Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 320 Major Discovery, Conflict of Interests

Eventually, a major discovery was made that could change the future of the Marquis's mansion.

Despite overcoming countless hardships and obstacles, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu led the group on their exploration without giving up. Deep within an ancient ruin, they discovered a secret chamber.

The door to the secret chamber was tightly shut, covered with mysterious symbols and patterns. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu carefully studied these symbols, trying to find a way to open the chamber.

“Husband, look at these symbols. They seem to be related to the traps we encountered earlier,” Su Jinxiu said, pointing to the symbols on the door.

Xiao Ling looked in the direction Su Jinxiu pointed, and after a moment of contemplation, he had a clue.

He pressed several symbols in a specific order, and with a creak, the door to the secret room slowly opened.

A musty smell wafted over them, and the group cautiously entered the secret room.

Inside the secret chamber was a huge stone table, on which sat a yellowed ancient book and a gemstone that emitted a strange light.

Xiao Ling picked up the ancient book and gently opened it. It contained a long-lost mysterious martial art and a strategy for governing the country.

"If this technique and strategy can be used properly, the Marquis's mansion will surely increase its strength, and perhaps it will be able to gain a foothold in this unpredictable situation," Xiao Ling said excitedly.

Su Jinxiu picked up the gemstone and examined it carefully: "This gemstone seems to contain powerful energy, but its uses still need further research."

Just then, a huge map suddenly appeared on the wall of the secret room, marking the locations of some treasures and resources that had never been heard of before.

"With these treasures and resources, the development of the Marquis's mansion will no longer be limited." Xiao Ling's eyes gleamed with excitement.

However, their discovery soon led to trouble.

A group of mysterious men in black suddenly appeared at the door of the secret room; they were clearly also there for these secrets.

"Put down what you're holding, or you'll be killed without mercy!" the leader of the men in black said coldly.

Xiao Ling stuffed the ancient book and gemstones into his robes, then drew his sword and shouted, "Don't even think about it!"

A fierce battle is inevitable.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu engaged in a fierce battle with the men in black. Xiao Ling's swordsmanship was sharp, and Su Jinxiu also displayed her own special skills, fighting back against the enemy.

However, the men in black were numerous and each possessed exceptional martial arts skills, gradually plunging the Hou family into a predicament.

"Madam, you take the things and go first. I'll cover your retreat!" Xiao Ling called out.

Su Jinxiu resolutely replied, "No, I will live and die with you!"

Just at this critical moment, reinforcements from the Marquis's residence arrived in time.

"My lord, my lady, we've come to your aid!"

With the help of reinforcements, the men in black were finally driven back.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu returned to the Marquis's residence with a major discovery, but they knew that this was only the beginning.

How to use these discoveries to enhance the Marquis's power while dealing with the various challenges that may arise has become an important issue facing them.

Some unscrupulous forces began to secretly spy on the Marquis's residence, attempting to seize these discoveries.

"The Marquis's mansion has obtained something so important; we must not let them succeed."

Some ministers in the imperial court also expressed concern about the discovery of the Marquis's residence, suspecting that the Marquis's residence had ulterior motives.

"What exactly is the Marquis's intention in making this discovery?"

The major discovery triggered a conflict of interest among various parties, plunging the Marquis's mansion into a new crisis.

The news that Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had returned to the Marquis's mansion with the major discovery they had made from the ruins spread like wildfire, instantly causing a huge uproar among various factions.

Upon hearing of this, several neighboring lords dispatched envoys, ostensibly to offer congratulations, but in reality to probe the truth and attempt to gain a share of the spoils.

“My lord, my master is very interested in the development of the Marquis’s estate and is willing to share the benefits with it,” an envoy said with a forced smile.

Xiao Ling understood their intentions and coldly replied, "This belongs to the Marquis's mansion and there is absolutely no reason for it to be shared."

The powerful officials in the court were also getting restless, worried that the Marquis's mansion would become too powerful and threaten their own positions.

"The discovery at the Marquis's residence this time is of great significance. If it is not brought under control, it may lead to unforeseen changes."

Therefore, the imperial court began to put pressure on the Marquis's mansion under various pretexts, demanding that the mansion hand over the discovered treasures and ancient books.

"This is His Majesty's decree; the Marquis's residence must not disobey," the eunuch delivering the decree said arrogantly.

Su Jinxiu paced anxiously in the mansion: "Husband, we are being pressured from all sides, what should we do?"

Xiao Ling pondered for a moment and said, "We must not compromise easily, but we also cannot confront the imperial court and various forces head-on."

At the same time, some martial arts sects also caught wind of the plot and secretly planned to launch a sneak attack on the Marquis's mansion to seize its treasures.

"We are determined to get what belongs to the Marquis's mansion."

The guards of the Marquis's residence increased their vigilance, but the enemy was in the shadows and impossible to defend against.

One night, the Marquis's residence was suddenly attacked by a group of men in black.

"There are assassins!"

The mansion was thrown into chaos, and Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu quickly organized a resistance.

After a fierce battle, the men in black were repelled, but the Marquis's mansion also suffered heavy losses.

"This can't go on; we must find a way to resolve this crisis." Xiao Ling frowned.

Su Jinxiu suggested, "Why don't we seek the support of some allies?"

Xiao Ling shook his head: "At this time, no one can be trusted."

Just when the Marquis's mansion was in a state of utter chaos, news came that some of its businesses had been maliciously suppressed by competitors, plunging the mansion into financial difficulties.

"This is going to cut off the Marquis's escape route!"

However, disagreements arose within the Marquis's mansion. Some advocated compromise and handing over the treasures to ensure safety, while others firmly opposed it, believing that this was an opportunity for the Marquis's mansion to rise and should not be given up.

"We cannot simply give in like this. What will become of the Marquis's dignity?"