Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 333 Palace Turmoil, Responding with Caution

A power struggle erupted in the palace, affecting the Marquis's residence.

Just as the Marquis's family business was booming, a fierce power struggle erupted in the imperial palace. Several princes, vying for the throne, each gathered their own factions, engaging in open and covert battles, making the court a place of constant flux.

Because of its prominent status and vast assets, the Marquis's mansion became the target of various forces vying to win over it.

"My lord, if you support me, the Marquis's mansion will surely enjoy even greater glory after this is accomplished." A prince secretly sent an envoy to persuade Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling was well aware of the dangers of getting involved in palace intrigues, but he dared not offend either side easily.

"This matter requires further consideration; allow me to think it over," Xiao Ling could only offer a perfunctory reply for the time being.

However, the Marquis's ambiguous attitude aroused suspicion and dissatisfaction from all sides.

"What exactly is the Marquis's family planning?"

Some princes began to put pressure on the Marquis's mansion, and even secretly sent people to sabotage its business.

"Lately, everything seems to be going wrong. It's like someone is deliberately targeting us," Su Jinxiu said worriedly.

Xiao Ling sighed helplessly: "I'm afraid we've been dragged into this because of the palace intrigue."

Meanwhile, the power struggle within the palace intensifies. A prince, in an attempt to eliminate a rival, falsely accuses him of treason, causing chaos in the court.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's intention to usurp the throne is irrefutable!"

The emperor was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. Immediately, everyone in the palace lived in fear.

The Marquis's residence was also drawn into the investigation, and some people with ulterior motives took the opportunity to slander the Marquis's residence to the emperor, saying that the Marquis's residence was colluding with the prince who was plotting a rebellion.

"The Marquis's mansion wields immense power; we must be wary of it, Your Majesty."

The emperor became suspicious of the Marquis's residence and ordered Xiao Ling to be summoned to the palace for questioning.

"My lord, you must be careful on your journey to the palace," Su Jinxiu instructed.

Xiao Ling entered the palace to meet the emperor with a feeling of trepidation.

"Xiao Ling, do you know your crime?" the emperor asked sternly.

Xiao Ling immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, the Marquis's mansion is loyal and has absolutely no intention of rebelling."

However, the emperor did not easily believe him and temporarily placed Xiao Ling under house arrest in the palace.

The entire Marquis's residence was in chaos.

"Madam, what should we do?"

Su Jinxiu forced herself to remain calm. On the one hand, she sent people to inquire about the news everywhere, and on the other hand, she prepared generous gifts in an attempt to smooth things over.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xiao Ling was also trying his best to defend the Marquis's family and find evidence to prove his innocence.

Just then, a minister who had always been on good terms with the Marquis's family stepped forward and spoke up for them.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's family has been loyal and virtuous for generations; they must have been wronged this time."

The emperor began to waver, but his doubts were not completely dispelled.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were cautious and careful to avoid being drawn into the vortex of palace intrigue.

Caught in the shadow of palace intrigue, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knew that the slightest misstep could plunge the Marquis's mansion into utter ruin.

Inside the Marquis's residence, Su Jinxiu maintained a facade of calm while closely monitoring the movements of all parties. She strictly ordered everyone in the residence to be careful with their words and actions, and not to discuss palace affairs casually.

"Everyone, keep your mouths shut and don't bring trouble to the Marquis's mansion," Su Jinxiu said solemnly to the servants.

At the same time, she secretly associated with the families of some trusted ministers, trying to obtain information about the inner workings of the court from them.

Xiao Ling was cautious in the palace. When questioned by the emperor, he spoke earnestly, revealing the loyalty of the Marquis's mansion.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's loyalty to the court is as clear as day and moon, and we have absolutely no intention of participating in the struggle between the princes," Xiao Ling said, kneeling on the ground.

However, the emperor's expression remained unpredictable, making Xiao Ling feel uneasy.

To prove the Marquis's innocence, Xiao Ling secretly investigated the source of the evidence used to frame the Marquis's family. He discovered that behind it all was a prince's conspiracy, an attempt to weaken the power of other rivals by suppressing the Marquis's family.

"What a treacherous tactic!" Xiao Ling cursed inwardly.

But he knew that he could not act rashly at this time and had to wait for the right opportunity to reveal the truth.

At the same time, the Marquis's businesses were also affected. Some business partners, fearing repercussions, terminated their cooperation with the Marquis's family.

"The Marquis's mansion is currently embroiled in trouble; it's best if we stay away from it."

The Marquis's family was in financial trouble, and Su Jinxiu was extremely worried about it.

"No matter what, we must find a way to stabilize the situation." Su Jinxiu worked day and night, searching for new partners.

In the palace, Xiao Ling skillfully maneuvered among the princes, neither explicitly supporting any particular prince nor offending anyone.

"Your Highness, the Marquis's mansion is devoted solely to the court and dares not participate in the power struggles between the princes."

However, this attitude did not satisfy everyone, and some princes began to put pressure on Xiao Ling.

"Xiao Ling, if you don't stand on my side, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Xiao Ling could only endure the humiliation and silently bear these threats.

Just when Xiao Ling was feeling desperate, he accidentally discovered a crucial piece of evidence that could prove the Marquis's innocence and expose the prince's conspiracy.

"Finally, there's a turning point!" Xiao Ling exclaimed excitedly.

But he also knew that once this evidence was made public, it would inevitably cause a bigger uproar.

Xiao Ling decided to risk presenting the evidence to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis's family has been wronged. Please take a look at this evidence."

The emperor was greatly shocked when he saw the evidence.