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

Just then, General Yao, Commander of the General of the Cavalry and Commander of the Sword-Binding Division, and the headmaster of Yueming Academy, among other guests, arrived one after another, carrying lavish gifts. Dressed in magnificent official robes, they entered the flower hall of the Marquis of Jiaxing's residence with great poise and offered their congratulations to Wei Fenghui.

Inside the flower hall of the Marquis of Jiaxing's residence, the lights shone brightly and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Wei Fenghui stood in the hall, welcoming each guest. With a smile on his face and a radiant expression, he thanked each guest for their blessings.

Jiang Huaiyu and her niece Jiang Xinrui stood to one side, smiling as they greeted and exchanged pleasantries with the female relatives who had come to offer their congratulations. Jiang Huaiyu, with her exquisite makeup and elegant demeanor, responded to each of the women's greetings. Jiang Xinrui, dressed in a light pink silk dress, was poised and graceful, her sweet smile winning praise from everyone.

The General of the Cavalry walked up to Wei Fenghui, cupped his hands, and said, "Congratulations, Lord Wei, on achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination and becoming a pillar of the nation. I have prepared a small gift for you, but it is of little importance."

Wei Fenghui hurriedly returned the greeting, saying, "General, you flatter me. I am but a mere top scholar, how could I dare to accept such an important task? I am deeply grateful for your courtesy."

Commander Yao of the Sword Subduing Division continued, "Lord Wei, congratulations on achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination. I have a precious sword here called 'Demon Subduer,' its blade is sharp, symbolizing that Lord Wei will be invincible in the officialdom and rise through the ranks in the future."

Wei Fenghui accepted the sword and said with emotion, "Lord Yao, this sword is precious, and I will cherish it dearly. In the future, I will do my utmost to serve the country in my official career."

The headmaster of Yueming Academy also came up and said, "Lord Wei, congratulations on becoming the top scholar. I have a painting here, which is a treasure of the academy, and I present it to you as a congratulatory gift."

Wei Fenghui accepted the calligraphy and painting, examined them carefully, and said with emotion, "You are too kind, Headmaster. This calligraphy and painting is extremely precious. I will definitely treasure it."

At this moment, Jiang Huaiyu and Jiang Xinrui also arrived before the guests. They chatted with the women, and the atmosphere was harmonious. One of the women smiled and said, "Madam Jiang, your niece is truly beautiful; no wonder Lord Wei dotes on her so much."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "You flatter me. Xinrui is just a young woman, how can she compare to you ladies?"

Another woman said, "Madam Jiang, you are too modest. We can only look up to you in terms of beauty and temperament. Your niece is even more outstanding and will surely become a celebrated figure in officialdom in the future."

Jiang Huaiyu quickly said, "Ladies, you flatter me. Let's chat about everyday things instead."

The guests nodded and began chatting about their own trivial matters. The atmosphere in the flower hall became increasingly harmonious, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

Just then, a servant announced from outside the flower hall: "Old Madam Chao and Madam Chao of the Duke of Huguo's Mansion have arrived!" Jiang Huaiyu was startled upon hearing this and quickly rose from her seat to personally descend the steps to greet Old Madam Chao. She straightened her clothes, her face beaming with a respectful smile, and slowly stepped out of the flower hall.

Surrounded by a crowd, Old Madam Chao slowly entered the flower hall. Though elderly, she was remarkably spry, her kind eyes revealing an air of authority. The Duchess of Huguo followed closely behind, dignified, elegant, and exuding nobility. As soon as they entered the hall, they were greeted by Jiang Huaiyu, who was already waiting there.

Jiang Huaiyu bowed respectfully and said, "Madam Chao and Lady Huguo, your presence truly honors my humble abode. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

Old Madam Chao smiled and helped Jiang Huaiyu up, saying, "Madam Jiang is too modest. I am honored to be invited to your esteemed banquet today. Please do not take these formalities to heart."

The Duchess of Huguo also said, "Yes, it is our honor to be associated with the Marquis of Jiaxing's mansion. Madam Jiang, there is no need for such formalities."

The group entered the flower hall and took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts. Jiang Huaiyu personally poured tea for Old Madam Chao and the Lady of the Duke of Huguo, saying, "Please have some tea, elders."

Old Madam Chao took the teacup and said with a smile, "Madam Jiang, I have heard that you manage your household affairs well, and the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion is thriving under your management. It is truly gratifying. Seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved."

Jiang Huaiyu replied humbly, "Grandma Chao is too kind. I am merely doing my best to share my husband's burdens. I still need to learn from you."

The Duchess of Huguo said, "Madam Jiang, you are too kind. I heard from my matriarch that you are very considerate to your family and kind to your servants. You are truly a rare and virtuous wife."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Madam, you flatter me. In the family, we must support each other and advance and retreat together. Only in this way can the family prosper and flourish."

At this moment, the women in the flower hall rose one after another and bowed to Old Madam Chao and the wife of the Duke of Huguo. Old Madam Chao kindly asked everyone to stand up and said, "You are all meritorious officials of the Marquis of Jiaxing's mansion, there is no need for such formalities."

After everyone was seated, Jiang Huaiyu inquired about Old Madam Chao's health with concern: "Old Madam Chao, you are getting on in years, please take care of your health."

Old Madam Chao smiled and said, "Madam Jiang, rest assured, I am still healthy and can witness the glory of the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion for a few more years."

The Duchess of Huguo said, "Yes, may the old lady enjoy boundless happiness and longevity. We should all benefit from your good fortune and share in your wealth and glory."

As the conversation continued, the banquet gradually began. The dishes at the Jiaxing Marquis's residence were exquisite and delicious, and everyone enjoyed the food while chatting and laughing. The atmosphere was harmonious, filled with continuous laughter and joy.

Jiang Huaiyu said to Old Madam Chao, "Old Madam, I've heard that you are skilled in medicine. Could you please teach me a thing or two?"

Old Madam Chao replied with a smile, "Madam Jiang is too kind. The art of medicine is vast and profound, and I only know a little about it. However, if Madam Jiang is interested, I can teach you some health preservation methods."

Jiang Huaiyu said happily, "Then I will trouble you, Madam. I will certainly learn humbly to maintain my health and continue the family line of the Marquis of Jiaxing."

The Duchess of Huguo said, "Madam Jiang, do you know that the Old Madam also has a unique skill, which is physiognomy?"

Jiang Huaiyu asked in surprise, "Physiognomy?"

Old Madam Chao said, "That's right. When I was young, I studied physiognomy under a master. Although I haven't practiced it for many years, I can still make some predictions occasionally."

Jiang Huaiyu asked curiously, "Then may I ask, Madam, could you please tell my fortune?"

Old Madam Chao smiled and said, "Of course. Madam Jiang, please extend your hand."

Jiang Huaiyu extended her hand as instructed. Old Madam Chao examined it carefully and said with a smile, "Madam Jiang, you are blessed with good fortune. You will surely rise to a high position in the future because of your son."

Jiang Huaiyu humbly replied, "You flatter me, Madam. I only wish for peace and tranquility for my family and for my husband to achieve success in his career."

The Duchess of Huguo said, "Madam Jiang, rest assured, with the blessing of the Old Madam, you and the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion will surely prosper even more."

Jiang Huaiyu stood in the center of the flower hall, her gaze gently falling on Old Madam Chao, her heart filled with emotion.

"Grandma Chao, it is truly an honor for me to have you personally grace the Marquis of Jiaxing's residence with your presence." Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and personally led Grandma Chao to the seat at the very front.

With a beaming smile and a kind look in her eyes, Old Madam Chao gently patted Jiang Huaiyu's hand and said, "Huaiyu, you are a sensible child. I have come here today not only to congratulate your son on becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination, but also to entrust you with a matter."