Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 351 Rejecting the Arranged Marriage, Agricultural Reform

After careful consideration, they decided to reject the marriage alliance and develop their business based on their own strength.

After a long and agonizing period of deliberation, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling finally made a difficult but resolute decision—to refuse the arranged marriage. They knew that this decision might provoke dissatisfaction and resentment from other families, but for the long-term development and independence of the Marquis's mansion, they believed that relying on their own strength was the most reliable path.

When Xiao Ling conveyed the news of his refusal to participate in the arranged marriage to the families who had high hopes for him, it instantly caused a huge uproar in the capital.

"Xiao Ling, you're refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!" A family head slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"The Marquis's family is so ungrateful; they'll make you pay in the future!" another family threatened.

Faced with these threats and accusations, Xiao Ling remained calm and said righteously, "The Marquis's Mansion has always respected everyone, but the matter of marriage is of great importance. After careful consideration, we believe that this is not the best time. The Marquis's Mansion is willing to maintain friendly relations with everyone, but it is absolutely not afraid of any threats."

Su Jinxiu also expressed her opinion: "We believe that the Marquis's Mansion, with its own efforts and wisdom, will definitely be able to stand firm and grow stronger in this unpredictable situation."

However, the consequences of refusing the marriage alliance soon became apparent. Those families that had initially shown goodwill towards the Marquis's family turned against them and began to suppress and ostracize the Marquis's family in various ways.

In business, they united to boycott the Marquis's properties, causing the Marquis's business to plummet.

"We will not accept any goods from the Marquis's residence!"

Politically, they spread rumors in the court that were detrimental to the Marquis's family, attempting to influence the emperor's opinion of the family.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's family is so arrogant and disrespectful to other families that they should be punished."

There was also some panic and unease within the Marquis's residence.

"Isn't the Marquis and his wife's decision too risky? The Marquis's mansion is now surrounded by enemies on all sides, what should we do?"

Some young men began to regret not having supported the marriage proposal earlier.

"If we had agreed to the marriage alliance back then, we wouldn't be in this predicament."

However, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were not deterred by the difficulties they faced. On the one hand, they calmed the emotions of everyone in the Marquis's mansion and boosted morale; on the other hand, they actively sought solutions.

Xiao Ling personally took charge, re-establishing cooperative relationships with businesses in various regions and exploring new markets.

"As long as our products are of high quality and reasonably priced, we have nothing to fear about not having a market."

Su Jinxiu then implemented reforms within the Marquis's residence, streamlining expenses and improving efficiency.

At the same time, they also demonstrated the Marquis's loyalty and determination to develop the Marquis's estate to the emperor, thus dispelling his doubts.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's Mansion is wholeheartedly devoted to the court and has never wavered in its loyalty. Although we are currently facing difficulties, we will certainly make greater contributions to the court through our own efforts."

After observing the Marquis's actions, the emperor's attitude softened.

"Let's see how the Marquis's mansion responds. If they are truly loyal and capable, I will investigate thoroughly."

Noticing the plight of farmers, Su Jinxiu spearheaded agricultural reforms in the Houfu territory.

While the Marquis's mansion struggled to cope with the challenges brought about by the refusal of the marriage alliance, Su Jinxiu turned her attention to the plight of the farmers in the Marquis's territory. She knew that agriculture was the foundation of the nation, and that if agriculture in the Marquis's territory could be developed, it would not only improve the lives of the farmers but also lay a solid foundation for the stability and development of the Marquis's mansion.

Su Jinxiu went deep into the fields and witnessed firsthand the farmers' arduous labor and meager harvest.

"This year's harvest is poor again, how are we going to survive!" an old farmer sighed with a worried expression.

Feeling reluctant to let it happen, Su Jinxiu decided to take the lead in agricultural reform in the Marquis's territory.

She first convened the stewards of the Marquis's residence and some experienced farmers to discuss reform plans.

"We need to introduce new crop varieties and improve farming methods," Su Jinxiu said firmly.

However, the proposed reforms were met with opposition from some officials.

"Madam, this move is too risky. If it fails, the Marquis's mansion will suffer a great loss."

Su Jinxiu patiently explained, "If we don't try to reform, the lives of the farmers will not improve, and the future of the Marquis's mansion will also be affected."

With Su Jinxiu's insistence, the reform plan was gradually finalized.

The Marquis's residence invested heavily in importing high-yield crop seeds from other regions and hired professional agronomists to guide farmers in cultivation.

However, the reform process was not smooth sailing.

The new seeds encountered problems adapting to the local soil and climate during the initial planting, leading to reduced yields in some farmland.

"What can we do? It's not as good as the old methods." Some farmers began to complain.

Su Jinxiu was not discouraged. She worked with agronomists to develop countermeasures and adjust the planting plan.

At the same time, some farmers are not very receptive to new farming methods and continue to use traditional methods.

"This new method is too complicated; we don't know how to use it."

Su Jinxiu then organized training sessions, personally demonstrating and explaining to the farmers.

Just as agricultural reforms were progressing with difficulty, the Hou family's rival families learned of this and took the opportunity to cause trouble behind the scenes.

"Let the Marquis's agricultural reforms fail, and see how arrogant they can be then."

They sent people to spread rumors in the Marquis's territory, saying that the agricultural reform was Su Jinxiu's nonsense and would leave the farmers with no harvest.

This has caused some farmers who originally supported the reforms to waver.

Doubts have also arisen within the Marquis's residence.

Was the agricultural reform spearheaded by the lady a mistake?