Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 161 The Emperor's Suspicion

However, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling's outstanding performance in this turmoil aroused the emperor's suspicion, who believed that their power was too great and might threaten the imperial authority.

Inside the palace, the emperor sat on the dragon throne, his brow furrowed, pondering the various matters concerning the Marquis's residence.

"The Marquis's family has made remarkable achievements this time, but their power is also growing stronger day by day, and I must be wary of them," the emperor thought to himself.

Meanwhile, in the Marquis's residence, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were unaware of the Emperor's change in attitude.

“Madam, now that the situation has eased, we should take this opportunity to develop the Marquis’s power to ensure long-term stability,” Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu felt uneasy: "Husband, we must not be too hasty, lest we invite criticism."

However, Xiao Ling was determined to consolidate the Marquis's position and began to vigorously expand the Marquis's businesses and connections.

This action quickly reached the emperor's ears, further convincing him that the Marquis's household harbored rebellious intentions.

"Issue my decree to summon Xiao Ling to the palace." The emperor decided to test the waters.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Xiao Ling nervously entered the palace to meet the emperor.

"Xiao Ling, do you know why I summoned you today?" The emperor stared at him sharply.

Xiao Ling hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I do not know. Please enlighten me."

The emperor snorted coldly: "The Marquis's residence has been making frequent moves lately. What is your explanation for that?"

Xiao Ling hurriedly defended himself: "Your Majesty, I am only concerned with the development of the Marquis's Mansion and have no other intentions."

The emperor remained noncommittal: "I hope so. You'd better take care of yourself."

After leaving the palace, Xiao Ling sensed something was wrong and told Su Jinxiu about it.

"It seems the emperor has become suspicious of us; we must be even more careful in our actions from now on," Su Jinxiu said worriedly.

However, at this time, some hostile forces in the Marquis's mansion took the opportunity to stir up trouble in front of the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's mansion is abusing its power and its intentions are despicable."

The emperor's suspicions grew increasingly severe, and he began to secretly weaken the power of the Marquis's mansion.

Some of the Marquis's properties were suppressed, and officials who cooperated with the Marquis's family were also implicated.

"What should we do? With the emperor so suspicious, the Marquis's mansion is in grave danger." Everyone in the mansion was filled with anxiety.

Su Jinxiu calmly analyzed, "We must find a way to dispel the emperor's suspicions and regain his trust."

Therefore, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling decided to present a batch of precious treasures to the emperor to show their loyalty.

But the emperor remained unmoved, believing it to be merely a stopgap measure.

At the same time, a favorite minister of the emperor offered a suggestion: the emperor should assign the Marquis's family an almost impossible task, and if the family failed to complete it, the emperor could use this as an opportunity to punish them.

The emperor adopted this suggestion and issued a difficult order to the Marquis's residence.

"The Marquis's Mansion must raise a huge amount of military funds within three months, or it will be severely punished."

This is undoubtedly a huge problem for the Marquis's mansion.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling traveled around trying to raise funds for the army.

In this process, they encountered numerous difficulties and obstacles.

Some merchants, fearing the emperor's authority, dared not cooperate with the Marquis's household.

"The Marquis's mansion is in dire straits right now, so we'd better not cause any trouble."

Disagreements also arose within the Marquis's residence.

"Why don't we give up and plead with the emperor?"

"No, if we give up, the Marquis's mansion will be completely finished."

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were under tremendous pressure, but they never gave up.

Finally, as the deadline approached, they managed to raise enough funds for the army.

When they presented the military pay to the emperor, the emperor's suspicions were not dispelled.

"Hmph, this is just your luck."