Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 145 Involved in Court Struggle, Crisis Lurks at Every Turn

It was a seemingly ordinary banquet, in which the Marquis's family was invited. At the banquet, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling had no idea that a simple conversation would cause such a huge uproar.

"The Marquis's mansion is probably doomed this time." Xiao Ling frowned and paced back and forth in the study.

Su Jinxiu sat to the side, her expression grave as she analyzed, "We must be careful and not let ourselves be taken advantage of."

The first to come knocking were people from the Prime Minister's faction.

"If the Marquis's mansion can cooperate with us, they will enjoy endless wealth and glory in the future," the visitor said with a fawning expression.

Xiao Ling snorted coldly: "My Marquis's family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. How could we possibly collude with you!"

The man was rebuffed and left dejectedly.

Immediately afterwards, the Empress's family also sent people to test the waters.

"As long as the Marquis's family stands on the Empress's side, they will surely reap great benefits in the future."

Su Jinxiu politely declined, saying, "The Marquis's mansion only seeks fairness in its actions and does not participate in the struggles within the harem."

However, the Marquis's refusal did not deter the various factions; on the contrary, it made them press even harder.

Rumors began to circulate in the capital about the Marquis's mansion, saying that the mansion intended to rebel and that it was hoarding troops and making itself powerful.

"This is clearly malicious slander!" Xiao Ling was furious.

Su Jinxiu comforted him, "Husband, don't worry, we need to find a way to clear things up."

In order to deal with the crisis, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling began to frequently visit the palace to show their loyalty to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's Mansion is utterly loyal to the court and has no disloyal intentions whatsoever."

Although the emperor expressed his trust, a hint of doubt remained in his eyes.

At the same time, the Hou family's businesses were also suppressed by various forces.

"Many shops have been maliciously seized, and business has plummeted," the butler anxiously reported to Xiao Ling.

Su Jinxiu pondered for a moment and said, "Let's stabilize the situation first and then make a long-term plan."

During this difficult time, some of the old friends of the Marquis's family also began to distance themselves, fearing that they would be implicated.

"Human relationships are fickle, and the world is cold and indifferent," Xiao Ling sighed.

However, there are also some loyal and righteous people who are willing to lend a helping hand.

"If the Marquis's residence needs anything, we will certainly help."

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were extremely grateful.

In the power struggles of the imperial court, the Marquis's family was walking on thin ice.

During a court assembly, someone deliberately brought up the connection between the Marquis's residence and that important court official, attempting to use this as a pretext to cause trouble.

"The Marquis's residence has a close relationship with him, and there may be some unspeakable secrets involved."

Xiao Ling argued forcefully: "It was just a chance encounter, how can it be considered a secret?"

Su Jinxiu was also secretly collecting evidence of the crimes committed by various forces, preparing to launch a counterattack when the time was right.

However, at this very moment, one of the Marquis's trusted confidants was bribed and betrayed the Marquis's household.

"Oh no, Madam, our plan may have been leaked."

Su Jinxiu's heart tightened: "We must find a way to remedy this as soon as possible."

The Marquis's mansion is facing an unprecedented crisis. Can Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling turn the tide amidst this power struggle and safeguard the dignity and honor of the Marquis's mansion?

In the shops of the Marquis's mansion, goods were inexplicably seized, suppliers broke off cooperation one after another, and customers were also misled by rumors and stopped patronizing the shops.

"Madam, what should we do? Business is getting worse every day." The steward was extremely anxious.

Su Jinxiu's gaze was firm: "Don't panic, first find out who's behind this."

Xiao Ling then led the guards in the manor to strengthen patrols and protection of the various shops.

"I'd like to see who dares to provoke the Marquis's residence!" Xiao Ling said angrily.

Meanwhile, negative rumors about the Marquis's mansion were rampant in the streets and alleys of the capital.

"I heard that the Marquis's family is abusing their power and forcibly seizing farmland from the people."

"The Marquis's mansion colluded with bandits and committed all sorts of evil deeds."

These rumors were so detailed and convincing that the people were talking about them and pointing fingers at the Marquis's residence.

Su Jinxiu knew that if the situation was not clarified as soon as possible, the reputation that the Marquis's family had built up over the years would be ruined.

"Post notices immediately to clarify the rumors and offer a reward for information leading to the source of the rumors," Su Jinxiu decisively ordered.

However, the enemy's methods go far beyond that.

Some of the servants in the Marquis's mansion were bribed to create chaos and steal property within the mansion.

"We caught an inside thief, and it turned out to be Xiao Li, who was in charge of the warehouse."

"Wang Ma from the kitchen is also missing; she must have been bribed."

The atmosphere inside the Marquis's residence was tense and filled with unease.

Xiao Ling personally interrogated the captured traitors in an attempt to find the mastermind behind it all.

"Tell me, who ordered you to do this?" Xiao Ling glared angrily.

The traitor, however, gritted his teeth and refused to utter a single word.

In the imperial court, some ministers also took the opportunity to impeach the Marquis's family.

"The Marquis's family has behaved improperly and should be severely punished."

The emperor's face grew increasingly grim, and his trust in the Marquis's mansion began to waver.

"Your Majesty, please investigate thoroughly. The Marquis's family is loyal and devoted; they must have been framed." Xiao Ling knelt down to plead his case.

Su Jinxiu then traveled around visiting upright officials in the court to seek their support.

"The Marquis's mansion is in trouble now, and we hope that you, sir, can speak up for justice."

Some ministers expressed sympathy and offered to help; others avoided meeting them, fearing they would get into trouble.

The children of the Marquis's family were also affected, and were ostracized and ridiculed by their classmates at school.

“Your Marquis’s mansion has committed numerous evils; stay away from us.”

The children returned home feeling wronged and cried to their parents.

Su Jinxiu felt heartbroken, but could only comfort her, "Don't be afraid, everything will pass."

Just when the Marquis's mansion was in a state of utter chaos, another piece of bad news arrived.

The Marquis's estate in another region was looted by bandits, resulting in heavy losses.

"This must have been deliberately arranged by someone to drive the Marquis's mansion to its doom." Xiao Ling clenched his fist.

Su Jinxiu took a deep breath: "No matter what, we can't just sit here and wait to die."

Can the Marquis's mansion find a way out of this crisis and restore its former glory and peace...?