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

With a beaming smile, Madam Xu gently pushed a beautiful young girl in front of Jiang Huaiyu and introduced her, "This is my daughter, Ye Qimo, who has come especially to pay her respects to you."

Ye Qimo bowed slightly to Jiang Huaiyu, her smile blooming like spring flowers, her voice soft: "Greetings, Lady of Jiaxing Marquis."

Jiang Huaiyu's gaze softened, and she nodded with a smile, praising, "Miss Ye is truly beautiful and well-mannered, a delight to behold. Madam Xu has done an excellent job raising her daughter."

Madam Xu beamed with pride and said, "Ye Qimo, hurry up and thank the Lady of Jiaxing Marquis."

Ye Qimo quickly thanked him, looking up at Jiang Huaiyu with eyes full of respect.

At this moment, Jiang Huaiyu's gaze fell on another girl next to Ye Qimo. She was dressed in a light purple dress, well-groomed and elegant, but with a hint of melancholy.

Seeing this, Madam Xu smiled and explained, "This is Jiang Xinrui, the niece of Madam Jiang Huaiyu."

Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, and Jiang Xinrui said, "Niece Xinrui, come and greet the Lady of Changning."

Jiang Xinrui gave a slight bow, raised her head, her eyes clear, and her smile tinged with shyness: "Greetings, Madam Changning."

Xu noticed Jiang Huaiyu's concern for Jiang Xinrui and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Huaiyu, the jewelry your niece is wearing is quite valuable. It seems you value her very much."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "Xinrui is my niece from my maternal family. She lost her mother at a young age, and I have always wanted to take good care of her. This jewelry is just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope it can bring her some comfort."

Madam Xu nodded and said with emotion, "Huaiyu, you are truly kind-hearted."

Inside the flower hall, everyone sat together, chatting and laughing.

Ye Qimo looked at Jiang Xinrui and sighed inwardly: This Miss Jiang Xinrui has excellent looks and temperament, no wonder the Lady of Jiaxing Marquis values ​​her so much.

Jiang Huaiyu looked at Ye Qimo and smiled, "Miss Ye, I heard from Madam Xu that you are proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Would you be so kind as to demonstrate some of them?"

Ye Qimo's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded gently: "I will obey Madam's orders."

She walked to the piano table and gently plucked the strings, the beautiful music echoing throughout the hall. Everyone listened, mesmerized, and showered her with praise.

After the music ended, Jiang Huaiyu clapped his hands and praised, "Miss Ye, your musical skills are indeed well-deserved."

Madam Xu smiled and said, "Yes, Ye Qimo, you have truly brought honor to our Changning Marquis's Mansion."

At this moment, Jiang Xinrui suddenly stood up and said to Jiang Huaiyu, "Madam of Jiaxing, I would also like to perform a song for you."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.

Jiang Xinrui walked to the piano table and gently plucked the strings. A piece called "High Mountains and Flowing Water" flowed slowly through the flower hall. Everyone listened, mesmerized, and immersed themselves in the beautiful music.

After the piece ended, Jiang Huaiyu led the applause and exclaimed, "Niece Xinrui, your piano skills are quite remarkable. It seems you are diligent and eager to learn at home."

Jiang Xinrui smiled slightly, a blush rising on her cheeks: "You flatter me, Madam. I only know a little bit about this."

Looking at Jiang Xinrui, Madam Xu sighed inwardly: This niece is indeed extraordinary. Her zither skills are so superb. She will surely become famous in the capital in the future.

Madam Xu put down her teacup, beaming as she looked at Jiang Huaiyu, who was sitting in the main seat. She gently smoothed her clothes and slowly began to speak: "Madam of Jiaxing, look at this flower hall in springtime, it is so elegant and refreshing. I have come here today not only to appreciate this beautiful scenery, but also to discuss some joyous occasions with you."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a shrewd glint in her eyes: "Lady Changning, is the happy event you mentioned related to our next generation?"

Madam Xu nodded, beaming. “Exactly. My daughter, Ye Qimo, is exceptionally intelligent and gentle from a young age. She has always admired the grandeur of the Jiaxing Marquis’s mansion and your teachings as her mother. I think it would be a great honor for our family if we could marry into the family of the Jiaxing Marquis’s son.”

Jiang Huaiyu's smile deepened, and she gently patted the table: "Madam Changning, you flatter me. However, my niece Jiang Xinrui is indeed a talented person. She has grown up with me since childhood, and I am very gratified to watch her grow up day by day. If she can communicate more with your Ye Qimo, I think it will be beneficial for both of them."

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Madam Xu's eyes: "That's wonderful. I'll have someone prepare immediately so that the two young ladies can meet."

A short while later, Ye Qimo and Jiang Xinrui were led to the flower hall. Ye Qimo wore a light pink embroidered dress and a pair of simple pearl earrings, looking fresh and refined. Jiang Xinrui, on the other hand, wore a bright green dress and a string of jade bracelets on her wrist, looking lively and lovely.

The two entered the flower hall and, upon seeing the two ladies, immediately stepped forward to pay their respects. Madam Xu and Jiang Huaiyu looked at the two young women with satisfaction.

"Xinrui, come and meet Miss Ye." Jiang Huaiyu pointed at Ye Qimo and said to Jiang Xinrui.

Jiang Xinrui stepped forward and smiled slightly: "Miss Ye, hello. I've heard my aunt mention you before, and seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."

Ye Qimo smiled and replied, "Miss Jiang, I've heard my mother mention you before. It's truly an honor to meet you today."

The two ladies were delighted to see the two young ladies exchanging greetings. Madam Xu said, "Young ladies, why don't you take a walk in the courtyard, enjoy the beautiful spring scenery, and perhaps have a chat about your thoughts?"

At this moment, the main gate of the Marquis's mansion was bustling with activity, with dignitaries and guests arriving in an endless stream. The stone lions in front of the gate were majestic and imposing, the plaque on the gate tower gleamed with gold, and red lanterns hung high on both sides of the entrance, reflecting a scene of prosperity.

Wei Fenghui, dressed in a magnificent robe embroidered with golden dragons and a jade belt, stood at the entrance to greet the guests with an air of grandeur. His gaze was fervent and resolute, and he frequently bowed and smiled at the arriving guests, displaying the demeanor and bearing of a young master.

The announcer stood beside Wei Fenghui, holding a register, and clearly announced the list of gifts from the guests: "The Duke of Huguo's mansion presents a gift of one thousand taels of gold, a pair of jade ruyi scepters, and one hundred bolts of silk... The Marquis of Jing'an's mansion presents a gift of ten strings of pearls, a coral tree, and one hundred catties of tea..."

The guests exclaimed in admiration and congratulated each other, and the entrance was bustling with activity.

However, when the announcer reported the congratulatory gifts from the Marquis of Changtai's residence, his voice noticeably decreased: "The Marquis of Changtai's residence presents congratulatory gifts: one hundred bushels of coarse rice and ten bolts of coarse cloth."

These words immediately sparked a murmur of discussion among those around them.

"What's going on with the Marquis of Changtai's residence? How can they possibly offer such a meager congratulatory gift?"

"Yes, for the banquet held by the Marquis of Jiaxing for the top scholar, they only served coarse rice and coarse cloth. Isn't that blatant disrespect?"

Despite the guests' gossip and disdain, Marquis Changtai Mai Zhenxi and his wife, Lady Pei, remained calm as they slowly walked through the gate, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding chatter.

Upon seeing this, Wei Fenghui secretly admired the thick skin of Marquis Changtai and his wife. He then strode forward and greeted them with a smile, saying, "Marquis Mai, Lady Pei, you've arrived. I've been waiting for you here for a long time."

Mai Zhenxi smiled and replied, "Young Master Wei, congratulations on becoming the top scholar. This is just a small token of our appreciation, please accept it."

Wei Fenghui nodded repeatedly: "Mai Hou, you're too kind. I'll accept this gift."