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

The Duke of Protectorate agreed wholeheartedly, nodding in agreement. "Today's events have probably thoroughly enraged the Duke of Wei's mansion. It will be impossible for the Fourth Prince to gain the support of the Duke of Wei's mansion when he ascends the throne, especially given the close relationship between the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion and the Duke of Wei's mansion."

The Duke of Protectorate shook his head again and sighed, "Alas... this matter is extremely troublesome. The Fourth Prince acted rashly and impulsively, making the situation so passive, causing the Duke of Wei's mansion and the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion to completely side with Prince Rui."

As if struck by a sudden inspiration, Madam Chao's mind became active instantly. "Isn't there a young master in the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion who hasn't chosen a spouse yet? He is currently serving as a fourth-rank general in the army. If we could establish a marriage alliance with the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion, many things would go much more smoothly."

She shook her head slightly, as if savoring the subtlety of it all. "After all, we are betrothing our daughter to the heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei, while the Duke of Wei's family is marrying the daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei. In comparison, our relationship with the Marquis of Zhenbei's family is naturally closer."

Changing the subject, she looked at Chao Huimin, who was sitting blankly in the chair, and a hint of regret appeared on her face. "Unfortunately, Huimin has already been betrothed to the Fourth Prince by the Emperor, and Western Wei only has this one legitimate daughter."

The Duke of Huguo responded softly, his tone full of helplessness, "That's true. Although we still have two illegitimate daughters, if we marry them off, they can only serve as concubines and cannot become the principal wife. In that case, it wouldn't make much sense."

Suddenly, the Duke of Huguo's eyes lit up, as if he had come up with a brilliant idea. "Why don't we cancel Huimin's marriage to the Fourth Prince, marry the concubine's daughter to the Fourth Prince, and have Huimin marry the heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei?"

Madam Chao pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "That is indeed a good idea. After all, the Duke of Huguo's mansion is the maternal family of the Fourth Prince. Even if a concubine's daughter marries, it won't have a significant impact on the Fourth Prince. But the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion is different. They need a legitimate daughter like Huimin to be their principal wife."

Lady Chao, the Protector of the Nation, interjected, "However... the only problem is that the Emperor has already issued an edict. If we change Huimin's marriage without authorization, wouldn't that be openly defying the imperial decree?"

Standing to the side, Chao Huimin listened to their unrestrained discussion about her marriage, as if she were merely an object to be manipulated at will. A bitter feeling welled up in her heart, and a self-deprecating smile curled at the corner of her lips. "Ha."

The three of them looked at her with puzzled expressions. Chao asked, puzzled, "Huimin, what are you laughing at?"

Chao Huimin's smile deepened, and she said softly, "Mother, I have thought of a way to marry my eldest daughter into the Zhenbei Marquis's mansion without having to disobey the imperial decree."

The three men's eyes immediately lit up, and they looked at her expectantly, asking in unison, "What method?"

That is—to promote Consort Liao to the rank of equal wife.

Chao Huimin had a faint smile on her lips, as if she were recounting an anecdote that was completely unrelated to herself.

"In this way, both of her daughters will be promoted to legitimate daughters, and our Duke of Huguo's 'treasures' will become more abundant, which can be introduced to more noble families."

Upon hearing this, Madam Chao's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "Huimin, what's wrong with you? If we promote that Concubine Liao to a secondary wife, wouldn't that mean we have two Protector-General Ladies? What will I do in the future..."

"I think this is a feasible approach!"

Before Madam Chao could finish speaking, Old Madam Chao interrupted her, saying, "Huimin's strategy neither defies the Emperor's decree nor fails to forge a good relationship with the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion. It's truly a win-win situation, though it will only cause you a little injustice."

“Indeed, your daughter has already dedicated her life to the Duke’s mansion. What does it matter if you, Mother, endure a little grievance?” Chao Huimin retorted sarcastically.

Madam Chao was puzzled as to why her daughter's personality had suddenly changed so drastically. She had always been very caring and provided for her daughter in a lavish manner, but she never expected her daughter to treat her like this. A sense of disappointment welled up in her heart.

“Huimin, how could you treat your mother like this? It breaks my heart.”

A glint of fanaticism flashed across Chao Huimin's face. "Looking at each other, there is only disappointment. I have endured it for too long. Today, I will just let my mother taste this disappointment as well. How about it? Doesn't it taste bad?"

Lady Chao was utterly speechless. She recalled the time when she forced Chao Huimin to marry Prince Duan. At that time, she hadn't thought about her daughter either. Perhaps Chao Huimin was even more desperate then than she was now.

Chao finally understood Chao Huimin's feelings back then, but the matter was already settled and she could no longer change it.

The Duke of Huguo nodded slightly, "Huimin's plan is indeed brilliant. She is worthy of being a descendant of the Duke of Xiwei. She is truly resourceful. When the Fourth Prince ascends the throne, Huimin will become the Empress and a wise and virtuous ruler."

Chao Huimin sneered inwardly. Yes, in their eyes, the Empress was such a cold and ruthless figure, with only power struggles and interests in mind, and who could treat everything as a bargaining chip.

"Thank you for your kind words, Father."

The Duke of Protectorate continued, "Since things have come to this, then we shall officially recognize Concubine Liao's true identity tomorrow."

Old Madam Chao nodded slightly, indicating her agreement.

Lady Chao, the wife of the Duke of Huguo, frowned and looked at the Duke with displeasure, saying, "Husband, what do you mean by this? Our family's position is secure, why should we take this risk to form a marriage alliance with the Marquis of Zhenbei? What does the Fourth Prince's title have to do with us?"

The Duke of Huguo looked at Madam Chao, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, and sighed softly: "Madam, this matter is of utmost importance, concerning the stability of the Great Wei Kingdom. Although the Fourth Prince is not my biological son, he is the future crown prince of Western Wei, and we cannot sit idly by. As for the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion, they are very powerful, and if we can form a marriage alliance, it will be beneficial and harmless to our Duke of Huguo's mansion."

Upon hearing this, Lady Chao felt even more exhausted. She bit her lip, a resolute glint in her eyes: "My lord, it's not that I don't support matters of state, but this decision is far too hasty. Are we really going to so easily hand over our family's status and honor? Besides, I have no connection with the Fourth Prince. How can I suddenly become his supporter?"

The Duke of Huguo remained silent for a moment, his brows furrowed, his eyes revealing a resolute determination: "Madam, I know your concerns, but I must do this. The situation in Western Wei is turbulent. If the Fourth Prince can successfully restore his title, it will help stabilize the court. And the marriage alliance with the Marquis of Zhenbei is to consolidate the northern border of Western Wei and prevent foreign invasion. All of this is for the peace and tranquility of the country."

Hearing the Duke's explanation, Lady Chao still felt reluctant, but she knew her husband's decision was irreversible. She sighed softly, a sense of helplessness in her eyes: "Since that's the case, my husband, you should plan this matter carefully. I will fully support you."

The Duke of Protectorate nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes: "Madam, I know the bitterness in your heart, but I will do my best to ensure that this plan goes smoothly. Rest assured, I will do my utmost to ensure that our family's status is not affected."

In the back garden of the Duke of Huguo's mansion, all was quiet, save for the sound of the wind and the distant whispers of the maids. The Duke of Huguo and Old Madam Chao sat around a stone table, sipping this year's new tea, the atmosphere warm and peaceful.