could Feng Hui have fallen into the trap of the Marquis of Jing’an’s mansion? If I had insisted on having the guards continue to protect you, Feng Hui wouldn’t have suffered such a heavy blow.”

Wei Fenghui witnessed Jiang Huaiyu's remorse and couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow in his heart.

It was clearly his own insistence on independence that led him to this; how can he blame others for all of this? If anyone is to be held responsible, it is only the sinister intentions of the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion.

Jiang Huaiyu wiped away her tears and said firmly, "Feng Hui, don't worry, I will definitely get justice for you."

Then, she turned to Cuiying and instructed, "Return to the Marquis's residence immediately and invite Steward Zheng and Instructor Feng here. Have them bring a few guards with them."

"Yes, sir." After receiving the order, Cuiying quickly returned to the Jiaxing Marquis's residence to gather manpower.

Jiang Huaiyu then said to Wei Ruoyi and her son, "Come back to the Marquis's residence with me. You can return after your injuries have healed. This time, you cannot refuse."

Wei Ruoyi nodded slightly and replied softly, "I will follow Madam's arrangements."

Wei Fenghui lay quietly on the bed, silent, seemingly engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

Soon, Steward Zheng arrived with a group of people. They carefully lifted Wei Fenghui onto the carriage and helped him with the move.

Jiang Huaiyu ordered Cuiying to take the Marquis's token and enter the palace to request that Imperial Physician Liu, who was skilled in bone setting and wound treatment, come to treat Wei Fenghui.

Physician Liu carefully examined Wei Fenghui's legs, his brows furrowed. After a moment of deep thought, he slowly spoke: "The bones have been reconnected, but he needs three months of careful rest to fully recover."

Wei Ruoyi looked worried and couldn't help but ask, "Then, will Feng Hui be able to take the imperial examination in a month?"

Physician Liu gently stroked his long beard, pondered for a moment, and replied, "If his recovery goes smoothly, he might be able to enter the examination hall in a wheelchair. But if his recovery is not good, I'm afraid he will have to wait three years before he has another chance to challenge us."

Lying on the bed, Wei Fenghui looked worried and asked in a weak voice, "Then, what are the chances of me recovering in a month?"

"I remember that the palace has a rare medicine called White Jade Bone-Mending Ointment. If one could apply this medicine, there would be no doubt that one could take the exam in a wheelchair a month later. But unfortunately, the Emperor has already bestowed this White Jade Bone-Mending Ointment upon Consort Li. I don't know if there is any left in the palace."

Consort Li is the younger sister of the current Marquis of Jing'an and the birth mother of Prince Rui. The one who maliciously broke Wei Fenghui's legs was none other than Liao Yuteng, the second son of the Marquis of Jing'an.

Jiang Huaiyu stood up resolutely and said firmly, "I will petition the court tomorrow to request Consort Li to grant us this medicine. No matter what, we must do our best."

Originally, Jiang Huaiyu planned to file a lawsuit against the Jing'an Marquis's Mansion at the Dali Temple, but considering that she needed Consort Li's help now, she had to suppress her anger for the time being.

After Physician Liu left, Jiang Huaiyu sat beside Wei Fenghui's bed and gently comforted him, "Fenghui, don't worry, your mother will definitely get justice for you."

Wei Fenghui remained silent, but his heart was churning with self-blame and regret. He regretted misunderstanding Jiang Huaiyu and regretted his willful departure from home yesterday, which made his mother sad.

A single, glistening tear silently slid down Wei Fenghui's cheek, wetting the edge of the pillow.

He called out softly, his voice trembling with tears, "Mother."

Hearing this heartfelt call, Jiang Huaiyu's eyes welled up with tears, and she responded with a trembling voice.

……

The next day, as dawn broke, Jiang Huaiyu stepped into the Forbidden City.

Now, Consort Chao, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo, is the mother of the nation and holds great power in the harem.

Consort Li of the Marquis of Jing'an's residence and Consort Xi of the General of the Western Expedition's residence jointly assisted in managing the affairs of the six palaces.

Upon entering the palace, Jiang Huaiyu first went to the palace of Consort Chao to pay her respects. Consort Chao was not only of noble birth, but had also given birth to Prince Duan, making her a person of high status.

Afterwards, Jiang Huaiyu went to visit Consort Xi, who was not only beautiful but also had given birth to Princess Jiade. Her elder brother, General Yao, the General Who Conquers the West, was the same meritorious official who had escorted the Marquis's body back a few days earlier.

In this deep palace, Jiang Huaiyu's only reliable relationship was her old friendship with Consort Xi.

This friendship stemmed from the camaraderie between the two marquises, and even more so from the fact that before Consort Xi entered the palace, she often visited the Jiaxing Marquis's residence to play with Jiang Huaiyu, and the two had a deep friendship.

Upon entering the Suiyu Pavilion, Jiang Huaiyu knelt and bowed to Consort Xi in accordance with etiquette.

Consort Xi hurriedly stepped forward to help her up, saying, "Sister, it has been several years since we last met."

Jiang Huaiyu's face was filled with joy. "Indeed, it has been very difficult for us to see you again since you took over the palace."

Consort Xi sat on the soft couch with Jiang Huaiyu by her side and asked kindly, "Sister, what important matter do you wish to discuss with me upon entering the palace?"

Jiang Huaiyu sighed, her face showing worry, and then slowly recounted the whole story.

Upon hearing this, Consort Xi also looked troubled. "Sister, there is no need to worry. I am willing to personally accompany you to Consort Li's Shuiyun Pavilion. If Consort Li is unaware that this matter was done by the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, there may still be a chance. However, if she already knows, I'm afraid she will not easily hand over what she needs."

Jiang Huaiyu's eyes were full of gratitude. She stood up and bowed deeply to Consort Xi, saying, "Huaiyu thanks you."

Consort Xi quickly stopped her, saying gently, "We have been sisters for many years, there's no need for such formalities. Now that the Marquis of Jiaxing has passed away, my brother and I will naturally take good care of you."

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Huaiyu felt a lump in her throat. The deep affection between the sisters was evident in their words, and there was no need to ask any more questions.

The two walked hand in hand into the depths of the palace, heading towards Consort Li's private villa—Shuiyun Pavilion.

Upon entering the palace gates, Consort Xi bowed slightly, performed the standard curtsy, and then stood up straight, while Jiang Huaiyu knelt respectfully on the ground.

"Greetings to Consort Li, may Your Highness enjoy good health and longevity."

Consort Li returned Consort Xi's greeting with a gentle bow, her face beaming with a warm smile, and asked, "Consort Xi, what brings you to my Shuiyun Pavilion today?"

Consort Xi's gaze swept lightly over Jiang Huaiyu, who was still kneeling on the ground, and she said slowly, "Today, I came here with the Lady of Jiaxing Marquis."

Consort Li seemed to ignore Jiang Huaiyu's presence, and casually said, "Consort Xi and Lady Jiaxing have a very deep friendship. Outsiders might mistakenly think that you two are sisters."