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

During the banquet, many people tried to share a drink with Wei Fenghui, but they were all cleverly blocked outside by the guards carefully arranged by Jiang Huaiyu.

Most of these guests came from humble backgrounds or were merchants; truly high-ranking officials and dignitaries would not visit at this crucial juncture. They were waiting for Jiang Huaiyu to extend a formal invitation before heading to the Marquis of Jiaxing's residence to offer their congratulations.

After several rounds of drinks, the group quietly left through the back door of Yin Taibai and returned to the Marquis's residence.

As night fell, Jiang Huaiyu recalled the days before Wei Fenghui became disabled. He had once wanted to take Wei Ruoyi out alone, and she wondered what his state of mind was now.

Now, Wei Fenghui has not only recovered from his leg ailment, but has also become the top scholar in the imperial examination and been promoted to an official position. If he chooses to leave, Jiang Huaiyu will be powerless to stop him, and she has never had such a thought.

Everything she did for Wei Fenghui and his mother after her rebirth was, in a way, compensation for the coldness and indifference she had shown towards them over the past twenty years.

The next morning, Jiang Huaiyu woke up and took out a silver note worth 10,000 taels from his private treasury, as well as the deeds to two cloth shops, a jewelry store, and a restaurant.

Carrying these valuable items, she stepped into Wuyang Garden, where Wei Fenghui resided.

When Wei Fenghui saw Jiang Huaiyu arrive so early, he asked in surprise, "Why did you come so early today, Mother?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, casually sat down on a wooden chair in the hall, and asked softly, "Haven't you had breakfast yet?"

Wei Fenghui replied, "I had a hearty meal and drank a lot last night, and I just woke up this morning. I haven't had breakfast yet. Mother, have you had breakfast?"

Jiang Huaiyu gently shook her head, her tone gentle yet firm, "That's not the case. Mother has come here to discuss important matters with you."

A hint of confusion welled up in Wei Fenghui's heart, and he frowned slightly. "Mother, what brings you here? Please speak freely."

Jiang Huaiyu slowly took out a cloth bag covered with the marks of time from his bosom, gently untied the bag, and laid out the contents one by one on the table.

Wei Fenghui's gaze fell on the land deeds and silver notes, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Mother, what is your intention in doing this?"

Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly, her voice tinged with helplessness and sorrow, "I understand that you still harbor resentment over my harsh treatment of you in the past, and you've always longed to live independently. Last time, you were willing to give up everything to leave with Aunt Wei and venture out on your own."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "I have never tried to stop your choices, and I have always respected your decisions. I only wish that you can find your own happiness and freedom."

Jiang Huaiyu's tone softened, and she continued, "I know that no matter how hard I try, the mistakes of the past cannot be made up for, and even if those wounds heal, they will leave permanent scars."

When she mentioned Aunt Wei, Jiang Huaiyu's words carried a hint of compromise: "She told me that you think I want you to stay so that I can rely on you to support the Marquis's mansion in the future. Indeed, Feng Yun is not capable of shouldering great responsibilities, and Feng Yao is young and about to enter the Princess's mansion. If the future of the Marquis's mansion does not depend on you, it will indeed be bleak."

However, Jiang Huaiyu's words revealed a hint of affection and apology, "But that was not my intention. I wanted to make up for what I owed you in the past. The Marquis has passed away, but you are still a member of the Marquis's family. As the mistress of the house, I should care for you."

She gently pushed the land deed and silver notes forward, saying, "Whether you accept them or not, these possessions will belong to you. In addition, you will also receive 50% of the shares in the newly opened Yintai Bai Restaurant. In this way, even if you and Aunt Wei live independently, you can still live a wealthy and comfortable life. These 10,000 taels of silver notes are enough to purchase a luxurious mansion in the capital, and the profits from the four shops will be enough to support your daily expenses."

Her voice carried a hint of firmness, "If there are any shortcomings in the future, just tell me, and I will do my best to help you. You don't need to feel any pressure, nor do you need to support the Marquis's mansion in the future. I have never had any expectations of you; I simply want to make up for the mistakes of the past."

After Jiang Huaiyu finished speaking, her expression was unusually calm, as if she was truly reflecting deeply on and atoning for her past actions.

Looking at Jiang Huaiyu's calm and composed expression, Wei Fenghui felt a pang of bitterness well up in his heart. He would rather see Jiang Huaiyu weeping bitterly than see her so calm.

This calmness meant that his mother had completely given up on him and was so disheartened that she was indifferent to everything else.

Recalling his past actions, a bitter feeling welled up in his heart. He remembered the time when he had suffered a misfortune and broken both legs, and how Jiang Huaiyu had spared no effort to seek medical treatment for him, even risking offending powerful figures to enter the palace to ask Consort Li, who came from the Jing'an Marquis's family, for medicine.

Deep within that cold palace, she was mercilessly humiliated by Consort Li. Her arrogant smile and cruel words stripped her of her dignity, forcing her to kneel on the cold stone slab. That kneeling lasted for a long afternoon until she lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.

However, Jiang Huaiyu did not give in. Instead, he stepped forward, went to court to argue his case, and sought justice for himself, ensuring that those who framed him received their due punishment and that justice was served.

Throughout his long period of recuperation, Jiang Huaiyu remained steadfast, dedicating all her best resources to him, enabling him to recover quickly and successfully embark on the path of the imperial examinations.

Once upon a time, Wei Fenghui misunderstood Jiang Huaiyu's deep affection, thinking that her care was merely a means to win him over, to keep him in the Marquis's mansion and make him a pillar of the mansion.

However, today, Jiang Huaiyu not only did not try to keep him, but also generously gave the Marquis's mansion most of its wealth.

I never imagined that Jiang Huaiyu would ever have the intention of controlling me, nor did she ever try to exploit me. It was I who misunderstood her all along.

At this moment, Wei Fenghui was filled with deep regret. Jiang Huaiyu had shouldered the heavy responsibility of the Marquis's mansion for twenty years. His perseverance and wisdom made him feel inferior.

She never bowed to fate, and with her intelligence and wisdom, she saved her family from danger time and time again, helping the Marquis's mansion overcome difficulties.

What right does Wei Fenghui have to demand a division of the family property? Every thread and every piece of cloth in the Marquis's mansion was earned by Jiang Huaiyu through her wisdom and hard work. What right does she have to claim this wealth for herself?

Wei Fenghui felt an indescribable sense of guilt. At this moment, he finally understood Wei Ruoyi's words: "Madam is a great woman. Madam has endured too many grievances. Madam has really had a hard time."

Regret and guilt surged like a tide, and tears welled up in his eyes. Wei Fenghui knelt down with a thud, his heart filled with gratitude and remorse for Jiang Huaiyu.

“Mother, your unfilial son failed to understand your deep love and the suffering you endured. Today, your son finally understands. I beg you to give your son a chance to reform and forgive your ignorance and offense.”

Seeing Wei Fenghui's sincere repentance, Jiang Huaiyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She smiled slightly and gently helped Wei Fenghui up. However, Wei Fenghui firmly remained kneeling and said resolutely, "Unless Mother forgives her son, he will remain kneeling forever."