Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 237 The Glory of the Marquis's Mansion, Hidden Dangers on the Frontier

Having weathered this storm, the Marquis's mansion is now even more glorious than before, becoming an object of admiration for all.

The Marquis's mansion was bustling with activity, as visitors came in an endless stream. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu stood inside the mansion, gazing at the lively scene, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

However, behind the glory lies greater responsibility and challenges. Every move of the Marquis's mansion is under close scrutiny, and the slightest misstep could invite criticism.

Xiao Ling was well aware of this, so he tightened his control over everyone in his household, demanding that they be careful with their words and actions and not abuse their power. At the same time, he also actively participated in the affairs of the court, offering advice and strategies for the prosperity of the country.

Su Jinxiu was busy managing the household affairs. She treated the servants kindly and managed the Marquis's mansion in an orderly manner. At the same time, she frequently organized charitable activities to help the poor, winning the praise of the people.

But great success attracts envy, and some jealous individuals began to plot against the Marquis's family. They spread rumors that the family was corrupt, accepting bribes, and oppressing the people. These rumors spread rapidly, causing discontent among some.

Upon learning of this, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu decided to take the initiative. On the one hand, they publicly clarified the rumors, and on the other hand, they investigated the source of the rumors.

After some effort, they discovered that these rumors were instigated by a powerful official in the imperial court. This official harbored resentment towards the Marquis's family and wanted to take this opportunity to strike at them.

Undeterred, Xiao Ling gathered evidence of the powerful official's crimes and exposed his conspiracy directly in court. The emperor was furious and dismissed the official from his post for investigation.

After this incident, the Marquis's reputation became even more outstanding. However, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu did not become arrogant or complacent. They knew that only by making greater contributions to the country and the people could the Marquis's glory last.

Just then, a sudden natural disaster struck. Floods inundated vast tracts of farmland, leaving people homeless.

The Marquis's mansion took the lead in donating money and supplies, and Xiao Ling personally led soldiers to the disaster area for rescue. Su Jinxiu, on the other hand, organized women in the rear to sew clothes and prepare food for the disaster victims.

Inspired by them, the imperial court and wealthy merchants from all over the country responded and joined forces to fight the disaster.

After months of effort, the floodwaters finally receded, and reconstruction began in the disaster area. The Marquis's good deeds spread throughout the country, and the people were deeply grateful to the Marquis.

However, just as the Marquis's mansion was basking in praise, an even greater crisis was quietly approaching.

It turned out that the neighboring country, seeing the disaster that had befallen its own country, saw it as a good opportunity to invade, and thus assembled a large army to prepare for war.

Panic gripped the court, and the emperor once again placed his hopes on Xiao Ling.

Although the internal crisis of the court has been resolved, there are still hidden dangers on the frontier, with occasional small-scale disturbances.

Beacon towers on the frontier frequently emitted warning smoke, and small groups of enemy troops appeared like ghosts, plundering the people's property and burning farmland. The people on the frontier lived in fear and anxiety, hoping that the imperial court could grant them peace.

Xiao Ling was deeply worried about this, knowing that if the hidden dangers on the border were not thoroughly resolved, the people would never have peace. Therefore, he petitioned the emperor to personally go to the border to reorganize the defenses.

The emperor granted his request and allocated him ample troops and supplies. Xiao Ling led his army day and night to the frontier.

Upon arriving at the frontier, Xiao Ling discovered that the defenses were lax and the soldiers' morale was low. He immediately set about rectifying military discipline, strengthening training, and simultaneously building city walls and adding defensive fortifications.

However, the enemy seemed to have noticed Xiao Ling's actions, and their harassment became more frequent and intense.

During a surprise attack by the enemy, Xiao Ling's army fought bravely, but many civilians were still injured. Looking at the wounded civilians and the burned-out houses, Xiao Ling was filled with anger and self-reproach.

He decided to take the initiative and strike the enemy hard. After careful planning, Xiao Ling led an elite force deep into the enemy camp under cover of night.

However, the enemy was prepared and had set up numerous traps. Xiao Ling's troops were in dire straits, and casualties continued to rise.

At the critical moment, Xiao Ling demonstrated extraordinary courage and wisdom. He led his soldiers in a desperate breakout and finally managed to retreat successfully.

This defeat made Xiao Ling realize that the enemy was fully aware of their actions and that there might be a traitor within the army.

He began a covert investigation, leaving no stone unturned. Finally, he discovered a lieutenant who had been bribed by the enemy.

Xiao Ling decisively executed the deputy general to uphold military discipline. However, this also made him realize that the enemy's influence had already penetrated deeply into the border regions.

Su Jinxiu was not idle in the capital either; she gathered intelligence from all over the place to provide support for Xiao Ling. At the same time, she also organized the people to raise supplies for the soldiers on the frontier.

However, just as Xiao Ling was preparing to launch another attack on the enemy, some discordant voices arose in the court. Some ministers, jealous of Xiao Ling's military achievements, slandered him to the emperor, saying that Xiao Ling was amassing power on the frontier and plotting a rebellion.

Although the emperor trusted Xiao Ling implicitly, these slanders still made him somewhat suspicious.