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

Another guest chimed in, "Scholar Wei is absolutely right. The essence of friendship lies in mutual understanding. We are also deeply gratified to see Scholar Wei achieve such success in the imperial examinations today. May I ask what Scholar Wei's plans are for the future?"

After a moment's thought, Wei Fenghui replied, "I plan to return to my hometown first to thank my parents, and then continue my studies to strive to make more contributions to the Marquis's mansion and the country."

At this moment, an older guest nodded in approval: "Good, ambitious! Scholar Wei is so young, yet he has such aspirations. He will surely achieve great things in the future."

During the banquet, everyone toasted Wei Fenghui, congratulating him on becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination. Wei Fenghui responded with ease, and, in high spirits, couldn't help but ask with a smile, "Elders, do you know why I held this banquet for the top scholar?"

Everyone shook their heads, indicating they didn't know. Wei Fenghui smiled and said, "Actually, I wanted to take this opportunity to ask for your guidance. Although I was fortunate enough to be the top scholar in the imperial examination, I am still young and have many shortcomings. Today, all of you elders are here, so I can take this opportunity to ask for your advice."

Jiang Huaiyu raised her wine glass high, moving among the tables of guests with a beaming smile, offering toasts and greetings. Her eyes were filled with pride and joy. Just then, the atmosphere of the banquet reached its climax. Footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, followed by an announcement: "Consort Xi and Princess Ziyan have arrived!"

After speaking, everyone rose and looked outside. They saw Consort Xi and Princess Ziyan, dressed in magnificent palace attire, enter the Jade Offering Hall with graceful bearing. Their arrival seemed to add immeasurable glory to the entire banquet.

The crowd immediately knelt down and shouted, "May you be blessed with ten thousand blessings and peace!" Their voices were deafening, filled with respect for Consort Xi and Princess Ziyan.

With a smile and graceful bearing, Consort Xi walked to the high platform and gestured for everyone to rise. Her gaze swept across the entire hall, and she nodded slightly. Her noble demeanor inspired awe in all who beheld her.

Jiang Huaiyu immediately stepped forward to greet Consort Xi and Princess Ziyan. Consort Xi smiled and helped Jiang Huaiyu up, congratulating her on the arrival of a worthy successor to the Jiaxing Marquis's family. Jiang Huaiyu was deeply moved, tears welling in her eyes, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is too kind; this is merely my duty."

Consort Xi gently patted Jiang Huaiyu's hand and said with a smile, "Madam Jiang, there's no need to be modest. I've long heard about your contributions to the Jiaxing Marquis's residence. Seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

Jiang Huaiyu hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty flatters me; I am unworthy of such praise."

At this moment, Princess Ziyan stepped forward. Her eyes were clear and her smile was sweet. She said to Jiang Huaiyu, "Madam Jiang, I have heard that you manage the mansion very well. May I ask for your guidance?"

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. I dare not accept such praise. I am merely following ancestral teachings and fulfilling my duty."

Princess Ziyan smiled slightly and then said, "Madam Jiang, I have a question to ask you. Is that alright?"

Jiang Huaiyu hurriedly replied, "Princess, please ask. I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

Princess Ziyan sighed softly and said, "I've heard that the food and wine at the Marquis of Jiaxing's residence are very delicious. May I have a taste?"

Everyone laughed upon hearing this. Jiang Huaiyu quickly said, "Princess, rest assured, I will have the servants prepare the best wine and dishes for you to try later."

Consort Xi looked at the two of them, a smile flashing in her eyes, and said, "You two seem to get along very well."

Jiang Huaiyu and Princess Ziyan smiled at the same time. Jiang Huaiyu quickly said, "Your Majesty, this is all thanks to your blessings, which has allowed me and the Princess to have the opportunity to meet."

Looking at Consort Xi and Princess Ziyan, Xi Jiang Huaiyu was filled with emotion. She knew that the future of the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion would be even more glorious. And she would do her best to contribute to the prosperity and stability of the Jiaxing Marquis's Mansion.

Halfway through the banquet, Jiang Huaiyu quietly withdrew and returned to her room. Looking at the bright moon outside her window, she silently prayed: May the Marquis's mansion prosper, may Consort Xi and Princess Ziyan be healthy, and may all the guests be happy and well.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the window. Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, knowing that Jiang Huaiyu had returned. She gently opened the door, and seeing Jiang Huaiyu's smiling face, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

Jiang Huaiyu looked at her, sighed softly, and said, "Madam, you've had a hard day."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and said, "Husband, this is all I should do. As long as the Jiaxing Marquis's mansion prospers, I am willing to give everything."

Jiang Huaiyu looked at her, deeply moved. The concubine smiled slightly and said nothing more. Seeing this, everyone rose and began to offer toasts. The atmosphere of the banquet became lively again, with everyone laughing and chatting, reminiscing about the past.

Consort Xi smiled and said to Jiang Huaiyu, "I have come to your door today with the Emperor's latest decree." As she spoke, she turned to look at Eunuch Ying beside her and nodded slightly.

Eunuch Ying understood immediately and took out a bright yellow imperial edict from his sleeve. He unfolded it and read aloud: "Marquis of Jiaxing, Wei Dinglian, is loyal and devoted, and has made outstanding contributions to the country. He is hereby granted the title of Duke of Wei. His wife, Jiang Huaiyu, is virtuous and kind, and takes good care of her family. She is hereby granted the title of Lady of Wei. His sons, Wei Fenghui, Wei Fengyun, and Wei Fengyao, are all talented and virtuous. They are hereby promoted in their official positions."

As soon as Eunuch Ying finished speaking, everyone from the Jiaxing Marquis's residence and the numerous guests knelt down to listen respectfully to the imperial edict. Tears welled up in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes. She knew that this was the reward for her husband's lifelong loyalty and the result of her children's hard work.

Consort Xi looked at Jiang Huaiyu and smiled, "Madam Jiang, congratulations." Jiang Huaiyu quickly stood up and said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you, Your Highness Consort Xi. This is an honor for my family."

At this moment, Wei Fenghui, Wei Fengyun, and Wei Fengyao were incredibly excited, but they remained calm and showed no sign of elation. They knew this was just the beginning, and the road ahead was long.

Wei Fenghui stood up, bowed to Consort Xi, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's grace and serve the country loyally." Consort Xi nodded slightly and said, "Fenghui, you are the eldest son of the Marquis of Jiaxing. You must shoulder the heavy responsibility of the family and assist your father well."

Wei Fengyun also stood up, a resolute glint in his eyes, and said, "Your Majesty, Yun'er will certainly live up to Your Majesty's grace, protect the country, and protect the family." Consort Xi looked at him and smiled, "Yun'er, you are the heir apparent. You must prioritize your family and the country, and do what you should do."

Finally, Wei Fengyao stood up, his eyes shining with determination, and said, "Your Majesty, although I am young, I will work hard and live up to Your Majesty's grace." Consort Xi looked at him, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "Yao'er, I am very pleased that you have this intention."

Everyone stood up, and Consort Xi said to Eunuch Ying, "Eunuch Ying, you have worked hard. I will report your achievements to His Majesty when I return." Eunuch Ying hurriedly replied, "This servant dares not accept such praise. This is my duty."

Consort Xi then said to everyone at the Jiaxing Marquis's residence, "I will take my leave now. I will come again when I have time in the future." Everyone hurriedly replied, "Respectfully seeing off Consort Xi."

Consort Xi left with Eunuch Ying, and the people of the Jiaxing Marquis's residence watched their departing figures, their hearts filled with gratitude.

This shows the emperor's high regard for them and affirms their loyalty.