Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 364 Rumors of Foreign Invasion, Stabilizing Public Sentiment

Rumors circulated that a foreign enemy was about to invade, causing widespread panic.

The Marquis's family had just resolved its internal conflicts and hadn't even had a chance to breathe a sigh of relief when a rumor about an impending invasion by foreign enemies spread like a bombshell throughout the Marquis's territory, causing widespread panic.

"I've heard that foreign enemies have already amassed at the border and could invade at any moment!"

"What should we do? Can we hold them off?"

On the streets and alleys, people whispered to each other, their faces filled with fear and worry.

The rumor was so detailed and convincing that it even described the enemy's troop strength and equipment, making it seem as if it were true.

Upon learning this news, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu immediately realized the seriousness of the situation.

"This rumor is suspicious; we must find out the truth as soon as possible and stabilize public sentiment." Xiao Ling frowned.

Su Jinxiu analyzed, "I'm afraid someone is deliberately spreading rumors, trying to sabotage us when our morale is low."

On the one hand, they ordered increased reconnaissance and defense along the border, and on the other hand, they sent people to investigate the source of the rumors.

However, the investigation did not proceed smoothly.

"The leads always seem to go cold at crucial moments, as if someone is deliberately obstructing us," the official in charge of the investigation said with a helpless expression.

As the rumors spread, the economy of the area under the jurisdiction of the Marquis's residence was also severely affected.

Merchants ceased trading, and people dared not go out to work, resulting in a desolate market.

"Business is impossible to continue, so saving our lives is the priority."

Some criminals took advantage of the chaos, and theft and robbery occurred frequently.

"The world is in chaos, everyone should pray for their own good fortune!"

Upon learning of this situation, the imperial court began to doubt the Marquis's ability to respond.

"If the Marquis's residence cannot quell the rumors and stabilize the situation, I will appoint someone else."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu felt unprecedented pressure.

Just then, news came that some local officials and generals, fearing invasion by foreign enemies, had begun secretly preparing their escape routes.

Are they trying to desert their posts?

Different voices also emerged within the Marquis's residence.

Some advocated taking the initiative to demonstrate the strength of the Marquis's mansion and quell the rumors.

"Instead of waiting to be killed, we should take the initiative and catch the enemy off guard."

Some argued that they should adopt a defensive strategy and wait for the court's support.

"We cannot act rashly; let's wait for the imperial decree."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were caught in a difficult choice.

Meanwhile, the rumors intensified, and some people even began to flee the Marquis's territory, making the situation increasingly out of control.

The Marquis's residence stepped forward to refute the rumors, stabilize public sentiment, and strengthen defenses.

Faced with the increasingly rampant rumors of foreign invasion, the Marquis's territory was plunged into a chaotic and critical situation. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu knew that the most urgent task was to quickly step forward to dispel the rumors in order to stabilize public sentiment, while strengthening defenses in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Xiao Ling immediately summoned all the officials and generals of the Marquis's mansion to discuss countermeasures urgently.

"We must clarify the rumors as quickly as possible, let the people know the truth, and restore their confidence," Xiao Ling said with a firm gaze.

Su Jinxiu added, "We not only need to refute the rumors, but also let everyone see our practical actions, strengthen our defenses, and make them feel at ease."

Therefore, the Marquis's Mansion issued an official statement, clearly stating that the rumors of foreign invasion were completely unfounded and malicious fabrications by people with ulterior motives.

"The Marquis's residence has sufficient capability and confidence to protect the safety of the territory. Everyone should not believe rumors and panic."

Xiao Ling personally led his soldiers to patrol the city, explaining the situation to the people and calming their panic.

"Fellow villagers, don't be afraid, the Marquis's mansion will protect you."

Su Jinxiu then organized some respected local gentry and representatives of the common people to convey the Marquis's attitude and measures to those around them.

"Everyone should trust the Marquis's Mansion. As long as we are united, there is no difficulty that we cannot overcome."

However, despite the Marquis's efforts to refute the rumors, some people still have doubts, and the impact of the rumors is difficult to completely eliminate in a short period of time.

"Is there really no chance of foreign invasion? I'm still a little worried."

Moreover, strengthening defense efforts also faces many difficulties.

Due to the prolonged peace, the Marquis's mansion lacked sufficient military supplies and needed to urgently allocate and procure them.

"Supplies are scarce, what can we do?"

Recruiting new soldiers and training them also requires time and resources, and it is difficult to form an effective combat force in the short term.

"Can the new recruits, who haven't received sufficient training, handle this?"

Just as the Marquis's mansion was making every effort to stabilize public morale and strengthen defenses, some hidden forces began to make new moves.

They deliberately spread pessimistic remarks among the crowd in an attempt to incite public panic once again.

"The Marquis's mansion is putting on a brave face; foreign enemies are about to invade."

Some unscrupulous merchants took advantage of the situation to hoard goods and drive up prices, further exacerbating social instability.

"With food so expensive, we can't live like this anymore."

Some officials in the imperial court also expressed dissatisfaction with the Marquis's response, believing that the Marquis's actions were slow and ineffective.

"With the Marquis's mansion so incompetent, how can it possibly ensure the safety of this region?"

Faced with these new challenges and pressures, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu did not back down.

On the one hand, they intensified their efforts to refute rumors and severely cracked down on those who spread them.

"Anyone who dares to spread rumors and cause trouble will be severely punished!"

On the other hand, they tried every means to raise military supplies and speed up the training of new recruits.

"No matter how difficult it is, we must be fully prepared."

After some effort, public sentiment gradually stabilized, and social order began to return to normal.

But just then, some unclear movements came from the border, suggesting that there might indeed be foreign enemies stirring up trouble.

"Could the rumors be true?"