Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 221 Consolidating Power

To prevent a similar incident from happening again, they took a series of measures to consolidate the power of the Marquis's mansion.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling first strengthened their alliances with other powerful families. They meticulously planned a series of social events, inviting many influential families in the capital to participate. During these events, Su Jinxiu, with her elegant demeanor and exceptional intelligence, established good relationships with the women of each family. Xiao Ling, on the other hand, deepened his relationships with the male heads of various families through hunting, martial arts competitions, and other activities, reaching a series of cooperative agreements.

Meanwhile, they vigorously cultivated talent within the Marquis's mansion. Su Jinxiu established a special academy, hiring top scholars and instructors to teach knowledge and skills to the young members of the Marquis's mansion. Xiao Ling personally guided young people with martial arts talent, training them into an elite guard to protect the safety of the Marquis's mansion.

In terms of economics, Su Jinxiu reformed the Marquis's business operation model, expanded trade channels, and established close cooperative relationships with merchants from various regions. The Marquis's businesses continued to grow, and its wealth accumulated day by day.

However, their actions aroused jealousy and fear among some. Some smaller families worried that the expansion of the Marquis's power would threaten their survival and began to unite against the Marquis.

One day, a merchant caravan belonging to the Marquis's mansion was attacked en route, its goods stolen, and its members injured or killed. Upon learning of this, Xiao Ling was furious. He led his guards to investigate the culprits and discovered that it was the work of several small families working together.

Su Jinxiu decided to adopt a conciliatory approach, inviting the heads of these smaller families to the Marquis's residence for negotiations. At the negotiating table, Su Jinxiu reasoned with them and appealed to their emotions, promising that if they ceased their opposition to the Marquis's residence, the residence would share some of its business interests with them. However, if they persisted in their ways, the Marquis's residence would retaliate at all costs.

Most of the clan leaders were moved by Su Jinxiu's sincerity and decided to reconcile with the Marquis's mansion. However, one clan leader remained stubborn and refused Su Jinxiu's proposal.

Xiao Ling decided to teach them a lesson. He led his guards in a night raid on the family's stronghold, annihilating their armed forces and recovering the stolen goods.

This action deterred other restless forces, further enhancing the prestige of the Marquis's residence.

However, just as the Marquis's power was at its zenith, the political landscape shifted. New powerful ministers rose to prominence, uneasy about the Marquis's growing strength. They spoke before the emperor, accusing the Marquis of wielding military power and harboring treacherous intentions.

The emperor began to suspect the Marquis's family and reduced the rewards and support given to them.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling realized that relying solely on their own strength was not enough; they needed to find new allies within the imperial court.

They began secretly contacting some upright officials, expressing the Marquis's loyalty and seeking their support. After some effort, they gained the recognition and assistance of some officials.

However, problems also arose within the Marquis's residence at the same time. Some of the promoted talents began to become arrogant and form cliques, affecting the unity of the Marquis's residence.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling acted decisively, rectifying internal discipline and punishing those who broke the rules.

Just as they were struggling to cope with various challenges, a sudden disaster struck.

A severe flood occurred near the capital, leaving many people homeless. The court's ineffective disaster relief efforts fueled public discontent.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling decided to step forward and use the resources and manpower of the Marquis's mansion to participate in disaster relief.