Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 256 Power Transfer, Traveling the World

They carried out the transfer of power in an orderly manner, ensuring a stable transition for the Marquis's residence.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were well aware of the importance and complexity of the power transition, and therefore devised a detailed plan. They first summoned the core members of the Marquis's mansion, explaining the intentions and arrangements for the power transition to stabilize morale.

Xiao Ling gradually handed over the Marquis's military power and foreign affairs to the courageous and resourceful Xiao Yi, while also imparting to him his years of experience and strategies in these areas. Xiao Yi knew the weight of the responsibility and studied diligently day and night, daring not to slack off in the slightest.

Su Jinxiu focused on cultivating Xiao Yu's abilities in family affairs and finance, imparting all her management experience and financial knowledge to him. Xiao Yu, being exceptionally intelligent, quickly grasped the essentials, but still encountered some tricky problems in practice.

During the power transition, some minor fluctuations occurred within the Marquis's residence. Some unscrupulous individuals attempted to take advantage of the situation to sow discord and create chaos. They spread rumors between Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu, trying to damage their relationship and incite a power struggle.

However, Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu, brothers with a deep bond, were unaffected by these rumors. They treated each other with honesty and worked together to successfully expose the schemes of those people.

Meanwhile, external competitors were closely monitoring the power transition within the Marquis's household, attempting to launch an attack while the household was unstable. They also joined forces to suppress the Marquis's businesses, trying to create economic difficulties for him.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu directed the response from behind the scenes, while Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu took the lead, actively negotiating with all parties. On the one hand, they strengthened ties with partners and consolidated business alliances; on the other hand, they explored new markets to reduce their dependence on existing ones.

After much effort, the Marquis's mansion successfully withstood the external economic attacks, and its businesses gradually stabilized. However, new problems arose one after another.

The imperial court showed excessive concern for the power transition within the Marquis's household, frequently dispatching officials to inspect the process, which was in reality a covert surveillance and interference. These officials made numerous unreasonable demands and suggestions, creating significant pressure on the power transition.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had to personally deal with court officials, skillfully defusing one crisis after another. However, such efforts left them physically and mentally exhausted.

Just then, another corruption case broke out within the Marquis's residence, involving an important steward. This incident caused panic and discontent among the residents, negatively impacting the power transition process.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Yu quickly launched an investigation and, without causing major disruption, decisively dealt with the relevant personnel and restored internal order.

But the matter did not end there; a deeper conspiracy seems to be hidden behind the corruption scandal.

After completing the handover, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu left the Marquis's residence to travel the world and see all the beautiful landscapes.

They traveled light and embarked on an unknown journey. Along the way, the green mountains and clear waters, ancient temples and famous monasteries, all filled them with joy and delight.

In the water towns of Jiangnan, they rode in small boats, gliding along the winding waterways, admiring the white-walled and black-tiled houses and blooming peach blossoms on both banks. Xiao Ling couldn't help but exclaim, "The gentle beauty of Jiangnan is truly intoxicating." Su Jinxiu smiled and replied, "Yes, only by staying away from power struggles can one truly appreciate the beauty of this world."

However, their journey was not without its challenges. While passing through a small town, they encountered a band of robbers. Seeing their distinguished attire, the robbers attempted to rob them. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu remained calm. Xiao Ling, relying on his years of martial arts training, quickly subdued the bandit leader, while Su Jinxiu reasoned with them and appealed to their emotions, persuading them to reform. Ultimately, the robbers laid down their weapons, and Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu even gave them some money, allowing them to start a new life.

Continuing their journey, they arrived at an ancient mountain range. The mountain was shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. However, during the ascent, Su Jinxiu accidentally twisted her ankle. Xiao Ling was heartbroken and carried her step by step down the mountain. With the help of nearby villagers, Su Jinxiu's injury was treated.

After a period of rest, they set off again. This time, they arrived at the northern grasslands. On the vast grasslands, horses galloped, and the songs of the herdsmen filled the air. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu sat around a campfire with the herdsmen, enjoying delicious roasted mutton and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the grassland people.

During their journey, they also met many interesting people. There was a high-ranking monk who traveled the world and discussed the philosophy of life with them; there was a talented painter who painted beautiful landscapes for them; and there was a businessman with a troubled past who told them his entrepreneurial story.

However, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu's whereabouts were discovered by some people with ulterior motives. It turned out that the Marquis's rivals had been harboring resentment over their departure, fearing they would one day return and threaten their interests. Therefore, they sent assassins to try and kill Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu en route.

One day, while Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were resting at an inn, they noticed something unusual about their surroundings. Xiao Ling secretly observed and discovered the assassins' ambush. He and Su Jinxiu discussed their plan and decided to turn the tables on them.

One night, the assassins made their move. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu skillfully outmaneuvered them, utilizing the inn's terrain and environment to successfully counterattack. However, Xiao Ling sustained minor injuries during the fight.

After this crisis, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu realized that their journey might not always be peaceful. But they did not back down; instead, they became even more determined to continue.