Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 268 Victory Banquet, Conspiracy Reappears

A celebratory banquet was held, and the military and civilians of both countries celebrated the victory together.

After the bandits were wiped out, the border region was filled with jubilation. The Marquis's residence decided to hold a grand victory banquet to thank all the soldiers who participated in the battle and the people who supported them.

The victory banquet was held in a spacious square on the border, brightly decorated and bustling with activity. The banquet table was laden with sumptuous food and fine wine, and the faces of the people were filled with joy and pride.

Xiao Ling and the general from the neighboring country ascended the high platform together to address the crowd. Xiao Ling remarked with emotion, "This victory is the result of everyone's unity and valiant struggle. Together we have safeguarded peace on the border and brought tranquility to the people." The neighboring general also expressed, "This cooperation has shown us each other's strength; may our friendship last forever."

There was warm applause and cheers from the audience.

At the banquet, the soldiers shared their harrowing experiences in battle, while the people offered flowers and paid tribute to the heroes. Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu moved among the crowd, celebrating with everyone.

However, a shadow of gloom lurked beneath the joyous atmosphere. The treacherous officials in the court, upon learning of the victory banquet, grew even more envious of Xiao Ling's achievements, and they plotted to further slander him before the emperor.

At the same time, some conservative forces in neighboring countries were dissatisfied with this cooperation with the Marquis's Mansion, believing it would harm their own interests.

Halfway through the victory celebration banquet, a mysterious group of envoys suddenly arrived. They brought an imperial decree, demanding that Xiao Ling return to the capital immediately to report on his duties, without delay.

Xiao Ling's heart sank; he knew there must be a conspiracy behind this. But in front of everyone, he remained calm and told the envoy that he would set off as soon as possible.

Su Jinxiu was worried about Xiao Ling's safety and secretly discussed countermeasures with him.

The celebration banquet ended hastily in this tense atmosphere.

Xiao Ling led a small group of people on their journey back to the capital. Along the way, they encountered various difficulties and obstacles.

Sometimes it's bad weather, sometimes it's roadblocks that appear out of nowhere.

Xiao Ling knew that all of this was done deliberately by someone.

Finally, they arrived outside the capital.

However, the city gates remained closed, and the guards claimed they had not received orders to allow passage.

Conspiratorial forces are rising again in the capital, attempting to overthrow the imperial court.

Xiao Ling was blocked outside the capital city gates, caught in a dilemma. Meanwhile, inside the capital, a hidden force was stirring with ulterior motives.

This force was led by a treacherous prince who had long coveted the throne. Taking advantage of Xiao Ling's recall to the capital and the turbulent situation on the border, he secretly colluded with some discontented ministers in the court, attempting to launch a coup.

The prince was well aware of Xiao Ling's prestige among the people and the army, and worried that he would become an obstacle to his power grab. So he devised a plan to prevent Xiao Ling from entering the city, attempting to isolate him first.

While waiting anxiously outside the city, Xiao Ling also noticed the unusual situation in the capital. He sent out trusted confidants to investigate secretly, and gradually learned about the conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Su Jinxiu received a message from Xiao Ling at the border and was extremely anxious. She tried to stabilize the situation at the border while also trying to find ways to provide support to Xiao Ling.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu were not idle either. They gathered their old subordinates around the capital, ready to respond to Xiao Ling at any time.

Meanwhile, in the capital, the prince's conspiracy gradually unfolded. He first spread rumors, slandering the emperor as incompetent and foolish, and then incited some uninformed people to riot.

Loyal ministers and generals in the court discovered the prince's conspiracy, but he suppressed them through various means. For a time, panic gripped the capital, and the situation became extremely precarious.

Knowing he couldn't simply wait to die, Xiao Ling decided to risk forcing his way into the city. With the help of his trusted confidants, he found a weak point in the city's defenses and breached the city gates under cover of night.

However, they were ambushed by the prince's men as soon as they entered the city.

Xiao Ling led his men in a fierce resistance, fighting as they approached the palace.

Amidst this chaotic situation, the emperor also received the news, but was kept in the palace by the prince and unable to contact the outside world.