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

The powerful and influential people in the capital all received Jiang Huaiyu's warm invitations.

Those who received the invitation were overjoyed and gladly accepted, after all, the previous top scholar cultivated by the Marquis's family had become a high-ranking and powerful prime minister and a noble Duke.

It is widely believed that since the passing of the Marquis of Jiaxing, the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion seems poised for a new and glorious revival.

Moreover, the top scholar had not yet chosen a wife, nor even taken a personal maid, making the mansion extremely quiet. This attracted many guests who brought their young and beautiful daughters or young ladies, all dressed up as beautifully as flowers, vying to outshine each other, hoping to win Jiang Huaiyu's favor.

Even if she didn't win the heart of the top scholar, there were two other talented young men in the Marquis's household: the heir apparent, Wei Fengyun, held an important position in the Sword-Binding Division, and the youngest son served as a fourth-rank Sima in the Princess's residence. To be chosen by either of them would be an extremely happy marriage.

On the eve of Wei Fenghui's banquet for the top scholar, Jiang Huaiyu summoned all the old guards responsible for security in the mansion early in the morning. Dressed in a light purple silk dress, she stood solemnly in the center of the council hall, her piercing gaze sweeping over everyone.

“Listen up, today’s matter is of utmost importance, and there can be no slackening,” Jiang Huaiyu said firmly.

The guards responded in unison, and the atmosphere immediately became tense.

"Guard Liu, you are in charge of patrolling the East Garden. Make sure the safety of the lakes and ponds is ensured," Jiang Huaiyu assigned.

Liu Da straightened his back and replied loudly, "Don't worry, Madam, I will definitely guard the East Garden well."

"Guard Zhang Er, you will lead a group of men to guard the west courtyard. Remember, no one is allowed to enter without permission. If anyone is found, report it immediately," Jiang Huaiyu added.

Zhang Er nodded in agreement, his expression serious.

At this moment, an old woman couldn't help but ask, "Madam, what about other parts of the mansion? Should we also strengthen our defenses there?"

Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly: "Of course, we can't let our guard down in other parts of the mansion either. Guard Li Si, you will lead a group of men to patrol every corner of the mansion. Report any unusual situations immediately."

Li Si accepted the order and turned to leave.

Jiang Huaiyu's gaze swept over everyone, and his tone became more serious: "I know you have all worked very hard, but today's matter is of utmost importance, as it concerns the reputation of the Marquis of Jiaxing and the future of Wei Fenghui. You must all be alert and strictly adhere to your duties."

The guards all responded in unison, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

At this moment, an old woman cautiously asked, "Madam, should we increase our night patrols?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes: "You've thought this through. That's exactly what I was thinking. Night patrols will be handled by Guard Wang Wu to ensure the safety of the manor."

Wang Wu accepted the order and turned to leave.

Jiang Huaiyu watched the departing figures of the crowd, his heart filled with emotion. Since the death of the Marquis of Jiaxing, the mansion had indeed ushered in its first turning point from decline to prosperity, and this turning point was none other than Wei Fenghui's banquet for the top scholar.

"Madam, rest assured, we will certainly not let you down," an old woman said sincerely to Jiang Huaiyu.

Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, her eyes filled with expectation: "I believe in you. However, I have one more thing to ask of you."

The old women all looked up, waiting for Jiang Huaiyu to give orders.

"Many distinguished guests will be attending this banquet to celebrate the top scholar's achievement. You must ensure their safety and prevent any mishaps," Jiang Huaiyu said solemnly.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense among the old women.

"Alright, go and prepare. Remember, today's matter concerns the future of the Jiaxing Marquis's mansion, so you must do your utmost." After saying this, Jiang Huaiyu turned and left.

Wei Fenghui stood at the main gate, respectfully welcoming Ye Jiuxi's arrival. Sunlight streamed through the tall gatehouse, illuminating him and making him appear even more dignified and solemn. A short while later, Ye Jiuxi, surrounded by a group of servants, entered the Jiaxing Marquis's residence.

Ye Jiuxi was dressed in magnificent robes, wearing a purple-gold crown and a jade belt, exuding an air of grandeur. As soon as he saw Wei Fenghui, a kind smile immediately appeared on his face. He walked forward with light steps and patted Wei Fenghui's shoulder affectionately.

"My dear nephew Feng Hui, congratulations on achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination! You are truly a promising young man! I have come here today to offer my congratulations and to celebrate this joyous news with you."

Wei Fenghui smiled slightly and said modestly, "You flatter me, Your Excellency. I am fortunate to have received this honor, all thanks to my mother's excellent upbringing. It is truly an honor for me that Your Excellency can personally grace us with your presence today."

As the two were talking, a servant from the Jiaxing Marquis's residence hurried over, bowed, and said, "My lord, the congratulatory gifts have been prepared. Please inspect them."

Ye Jiuxi nodded and smiled, saying, "Thank you for your trouble." Then he handed the servant a brocade box.

The servant accepted the gift with both hands, opened it, and saw a priceless jade pendant inside. He couldn't help but exclaim, "My lord, this gift is truly invaluable. The entire Marquis's mansion is deeply grateful!"

Inside the flower hall of the Marquis of Jiaxing's mansion, red candles burned brightly, and lanterns were lit, creating a dazzling spectacle. Jiang Huaiyu entered the flower hall with light steps, like a butterfly fluttering in the air. She wore a plum blossom hairpin, her hair was adorned with colorful flowers, and her magnificent dress trailed on the ground. Her movements were graceful, as if a fairy had descended to earth.

As soon as she stepped into the flower hall, she felt a vibrant atmosphere. The hall was decorated like a fairyland, with flowers of all colors vying for attention and exuding a wonderful fragrance. Musicians played melodious tunes, filling the entire flower hall with a joyful atmosphere.

At this moment, a maidservant hurriedly entered the flower hall and announced in a low voice, "Madam Xu, the wife of the Marquis of Changning, has arrived." Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, rose from her seat, and walked gracefully toward the door.

Madam Xu, dressed in a light purple dress, walked with a steady gait and exuded elegance. As soon as she stepped into the flower hall, she saw Jiang Huaiyu and a warm smile appeared on her face. Jiang Huaiyu quickly stepped forward, personally helping Madam Xu up, and said with a smile, "Sister Xu, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for so long."

Madam Xu grasped Jiang Huaiyu's hand, looked her up and down, and smiled, "Sister Huaiyu, you're getting more and more beautiful, it's truly enviable. Is today's banquet to celebrate Wei Fenghui's achievement of becoming the top scholar?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "That's right. Feng Hui is able to achieve what he has today thanks to your guidance, sister. I specially prepared this banquet, firstly to celebrate Feng Hui's status as the top scholar, and secondly to allow you to spend this festive season with me."

The two walked into the flower hall chatting and laughing, and sat down as host and guest. Jiang Huaiyu personally poured a cup of wine for Madam Xu, saying, "Sister, I'll drink this cup first as a sign of respect." After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

Madam Xu smiled and replied, "Sister, you are too kind. I am already very happy to be able to spend this festive day with you." She also raised her wine glass and gently clinked it with Jiang Huaiyu's.

The atmosphere in the flower hall grew increasingly lively as the two drank and chatted. Jiang Huaiyu frequently poured wine for Xu, while Xu inquired about Jiang Huaiyu's daily life with concern.

After a few rounds of drinks, Madam Xu suddenly said with emotion, "Sister, do you still remember the time when we embroidered and studied together in our boudoirs? Back then, we were carefree, only thinking about how to be a good wife and a good mother."

Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly and said, "Yes, time flies, and in the blink of an eye we have all become mothers. However, I think you still retain the charm you had back then, which is truly enviable."