Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 131 The Storm Rises Again, Strategies for Responding

Just as the Marquis's mansion was busy dealing with internal and external troubles, this newly emerging force swept through every corner of the capital like a storm.

This force is mysterious and powerful, and its leader is ruthless and meticulous. In a short period of time, they have won over many powerful figures, controlled a large amount of resources, and put enormous pressure on the Marquis's mansion.

"Who exactly is this person?" Xiao Ling frowned, his face full of worry.

Su Jinxiu's expression was equally grave: "No matter who they are, they are not here with good intentions, and we must deal with them carefully."

New forces began to fiercely compete with the Marquis's family in the business world. They lowered prices and seized market share, which severely impacted the Marquis's family's business.

"Madam, our shop has been losing money for several days in a row. If this continues, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold on any longer," the butler said anxiously.

Su Jinxiu gritted her teeth: "We must find ways to reduce costs and improve product quality. We absolutely cannot let them succeed."

At the same time, the new forces also spread rumors in the court that were detrimental to the Marquis's family, attempting to damage the Marquis's image in the emperor's eyes.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's mansion is now weakening and may not be able to shoulder heavy responsibilities."

Upon hearing these words, the emperor's attitude towards the Marquis's residence grew increasingly cold.

Xiao Ling decided to personally go to the palace to meet the emperor and demonstrate the loyalty of the Marquis's mansion.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's Mansion is wholeheartedly devoted to the court and has no other intentions. Please investigate thoroughly." Xiao Ling knelt in the court, his words earnest.

However, the emperor remained noncommittal: "General Xiao, the situation is complicated now, and I will make my own judgment."

Xiao Ling returned to the Marquis's residence with no other choice and told Su Jinxiu about the situation.

"It seems we can only rely on ourselves," Su Jinxiu said.

In order to fight against the new forces, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu decided to unite with other threatened families and merchants.

"As long as we unite, we will definitely be able to resist this evil force," Xiao Ling said.

Some families and businesses responded to their call, while others chose to wait and see.

In the process of uniting all parties, new forces have continuously engaged in sabotage and interference.

"General Xiao, the Li family has suddenly reneged on the cooperation agreement we just reached."

"Madam, the Wang family says they have been threatened and dare not join forces with us."

These setbacks made the Marquis's family's situation increasingly difficult.

At this critical moment, new problems arose within the Marquis's residence.

"This is bad! Some of the servants in the manor have been bribed by the new forces and have started causing trouble."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were furious, and they decided to first eliminate the traitors within their ranks...

Faced with the difficult situation of internal and external troubles in the Marquis's mansion, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knew that time was of the essence and they had to take decisive action.

They used their study as a makeshift meeting place, discussing countermeasures day and night. The candlelight flickered in the night breeze, illuminating their determined yet weary faces.

"Our first priority is to stabilize the Marquis's residence and prevent spies from taking advantage of any further opportunities," Su Jinxiu said, her eyes gleaming with wisdom.

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement: "I will strengthen the security within the manor and re-examine all servants."

In order to unite other families and merchants, Su Jinxiu personally visited them one by one.

“Master Wang, we are now facing a common enemy. If we do not work together, we will all be unable to protect ourselves,” Su Jinxiu said earnestly.

Some families were initially hesitant, but were moved by Su Jinxiu's sincerity.

“Madam Su is right. We are willing to stand with the Marquis’s family through thick and thin.”

Xiao Ling then used his prestige in the military to win the support of some generals.

"Brothers, the Marquis's mansion has always risked its life for the country, and now it has been framed. We cannot sit idly by."

At the same time, they also secretly recruited a group of martial arts masters in preparation for any eventuality.

"As long as the Marquis's mansion can survive this calamity, we will certainly not treat you all unfairly," Xiao Ling said to these experts.

However, the new forces also noticed their actions and began to intensify their crackdown.

The Hou family's properties were constantly attacked, and some shops were even maliciously set on fire.

"This is utterly lawless!" Xiao Ling slammed his fist on the table in anger.

Su Jinxiu calmly analyzed, "They're trying to disrupt our plans; we can't afford to panic."

During this process, the Marquis's mansion also began to experience financial difficulties.

"Madam, there's very little silver left in the account," the steward said worriedly.

Su Jinxiu gritted her teeth: "Take all the jewelry that came with my dowry and sell it."

Xiao Ling looked at her with heartache: "Jinxiu, how can this be?"

Su Jinxiu said firmly, "At a time when the Marquis's mansion is on the verge of collapse, these material possessions are nothing."

Just as they were doing their best to deal with the crisis, the new forces pulled another dirty trick.

They spread rumors that the Marquis's mansion was colluding with an enemy state and plotting a rebellion.

This rumor instantly caused a huge uproar in Beijing.

"What should we do?" Some of those who had originally supported the Marquis's family began to waver.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knew they had to clarify this rumor as soon as possible, or the consequences would be unimaginable...