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

Jiang Huaiyu was slightly taken aback. Old Madam Chao was always shrewd and far-sighted, so her visit must have been for something important.

"Grandma Chao, please speak."

Old Madam Chao sighed softly and said, "In recent years, the struggle within the royal family has become increasingly fierce. I know that the princes supported by the Marquis of Jiaxing's mansion and the Duke of Huguo's mansion are different. However, the fate of our country is of utmost importance. Huaiyu, as the wife of the Marquis of Jiaxing, you must always keep this in mind."

A resolute glint flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes; she firmly believed that what Old Madam Chao said was true. She smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Old Madam Chao, Huaiyu understands."

Old Madam Chao looked at Jiang Huaiyu, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes. She nodded gently and said, "Alright, I trust you."

Just then, Lady Liang, wife of the Marquis of Jing'an, and Lady Pei, wife of the Marquis of Changtai, arrived hand in hand. They were dressed in gorgeous clothes and walked with light steps, like two colorful phoenixes dancing gracefully.

As soon as Madam Liang entered, she saw Jiang Huaiyu sitting in the main seat, her expression slightly displeased. She smiled slightly, and together with Madam Pei, she bowed to Jiang Huaiyu before taking her seat.

Looking at Jiang Huaiyu, Madam Liang smiled and said, "The eldest son's residence, the residence of the top scholar, is truly bustling with activity. Our two families have also benefited from this, which is a great honor."

Madam Pei added, "Yes, the eldest son is exceptionally talented, achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination, which is the pride of our Jiaxing Marquis's mansion. However, we've heard that the eldest son has been very busy with official duties lately. We wonder if he could still find some time to chat with us?"

Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly and said, "You two are too kind. The eldest young master is indeed very busy with official duties, but today is his banquet for the top scholar, so he will naturally do his best to entertain everyone."

Madam Liang smiled and said, "No matter how busy the eldest son is with official duties, nothing is more important than the stability of the country. Our two families are both related to the imperial family, and we should support each other and work together for the country."

Upon hearing this, a hint of jealousy flashed in Madam Pei's eyes. She said, "Madam Liang is right. Our two families are indeed related to the imperial family. However, my heir is far inferior to the eldest son in terms of achievements."

Madam Liang smiled gently and said, "Madam Pei is too modest. Your son is young and promising, and will surely achieve great things in the future. Our children will definitely become pillars of the nation in the future."

Madam Pei smiled slightly, but her dissatisfaction grew stronger. She said, "Madam Liang is right; my young master does indeed have a long way to go. However, I have heard that Madam Liang's elder brother, a commander of a thousand households, is an outstanding figure among commanders and holds a prominent position. I wonder if Madam Liang has any advice that could greatly benefit my young master?"

A hint of smugness flashed in Madam Liang's eyes as she said, "Madam Pei, you flatter me. My brother, the commander, is indeed quite capable, but he is merely a martial artist. How can he compare to the heir of Madam Pei's family?"

Madam Pei's face darkened, and she was about to lash out when Jiang Huaiyu said, "Madams, today is a joyous occasion to celebrate the eldest son's achievement of becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination. Why argue about such trivial matters?"

Madam Liang smiled slightly and said, "What the eldest son says is true. Our two families are both related to the imperial family, so we should get along harmoniously. Madam Pei, why don't we chat about everyday things and strengthen our relationship?"

Unable to retaliate further, Madam Pei could only nod in agreement. Thus, the two ladies began to chat casually, testing each other's limits.

Madam Liang said, "Madam Pei, I heard that your third young master recently entered the Princess's residence. Congratulations!"

Madam Pei smiled slightly and said, "Not at all, it's all thanks to Madam Liang. However, my third young master is still young and needs Madam Liang's guidance."

Madam Liang smiled and said, "Madam Pei, you flatter me. However, I have heard that the Third Young Master is quite favored by the Princess at her residence, and he will surely achieve great things in the future."

Madam Pei blushed, but was secretly pleased. She said, "Madam Liang is right. My third son has indeed won the princess's favor. However, my eldest son is still unmarried because he is busy with official duties, which worries me greatly."

Madam Liang smiled gently and said, "Madam Pei, rest assured, the eldest son is exceptionally talented and will surely find a good wife. My son is also not yet married. How about our two families form a marriage alliance and work together to raise the next generation for the country?"

Madam Pei was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Madam Liang is right. It would indeed be a good thing if our two families were to become related by marriage. However, it still depends on the children's wishes."

Madam Liang smiled slightly and said no more. The two ladies continued their casual conversation, testing each other's limits, while secretly planning for the interests of their respective families.

Inside the flower hall of the Marquis of Jiaxing's mansion, the banquet was about to begin. Guests took their seats, and laughter filled the hall. The magnificent stained-glass lamps illuminated the exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters, making the entire flower hall as bright as day.

Lady Pei, wife of the Marquis of Changtai, sat regally, her gaze drifting to the lychees laid out on the table. Their vibrant peels and plump flesh reminded her of the last time she tasted lychees. At that time, she was not yet married into the Marquis of Changtai's household, but merely the daughter of an ordinary official. Those lychees were painstakingly imported from Southeast Asia by her father, allowing her to savor a true delicacy.

"Mother, look at these lychees, they're so beautiful!" Pei's daughter, Mai Xufen, picked up a lychee and exclaimed with delight.

Madam Pei smiled slightly, but a hint of jealousy flashed in her eyes. She gently patted her daughter's shoulder and said, "Fen'er, although these lychees are rare, they pale in comparison to you. You are the jewel of our Changtai Marquis's mansion; no treasure can compare to you."

Hearing her mother's words, Mai Xufen smiled shyly, knowing her mother was praising her. She carefully peeled the lychee and put the flesh into her mouth. The sweet juice filled her mouth, making her feel blissful.

Seeing her daughter's satisfied expression, Pei's jealousy intensified. She secretly resolved to give her daughter a better life and let her enjoy more delicious food.

"Fen'er, do you know? Lychees are a priceless treasure in the countryside. The fact that you can taste them here today shows how lucky you are," Madam Pei said softly.

Mai Xufen nodded; she understood her mother's good intentions. Looking at her mother's slightly aged face, a wave of guilt washed over her. She knew her mother had sacrificed so much for her.

"Mother, please try some too." Mai Xufen peeled a lychee and held it to Pei's lips.

Madam Pei smiled slightly, took the lychee, and put it in her mouth. The sweet juice instantly dispelled her jealousy, replacing it with gratitude and pride for her daughter.

The mother and daughter sat in the flower hall, savoring the rare lychees and enjoying this precious moment. The surrounding guests cast envious glances, marveling at the good fortune of the Marquis of Changtai's household.

Lady Liang, the wife of the Marquis of Jing'an, secretly glared at Lady Pei, her eyes filled with jealousy and disdain. Looking at Lady Pei's feigned composure, she couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Since Mai Yufeng's death, Lady Pei had been like a vampire, constantly demanding money from her, and Lady Pei, having leverage over her, had no choice but to endure it all.

The banquet hall was brightly lit and filled with laughter and cheerful conversation. Officials and their families took their seats in turn, the atmosphere harmonious. However, the arrival of Madam Pei instantly created tension within this otherwise peaceful setting.