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

A flash of anger crossed Jiang Huaiyu's eyes, but she quickly suppressed her emotions. Her son was telling the truth, but she couldn't back down on this issue.

“Fengyun, I know you are kind-hearted, but I cannot compromise on this issue. The rules of the Marquis's mansion must be upheld. If you truly care about me, you should support my decision.” Jiang Huaiyu’s tone was firm, and her eyes revealed a hint of determination.

Wei Fengyun looked at his mother and finally nodded.

Since Liusu was expelled from the manor for making a mistake, Jiang Huaiyu began to look for a new head maid. After observing for a period of time, she believed that her first-class maid, Bixi, was the best candidate.

Jinghong Garden.

As dawn broke, the light shone on Bixi's delicate features. She stood quietly before Jiang Huaiyu, her eyes lowered.

Jiang Huaiyu sat upright in a rosewood armchair, gazing intently at Bixi, silently assessing whether this maid could truly shoulder the responsibility of caring for her son.

"Bixi, I plan to transfer you to Feng Yun's room to take care of him and all affairs inside and outside Jinghong Garden. Are you willing?"

Jiang Huaiyu's tone was calm, yet it exuded an undeniable authority.

Bixi trembled and hurriedly knelt down, her forehead gently touching the ground. Her voice was humble yet firm: "Madam, rest assured, Bixi is willing to go and take care of the young master. I will do my best and live up to your trust."

Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. She knew that Bixi was a clever and quick-witted girl, and she had already made up her mind.

The afternoon sun slanted into the garden, where Wei Fengyun sat in the pavilion, holding a book in his hands, but his gaze kept drifting towards the garden path.

He knew his mother was choosing a new maid, and he felt both excited and nervous.

Just then, a beautiful figure appeared on the path; it was Bixi. She carried a plate of pastries and walked lightly toward the pavilion.

"Your Highness, these are pastries that the Madam specially instructed the kitchen to make, and asked me to bring them to you to try."

Bixi said softly, placing the snacks on the stone table.

Wei Fengyun looked up and saw Bixi with a gentle face and smiling eyes. He was moved and slowly said, "Bixi, you can stay with me from now on. I trust my mother's judgment."

Bixi paused for a moment, then lowered her head, a blush rising on her cheeks, and softly replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

Day after day, Bixi was busy in Jinghong Garden. From dawn to dusk, she always managed to keep everything in good order.

Jiang Huaiyu saw this and became increasingly satisfied.

One day, Jiang Huaiyu called Bixi to his side and asked, "Bixi, what do you think of Fengyun?"

Bixi was taken aback, not understanding why the lady asked such a question, and carefully replied, "Your Highness, the young master is intelligent and quick-witted, gentle in nature, and very tactful in his dealings with others."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes: "Then are you willing to take care of him for the rest of your life, never leaving him?"

Bixi's heart skipped a beat. She knew the weight of the lady's words. After a moment's hesitation, she replied firmly, "This servant is willing!"

Jiang Huaiyu nodded and smiled, "Very good, then you can stay in the young master's room and become his head maid from now on!"

"Slave, you obey!"

……

Recently, thanks to the joint efforts of Jiang Huaiyu and Wei Ruoyi, preparations for Wei Fenghui's top scholar banquet have been largely completed, and all matters are nearing perfection.

The day before yesterday, Yao Dingtian sent an envoy to inform Mai Yuxi and others of the punishment decision. Given that no serious consequences had occurred, Mai Yuxi was only demoted to the rank of captain, and along with several other captains, he suffered a year's salary deduction.

Although Jiang Huaiyu had some complaints, she was helpless. She originally intended to raise objections to the unreasonableness of Mai Yuxi's direct promotion to the position of Chief of the Fujian Division, and planned to take this opportunity to punish Liang Qianhu, the brother of the Lady of Jing'an Marquis.

However, Xie Baihu's advice made her change her mind. Xie Baihu reminded Jiang Huaiyu that similar situations were common in the Fujian Division, usually involving only officials below the rank of Zongqi. Even if punishment was imposed, it would not be too severe, and such actions might cause unnecessary conflicts with other noble families, which would be a case of losing more than one gains.

After pondering for a long time, Jiang Huaiyu recalled the advice Wei Fengyun had given him and entrusted these people to his care.

This comforted her greatly, so she decided to let go of her inner turmoil and stop wasting her energy on the matter.

……

The day before Wei Fenghui's banquet for the top scholar, the Jiaxing Marquis's residence was brightly decorated and bustling with activity.

Servants bustled about in the various rooms, preparing for the banquet. Meanwhile, in Jiang Huaiyu's courtyard, she anxiously awaited the arrival of her elder brother, Jiang Xunzhi, and his family.

As evening approached, a commotion arose in the distance. Jiang Huaiyu immediately put down her work and hurried out of the courtyard.

Then, the eldest brother, Jiang Xunzhi, entered, accompanied by his sister-in-law, Sang Shi, and several servants, looking travel-worn.

"Big brother, sister-in-law, you've finally arrived!" Jiang Huaiyu stepped forward to greet them warmly, her eyes filled with joy.

Jiang Xunzhi smiled and patted Jiang Huaiyu on the shoulder, saying, "Huaiyu, you're becoming more and more like the Lady of the Marquis."

Sang smiled and said, "Yes, we heard a lot about your deeds on our way from Jiangnan. You are truly a heroine!"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "Brother, sister-in-law, you flatter me. Please come inside. I have already instructed the servants to prepare hot water. Please wash up first."

The three entered the house, and Jiang Huaiyu personally poured tea for them while chatting about everyday things.

When Jiang Xunzhi inquired about the preparations for Wei Fenghui's banquet for the top scholar, Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Everything is going smoothly, but I still feel a little nervous."

Sang comforted her, "Sister, don't worry. We've all heard about Wei Fenghui's talent and character. He will definitely make you proud. You just need to focus on preparing for the banquet."

Jiang Huaiyu nodded and then asked, "Brother, sister-in-law, what are your plans for coming to the capital this time?"

Jiang Xunzhi sighed and said, "Business in Jiangnan is getting harder and harder. I thought I'd come to the capital to try my luck and see if I can find a suitable business opportunity."

Jiang Huaiyu asked with concern, "What about the family business?"

Sang said, "My second brother and younger brother are still at home, and they will take care of the business. We came here mainly to see you and also to help you prepare for the top scholar's banquet."

Jiang Huaiyu was deeply moved and held Sang's hand tightly, saying, "Sister-in-law, thank you."

Jiang Xunzhi recalled the letter his sister had sent him before. He raised his eyes slightly, looked at Jiang Huaiyu with trepidation, and said softly, "Sister, you...you are now a noble lady of the Marquis. Do you really not mind that I come from a merchant family?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently, a smile as warm and gentle as a spring breeze. She slowly walked up to Jiang Xunzhi, gently took his hand, and her eyes were full of concern and sincerity.

“Brother, when have I ever minded your status?” Jiang Huaiyu’s voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable firmness. “You are my own brother. No matter what your status is, I will always respect you.”