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

Sitting in front of them was Wei Fenghui, supported by a wheelchair.

Jiang Huaiyu carefully selected Steward Zheng and Instructor Feng, along with four brave guards, a skilled physician from the prefecture, and Wei Fenghui's page, Sijiu, to accompany him on his journey to the imperial examinations.

Wei Fenghui's gaze fell upon Wei Ruoyi, his mother who had endured countless hardships and raised him with great care for twenty years, and who was the inexhaustible source of motivation for his studies. He knew that only by achieving academic success could he ensure that she could enjoy a happy and peaceful life.

His stepmother, Jiang Huaiyu, though she had been harsh to him in the past, had her reasons and was understandable. Since her father passed away, everything she had done revealed her care and love for Wei Fenghui, which was enough to prove her sincerity.

Now that their father has passed away and their second brother is still immature, only by standing out in the imperial examinations and entering officialdom can they bring glory to the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion and support the family's brilliance.

"Mothers, please rest assured, Fenghui will live up to your expectations and top the list." His voice was firm and confident, like willow branches swaying in the spring breeze, full of vitality and hope.

Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently. She naturally understood that Wei Fenghui was able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors, even winning the top spot and becoming the top scholar. However, in her previous life, Wei Fenghui had not suffered the pain of a broken leg, which made her wonder whether the setbacks in this life would affect his path in the imperial examinations.

Jiang Huaiyu said firmly, "He will definitely pass the exam."

Wei Ruoyi responded gently, "Mother, I believe in you."

Wei Fengyun cheered him up, saying, "Big brother, keep it up! Your little brother is here waiting for your good news."

Wei Fenghui smiled and said confidently, "Okay, I'll bring back good news."

He turned to Butler Zheng and said gently, "Let's go, Uncle Zheng."

Watching the group of people walk away into the distance, Wei Ruoyi was filled with excitement. This was a turning point in her son's life, and she prayed that he would have a smooth journey ahead.

Jiang Huaiyu noticed Wei Ruoyi's tense and excited mood, patted her hand gently, and comforted her, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. There is only so much we can do. Just wait a few days, and Feng Hui will return after the exam."

Wei Ruoyi nodded gently, and the two turned and returned to the mansion, whereupon the gates of the Marquis's residence slowly closed.

In the Western Wei Dynasty, the provincial examination (会试) lasted nine days, and the results were announced a month later. Then came the palace examination (殿试), presided over by the emperor himself, where the top three were determined in a single day.

Jiang Huaiyu planned to take advantage of the fact that candidates from all over the country were gathering in the capital to spread the fame of his restaurant "Yin Taibai".

Inside the "Hidden Taibai" restaurant, Jiang Huaiyu was working with Chef He, who had been specially invited, to plan new dishes.

She conceived a series of creative dishes related to passing the imperial examinations, and Chef He was responsible for bringing these ideas to life.

A gentle autumn breeze stirred, leaves fluttered down, and a slight chill settled in the air. A month had passed since the imperial examinations. During this time, Xiaoxiang Street gradually returned to its bustling state, thanks to the grand opening of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, opened by the Princess. Its exquisite and elegant decor, meticulously prepared dishes and drinks, and the ethereal ladies working there attracted countless scholars and literati. Many candidates who remained in the capital awaiting the results lingered at this pavilion day after day.

Unfortunately, the elegant Xiaoxiang Pavilion was quite expensive, making it inaccessible to many young people from humble backgrounds, who could only stand outside with envy.

Today is the auspicious day for the release of the imperial examination results, and also the grand opening of Jiang Huaiyu's Yintaibai Restaurant. On the city walls beside the imperial city, countless eager students and their servants, impatient to return home and report the good news, have gathered in a bustling crowd. They are all anxiously awaiting the officials to announce the results.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the crowd.

As everyone's gaze fell upon him, a Minister of Rites dressed in a bright red official robe, accompanied by several guards with swords, slowly stepped out from the crowd.

The Minister of Rites began to read out the list of outstanding candidates in this imperial examination in a loud voice, while the guards around him distributed the score sheets to each person in turn.

"Wei Fenghui is the first choice."

"Second choice: Yuan Chenwu."

"Third place..."

As the Minister of Rites descended, two guards solemnly posted the list on the city wall for those who had not heard their names in time to consult.

Those whose names were called cheered excitedly, "I won!" while those who never heard their names called were extremely disappointed and burst into tears.

Around the crowd, several waiters were enthusiastically distributing flyers: "Yin Tai Bai Restaurant is grandly opening today, and we are offering free 'Top Scholar Cakes' and 'Top Scholar Wine' to all students who have passed the imperial examinations. After tasting them, you will surely be blessed with the auspicious energy of passing the imperial examinations and have good luck in the grand palace examination three days later."

Upon hearing this, many students took the flyers and, in twos and threes, flocked towards Xiaoxiang Street.

In front of the Jiaxing Marquis's residence, the family gathered anxiously, awaiting the messenger's return with good news. A servant rode up on horseback, holding aloft Wei Fenghui's report card and shouting with joy:

"The eldest son has won first place and has been crowned the champion!"

The people of the Jiaxing Marquis's residence heard the servant's announcement of good news from afar. Overjoyed, they congratulated Wei Fenghui, and the scene was exceptionally jubilant.

Wei Fengyun slapped his thigh excitedly, his voice filled with undisguised joy: "Brother, you really hit the jackpot! You are the undisputed top scholar! This is truly amazing!"

Wei Fengyao smiled slightly and expressed his sincere blessings to his brother: "Congratulations, brother, this honor is well-deserved."

Tears welled up in Wei Ruoyi's eyes, and her face was filled with pride and satisfaction. She had long known that her son was an excellent student, but she never imagined he would achieve such remarkable success.

With a determined look in his eyes and a voice full of pride, Wei Fenghui said to his mother, "Mother, I was fortunate enough to win first place."

Wei Ruoyi nodded excitedly, tears welling up in her eyes, her heart filled with joy and emotion.

More than two months have passed since the unfortunate incident that resulted in a leg fracture. Thanks to the miraculous effects of the precious white jade bone-setting ointment, Wei Fenghui has regained his ability to walk and is full of energy again.

Although Jiang Huaiyu had anticipated the outcome, he was still very excited. He announced to everyone, "Today we will go to Yin Taibai together to celebrate Feng Hui's success. May he win the imperial examination in the next palace examination and be the champion."

The family arrived at Yintaibai in high spirits. Upon arrival, Jiang Huaiyu immediately instructed his servants to spread the word everywhere, announcing Wei Fenghui's glorious achievements, which attracted countless eyes.

In no time, guests flocked to the scene, and Yin Taibai was surrounded by a huge crowd.

Jiang Huaiyu had made preparations in advance, arranging guards to maintain order at the entrance and stipulating that each person must spend at least ten taels of silver to catch a glimpse of Wei Fenghui's demeanor.

Those scholars who failed the imperial examination hoped to gain some good fortune from Wei Fenghui, while those who had passed the examination wanted to get to know the future top scholar as soon as possible so that they could support each other in the imperial court in the future.