Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 163 Love in Adversity, Secret Schemes

In this difficult situation, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling's relationship grew stronger. They trusted and supported each other, and decided to face the challenges ahead together.

Inside the Marquis's residence, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling sat side by side.

“My husband, no matter how treacherous the road ahead may be, I am willing to walk hand in hand with you.” Su Jinxiu’s gaze was gentle yet firm.

Xiao Ling held her hand tightly and said affectionately, "My lady, with you by my side, I have nothing to fear."

However, external pressures continued to mount. The Marquis's family's economy suffered severe setbacks, businesses suffered repeated failures, and their sources of income gradually dried up.

"What should we do? The Marquis's estate is in such dire straits now." The steward anxiously reported to Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling.

Su Jinxiu pondered for a moment and said, "Don't panic. We need to re-plan our industrial layout and find new business opportunities."

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement: "What you say is absolutely right, Madam. I will send people to investigate in various places."

At the same time, hostile forces in the court kept speaking to the emperor, attempting to further weaken the status of the Marquis's mansion.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's mansion is not as powerful as it used to be. We should take this opportunity to reclaim some of its power."

Although the emperor did not immediately agree, his mind had already begun to turn.

Upon learning of this, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knew they had to find a solution as soon as possible.

“My lord, we might as well make more friends with loyal ministers and generals and try to gain their support,” Su Jinxiu suggested.

Xiao Ling replied, "Okay, I'll make the arrangements right away."

In this process, they also encountered many difficulties. Some people refused to associate with the Marquis's mansion, fearing that they would be implicated; others agreed on the surface but secretly tipped them off.

But Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling did not lose heart. Their feelings for each other grew stronger in the face of adversity, and they became each other's strongest support.

Once, Su Jinxiu traveled to another city to finalize an important business deal. On the way, she encountered robbers, and the situation became critical.

"Madam, hand over the money!" the robber shouted menacingly.

Su Jinxiu remained calm in the face of danger and skillfully maneuvered to her advantage.

Just when things were at their most critical, Xiao Ling arrived with reinforcements.

"Who dares to touch my wife!" Xiao Ling roared, scaring the robbers into scattering and fleeing.

Su Jinxiu threw herself into Xiao Ling's arms, tears welling in her eyes: "Husband, thank goodness you came."

Xiao Ling said with heartache, "I'm sorry you've suffered, Madam."

Back at the Marquis's residence, the two embraced and wept.

"No matter what happens, we will never be apart."

Their love touched everyone in the Marquis's mansion, and they all expressed their willingness to help the mansion overcome its difficulties.

Thanks to their efforts, the situation in the Marquis's mansion gradually turned around.

"Madam, our new business is doing well and is making a good profit."

“My lord, I have also reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with several ministers.”

However, before they could even celebrate, new troubles arose one after another.

The emperor suddenly ordered a thorough investigation of the Marquis's residence.

"What should I do?"

"Don't panic, we have nothing to fear if we are upright."

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling join hands once again to face this unknown challenge.

In order to dispel the emperor's suspicions, they secretly plotted and looked for a suitable opportunity to show their loyalty to the emperor.

Night fell over the Marquis's residence. Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling sat facing each other in the study, the candlelight flickering and illuminating their solemn faces.

"My lord, we must proceed with utmost caution this time. The slightest mistake could have unimaginable consequences," Su Jinxiu said in a low voice.

Xiao Ling nodded slightly, his gaze firm: "Don't worry, Madam, I have come up with a plan."

They decided to start with the emperor's close advisors, hoping to convey the Marquis's goodwill and loyalty through them.

“These close advisors may be greedy, but if you give them enough benefits, they might say a few good words for us,” Xiao Ling said.

Therefore, the Marquis's residence secretly sent a batch of precious gifts to several key close ministers.

However, things did not go smoothly. Some close advisors accepted gifts but did not perform their duties, and even revealed the Marquis's "bribery" to the emperor, which deepened the emperor's suspicion.

"These treacherous people who betray their principles for personal gain!" Xiao Ling was furious.

Su Jinxiu calmly analyzed, "Husband, don't be anxious. If this path is blocked, we'll think of another way."

They began to pay attention to the emperor's preferences and needs, and learned that the emperor had recently developed a strong desire for a famous painting that had been lost for a long time.

"If we could find this painting and present it to the emperor, perhaps we could win his favor," Su Jinxiu said.

Xiao Ling immediately sent people to inquire everywhere, and after many hardships, they finally found the famous painting.

Just as they were preparing to present the painting to the emperor, they discovered that someone in the court had preemptively presented another precious painting, which won the emperor's praise.

"Damn it, someone beat me to it again!" Xiao Ling slammed his fist on the table.

Su Jinxiu comforted him, "Husband, don't be discouraged, there will always be opportunities."

During this period, the Marquis's family's situation became increasingly difficult. Enemy forces took the opportunity to kick them while they were down, constantly spreading rumors about the Marquis's family in the court.

"The Marquis's mansion harbors treacherous intentions, and their schemes are far-reaching."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's dissatisfaction with the Marquis's residence grew daily.

"It seems we can't wait any longer; we must take the initiative," Su Jinxiu said.

They decided to stage a "chance encounter" with the emperor during his travels so they could personally express their loyalty to him.

To prepare for this "chance encounter," they meticulously arranged a seemingly coincidental folk celebration to showcase the Marquis's care for the people and his support for the imperial court.

However, just as everything was ready, news suddenly came that the emperor had changed his travel route.

"What should we do? Our entire plan has fallen apart." Xiao Ling paced back and forth anxiously.

Su Jinxiu bit her lip: "Husband, we can't give up, there must be other ways."

Just when they were in despair, Su Jinxiu suddenly came up with a risky idea.

"My lord, perhaps we can take advantage of the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling was first startled, then a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes: "Madam's plan is risky, but it may be feasible."

So they began a new plan.

They encountered numerous obstacles in preparing for the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration.

There was a shortage of supplies, a lack of manpower, and sabotage from the shadows.

"No matter the cost, we must succeed," Xiao Ling said.

Finally, the day of the Empress Dowager's birthday arrived.

The congratulatory gift carefully prepared by the Marquis's residence stood out among many other gifts, greatly pleasing the emperor.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling took the opportunity to express their loyalty to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's Mansion is utterly loyal to the court and has no other intentions. We are willing to give our lives for Your Majesty."

The emperor was slightly moved, but he had not completely let go of his suspicions.

"I will trust you for now, but if you have any disloyal intentions, I will not let you off lightly."

The Marquis's mansion has temporarily weathered the crisis, but the road ahead remains full of challenges.