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

"Feng Yao, what brings you to Sichuan with the Princess this time?"

"The Princess has been ordered to travel to Sichuan incognito." Jiang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow slightly. An incognito trip? It seems the Emperor has long been wary of the Prince of Shu. I wonder if the Princess has discovered anything during her trip.

"The eldest princess also brought back a highly skilled physician."

"Miracle doctor?"

Wei Fengyao nodded, his tone revealing reverence, "Indeed, I heard that the Emperor is in poor health, so I specially invited this divine physician to recuperate the Emperor."

Jiang Huaiyu was suspicious. In her previous life, she did not seem to have any impression of the princess going to Sichuan, nor did she remember any divine physician ever setting foot in the capital.

Perhaps it did happen, but in my previous life, the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion was too peripheral, and many things were beyond its reach.

"There is one more thing I want to announce to everyone. I performed exceptionally well during this incognito visit and gained the favor of the Princess. I have been promoted to the rank of Sima, a fourth-grade official."

Everyone offered their congratulations, and Wei Fenghui's eyes revealed obvious envy.

"It seems that my decision to host a banquet at Rongxi Hall today was a wise one." Jiang Huaiyu smiled broadly, his words revealing satisfaction and pride.

Wei Fengyao turned his gaze to Wei Fenghui, "I saw that my elder brother was in a wheelchair. Could it be that he injured his leg?"

Jiang Huaiyu's expression turned serious. "Alas, I was indeed injured a few days ago, but there's no need to worry too much. I'll recover in just two months."

Jiang Huaiyu naturally wouldn't directly confide his grievances to Wei Fengyao, because he knew that after Qi Ziming returned, she would tell Wei Fengyao everything that had happened to the Marquis's mansion during this period. At this moment, he chose to remain silent, both to show his loving heart that didn't want Wei Fengyao to worry and to highlight the various injustices and grievances suffered by the Marquis's mansion.

Wei Fengyao noticed that everyone was keeping quiet about the matter, so he wisely chose not to pursue it further. After the banquet, he went straight to Qi Ziming's Ink Chrysanthemum Garden, where Qi Ziming recounted in detail the various changes that had occurred in the Marquis's mansion over the past two weeks.

Wei Fenghui suffered a brutal attack from the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion, with both legs broken; Jiang Huaiyu entered the palace seeking medicine but was humiliated by being forced to kneel; Wei Fengyun was maliciously framed by Mai Yufeng and imprisoned. Although Jiang Huaiyu managed to escape danger each time and ensure her enemies received their due punishment, Wei Fengyao remained enraged upon hearing these accounts.

“These forces are truly outrageous, daring to take advantage of the passing of the Marquis of Jiaxing to bully the Marquis’s residence at will,” Wei Fengyao said indignantly. “However, my mother truly amazes me; her wisdom and courage are truly rare.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to Qi Ziming and said, "Prepare the writing materials; I need to write a letter to my father immediately."

Deep within the palace.

Princess Linchuan led an elderly man with white hair and an air of otherworldly wisdom into the Emperor's Heart Palace. Inside, candlelight shone brightly, casting a warm glow throughout the tranquil space.

The old man sat to the left of Emperor Erkang, his withered fingers lightly resting on Emperor Erkang's wrist. The entire hall was silent; you could hear a pin drop.

After a long silence, the old man shook his head helplessly. "Your Majesty, your health was severely damaged in your early years, I'm afraid..."

Emperor Erkang remained expressionless. "If you exert all your strength, how much longer can you extend my lifespan?"

The old man pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Five years."

Emperor Erkang closed his eyes, remained silent for a long time, and then opened them again.

Five years is enough.

"From now on, Master Jingfan will stay by my side and take good care of my health."

Jingfan respectfully agreed and then quietly withdrew.

Inside the hall, the candlelight still shone brightly, yet the space felt unusually empty and silent. Only Emperor Erkang, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat at his desk, and Princess Linchuan sat below him. As the princess gazed at the gray-haired, slightly hunched ruler of Western Wei, a strange pang of sorrow welled up in her heart.

My elder brother has ruled the country for thirty years. As time has passed, his former vigor and heroic demeanor are no longer what they once were. During these long thirty years, he has been diligent in his duties, loved the people, and implemented reforms, enabling the people of Western Wei to live in peace and prosperity, and bringing peace and prosperity to the whole country.

He can be considered a wise and sagacious monarch.

Unfortunately, the elder brother had very few descendants; only three princes and two princesses survived to adulthood. Among them, the eldest son born to the late empress was Wei Fengyao.

Now, my brother has devoted himself to the country, and at only fifty years old, his body is already showing signs of fatigue.

"Linchuan, did you discover anything new on your trip to Shu?" Princess Linchuan was startled from her thoughts and gently shook her head. "Shu has enjoyed favorable weather and the King of Shu has shown no unusual behavior."

Emperor Erkang nodded slightly, "When the time is right, I will summon Feng Yao back to the palace and establish him as the crown prince as soon as possible, so that I can rest assured."

Princess Linchuan understood that her brother was worried that his health condition might suddenly change, leaving the throne vacant and causing turmoil in the court. Therefore, he wanted to appoint Wei Fengyao as the crown prince ahead of schedule.

"Does Your Majesty intend to make arrangements in advance? However, Feng Yao's foundation is still shallow, and he lacks sufficient support in the court. If he is suddenly made crown prince, he will probably face opposition from many ministers."

Emperor Erkang's face was resolute. "The triennial imperial examination will be held in a few days. At that time, I will personally select some talented people to help him cultivate his power and make arrangements for him in the court in advance."

Princess Linchuan replied respectfully, "Your Majesty's judgment is extraordinary."

My elder brother has ruled for thirty years, and the heroic spirit and handsome demeanor of his youth are no longer there. In these long thirty years, he has worked diligently to govern, eliminating the old and establishing the new, allowing the people of Western Wei to enjoy peace and tranquility, with the country calm and the world at peace.

He can be considered a wise and virtuous monarch.

Unfortunately, the elder brother had very few descendants; only three princes and two princesses survived to adulthood. The empress's eldest grandson was only Wei Fengyao.

Now, my brother works tirelessly for the country, and although he is only fifty years old, his body is already showing signs of exhaustion.

"Linchuan, did you make any new discoveries during your mission to Shu?" Princess Linchuan snapped out of her reverie and gently shook her head. "Shu is peaceful and prosperous, and the King of Shu has not acted unusually."

Emperor Erkang nodded slightly. "Soon afterward, I will summon Feng Yao back to the palace and establish him as the crown prince as soon as possible. Then I can rest assured."

Princess Linchuan understood that her brother was worried that his health might suddenly deteriorate, leaving the throne vacant and causing turmoil in the court. Therefore, he wanted to appoint Wei Fengyao as crown prince ahead of schedule.

"Does Your Majesty intend to expedite the plan? However, Feng Yao's foundation is still weak, and he lacks sufficient support in the court. If he is suddenly made crown prince, it may provoke opposition from many ministers."

Emperor Erkang's expression was firm. "The triennial imperial examination will be held in a few days. At that time, I will personally select a group of talented people to help him cultivate his power and make arrangements for him in the court in advance."

Princess Linchuan respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is wise and mighty, and your decisions are divine."

The sky was clear and blue, a gentle breeze was blowing, and spring was in full bloom.

Today marks the opening of the triennial imperial examination ceremony.

Before the magnificent gate of the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion, Jiang Huaiyu, Wei Ruoyi, and Wei Fengyun stood side by side on the stone steps, with a group of neatly dressed maids and servants behind them.