Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 406 Xiao Ling's Triumphant Return, A Moment of Glory

Xiao Ling eventually returned in triumph and was rewarded by the emperor.

Amidst the eager anticipation of the people of the capital, Xiao Ling led his valiant army back in a grand and imposing manner. Banners fluttered, hooves thundered, and the entire capital was immersed in the joy of victory.

The emperor personally greeted them at the palace gate, his eyes filled with admiration and satisfaction.

"Xiao Ling, your military achievements are outstanding, and I will reward you handsomely!" the emperor said loudly.

Xiao Ling dismounted and knelt to pay his respects: "Thank you, Your Majesty. This is my duty."

Afterwards, Xiao Ling was led into the palace, where a grand victory banquet was held. The palace was filled with singing and dancing, and the ministers toasted Xiao Ling to congratulate him.

"General Xiao, truly a hero emerges from among the young!"

"This victory is entirely due to General Xiao's skillful command!"

Xiao Ling responded humbly to everyone's praise, but his heart was with Su Jinxiu, who was still dealing with the crisis in the palace.

At this moment, Su Jinxiu heard the news of Xiao Ling's triumphant return, and the weight in her heart finally lifted.

"My husband is finally back."

However, her crisis was not entirely over. The conspirators were even more jealous and resentful when they saw Xiao Ling return and receive the emperor's reward.

"We can't let them get too cocky."

So they slandered him before the emperor again.

"Your Majesty, although Xiao Ling has made outstanding military achievements, his merits are too great and threaten the emperor's position. We must be wary of him."

Upon hearing this, the emperor frowned slightly, a hint of doubt rising in his mind.

Xiao Ling sensed this undercurrent in the palace and decided to take the initiative.

He met with the emperor and earnestly said, "Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to you and have no disloyal intentions. Now, some people are deliberately sowing discord, and I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then said, "Xiao Ling, of course I trust you."

But Xiao Ling knew that more effort was needed to completely dispel the emperor's doubts.

Meanwhile, Su Jinxiu was not idle either. She took advantage of Xiao Ling's return to further consolidate her position in the palace.

"My dear sisters, now that our husband has returned in triumph, we should work together for the prosperity of our country."

Some of the originally neutral concubines began to gravitate towards Su Jinxiu.

With the joint efforts of Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu, the emperor's doubts gradually dissipated.

"It seems I was overthinking things. Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu are indeed loyal."

The Marquis's mansion was greatly honored by Xiao Ling's military achievements, becoming the focus of everyone's attention.

In the capital, the Marquis's mansion was bustling with activity, as people came in an endless stream to offer their congratulations. The entire mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a joyous and festive atmosphere.

"General Xiao is truly the pride of the Marquis's mansion!"

"The Marquis's status is now unmatched."

People expressed their envy and admiration for the glory of the Marquis's mansion.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were busy receiving guests from all sides in the Marquis's mansion, their faces beaming with happiness and pride.

However, this honor also attracted a lot of jealousy and envy.

"Hmph, the Marquis's mansion is so prosperous now, but it will have its downfall sooner or later." Some people with ulterior motives muttered to themselves behind his back.

In the palace, some powerful figures also felt uneasy about the rise of the Marquis's mansion.

"We cannot allow the Marquis's power to continue to expand; we must find a way to suppress it."

They began plotting to damage the reputation of the Marquis's mansion.

At the same time, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were well aware of the hidden dangers behind the glory.

“Although the Marquis’s mansion is now enjoying unparalleled glory, we cannot let our guard down,” Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu nodded in agreement: "We must be careful and not give the enemy any opportunity."

In order to consolidate the Marquis's position, Xiao Ling decided to strengthen ties with other loyal ministers and generals.

"We must unite as one and serve the imperial court together."

Meanwhile, Su Jinxiu acted cautiously in the palace, trying not to offend anyone, while also keeping an eye on any developments that could be detrimental to the Marquis's mansion.

At a palace banquet, a powerful nobleman deliberately provoked Xiao Ling.

"General Xiao, your military achievements must not have come from luck, right?"

Xiao Ling's face darkened, but he remained calm: "Your Excellency is mistaken. Victory on the battlefield depends on the soldiers' bloody battles and His Majesty's good fortune."

Seeing this, Su Jinxiu quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Gentlemen, today is a joyous occasion, let's not let these words ruin the harmony."

However, the controversy did not end there.

When their provocation failed, the conspirators devised an even more vicious scheme.

They spread rumors that the Marquis's family was corrupt, accepted bribes, and oppressed the people.

The news quickly spread throughout the capital, arousing public dissatisfaction and anger.

The Marquis's residence was caught in a vortex of public opinion.