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

Consort Chao remained calm, never expecting that the Marquis of Zhenbei would become sworn brothers with the Duke of Wei's family, with both of her daughters marrying into the Duke of Wei's household.

She then turned her gaze to Jiang Xinrui, who was sitting next to Jiang Huaiyu, and a new idea came to her mind: "Your Majesty, since the daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei already has a sweetheart, I think the niece of the Duchess of Wei is also quite outstanding. How about we betroth her to the Prince of Duan as a concubine?"

Consort Chao glanced at the Zhenbei Marquis's family below her, thinking to herself, "If I can bring the Zhenbei Marquis into my son's camp, Prince Duan's power will surely rise to a higher level." She raised her head slightly, her gaze fixed firmly on Emperor Erkang.

At this moment, the atmosphere inside Yongle Hall was solemn. The emperor sat on the dragon throne, with civil and military officials arranged in order below. Consort Chao sat on the consort's seat to the emperor's left, with an arrogant expression.

Emperor Erkang frowned slightly. He favored the Seventh Prince, Wei Fengyao, as his successor and was naturally aware of Consort Chao's plans. He slowly spoke: "Consort, do you know that the Marquis of Zhenbei is a pillar of the nation? His position is not something you can easily shake."

Consort Chao blushed, but still insisted, "Your Majesty, I only wish to give Prince Duan more support in order to protect our country and its people."

Consort Xi smiled gently and said, "Noble Consort, aren't you being too hasty? Prince Duan has only just come of age, why rush to take a concubine? Besides, we should respect each young lady's wishes and not force her."

Consort Chao glared at Consort Xi, her heart filled with displeasure. Just as she was about to retort, Consort Li also said, "Indeed, Consort Chao's actions seem too arrogant, without considering the opinions of others."

Consort Chao felt her face burning and lowered her head in embarrassment. She gritted her teeth silently, vowing in her heart, "You two ganged up on me, I'll make you regret it!"

Seeing this, Emperor Erkang shook his head inwardly. He knew Consort Chao's ambition, but he was powerless to stop her. He slowly said, "Consort, if you truly care about Prince Duan, you should first cultivate his virtue, rather than rushing to expand your power."

Consort Chao raised her head, a flicker of fear in her eyes. She knew the Emperor was right, but there was no turning back. She took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, I understand. But I still believe that if the Marquis of Zhenbei could support Prince Duan, it would be beneficial to our country."

Emperor Erkang sighed softly, knowing he couldn't persuade Consort Chao. He then said, "Since that's the case, then go and give it a try. But don't force it too much."

Consort Chao was overjoyed to receive the Emperor's permission. She immediately ordered someone to invite Marquis Zhenbei to discuss the matter with him.

Upon receiving the news, the Marquis of Zhenbei sneered inwardly. He knew Consort Chao's intentions, but he was unwilling to offend the Emperor. He entered Yongle Palace to meet the Emperor and Consort Chao.

Upon seeing the arrival of the Marquis of Zhenbei, Consort Chao immediately spoke: "Marquis of Zhenbei, the fate of our nation depends on your support for Prince Duan. Would you be willing?"

Marquis Zhenbei smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness, this old minister will do his utmost to support our country. However, this old minister believes that His Highness Prince Duan still needs to be trained and should not rush to expand his power."

Consort Chao's expression changed, and she was about to retort when she heard Marquis Zhenbei continue, "This old minister is willing to assist Prince Duan, but not because of Consort Chao's request. Rather, it is because this old minister is loyal to our country and to His Majesty."

Consort Chao was stunned; she hadn't expected the Marquis of Zhenbei to answer like that. She gritted her teeth inwardly, but couldn't lash out.

Seeing this, Emperor Erkang nodded inwardly. He knew of the Marquis of Zhenbei's loyalty and understood Consort Chao's intentions. He secretly resolved that if the Marquis of Zhenbei could assist Wei Fengyao in the future, he would definitely weaken Consort Chao's power.

The atmosphere inside Yongle Palace grew increasingly tense. Consort Chao was furious, but unable to vent her anger. She knew her scheme might fail, but she was still unwilling to give up.

Emperor Erkang frowned, looked at Jiang Xinrui who was standing silently beside Jiang Huaiyu, and asked softly, "Jiang Xinrui, are you willing to marry Prince Duan?"

The atmosphere inside Yongle Hall suddenly became tense. Jiang Xinrui raised her head, a hint of struggle flashing in her clear eyes, and then slowly said, "This subject is willing to follow Your Majesty's arrangements."

Emperor Erkang nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Jiang Huaiyu: "Madam Jiang, what do you think?"

Jiang Huaiyu stood up, her expression stern: "Your Majesty, I believe that such a major matter as marriage should respect Jiang Xinrui's wishes. If she is truly willing, I will fully support her. But if she is unwilling, I will absolutely not allow her to suffer any injustice."

Upon hearing this, Consort Chao's expression changed slightly. She gave Jiang Huaiyu a cold look and said, "Madam Jiang, are you defying the imperial decree?"

Jiang Huaiyu calmly replied, "This humble woman dares not. I only feel that marriage should not be forced. Your Majesty is wise and should understand my good intentions."

Watching their conversation, Emperor Erkang couldn't help but admire Jiang Huaiyu's resilience and wisdom. He gently patted the table and said, "Alright, Lady Jiang, I understand your intentions. Since Jiang Xinrui is willing, then I approve this marriage."

Consort Chao's face grew increasingly grim, but she forced a smile: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Prince Duan. This is a beautiful marriage."

Prince Duan entered at this moment. He looked at Jiang Huaiyu, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He smiled slightly and said to Emperor Erkang, "Thank you, Father, for bestowing this marriage upon me. I will certainly treat Xinrui well."

Looking at Prince Duan, Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but think of her own marriage back then, knowing all the bitterness it had caused. She sighed inwardly and turned to Jiang Xinrui, saying, "Xinrui, since you've made your decision, your aunt won't say anything more. I only hope you'll be happy in the future."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Jiang Xinrui's eyes, and she nodded gently: "Don't worry, Aunt, Xinrui will definitely work hard to make life better."

At this moment, Consort Chao's son, Prince Duan, felt a different kind of emotion. He looked at Jiang Huaiyu, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. He secretly vowed that one day, he would make Jiang Huaiyu and Jiang Xinrui pay the price.

Consort Xi snorted coldly, immediately stood up, and glared at Consort Chao with eyes like swords. Her tone was firm and merciless as she said, "Her Majesty the Empress is the one who truly cares about the people. Consort Chao, you are merely acting as the Empress's attendant; what right do you have to speak on this matter?"

Inside Yongle Palace, the atmosphere suddenly became tense. Everyone turned to look, wondering how this turmoil would end. Emperor Erkang sat on the dragon throne, his face calm, but his gaze shifted between Jiang Xinrui and Consort Chao.

Consort Chao's face flushed red and then paled. Just as she was about to retort, Emperor Erkang interrupted her with his voice: "Consort Xi is right. The Empress is indeed a blessing to the people. Jiang Xinrui, do you know how hard the people's lives are, and what good ideas do you have to alleviate their suffering?"

Jiang Xinrui raised her head, looking firmly at Emperor Erkang, and slowly said, "I once accompanied my uncle on a visit to the countryside and witnessed firsthand the hardships of the people. I believe that, firstly, taxes should be reduced so that the people have more money to buy necessities. Secondly, water conservancy projects should be built to ensure a good harvest. Thirdly, education should be strengthened to improve the people's cultural literacy and give them more employment opportunities."