Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 380 Court Invitation

Because of the achievements of the Marquis's family and her own reputation, Su Jinxiu received an invitation from the palace. She was well aware of the complexities of the court, but for the glory and future of the Marquis's family, she decided to enter the palace.

When the invitation from the palace arrived at the Marquis's residence, the entire place was filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere. Su Jinxiu held the invitation, her brows slightly furrowed, her mind racing with thoughts.

"The palace is a place of unpredictable intrigue; who knows whether this trip will bring fortune or misfortune?" she murmured to herself.

Xiao Ling held her hand, his eyes filled with worry and reluctance: "Jinxiu, if this journey is difficult, you might as well decline this invitation."

Su Jinxiu shook her head firmly: "The glory of the Marquis's Mansion today is hard-won. It is the recognition of us by the palace and an opportunity for the Marquis's Mansion to go further. How can I back down?"

So, Su Jinxiu began preparing to enter the palace. She carefully selected the gifts she would bring and pondered strategies for dealing with the various people in the palace.

"There are many rules in this palace, and etiquette cannot be violated in the slightest," Su Jinxiu instructed the maid beside her.

However, some people in the Marquis's mansion were jealous and worried about Su Jinxiu's trip to the palace.

"If she gains favor after going there, will the Marquis's mansion still have a place to stand?"

"If we cause any trouble in the palace, the Marquis's mansion will be in trouble."

Some rumors even circulated quietly within the Marquis's residence.

"I heard this invitation isn't as simple as it seems; it might be a trap."

Ignoring these rumors, Su Jinxiu focused solely on preparing to enter the palace.

Finally, the day arrived for her to enter the palace. Su Jinxiu, dressed in magnificent attire, walked into the palace with dignified bearing.

The grandeur and luxury of the palace filled her with awe, but she maintained a calm and composed demeanor throughout.

As soon as she entered the palace, many palace maids and eunuchs secretly observed her, speculating about her identity and purpose.

"Who is this lady from the Marquis's household?"

Su Jinxiu carefully dealt with everyone who came to greet her, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

On her first night in the palace, Su Jinxiu lay in bed, unable to fall asleep.

"Tomorrow I will be meeting His Majesty and the ladies of the palace. I wonder what it will be like."

The next day, Su Jinxiu was summoned to the Empress's palace.

The Empress sat upright above, scrutinizing her with her gaze.

"I've heard that your family has recently achieved remarkable success. I wonder what your abilities are?"

Su Jinxiu bowed respectfully and replied, "Everything in the Marquis's mansion is due to His Majesty's grace; I dare not take credit for it."

The Empress smiled slightly, but her eyes revealed neither joy nor anger.

Just then, a favored concubine suddenly interrupted, her tone unfriendly.

"Hmph, it's just a matter of luck."

Su Jinxiu's heart tightened, knowing that the struggles in the palace were far more intense than she had imagined.

In the days that followed, Su Jinxiu faced a constant stream of difficulties and trials.

A palace maid deliberately tampered with her food, causing her to get an upset stomach.

"What should we do? If His Majesty finds out, we'll be in big trouble."

Some concubines spoke ill of her to the emperor, attempting to damage her image in his eyes.

"That lady of the Marquis's mansion is not simple-minded."

But Su Jinxiu, with her wisdom and composure, resolved the crisis time and time again.

However, just as she was gaining a foothold in the palace, she discovered an astonishing secret.

It turns out that the reason for inviting her to the palace this time was not simply because of the merits of the Marquis's family, but because it involved a power struggle within the palace.

"I had no idea I had gotten myself into this mess."