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

Jiang Huaiyu turned her head and instructed the maids to bring over the gifts that had been specially prepared beforehand.

A moment later, the maids filed in, each carrying a tray with a brocade box covered by a red cloth, giving it a mysterious air. The atmosphere inside Moyou Hall immediately became solemn.

Jiang Xunzhi and his wife, Madam Sang, sat at the head of the table, their eyes filled with doubt as they looked at their younger sister. Jiang Xinrui, on the other hand, stood quietly behind her mother, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation.

The maids placed the brocade boxes on the table one by one, and Jiang Huaiyu gently waved her hand, signaling them to leave.

She walked up to her niece, Jiang Xinrui, and said with a smile, "Xinrui, this is a special gift that your aunt prepared for you. I hope you like it."

Looking at the brocade boxes, Jiang Xinrui already had some guesses in her mind. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Thank you, Aunt, but I really don't deserve it."

Jiang Huaiyu gently patted Jiang Xinrui's shoulder and said softly, "Silly child, you don't need to feel burdened by your aunt's kindness."

Encouraged by her parents, Jiang Xinrui slowly walked to the table and opened a brocade box. Instantly, the light in the room was overshadowed by the jade bracelet.

The bracelet was as green as tender spring leaves, transparent and pure, making it a sight to behold.

Jiang Xinrui's eyes widened. She knew the value of the bracelet and felt a little flustered: "Auntie, this gift is far too precious. How can I dare to accept it?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and shook her head, saying, "Xinrui, you don't understand yet. Although this bracelet is valuable, it is just a symbol, representing our family's heritage and our blessings for your future. By accepting it, you are accepting the good wishes of our whole family."

Sang also chimed in, "Yes, Xinrui, you mustn't let your aunt's kindness go to waste. Accept it."

Jiang Xinrui looked at her parents, then at Jiang Huaiyu, her heart filled with emotion. She nodded gently and smiled, saying, "Thank you, Auntie. Your niece is happy to accept this gift."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and handed the bracelet to Jiang Xinrui, putting it on her wrist. The bracelet fit snugly on Jiang Xinrui's wrist, seemingly blending into her skin, making her look even more beautiful.

Sang said with emotion, "Sister, our whole family is extremely grateful for your kindness. Xinrui is truly blessed to have you by her side."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, you flatter me. This is all I should do. After all, we are family, and supporting each other is the most important thing."

As they spoke, the maids opened the other brocade boxes, each containing various jewels and ornaments, each one priceless.

Jiang Huaiyu stood up with a smile and personally handed a hairpin inlaid with gemstones to her elder brother, Jiang Xunzhi.

"Brother, this was handcrafted by our country's artisans. Each gemstone is full and round, symbolizing good fortune and auspiciousness. Please accept it."

Jiang Xunzhi accepted the hairpin, bowed deeply, and said, "Thank you, sister. This gift is far too precious for me to accept."

The eldest sister-in-law, Sang, who was standing nearby, also received a beautiful jade pendant. Looking at the delicate carving, she couldn't help but exclaim, "This jade pendant is truly breathtaking. I appreciate my sister's thoughtfulness."

The nephew, Jiang Xinhao, received a sharp sword. He stroked the blade, his eyes shining with excitement: "Thank you, Auntie. I will cherish this gift."

Seeing the joyful expressions on her family's faces, Jiang Huaiyu felt a warmth in her heart. But when she saw them bowing and thanking her, her brows furrowed slightly, and she smiled and scolded, "What are you doing? We're all family, there's no need to be so polite."

Jiang Xunzhi replied in a serious tone, "We must not neglect etiquette. How can we not be moved to tears by such a generous gift from our younger sister?"

Jiang Huaiyu took a sip of tea and began chatting with her elder brother Jiang Xunzhi and sister-in-law Sang Shi. Looking at Xunzhi's slightly graying hair, she couldn't help but sigh at the passage of time, while Sang Shi, though bearing the marks of age, remained as gentle and graceful as ever.

"Brother, sister-in-law, how have you been these past years?" Jiang Huaiyu asked softly, her eyes full of concern.

Jiang Xunzhi smiled and shook her head, saying, "Thanks to you, my husband and I are doing alright. It's just that you have to manage the household chores and take care of the children all by yourself. It must be really hard on you."

Sang echoed softly, "Yes, sister, you're always so busy. We didn't come to bother you, we just wanted to see you."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Brother and sister-in-law, you're too kind. We're family, no need to be so polite. By the way, how are the other two children? Are they alright?"

Xun knew: "The children have all grown up. The eldest son is now an official in the prefecture, and the eldest daughter has married a wealthy family in a neighboring county. They are living a relatively peaceful life."

Hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu's eyes flashed with a hint of relief: "That's good, that's good. The children are doing well, and you should enjoy your retirement now."

As they were talking, a maid brought out tea and snacks. Jiang Huaiyu personally handed a cup of tea to his sister-in-law, Sang, and placed a piece of pastry in front of her, saying, "Sister-in-law, please eat more, don't be shy."

Sang smiled and accepted it, saying softly, "Sister, you are always so thoughtful."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and then asked, "Brother, have you had any interesting experiences outside all these years?"

Jiang Xunzhi pondered for a moment and said, "Speaking of interesting things, I met a strange man on the road a few days ago. He claimed to be a wandering sorcerer who could predict the future. I didn't believe in such things, but he said what I was thinking, which made me have to believe him."

Jiang Huaiyu asked curiously, "What did he say?"

Jiang Xun knew: "He said that something big was going to happen in our country, and there might be war. I asked him where exactly, but he shook his head and didn't say anything. I just felt that we should be prepared."

Upon hearing this, Madam Sang's expression changed slightly, and she looked at Jiang Huaiyu with concern.

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Brother, you don't need to worry too much. No one can predict what will happen in war. We just need to live each day to the fullest and leave the rest to fate."

Jiang Xunzhi nodded and said with emotion, "You're right. We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate."

During their conversation, Jiang Huaiyu noticed that Sang's gaze kept drifting out the window, as if she were preoccupied. She asked with concern, "Sister-in-law, is something bothering you?"

Sang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Sister, I heard you haven't been feeling well lately, is that true?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "It's just a minor ailment, nothing to worry about. Sister-in-law, there's no need to worry."

Sang was still a little worried and said, "Sister, you must take care of your health. The children are still young and need your care."

Jiang Huaiyu said softly, "I know, don't worry, sister-in-law."

As night fell, Jiang Huaiyu personally arranged accommodations for her elder brother and sister-in-law. When she saw them off back to their guest quarters, she said, "Elder brother, sister-in-law, please stay here for now. After our eldest son Wei Fenghui's banquet for becoming the top scholar, I will definitely find you a better place to stay."

Jiang Xunzhi and Sang Shi thanked him repeatedly, their hearts filled with gratitude.

……

In the blink of an eye, the long-awaited celebration banquet for Wei Fenghui, the top scholar in the imperial examination, finally arrived. On that day, the sky was azure, without a single cloud, a clear and bright expanse.

The main gate of the Marquis's mansion was wide open, inviting distinguished guests from all over the world.