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

"One day, the playboys I used to frolic with discussed this topic and whispered among themselves that the emperor's health was failing, yet he still hadn't decided on a crown prince. The empress had failed to give birth to an heir, and the other princes, all born of concubines, were all potential contenders for the throne. Rumor had it that the princes had begun actively cultivating relationships with various factions in order to gain their support."

Jiang Huaiyu had not given this matter much thought in her previous life, perhaps because after Wei Fengyun inherited the title of Marquis, he neglected state affairs and had no real power, thus offering no substantial help to the princes. Therefore, the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion did not get involved in the struggle for the throne.

However, Jiang Huaiyu is determined to change Wei Fengyun's fate, repair her friendship with Wei Fenghui, and support Wei Fengyao, who will eventually ascend the throne.

At that time, they will inevitably be drawn into the quagmire of the struggle for succession.

Jiang Huaiyu shook her head gently, unwilling to think too much about it, and decided to make the most of her current life first.

"Feng Yun, you must be a good boy and go to see your father off tomorrow. Do not go to those brothels again."

Wei Fengyun lowered his head and agreed.

……

Inside Jinghong Garden.

Wei Fengyao and Qi Ziming also heard about Jiang Huaiyu's disciplining of Wei Fengyun tonight, and also heard Wei Fengyun's angry complaints.

Although Wei Fengyao was not Wei Dinglian's biological son, he was indeed raised by Wei Dinglian himself.

The fourteen years of fatherly love that Wei Fengyun lacked were actually poured into Wei Fengyao.

In order to protect the legitimate son of the Empress, Wei Dinglian treated Wei Fengyao as his own son for the past fourteen years, passing on his martial arts skills and wisdom in commanding troops to Wei Fengyao without reservation, making him a talented man who was proficient in both literature and martial arts.

Deep in Wei Fengyao's heart, his guilt towards Jiang Huaiyu and Wei Fengyun grew heavier and heavier, like a boulder pressing on his heart.

He turned to face Qi Ziming and said in a heavy tone, "Aunt Qi, please give the frontier battle merit book to General Yao tomorrow, so that he can take it to the palace and present it to Father Emperor in person. Marquis Jiaxing has made many outstanding contributions on the battlefield over the years, and Father Emperor should give him the honor and reward he deserves!"

General Yao is a brave general who fought alongside the Marquis of Jiaxing on the frontier. He is also one of the people who knows Wei Fengyao's true identity and now shoulders the important responsibility of protecting Wei Fengyao at all times.

"The slaves obey."

……

The Marquis of Jiaxing was buried the following day.

Wei Ruoyi got up early in the morning and went to Jiang Huaiyu's Moyou Hall to clean. After Jiang Huaiyu woke up, she went to her room to pay her respects.

When Jiang Huaiyu saw Wei Ruoyi come to pay her respects, he was startled.

Looking back on his past life, it had been several years since Wei Fenghui left the family and he had not seen Wei Ruoyi come to pay her respects.

She quickly got up and helped Wei Ruoyi up, feeling a pang of emotion: although time had left its mark on her eyes, her temples were graying, and her hands were rough, her heart remained so kind.

Thinking back to how Wei Ruoyi often provided him with financial assistance after the Marquis's mansion fell into ruin in his previous life, Jiang Huaiyu's feelings of guilt grew even stronger.

In this world, there are actually people who can repay evil with good.

Wei Ruoyi hurriedly withdrew her hand and said humbly, "My hands are covered with calluses from years of labor, and I was afraid of hurting you, Madam."

Jiang Huaiyu didn't stop her. She understood that her change needed to be gradual; being too hasty would only arouse suspicion and even cause unwarranted conjecture and trouble. She wanted those around her to gradually adapt to her transformation, thus silently dissolving past misunderstandings and barriers.

"From now on, you will no longer need to do those heavy labor tasks."

Upon hearing this, Wei Ruoyi was terrified, fearing that Jiang Huaiyu would lose his need for her and expel her and Wei Fenghui from the Marquis's mansion.

Her legs went weak, and she knelt on the ground, pleading with tearful eyes, "Is there anything I have done wrong? I am willing to correct it. I beg you, Madam, to have mercy and not drive me out of the house."

Seeing her life's hardships, Jiang Huaiyu felt a pang of pity and gave the maids a look, signaling them to help her up.

"Sit down and talk."

Wei Ruoyi was very surprised and carefully sat down on the soft brocade stool.

Jiang Huaiyu gazed at Wei Ruoyi with a gentle smile. She saw her own resilience and indomitable spirit in this woman, and felt deep respect for her.

“I feel deeply guilty for the mistreatment I have caused you and your son in the past. Over the years, you have endured so much injustice. You gave birth to the Marquis’s eldest son, yet you have not even received a proper title. Your food, clothing, and daily necessities have been repeatedly cut back, which is why you look so exhausted at only forty years old.”

Wei Ruoyi listened to Jiang Huaiyu's every word in shock, tears streaming down her face involuntarily.

The lady's understanding and sympathy released her pent-up grievances from many years, and she felt that all the bitterness was worthwhile.

She rose and bowed respectfully, saying, "This servant is unworthy of such an honor."

Jiang Huaiyu gently lifted her up with a wave of his hand.

"I have decided to promote you to the rank of concubine. You will move to Zitan Garden, where the environment is elegant and comfortable. I will also provide you with several personal maids and servants. From now on, you will be the rightful mistress. All your monthly allowances will be restored to their proper amounts. As for Hui'er, he will be placed in Wuyang Garden in the front courtyard, where he will go to the clan school to receive a good education."

With tears glistening in her eyes, Wei Ruoyi's voice choked with emotion: "This servant is deeply grateful."

Jiang Huaiyu waved her hand gently, and two maids gracefully approached, carrying two exquisite trays in their hands. On them were simple and elegant clothes and exquisite jewelry. Although not ostentatious, all the materials used were of the highest quality.

"Come with me to the Marquis's funeral later. You and Hui'er should change into these clothes. Make sure to show the illustrious nobles in the capital what we are all like."

Wei Ruoyi froze on the spot, her expression one of shock.

For Wei Ruoyi, this sudden change was far more shocking than any of the shocks she had ever experienced.

The lady actually approved her and Hui'er to accompany the Marquis on his final journey?

In the past, she was just an unknown maidservant, not even qualified to attend the ceremony. Now, the lady has bestowed this honor upon her, allowing her to bid farewell to the Marquis, and at the same time, enabling Hui'er to stand out among the powerful and influential people in the capital, formally acknowledging his status as the eldest son of a concubine in the Marquis's household.

Wei Ruoyi clutched the clothes tightly in her hands, tears welling in her eyes, her voice choked with emotion: "Ruoyi... Ruoyi is grateful for Madam's deep affection."

Before she could finish speaking, she knelt down on the ground, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

Jiang Huaiyu knew her feelings well; she had endured years of grievances and forbearance, and only after the Marquis's death did she receive the recognition she deserved. He felt somewhat responsible for all of this.

"Get up quickly. The Marquis has passed away, and the children have not yet started their own families. From now on, this vast Marquis's mansion will require the joint efforts of the two of us to maintain it."

Wei Ruoyi slowly rose and sat on the brocade stool, saying firmly, "Madam, from now on, Ruoyi will do her best to support you and work together to protect the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion and make it prosper."