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

At this moment, a young official's wife walked over. She looked at Madam Liang and smiled, "Sister Liang, you don't need to take it to heart. Such things are commonplace in officialdom. As long as the second young master can learn from this lesson, he will surely achieve great things in the future."

Madam Liang looked at her gratefully and smiled, "Thank you for your comfort, sister. I will keep your words in mind."

The group continued their casual conversation, gradually shifting the topic away from the feud between the Jing'an Marquis's residence and the Jiaxing Marquis's residence. However, Madam Liang's heart remained unsettled.

This conflict had a huge impact on the youngest son and brought shame to the entire family.

Looking at Liang's expression, Madam Weng secretly sneered.

The Liang family must harbor resentment towards the Marquis of Jiaxing's family. This hatred will only exacerbate the conflict between the two families.

Liang gave Weng a furtive look, thinking to herself, "Weng, are you deliberately humiliating me?" Liang's face instantly darkened, her lips twitched slightly, and she barely managed to maintain her dignified demeanor.

The surrounding guests noticed the subtle shift in the atmosphere and quickly composed themselves, ceasing their chatter. Madam Weng, the wife of the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, seemed oblivious to Liang's displeasure, continuing to gaze at her with a beaming smile.

Suppressing her anger, Madam Liang tried to make her voice sound calm: "Madam Weng, I am indeed somewhat displeased that you brought up my son's injury. But since it happened in front of others, please give me some face."

Madam Weng smiled slightly, a hint of provocation in her eyes: "Oh dear, Madam Liang, you misunderstand. I was just chatting casually, I didn't expect it to offend you. Then I won't bring it up again."

Madam Liang gritted her teeth, her anger growing stronger. She glanced at her daughter, Liao Wan'er, beside her, and saw that she looked tense and worried.

"Mother, let's go back first," Liao Wan'er said softly.

Madam Liang nodded slightly and turned to Madam Weng: "Madam Weng, we'll take our leave now, and we'll meet again another day."

Madam Weng nodded with a smile, but her eyes betrayed her smugness. Madam Liang hurriedly left the scene with Liao Wan'er, secretly vowing to take revenge on Madam Weng.

Back home, Madam Liang sat in the guest room, her face ashen. Liao Wan'er cautiously approached her mother and softly comforted her:

“Mother, please don’t be angry. That woman, Madam Weng, is always trying to sow discord. We don’t need to stoop to her level.”

Madam Liang sighed deeply, looking at her daughter with a surge of guilt. She gently patted Liao Wan'er's shoulder and said, "Wan'er, I'm sorry you've suffered."

Liao Wan'er shook her head, her eyes slightly red: "Mother, I'm the one who made you worry. Don't worry, I'll be strong."

A hint of relief flashed in Madam Liang's eyes. Her daughter had grown up and knew how to share her burdens. She secretly vowed to give her daughter a better life and to ensure she would never be bullied by anyone again.

As night fell, Liang sat alone in her guest room, her mind churning with various thoughts. She thought about Weng's provocation and her own helplessness in this power struggle, and her determination to take revenge grew stronger.

"Mrs. Weng, just you wait. One day, I'll show you what I'm capable of!" Mrs. Liang thought to herself.

……

From the very beginning, Madam Pei noticed the outstanding Jiang Xinrui and was very curious about her background. So, she decided to take the initiative to go and inquire with the wives of officials.

Lady Pei moved gracefully and slowly towards the group of officials' wives, nodding and smiling at them. Seeing that the Lady of Changtai Marquis had come to inquire in person, the officials' wives all rose to return the greeting, their attitude respectful.

Madam Pei's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Jiang Xinrui. She chuckled and said, "Ladies, there is a woman with an outstanding presence at today's banquet. Do you know her identity?"

The officials' wives exchanged glances, all indicating they knew nothing. One of the ladies said, "Madam Pei, we also think that woman has an extraordinary air about her, but we really don't know anything about her background."

Madam Pei smiled slightly and turned to Madam Xu, the wife of the Marquis of Changning. She saw Madam Xu conversing with Madam Yu, the wife of the General of the Cavalry, both with joyful smiles on their faces. Madam Pei said softly, "Madam Xu, you seem to be having a very pleasant conversation with Madam Yu. Do you know the identity of that Jiang Xinrui?"

Madam Xu turned around and immediately understood Madam Pei's intention. She smiled and shook her head: "Madam Pei, to be honest, Madam Yu and I just arrived at the banquet and did not pay attention to that woman. However, I can introduce you to Madam Yu; perhaps she knows something."

Madam Pei nodded, glanced gratefully at Madam Xu, and then turned to Madam Yu. Madam Yu was attending a banquet with her two daughters. Upon seeing Madam Pei approach, she immediately stopped and smiled, "Madam Pei, what brings you here?"

Madam Pei smiled slightly and pointed at Jiang Xinrui, saying, "Madam Yu, do you know this woman's identity?"

Following Madam Pei's finger, Yu looked up and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She shook her head and said, "Madam Pei, I also think this woman has an extraordinary air about her, but I really don't know anything about her background."

With light steps and a beaming smile, Lady Pei walked up to greet the Lady of the Marquis of Changning and the Lady of the General of the Cavalry respectively.

Lady Xu, the wife of the Marquis of Changning, smiled slightly, a hint of inquiry in her eyes as she looked at Pei. She gently patted Pei's hand and said in a gentle tone, "Sister Pei, you are as beautiful and charming as ever. However, your clothes seem a bit outdated; are they from two years ago?"

Pei blushed slightly, but forced a smile and said, "Sister Xu is joking. What does it matter if clothes are outdated? As long as your heart is young, you will never grow old."

Madam Xu smiled slightly, a shrewd glint in her eyes: "Sister Pei, why deceive yourself? We all know the current state of the Marquis of Changtai's mansion. However, I truly admire your strength."

Pei's expression stiffened slightly; she knew Xu was telling the truth. The Changtai Marquis's mansion had already declined, and there was nothing she could do about it. She sighed softly and said, "Sister Xu, I know what you're saying is true. However, I can't let the people in the mansion think that the mansion is even more decadent just by looking at me, can I?"

Madam Xu nodded; she understood Madam Pei's predicament. She changed the subject, mentioning the upcoming winter banquet: "Speaking of the Imperial Concubine's winter banquet, Sister Pei, how are your preparations going? I heard that you might marry your daughter to the Jing'an Marquis's family, the maternal clan of Prince Rui. Is that true?"

Madam Pei smiled slightly, knowing that this matter was already an open secret. She nodded gently: "Yes, I do have this plan. After all, my daughter's happiness is the most important thing. As long as she can marry a good man, I will be at ease."

Lady Yu, wife of the General of the Cavalry, chimed in, "Sister Pei, you are truly wise. The Marquis of Jing'an's mansion is indeed a good choice, and their son is very talented. Your daughter will surely be happy if she marries into that family."

Pei looked at Yu with gratitude, knowing that Yu's blessing was genuine. She gently took Yu's hand and said, "Sister Yu, thank you. I will remember your blessing."

After exchanging some polite words, the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.