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

At the banquet, the eyes of the crowd were filled with surprise, envy and fear. Some cheered for Jiang Huaiyu's good fortune, while others were secretly jealous. Even worse, some felt a deep sense of fear, like a shadow in the dark night, that they could not shake off.

Marquis Jiaxing was promoted to Duke based on his outstanding military achievements on the frontier, a move that did not come as a surprise.

However, what was shocking was that all three of his sons received extraordinary promotions. His eldest son, Wei Fenghui, was originally only a sixth-rank compiler in the Hanlin Academy, but in just a few days, he was promoted two ranks to become a fourth-rank official.

The promotion of Crown Prince Wei Fengyun was even more astonishing; he rose from a ninth-rank captain to a fourth-rank official, a leap of five ranks. The Fujian Division had four guards in the capital, distributed according to the four cardinal directions.

As the rear base of the Fujian Division, the Dongcheng Division has always been personally governed by Commander Yao Dingtian, so the position of the Dongcheng Division's Commander-in-Chief has remained undecided. Now, Wei Fengyun has been appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Dongcheng Division, which undoubtedly indicates that he is very likely to succeed as the new Commander of the Fujian Division in the near future.

They possessed the privilege of direct access to the emperor, the power to monitor all officials, and the authority to execute first and report later—a special authorization granted by the imperial power.

As for the third son, Wei Fengyao, he was appointed as the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, shouldering the important responsibility of guarding the safety of the palace. He was the emperor's personal bodyguard.

Wei Fengyao not only directly controlled the troops of the Princess's residence, but also commanded the emperor's personal guard.

Emperor Erkang's great favor towards the Wei family caused many nobles in the capital to have mixed feelings, and they had to re-examine their relationship with the Marquis of Jiaxing's mansion, no, it should now be called the Duke of Wei's mansion. They had to think carefully about how to maintain a good relationship with them.

Eunuch Ying smiled so much his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at Jiang Huaiyu and said, "Madam Jiang, His Majesty will surely be delighted to hear of your kind intentions."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a resolute look in his eyes, and said softly, "Eunuch Ying, it is already an honor for our Duke of Wei's mansion that you have come in person. Huaiyu has a favor to ask, I wonder if you would do me the honor of staying to attend my son's banquet for winning the top scholar title?"

Just as Eunuch Ying was about to decline, he was moved by Jiang Huaiyu's eyes. Those bright eyes were filled with expectation and sincerity. A thought struck him, and he smiled, saying, "Madam Jiang is so kind; if I were to refuse again, it would seem that I, Ying, am ungrateful. Since that's the case, then I shall respectfully accept your offer."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu's smile deepened. She gently waved her hand, signaling the servants to prepare a banquet. Then, she turned to Eunuch Ying and said, "Eunuch, this purse was embroidered by Huaiyu herself. Although it is not worth much, it is a token of my affection. Please accept it."

Eunuch Ying accepted the purse, but he did not immediately take it. Instead, he gently placed it on the table and said, "Madam Jiang, I appreciate your kind intentions. However, I cannot accept this purse. As you know, palace rules are strict, and as a eunuch, I cannot accept gifts from outside the palace at will."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled, "What you say is true, Father-in-law. I was mistaken. In that case, consider this purse a small token of my respect to you."

Eunuch Ying nodded slightly and said, "Madam Jiang, I appreciate your kindness. But I dare not accept this respect. Please take it back."

Although their conversation was polite, it conveyed a deep respect. Jiang Huaiyu knew Eunuch Ying's rules, so she didn't insist. She sighed softly and put the purse away.

By this time, the servants had already prepared the banquet. Jiang Huaiyu personally poured a cup of wine for Eunuch Ying and said, "Eunuch, this cup of wine is Huaiyu's way of showing my respect to you. Although you cannot drink, please allow me to express my gratitude to you in this way."

Looking at the wine in his cup, a hint of warmth flashed in Eunuch Ying's eyes. He gently raised his cup and smiled, "Madam Jiang, I appreciate your kind gesture. Although I cannot drink alcohol, I can keep you company with a cup of tea."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu's smile deepened. She said, "In that case, let us use tea instead of wine to wish His Majesty good health and the nation prosperity."

The two gently clinked their glasses; although they were drinking tea, their respect for each other remained undiminished.

Eunuch Ying smiled slightly and said, "Madam Jiang, I appreciate your kindness. I hope that the Duke of Wei's mansion can continue to prosper and serve His Majesty."

A resolute glint flashed in Jiang Huaiyu's eyes as she said, "Rest assured, Father-in-law, Huaiyu and the Wei family will do our utmost to serve His Majesty and repay His Majesty's kindness."

Consort Xi reached out her hand, and with Eunuch Ying's careful support, she came to Jiang Huaiyu's side. Her smile was gentle and kind, and her eyes revealed sincere blessings.

"Sister Jiang, congratulations on your son's success in the imperial examination. This is a great honor for our family." Consort Xi said softly, while taking out a string of crystal-clear pearls from her sleeve and handing it to Jiang Huaiyu.

Jiang Huaiyu's eyes welled up with tears. She accepted the necklace with both hands and said with emotion, "Sister Xifei, how could I possibly accept such a generous gift? I appreciate your kindness and thank you for your blessings."

Eunuch Ying said solemnly, "Madam Jiang, please accept this gift from Consort Xi. This pearl necklace is from the South my country Sea and is extremely precious, which shows how much Consort Xi values ​​you."

At this moment, everyone at the table knelt down and respectfully bowed to Consort Xi and Eunuch Ying, saying, "Respectfully seeing off Consort Xi and Eunuch Ying."

Consort Xi nodded slightly and smiled, "Please, everyone, no need for formalities. Today is Madam Jiang's family banquet. We are all gathered here in joy, so there is no need to stand on ceremony."

As Consort Xi and Eunuch Ying departed, the nobles of the capital flocked to congratulate Jiang Huaiyu's son, Wei Fenghui, on achieving the highest rank in the imperial examination.

"Madam Jiang, congratulations! Your son is exceptionally talented and will surely make great contributions to our country," an official in a purple robe said with a smile.

Jiang Huaiyu humbly replied, "Thank you for your kind words. My son was fortunate enough to pass the exam, and he still needs your guidance."

“Madam Jiang is too modest. Your son has achieved so much at such a young age; it is truly a blessing for our dynasty,” another official said.

In the current imperial court, the fact that three sons of the Duke of Wei's family have all reached the rank of fourth grade official, each with their own strengths and occupying different fields, has forced many nobles in the capital to re-examine this illustrious family.

Jiang Huaiyu was beaming with pride, basking in the flattery and enjoying everyone's compliments. Recalling the gradual decline of the Jiaxing Marquis's mansion in her previous life, which ultimately led to her death with resentment, how could she not feel triumphant now that she had finally turned the tables?

At this moment, Old Madam Chao was even more determined to win over Jiang Huaiyu. If she could gain the support of the Duke of Wei's mansion, the Prince of Duan's ascension to the throne would be a sure thing, and victory would be within her grasp.

The Marquis of Jing'an's mansion and the Duke of Wei's mansion have a long-standing feud. Now that the Duke of Wei's mansion has risen again, it will inevitably retaliate against the Marquis of Jing'an's mansion. If I can lend a helping hand at this time, I can get closer to the Duke of Wei's mansion and save myself a chance to survive.

Lady Liang, the wife of the Marquis of Jing'an, was deathly pale, her breathing rapid. Her youngest son had been crippled in both legs by Jiang Huaiyu and would never be able to walk again. Her heart was filled with hatred, jealousy, and helplessness, yet she also harbored an urgent desire for revenge and feared that the Duke of Wei's mansion would only grow stronger in the future.