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

Jiang Xinrui pursed her lips slightly, a playful smile appearing at the corner of her eyes. "Aunt, I don't know much about those young masters, and I haven't felt any particular attraction to them."

Jiang Huaiyu chuckled, a hint of mockery in her voice, "The Apricot Blossom Banquet hosted by the Imperial Concubine will bring together officials of the fifth rank and above from the capital, along with their families. The scale of the event will far surpass your cousin's banquet for the top scholar. With such a large crowd, accidents are bound to happen. I have instructed Du Banli to stay close to you to ensure your safety."

Jiang Xinrui nodded obediently and replied softly, "Your niece obeys."

The journey was completely silent.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, the members of the Duke of Wei's family alighted from their carriages in turn. This was a court custom; even the esteemed Dowager Lady Chao had to enter the palace on foot. Only the Eldest Princess enjoyed the privilege of being allowed to ride in a carriage directly into the palace.

Just as Jiang Huaiyu and the others stepped off the carriage, several more ornately decorated carriages pulled up behind the carriages of the Duke of Wei's residence. Jiang Huaiyu glanced back and saw that the insignia on the carriages indicated that they belonged to the Marquis of Changtai's residence.

Pei, a member of the Marquis of Changtai's household, got out of the carriage first. Upon seeing Jiang Huaiyu, she gave a slight curtsy and respectfully greeted her, "Greetings, Lady of the Duke of Wei."

Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly in return.

Behind Pei, Mai Xiyue gracefully stepped out of the carriage. Today, she wore a long dress of emerald green brocade, and her hair was adorned with several jade hairpins, making her look elegant and refined, quite different from her usual appearance.

Clearly, the Pei family had reached an agreement with Mai Xiyue. Jiang Huaiyu glanced at Mai Xiyue with a deep gaze, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. Then, she led the people from the Duke of Wei's mansion, guided by eunuchs, into the magnificent palace.

The Apricot Blossom Banquet was held in Yongchang Hall, and guests were seated according to their rank and title, regardless of gender.

As Jiang Huaiyu stepped into Yongchang Palace, she saw that many officials and their families had already arrived. Upon seeing her enter, they all bowed and paid their respects.

"Greetings to the Lady of the Duke of Wei."

Jiang Huaiyu possessed an extraordinary demeanor, wearing a warm smile, and gently waved his hand, saying, "Please, everyone, no need for formalities."

At the height of the Duke of Wei's power, he naturally occupied the first position on the right below the dragon throne, and was highly respected.

After Jiang Huaiyu slowly took her seat, many noble ladies gathered around her, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then began a relaxed and pleasant chat.

"The Marquis of Zhenbei has arrived."

A sudden announcement broke the noise in the room.

Jiang Huaiyu's gaze then turned to the entrance, where he saw Marquis Yao Zhendong of Zhenbei, accompanied by his wife Lady Liang, his son Yao Zhengjue, and their two daughters Yao Zhengxi and Yao Zhengjun, slowly enter the banquet hall.

Yao Zhendong and his entourage approached Jiang Huaiyu, bowed respectfully, and then sat down to Jiang Huaiyu's left. The Zhenbei Marquis's residence and Consort Xi were related by blood, and Yao Zhendong had fought alongside the late Duke of Wei, forging a deep bond of camaraderie. The relationship between the two families was naturally exceptionally close.

Madam Liang had long harbored the idea of ​​marrying her daughter to the Duke of Wei's family. However, Jiang Huaiyu had many concerns, worrying that once the Seventh Prince ascended the throne, the two families' power might become too great and arouse the Emperor's suspicion. Therefore, he always held reservations about this marriage.

Yao Zhendong was secretly plotting how to get rid of Wei Fengyun. He had already deduced that after Wei Fengyun was cured of the poison, he would likely seize military power once the Seventh Prince ascended the throne, thanks to his close ties with the Seventh Prince and the Duke of Wei's mansion. At that time, the Yao family would have no place to stand.

Madam Liang and Jiang Huaiyu chatted and laughed, their conversation occasionally touching on their children's marriages, but Jiang Huaiyu skillfully avoided this sensitive topic. He didn't know if Yao Zhendong had revealed Wei Fengyao's true identity to Madam Liang, because Madam Liang always mentioned betrothing her eldest daughter to Wei Fenghui or Wei Fengyun, but never mentioned Wei Fengyao.

Jiang Huaiyu has decided to arrange for Wei Fengyun to marry Ye Qimo, the daughter of the Marquis of Changning, while a suitable candidate has not yet been found for Wei Fenghui's marriage. Yao Zhengxi, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei, is impeccable in terms of appearance, family background, and temperament, but Jiang Huaiyu is still worried that if the two families were to marry, it might arouse the Emperor's suspicion, since both families now wield immense power and enjoy extreme favor.

As the officials arrived one after another in the banquet hall, the Eldest Princess and Princess Ziyan gracefully entered, and everyone hurriedly bowed in greeting. Princess Ziyan wore a light pink palace dress, adorned with a dazzling pink jade peony phoenix hairpin, her features exquisite, beautiful and dignified.

She slowly walked up to Wei Fenghui, smiled slightly, and said softly, "It's been several days since I last saw you, Lord Wei, and you've become even more radiant." Upon hearing this, Wei Fenghui looked at Princess Ziyan in astonishment, thinking that although the Western Wei was open-minded, such direct praise was rare. He smiled awkwardly and replied, "Your Highness flatters me." Jiang Huaiyu was also taken aback by Princess Ziyan's directness, and wondered to herself, could it be that the princess has feelings for her eldest son?

Wei Fengyun, who was standing to the side, teased, "Judging from this, it seems that eldest brother is about to enjoy the bliss of a gentle and loving home."

Jiang Huaiyu glanced at Wei Fengyun and scolded him in a low voice, "Don't talk nonsense."

At this moment, everyone inside Yongchang Palace was engrossed in casual conversation when a shrill announcement shattered the tranquility. "The Emperor has arrived—"

"The Imperial Concubine has arrived!"

"Her Highness Consort Xi and Her Highness Consort Li have arrived!"

"Prince Duan and Prince Rui have arrived!"

As the eunuchs shouted, everyone in Yongchang Hall knelt down to welcome the emperor.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, Imperial Concubine, Consort Xi, Consort Li, long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Emperor Erkang, dressed in a gleaming dragon robe, sat majestically on the dragon throne and slowly raised his hand, which symbolized imperial power. "All of you, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Everyone then slowly got up and returned to their seats.

To Emperor Erkang's right sat the exquisitely made-up Consort Chao and the gentle Consort Li, while to his left sat the elegant Consort Xi. The Eldest Princess, Princess Ziyan, Prince Duan, and Prince Rui sat on the second tier of steps.

Below the main hall, on the left front, sat the imposing representatives of the Duke of Huguo's Mansion, the Marquis of Jing'an's Mansion, and the Marquis of Changtai's Mansion. On the right were the distinguished figures from the Duke of Weiguo's Mansion, the Marquis of Zhenbei's Mansion, and the Earl of Changning's Mansion. Other officials were seated according to their rank.

After exchanging pleasantries with the imperial concubines, the banquet officially began. The hall was filled with melodious songs and graceful dances.

Sitting at the banquet, Jiang Huaiyu was thinking of Wei Fengyao, who was on duty outside the palace and had not yet eaten. So she cleverly wrapped a few pieces of delicate pastry on the table in a soft handkerchief, intending to send them to Wei Fengyao after the banquet.

After a beautiful song and dance performance, Consort Chao parted her lips and suggested that the noble ladies of the capital draw lots to showcase their talents in order to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests for the country in the coming year.

Emperor Erkang also expressed his agreement. A eunuch took out an exquisite bamboo tube and had the many unmarried young ladies below draw lots.

Jiang Xinrui also drew a card, which had the number "three" written on it.

"Xinrui, have you decided what you want to perform?" Jiang Huaiyu asked in a low voice.

Jiang Xinrui was carefully taught by her older brother and sister-in-law from a young age, and she became proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

"My niece is planning to play a piece on the guqin."