Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 234 Hidden Conspiracy, Crisis Escalates

Those forces that attempted to frame Xiao Ling were secretly plotting an even bigger conspiracy, wanting to kill Xiao Ling in one fell swoop.

In the shadows, this group of treacherous individuals gathered, plotting their next move. They knew the emperor's hesitation presented them with an opportunity, and decided to seize this chance to intensify their efforts, ensuring Xiao Ling would never recover.

One of them said in a sinister tone, "We must create even stronger evidence to convince the emperor that Xiao Ling's crimes are unforgivable." The others nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with malice.

They first bribed some of Xiao Ling's servants to forge letters between Xiao Ling and foreign enemies. These letters were meticulously designed and looked incredibly realistic.

Next, they spread more negative rumors about Xiao Ling in the capital, saying that he not only intended to rebel, but also planned to massacre the people and plunder their wealth after the rebellion was over. These rumors spread rapidly, causing panic and anger among the people.

At the same time, they also won over some timid and cowardly officials, allowing them to continue attacking and framing Xiao Ling in the imperial court.

Su Jinxiu sensed the signs of these conspiracies. On the one hand, she worked hard to find evidence to expose their lies, and on the other hand, she tried to contact some loyal and upright ministers to protect Xiao Ling together.

However, the enemy's actions were highly secretive, and Su Jinxiu's investigation progressed slowly. Moreover, the attacks from the officials who had been won over in the court became increasingly fierce, further deepening the emperor's suspicions about Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling, while under house arrest, also sensed the deteriorating situation, but he was unable to make much contact with the outside world and could only anxiously wait for a turning point.

Just then, the situation on the border became increasingly critical, with the enemy army having broken through several lines of defense and advancing directly towards the capital. The emperor was extremely anxious and summoned his ministers again to discuss countermeasures.

Those conspirators seized the opportunity to say that Xiao Ling was deliberately holding back his troops in order to let the enemy army approach the capital and then seize power in the chaos.

The emperor was furious upon hearing this and ordered a more severe interrogation of Xiao Ling.

Upon learning this news, Su Jinxiu was extremely anxious. She decided to risk entering the palace to meet the emperor and plead for Xiao Ling.

Rumors spread that Xiao Ling was amassing military power and plotting a rebellion, causing widespread panic in the capital and escalating tensions.

The rumor swept through the capital like a whirlwind. People whispered amongst themselves, their faces filled with fear and anxiety about the future. Discussions raged in the streets and alleys, turning the once bustling capital into a somber atmosphere.

The sudden rumors also unsettled the officials in the court. Some officials who had originally supported Xiao Ling began to waver, fearing that they would be implicated; while those forces that had always wanted to bring down Xiao Ling took the opportunity to stir up more fear and anger.

When the emperor heard this rumor in the palace, he was furious. He immediately summoned his senior ministers to discuss countermeasures, his eyes filled with anxiety and suspicion.

"Your Majesty, this matter is of utmost importance. We must take immediate action to prevent Xiao Lingzhen from rebelling," a minister said urgently.

“However, without conclusive evidence, how can we so easily convict someone?” another minister retorted.

The court was embroiled in endless debate, and the emperor was distraught, unsure of what to do.

Su Jinxiu learned of this news at the Marquis's residence and was extremely anxious. She knew this was an enemy plot and that she had to find a way to dispel the rumors and save Xiao Ling as soon as possible.

She decided to risk going out to visit some influential figures, hoping they would believe in Xiao Ling's innocence and help quell the rumors.

However, her efforts did not go smoothly. Many people, fearing trouble, avoided her; others mocked her, believing that the Marquis's mansion was doomed.

Meanwhile, the enemy's offensive on the border intensified. Battle reports from the front kept arriving, each one terrifying.

Within the court, conspirators seized the opportunity to advise the emperor that Xiao Ling deliberately allowed the enemy army to advance unimpeded so that he could seize power and become emperor amidst the chaos in the capital.

The emperor's suspicions grew, and he ordered the strengthening of the capital's defenses and prepared to take even harsher measures against Xiao Ling.

In her despair, Su Jinxiu came up with a plan: she decided to seek out an old general who had fought alongside Xiao Ling. This old general held considerable prestige in the army; if he could speak on Xiao Ling's behalf, perhaps there was still a glimmer of hope.

After many hardships, Su Jinxiu finally found the old general. Upon hearing this, the old general was filled with righteous indignation and decided to accompany Su Jinxiu to the palace to meet the emperor.

However, before they could even enter the palace, they were attacked by a group of mysterious people.