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

Madam Pei wore a light blue dress, her attire carefully concealing the embarrassment of her family's decline. She sat upright in her seat, forcing a smile, waiting for the banquet to begin.

Madam Liang couldn't help but retort sarcastically, "Madam Pei, you look quite well; it's truly enviable."

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei's expression changed slightly. She knew that Madam Liang was mocking her for her family's decline and her daring to boast like this. However, she still forced a smile and replied, "Madam Liang, you flatter me. I'm just trying to remain calm during difficult times."

Madam Liang smiled disdainfully, preparing to continue her sarcasm, when a maid entered the banquet hall carrying a plate of lychees. Lychees were a delicacy at the banquet, but Madam Pei couldn't resist eating a few more than she intended, trying to use the lychees to mask her predicament.

Seeing this, a hint of mockery flashed in Liang's eyes. She deliberately raised her voice and said, "Madam Pei, do you know how precious these lychees are? Are you eating them with such relish to show off your family's wealth?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei's face became even more embarrassed. She put down the lychee in her hand and forced a smile as she explained, "Madam Liang, you misunderstand. I was just acting on a whim and didn't expect it to upset you."

Liang, however, persisted in her sarcasm, saying, "Madam Pei, your family has fallen on hard times and you can't even afford lychees, yet you still dare to show off in front of me. It's truly laughable."

Pei's face turned deathly pale instantly. She bit her lip tightly, a flash of anger in her eyes. But she knew that at this moment, she could not confront Liang head-on; she could only endure it.

Seeing this, the surrounding guests whispered among themselves, casting sympathetic glances at Madam Pei. Madam Liang, on the other hand, laughed smugly, her jealousy and disdain growing stronger as she looked at Madam Pei's disheveled appearance.

At this moment, the Marquis of Jiaxing walked over. He frowned as he watched the two ladies arguing. He gently patted Lady Liang's shoulder and said in a low voice, "Lady Liang, the Pei family is indeed facing difficulties. You don't need to be so forceful."

Lady Liang stared wide-eyed at the Marquis of Jiaxing in disbelief. She hadn't expected her husband to speak up for Lady Pei, and a surge of anger welled up inside her. But she knew that at this moment, she couldn't lash out; she could only suppress her rage.

When Lady Pei saw that the Marquis of Jiaxing had spoken up for her, a sense of gratitude welled up in her heart. She looked at the Marquis of Jiaxing, her eyes glistening with tears, but she still forced a smile and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency. I'm fine."

The banquet continued, but the conflict between Madam Liang and Madam Pei became increasingly apparent. Madam Liang constantly looked at Madam Pei with jealousy and disdain, while Madam Pei tried her best to remain calm and ignored Madam Liang.

Upon hearing Liang's reminder, Madam Pei's face paled instantly, but she quickly regained her composure, a barely perceptible glint of determination flashing in her eyes. She smiled slightly and said to Liang, "Madam, you misunderstand. I was just speaking casually." As she spoke, she took a small sip of tea, her gaze drifting towards another corner of the banquet hall.

At this moment, the banquet hall was brightly lit, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. A lavish array of dishes, fine wines, and jewels were piled high, displaying unparalleled luxury. Liang noticed Pei's gaze, a mocking smile playing on her lips, but she said nothing more.

Madam Pei turned to Madam Liang and said, "Madam, look at Ye Qimo, she's getting more and more beautiful. Her jade bracelet is truly dazzling."

Following Pei's gaze, Madam Liang saw Ye Qimo conversing with several distinguished guests. The jade bracelet on her wrist gleamed under the lights, truly attracting attention. Madam Liang sneered, "Pei, are you just envious and jealous?"

Madam Pei smiled slightly and said, "Madam misunderstands. I just think Ye Qimo is a good match. If my son can marry her, the economic situation of the Marquis of Changtai's mansion will definitely improve."

Madam Liang's eyes turned cold as she said, "Madam Pei, do you think Ye Qimo is so easy to marry? She is the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Changning, and her status is extraordinary."

A resolute glint flashed in Madam Pei's eyes as she said, "I know it won't be easy, but we have to try. Otherwise, life will only get harder and harder for our Changtai Marquis's mansion."

Madam Liang chuckled and said, "Madam Pei, are you planning to gamble with your own son?"

Madam Pei said seriously, "Madam, I don't think this is a gamble. I just hope that my son can have a bright future so that I can have someone to rely on in my old age."

Looking at Pei, a complex emotion flashed in Liang's eyes. She sighed softly and said, "Pei, you are truly pitiful. But you must know that marriage is not a child's play. Ye Qimo's status and position are not as simple as you think."

A hint of helplessness flashed in Madam Pei's eyes as she said, "I know, but I can't just stand by and watch the Marquis of Changtai's mansion fall into trouble. Madam, tell me the truth, am I really doing the wrong thing?"

After a moment of silence, Madam Liang said, "Madam Pei, you are not naive, but I really can't say anything about this. If you've really made up your mind, then go ahead and give it a try."

Upon hearing this, a hint of gratitude flashed in Madam Pei's eyes. She stood up and said to Madam Liang, "Thank you for your understanding, Madam."

Madam Pei put down the lychees in her hand, straightened her clothes, and walked with a smile toward the ladies of the officials around her. The banquet hall was brightly lit, and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. The officials and their families chatted happily, creating a lively and extraordinary atmosphere.

Madam Pei's eyes sparkled, and she smiled gently as she struck up a conversation with the ladies of the official family: "Ladies, today's banquet is truly lively. I wonder what your opinions are on the dishes served at your residence?"

The wives of officials echoed their praise. One of the elegantly dressed ladies said, "Madam Pei is truly sensible. Such dishes are not only delicious and beautiful in color, aroma, and taste, but also carry auspicious meanings. They are truly admirable."

Madam Pei smiled slightly and said, "You flatter me, Madam. These are just some ordinary dishes, nothing compared to the delicacies served at your residence."

The wives of officials chatted and laughed, gradually closing the distance between them. Madam Pei skillfully steered the conversation, discussing their hobbies, home decor, and other commonalities, attempting to find common ground to better integrate into the group.

At this moment, Madam Liang led her daughter toward Old Madam Chao. Madam Liang looked at her daughter with eyes full of expectation. Her daughter's name was Wan'er, and she was beautiful, intelligent, and graceful.

Madam Liang bowed to Old Madam Chao and said with a smile, "Old Madam, this is my daughter Wan'er. I have long admired your name and brought her here today to pay my respects."

Old Madam Chao smiled slightly, looked Wan'er up and down, and nodded in praise: "She is indeed a good child, with outstanding temperament and beautiful appearance. Madam Liang, you have truly taught your daughter well."

Madam Liang said modestly, "You flatter me, Madam. Wan'er is still young and needs more guidance. What do you think of Wan'er, Madam?"

A hint of appreciation flashed in Old Madam Chao's eyes as she said, "Wan'er is clever and quick-witted, and her manners are impeccable. She is indeed a good child. Madam Liang, if you are willing, I am happy to act as a matchmaker for you two, so that Wan'er can marry the young master of the Duke of Huguo's mansion."

Madam Liang was overjoyed and quickly said, "Grandma, we would be extremely grateful if you could do this. However, Wan'er is still young, and we would like her to learn more about etiquette and manners."

Old Madam Chao smiled slightly and said, "Madam Liang, rest assured, I will personally train Wan'er to become an excellent daughter-in-law of the Duke of Huguo's mansion."