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

While Lady Liang was talking with Old Madam Chao, things gradually became lively on Lady Pei's side. She chatted and laughed with the officials' wives, nodding and smiling from time to time, winning everyone's favor.

Pei's gaze swept around before finally settling on Ye Qimo. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as if a ray of sunshine had pierced through her gloomy world. Her eyes filled with burning desire, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her lips.

Madam Pei's heart was filled with turmoil. She gently smoothed her clothes, trying to conceal her excitement. She thought to herself, "If I can get my son to marry Ye Qimo, our position in the officialdom will be more secure, and we might even be able to rise to a higher level. Moreover, the wealth of the Changning Marquis's mansion is a great asset to our family. If we can establish a connection with Madam Xu's family, our family's future will be limitless."

Thinking of this, Madam Pei's heart was filled with anticipation, and she couldn't help but steal a glance at Ye Qimo. Ye Qimo was beautiful and elegant, sitting gracefully in a corner of the flower hall, completely out of place with the others. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her occasional gentle smile was enough to captivate anyone.

Madam Pei gritted her teeth, making up her mind: "No matter what, I will make sure my son marries Ye Qimo and makes her a member of our Pei family." She raised her head, looking at Ye Qimo with a determined gaze, as if she could already see her son and Ye Qimo walking hand in hand into the hall of marriage.

The atmosphere in the flower hall gradually became lively, with everyone trying to curry favor with Ye Qimo and vying to talk to her. Pei Mingyu, the son of the Pei family, also took the opportunity to step forward, trying to attract Ye Qimo's attention. However, Ye Qimo seemed somewhat indifferent to Pei Mingyu's enthusiasm, her gaze remaining haughty, which made Pei Mingyu a little embarrassed.

Seeing this, Madam Pei couldn't help but feel anxious. She quietly pulled Pei Mingyu aside and whispered, "Mingyu, you must try your best to win Ye Qimo's heart. If you can marry her, it will be very beneficial for you and for us."

Pei Mingyu nodded, but inwardly he was somewhat unconvinced. Although he was attracted to Ye Qimo's beauty and status, he preferred a free and unrestrained life. He didn't want to be bound by marriage, much less sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of his family's interests.

Madam Liang looked at Liao Wan'er and said in a serious tone, "Wan'er, listen to your mother. The affairs of the royal family are unpredictable. Although Prince Duan is your own brother, his chances of winning the throne are not great. On the contrary, Prince Rui, born to Consort Chao, has strong power and is more likely to ascend the throne."

Liao Wan'er frowned slightly, looking at her mother with some worry: "Mother, what should we do? If Prince Duan really fails to seize the throne, will our Jing'an Marquis's Mansion be implicated?"

Madam Liang gently patted her daughter's hand, comforting her, "Wan'er, I've already made plans. I've already figured out that if Prince Duan fails to seize the throne, we'll work well with the marriage you mentioned. That way, even if Prince Duan loses power, we'll still have the support of Prince Rui's maternal family, and the status of the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion won't be affected."

A hint of doubt flashed in Liao Wan'er's eyes as she asked, "Mother, does this marriage refer to an alliance with the Duke of Huguo's mansion?"

Madam Liang nodded and smiled, "That's right. The Duke of Huguo's mansion is very powerful and has a close relationship with Prince Rui. If you can marry into the Duke of Huguo's mansion, you can establish a connection with Prince Rui's maternal family, which will be beneficial to our Marquis of Jing'an's mansion."

Liao Wan'er was silent for a while before slowly saying, "Mother, I understand your worries. But I always feel that family ties come first. After all, Prince Duan is my own brother, and I can't just stand by and watch him fall into trouble."

A hint of relief flashed in Madam Liang's eyes; she knew her daughter was a person of deep affection and loyalty. She gently held her daughter's hand and said softly, "Wan'er, I understand how you feel. But you must know that we are doing this not to betray Prince Duan, but to protect the Jing'an Marquis's mansion, and for your and your brother's future. Family ties are important, but sometimes we have to face reality."

Liao Wan'er nodded silently, knowing her mother was telling the truth. She sighed and said, "Mother, then let's proceed according to your plan. I will do my best to cooperate and ensure this marriage goes smoothly."

Madam Liang patted her daughter's hand with a smile, her eyes full of satisfaction: "Wan'er, I knew you were a sensible child. Alright, let's not tell anyone else about this plan yet. We'll make arrangements slowly when the time is right."

When Lady Liang, the wife of the Marquis of Jing'an, saw that Old Madam Chao was surrounded by a group of officials' wives like stars around the moon, she was overjoyed and quickly pulled her daughter Liao Wan'er over.

Holding her daughter Liao Wan'er's small hand, Madam Liang walked gracefully towards Old Madam Chao. The group of officials' wives, seeing Madam Liang, the wife of the Marquis of Jing'an, approach, quickly made way for her, their eyes filled with respect and envy. Madam Liang smiled broadly, exuding the gentle elegance of a noblewoman.

"Grandma Chao, how are you feeling?" Madam Liang approached, bowed slightly, and spoke humbly.

Old Madam Chao smiled slightly, looking at Madam Liang with kind eyes: "Madam Liang, thank you for your concern. I am well. Miss Wan'er is growing more and more beautiful."

Madam Liang smiled gently and nudged her daughter beside her: "Wan'er, quickly greet Old Madam Chao."

Liao Wan'er gave a slight curtsy and said in a clear voice, "Wan'er greets Old Madam Chao and wishes her boundless happiness and longevity."

Old Madam Chao smiled and nodded, even more pleased with Liao Wan'er. She stepped aside to make room for her and said, "Madam Liang, Miss Wan'er, please have a seat."

After Madam Liang and Liao Wan'er sat down, Old Madam Chao's gaze remained fixed on Liao Wan'er. She looked at Liao Wan'er's tall figure and delicate features, and secretly admired her.

"Wan'er, how old are you this year?" Old Madam Chao asked.

"Reporting to Madam, Wan'er is sixteen years old this year," Liao Wan'er replied respectfully.

"Sixteen years old, just the beginning of her youthful years." Old Madam Chao sighed, then said, "Madam Liang, I heard that you hope Wan'er can become a princess or a duchess?"

Madam Liang smiled slightly, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes: "Yes, Madam. Wan'er is the eldest daughter of my Jing'an Marquis's family. She is intelligent, beautiful and talented, and I naturally hope that she can find a good home."

Old Madam Chao nodded and looked at Liao Wan'er: "I also think Wan'er is a good child. She does have the potential to become a princess or a duchess. However, it depends on her fate."

Madam Liang smiled and said, "The old lady is right, everything depends on the will of Heaven."

At this moment, a lady from an official family couldn't help but interject, "Madam Liang, you are truly a master at raising your daughter. Miss Wan'er is so outstanding; she will surely become a heroine in the future."

Madam Liang smiled slightly and said modestly, "Not at all, it's all thanks to the good teaching of the old lady. We parents are just doing our part."

The wives of officials echoed their sentiments, and for a moment, the atmosphere became very harmonious.