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

Upon hearing this, Emperor Erkang's eyes flashed with approval, and he nodded, saying, "Very well, the three points you raised are all very reasonable. Since you are dedicated to the welfare of the people, I will bestow upon you a thousand taels of gold as a reward."

Seeing this, Consort Chao was furious, but unable to vent her anger. She glared at Jiang Xinrui, her eyes flashing with jealousy. However, she knew that saying anything now would be futile, and could only endure it silently.

At this moment, Consort Xi spoke again: "Consort Chao, do you still remember how Her Majesty the Empress cared for the people back then? She personally went to the grassroots to understand the people's hardships and worked for their benefit. And you, you just sit in the palace, enjoying wealth and honor. What right do you have to criticize Her Majesty the Empress?"

Consort Chao's face grew increasingly grim. She gritted her teeth, forcing back her tears, and said in a trembling voice, "Consort Xi, you don't need to be so harsh. I admit that Her Majesty the Empress does care about the people, but I also have my duties. It's not that I don't care about the people, it's just that my way of doing things is different."

Seeing Consort Chao so aggrieved, Emperor Erkang couldn't help but feel some sympathy. He sighed softly and said, "Alright, let's leave it at that. Consort Chao, you don't need to blame yourself too much. Her Majesty the Empress cares about the people, and you also have your responsibilities. I hope you can understand each other and share my burdens together."

Upon hearing this, Consort Chao nodded slightly, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. She knew that Emperor Erkang was trying to help her out of a predicament. Looking at Jiang Xinrui, she secretly vowed that one day she would make Jiang Xinrui pay the price.

Jiang Xinrui looked at Emperor Erkang, feeling secretly grateful.

The Duke of Protectorate observed all of this silently, his heart churning with turmoil. A barely perceptible worry flashed in his deep eyes, and his gaze involuntarily drifted towards the Duke of Wei's residence.

At this moment, inside Yongle Hall, Lady Jiang Huaiyu, wife of the Duke of Wei, sat at the zither table, her fingers gently plucking the strings, the melodious music echoing throughout the hall. Her niece, Jiang Xinrui, sat beside her, listening intently, occasionally revealing an appreciative smile.

"Rui'er, what do you think of your aunt's piano skills?" Jiang Huaiyu asked with a smile, her eyes shining with anticipation.

“Aunt’s musical skills are naturally outstanding, leaving Rui’er in awe,” Jiang Xinrui replied respectfully, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Have you ever heard about the Duke of Protectorate's attitude towards Emperor Erkang?" Jiang Huaiyu suddenly changed the subject, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Jiang Xinrui was slightly taken aback, then nodded gently: "Yes, Aunt. I heard that the Duke of Huguo is quite suspicious of some of the actions of Emperor Erkang, and even suspects that Emperor Erkang may prefer Prince Rui as his successor."

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes: "In that case, we must be even more careful. The attitude of the Duke of Protectorate is of utmost importance to us."

At this moment, the Duke of Protectorate pondered to himself, "What exactly is Emperor Erkang's purpose in doing this? Does he really intend to pass the throne to Prince Rui? If so, how should I respond?"

His eyes narrowed, and he decided to first sound out the Duke of Huguo's intentions. So, he quietly left Yongle Palace and headed towards the Duke of Huguo's residence.

Back at the Duke of Wei's residence, Jiang Huaiyu and Jiang Xinrui's conversation continued.

"Rui'er, do you know Consort Chao?" Jiang Huaiyu suddenly asked.

Jiang Xinrui nodded slightly: "I know, she is the Noble Consort of Emperor Erkang, and her power is immense."

“That’s right, she’s been secretly targeting us behind our backs. I’ll remember that.” A ruthless glint flashed in Jiang Huaiyu’s eyes as he spoke firmly.

"Aunt, how do you plan to get revenge?" Jiang Xinrui asked curiously.

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes: "The time is not yet ripe, but I will make her pay the price. Now, what we need to do is consolidate our position and wait for the right opportunity."

Inside the Duke of Huguo's mansion, the Duke of Huguo and Jiang Huaiyu's inner monologues are also unfolding.

The Duke of Protectorate thought to himself, "Jiang Huaiyu, you are indeed not simple. You were able to perceive Emperor Erkang's intentions in such a short time and even planned to take revenge on Consort Chao. It seems I need to reassess your strength."

Jiang Huaiyu sneered inwardly: "Duke Protector of the Nation, do you think I don't know your doubts? Don't worry, I won't let you down. When the time is right, I will definitely show you my power."

The two were each making their own plans, and their competition intensified.

Jiang Huaiyu handed the snacks prepared by the maid to Jiang Xinrui and said with a smile, "Xinrui, the snow outside the palace is getting heavier and heavier. Your third cousin Fengyao is on duty there and must be freezing and hungry. Go and take some snacks to him, and also bring a hand warmer so that he doesn't catch a cold."

Jiang Xinrui took the snacks and hand warmer, a blush rising on her cheeks. She bowed slightly and replied, "Don't worry, Aunt, I'll go right away."

Outside Yongle Palace, snowflakes fluttered down, blanketing the world in silver. Jiang Xinrui stepped through the snow, slowly walking towards Wei Fengyao, who stood in the snow. Her heart raced, and her face beamed with joy and anticipation.

"Cousin Fengyao," Jiang Xinrui called softly.

Wei Fengyao turned around and was taken aback when he saw Jiang Xinrui. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, though he couldn't help but smile: "Xinrui, what brings you here?"

Jiang Xinrui handed the snacks and hand warmer to Wei Fengyao and smiled, "Cousin, it's so cold. I was worried you'd get cold, so I came to bring you some snacks and a hand warmer. My aunt asked me to bring these; she said she was afraid you'd go hungry."

Wei Fengyao took the pastries, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes. He ate the pastries heartily and said with a smile, "Aunt really cares about me. Xinrui, you've worked hard too."

Jiang Xinrui watched Wei Fengyao eat with relish and felt happy. She asked softly, "Cousin, it must be very tiring for you to be on duty here, right?"

Wei Fengyao nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Yes, but as a member of the Wei family, it is my duty to protect the palace. As long as I can protect the safety of the royal family, no matter how hard it is, it is worth it."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xinrui felt a surge of respect and said earnestly, "Cousin, you are truly remarkable. I also want to learn from you and contribute my own strength to the royal family."

Wei Fengyao looked at Jiang Xinrui with a hint of appreciation in his eyes. He smiled and said, "Xinrui, you are already very outstanding. I believe you will become the pride of our Wei family."

As the two were talking, Jiang Huaiyu came out. Looking at the cousins, she was overjoyed. She stepped forward, gently patted Jiang Xinrui's shoulder, and smiled, "Xinrui, you are truly my good niece."

Jiang Xinrui smiled shyly and said in a low voice, "Aunt, I'm just doing my part."

Wei Fengyao looked at Jiang Huaiyu and said respectfully, "Aunt, it's cold. You should go back inside to rest. Don't worry, I'll take care of things here."

Jiang Huaiyu nodded, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes. She smiled and said, "Okay, you young people chat, I'll go in first."

Watching Jiang Huaiyu leave, Jiang Xinrui regained her lively personality and asked curiously, "Cousin, you must have seen many interesting things while on duty in the palace, right?"