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

Seeing her daughter's expression, Madam Pei knew that she had already come to her senses, so she seized the opportunity and said, "Mai Xiyue, I require you to cultivate good relationships with the daughters of other families, especially Jiang Xinrui, the niece of the Lady of Jiaxing Marquis. You must get close to her, understand?"

Mai Xiyue was slightly taken aback, not understanding why her mother would suddenly make such a request. But she still nodded and said softly, "Mother, I will."

Madam Pei looked at her daughter, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. She gently patted Mai Xiyue's hand and said softly, "I know you may have doubts, but you must remember that the family's interests come first. If you can do this well, I will ensure you receive better treatment within the family."

With a mix of nervousness and excitement, Mai Xiyue approached Ye Qimo and Jiang Xinrui, politely bowing and interrupting their conversation. Ye Qimo and Jiang Xinrui were surprised by Mai Xiyue's appearance; her simple attire and reserved demeanor contrasted sharply with their usual lively and cheerful nature.

Ye Qimo smiled slightly and said to Jiang Xinrui, "This is Miss Mai Xiyue from the Marquis of Changtai's mansion. We met at a banquet before, do you remember?" Jiang Xinrui thought for a moment and immediately remembered this Miss Mai whom she had never met before. She quickly stood up to return the greeting and said with a smile, "So you are Miss Mai. My apologies."

After Mai Xiyue sat down, Ye Qimo and Jiang Xinrui both looked at her curiously. Mai Xiyue noticed their gazes and couldn't help but feel a little nervous, her hands tightly gripping her clothes.

Seeing this, Ye Qimo smiled and asked, "Miss Mai, why are you so reserved today? We are all women, there's no need to be so polite." Mai Xiyue smiled slightly and replied, "Miss Ye, you misunderstand. I'm just a little nervous. After all, this is my first time being alone with you all."

Jiang Xinrui's eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "Miss Mai, is this really the first time you've spent time alone with us? What do you usually do?" Mai Xiyue lowered her head and said softly, "My father is very strict, so I usually stay at home studying and practicing calligraphy and rarely go out."

Hearing this, Ye Qimo and Jiang Xinrui exchanged glances, a hint of sympathy flashing in their eyes. They knew that the Changtai Marquis's family had strict rules, and that the eldest daughter, Mai Xiyue, must have suffered a lot growing up in such an environment.

As the three conversed, Lady Pei, the wife of the Marquis of Changtai, witnessed this scene from afar. A hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes, and she thought to herself, "It seems this banquet was worthwhile; my daughter has finally learned how to socialize." With that thought, Lady Pei smiled and continued chatting with the others.

Just then, Cuiying rang a gong outside, announcing that the auspicious time had arrived and the firecrackers would begin. The sound of firecrackers was deafening, and for a moment, the entire Jiaxing Marquis's residence was immersed in a festive atmosphere.

Jiang Huaiyu stood on the steps of the flower hall, a smile on his face, his eyes filled with gratitude. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect to the guests and said, "Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my son's banquet for the top scholar. I, Jiang, express my sincere gratitude." After speaking, he turned to his eldest son, Wei Fenghui, who was standing to the side, and continued, "This is my son, Wei Fenghui, the newly appointed top scholar. He has specially prepared this grand feast for everyone today, and I hope you will all enjoy it to the fullest."

The guests applauded and expressed their admiration. Led by maids from the Jiaxing Marquis's residence, they proceeded in groups to the Yufeng Hall. The Yufeng Hall was luxuriously decorated, with carved beams and painted rafters. A low wooden bridge in the middle divided the dining area into men's and women's sections. The guests took their seats according to their rank, and the master of ceremonies announced the arrival of the newly appointed top scholar, Wei Fenghui.

Wei Fenghui's handsome appearance and demeanor drew gasps of admiration from the audience. He wore a red scholar's robe, adorned with a golden flower in his hair, and exuded a heroic air. He bowed to the crowd and then took his seat in the main seat.

Lady Jiang Huaiyu, wife of the Marquis of Jiaxing, looked at her son with pride. She turned to her maid Cuiying and whispered, "Cuiying, look at Fenghui, he's growing more and more handsome."

Cuiying covered her mouth and smiled, replying, "Madam is right. Young Master is handsome and dashing, truly a dragon among men. I wonder which woman will be fortunate enough to become his wife."

Jiang Huaiyu gently patted Cuiying's hand and laughed, "Don't tease me. How could I not know Feng Hui? He already has his own ideas."

At this moment, a guest stood up, toasted Wei Fenghui, and said, "Congratulations on your success in the imperial examination, making you the pride of Jiaxing Prefecture. Come, let us celebrate with you."

Wei Fenghui smiled and raised his glass in response: "Thank you all. I will certainly live up to your expectations and make contributions to the country and the people."

The guests offered toasts one after another, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively. Cuiying moved among the crowd, pouring wine for the guests, and laughter could be heard from time to time.

After a while, Jiang Huaiyu said to Wei Fenghui, "Fenghui, is that idea you just mentioned really going to work?"

Wei Fenghui said confidently, "Mother, don't worry, I've thought it all out. As long as we follow the plan, we're sure to succeed."

Jiang Huaiyu looked at her son with concern and said, "Fenghui, I know you are very smart, but this matter is of great importance. You should think carefully before you act."

Wei Fenghui gently patted his mother's shoulder and comforted her, "Mother, don't worry, I will act cautiously and won't make you worry."

Standing on the high platform, Wei Fenghui cleared his throat, faced the assembled guests, and delivered a resounding speech: "Distinguished guests, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my banquet for the top scholar. After ten years of diligent study, you have finally achieved your goal of passing the imperial examination and returning home in glory. All of this is inseparable from your care and support. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. Wei Fenghui smiled slightly and continued, "Secondly, I would like to thank my parents for raising me. They have worked hard to support my studies so that I could restore the Marquis's mansion and bring glory to our family. I will remember their kindness today and live up to their expectations and the trust placed in me by the Marquis's mansion."

At this point, a resolute glint flashed in Wei Fenghui's eyes. He paused, then continued, "Finally, I would like to thank all the guests present. It is your support and encouragement that has allowed me to go further and further on my academic journey. Today, at this banquet for the top scholar, I would like to raise a toast to everyone. May we drink together and celebrate this festive occasion!"

Having said that, Wei Fenghui raised his wine glass and toasted the guests. Everyone responded enthusiastically, raising their glasses in a toast. The atmosphere at the banquet was lively, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

At this moment, the musicians began playing "The Deer Cry" from the Book of Songs, its melodious strains filling the entire mansion. Wei Fenghui put down his wine cup, turned and left, changing into casual clothes before rejoining the banquet.

Wei Fenghui returned to his seat and chatted amiably with the guests. One guest asked with a smile, "Scholar Wei, I've heard you've studied diligently for ten years. What insights have you gained? Could you share some of them?"

Wei Fenghui smiled and replied, "I dare not presume to offer any insights or experiences; these are merely my humble opinions. I believe that the key to reading lies in perseverance. Only through ten years of consistent effort can one achieve what they have today. In addition, I would like to thank the friends who have accompanied me on this journey; their encouragement and support have made my reading path less lonely."