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

Jiang Xinrui was furious, but she dared not show it on her face. She bit her lip gently and said, "Your Highness, I did not mean to offend you. I just wanted to come and see my aunt. I have no other intentions regarding Your Highness's marriage."

Prince Duan did not believe Jiang Xinrui's explanation. His eyes grew increasingly aggressive as he approached her step by step: "Do you think I will believe you just because you say that? Jiang Xinrui, you are nothing but a lowly commoner. You dare to play tricks on me. You are courting death."

Terrified, Jiang Xinrui gripped the young eunuch's hand tightly, looking at him pleadingly. A glint of ruthlessness flashed in the eunuch's eyes; he knew that at this moment, he had to stand up and protect Jiang Xinrui.

The young eunuch straightened his back, faced Prince Duan, and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Miss Jiang is a commoner, but she is kind-hearted and of good character. She has no ill intentions towards Your Highness. Please give her a chance."

Prince Duan stared wide-eyed at the young eunuch as if he were a complete stranger. He sneered, "A mere eunuch dares to plead for her in front of me? Who do you think you are?"

The young eunuch was not intimidated by Prince Duan's imposing manner. He straightened his chest and said, "Although I am of lowly status, I also have the right to live. Your Highness, please reconsider."

Prince Duan angrily waved his hand, pointing at the young eunuch: "You're just a eunuch, how dare you lecture me? Guards, drag him out and beat him to death with sticks."

The young eunuch was deathly pale, but he did not beg for mercy. He looked at Jiang Xinrui and smiled, saying, "Miss Jiang, you must live on and live with dignity for both of us."

Jiang Xinrui's eyes were blurry with tears as she looked at the young eunuch, a feeling of gratitude welling up in her heart.

Jiang Xinrui wasn't stupid. She suddenly realized that the young eunuch who had led the way was actually one of Prince Duan's men, and that she might have fallen into a trap. Her heart tightened, but she remained calm on the surface, watching Prince Duan warily.

Prince Duan's eyes were deep, a cold smile playing on his lips. He gripped Jiang Xinrui's wrist tightly and pulled her towards him. He exuded a sandalwood scent, pungent and deep, just like his gaze at that moment.

"Jiang Xinrui, you finally understand." Prince Duan approached her, his eyes flashing with an evil light. "Do you think you can escape my grasp?"

Jiang Xinrui frowned, struggling to break free from Prince Duan's grasp. Her eyes were resolute, her face stern: "Prince Duan, what are you doing? I am the Emperor's Noble Consort! How dare you be disrespectful to me!"

Prince Duan smiled contemptuously, his eyes full of mockery: "Consort Gui? Don't forget, this is Rongfu Garden, my territory. Here, I am the Emperor."

Jiang Xinrui's heart sank to the bottom. She knew that Prince Duan wielded immense power, and every palace maid and eunuch in Rongfu Garden was one of his confidants. She took a deep breath, suppressing her fear, and said coldly, "Prince Duan, aren't you afraid of arousing the Emperor's suspicion by doing this?"

Prince Duan laughed heartily, releasing Jiang Xinrui's hand, but his eyes remained fixed on her: "Jiang Xinrui, you are really naive. Do you think the Emperor really cares about you that much? He only values ​​your beauty and talent. Once you lose your usefulness, he can discard you at any time."

Jiang Xinrui's face grew even paler, but she still said firmly, "Even so, I will not yield to you. Prince Duan, doing this will only make me hate you more."

A flash of anger crossed Prince Duan's eyes, but he quickly concealed it, reverting to his previous wicked smile: "Hate me? So what? In this Rongfu Garden, no woman can escape my control. You are no exception."

Jiang Xinrui bit her lip, her heart filled with anger and despair. She knew she was no match for Prince Duan, but she couldn't simply give in to him. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and said, "Prince Duan, you're wrong. I won't submit to you. I'll find a chance to make you pay."

Prince Duan's eyes turned cold, but he quickly laughed: "Oh? Then tell me, how do you plan to make me pay the price?"

Jiang Xinrui smiled slightly, her eyes flashing with determination: "I will make you lose everything, including your status and your life."

Prince Duan was stunned; he hadn't expected Jiang Xinrui to say such a thing. His eyes widened as he stared at the beautiful woman before him, suddenly finding her somewhat frightening. But he quickly regained his composure and said with a cold laugh, "Jiang Xinrui, who do you think you are? Just a concubine abandoned by the Emperor. What power do you think you have to make me lose everything?"

Jiang Xinrui smiled gently, her eyes filled with determination and resolve: "Prince Duan, you will see. One day, I will let you know that the power of a woman should not be underestimated."

Prince Duan frowned, sensing Jiang Xinrui's determination and resolve. A thought struck him, and he abruptly changed the subject: "Jiang Xinrui, are you truly willing to sacrifice everything to fight against me? Including your life?"

Jiang Xinrui's eyes narrowed. She looked at Prince Duan and said softly, "Yes, I am willing. For justice, for the others in Rongfu Garden, I am willing to give everything."

Prince Duan gave Jiang Xinrui a deep look, then turned and left. He knew this woman wouldn't give up easily, and he could no longer underestimate her. He secretly vowed that, no matter what, he would completely defeat Jiang Xinrui and make her submit to him.

As Jiang Xinrui watched Prince Duan's departing figure, her heart was filled with determination and resolve.

Jiang Xinrui tried her best to remain calm, knowing that only composure could offer a chance of survival at this moment. She stared at Prince Duan, her eyes flashing with unwavering determination. Prince Duan looked at her, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

"Jiang Xinrui, you should just give up. Everyone here is one of my men. No one can save you." Prince Duan's voice was cold and full of sarcasm.

Jiang Xinrui bit her lip tightly. She knew the Prince Duan was telling the truth, but she still refused to give up. She struggled and cried out for help, "Save me! Please, save me!"

However, her cries for help seemed to be swallowed by the air; all was quiet, and no one answered. Prince Duan sneered, picked up the wine jug, and walked to Jiang Xinrui.

“You’d better save your energy; no one is coming to save you,” Prince Duan said, pinching Jiang Xinrui’s chin and forcing her to look at him.

"You...you dare!" Jiang Xinrui's face was pale, but she still tried her best to remain calm.

Prince Duan didn't care. He tilted the wine pot, and the wine dripped down Jiang Xinrui's lips. Jiang Xinrui kept her eyes tightly closed. She could feel the pungent taste of the wine, but she resolutely refused to drink it.

"Do you think you can resist?" Prince Duan sneered, increasing the pressure as the wine flowed into Jiang Xinrui's mouth.

"Cough cough..." Jiang Xinrui coughed, the alcohol irritating her throat, and she couldn't resist it.

Prince Duan watched Jiang Xinrui's reaction with satisfaction. He released her chin and said with a cold smile, "I put a drug in this wine. After you lose consciousness, I will show you your so-called 'true colors'."