Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 317 Gratitude, Mysterious Visitor

The people were deeply grateful for the Marquis's help, which further enhanced the Marquis's prestige.

As reconstruction efforts continued, the Marquis's estate gradually regained its former vitality. Looking at their newly renovated homes, the people's gratitude towards the Marquis's estate deepened even further.

An old man led his family to the gate of the Marquis's mansion, knelt down and kowtowed: "Lord Marquis, Madam, if it weren't for you, our family would have no way to survive. We will never forget this kindness."

Xiao Ling quickly helped the old man up: "Please get up quickly, this is what the Marquis's mansion should do."

More and more people spontaneously organized themselves to present gifts they had made themselves to the Marquis's residence. These included exquisite embroidery, fresh fruits and vegetables, and thank-you letters written jointly by the people.

“We have no way to repay the great kindness of the Marquis’s family. We hope that the Marquis and his wife will accept these small gifts,” a young woman said.

Su Jinxiu said with emotion, "We appreciate everyone's kindness. We will continue to work together to make our lives better and better."

The Marquis's good deeds spread throughout the surrounding areas, and many people from other places also praised the Marquis's benevolence and righteousness.

"I heard that the Marquis's territory was hit by a disaster, and the entire Marquis's family did their best to help. It is truly admirable."

Some talented individuals came seeking to serve the Marquis's household.

"The Marquis's family is so benevolent and righteous, I am willing to do everything in my power to serve the Marquis's family."

However, the Marquis's high reputation also aroused jealousy and apprehension among some people.

A governor from a neighboring prefecture secretly sent people to investigate the Marquis's family's actions in disaster relief and reconstruction, trying to find something to use against them.

"Their high reputation is a threat to me; I must find out what's wrong with them."

Meanwhile, some ministers in the imperial court also began to discuss the matter.

"With the Marquis's family enjoying such popularity, could there be any disloyal intentions among them?"

Faced with these potential crises, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were not blinded by their emotions.

On the one hand, they continued to keep a low profile and do their duty; on the other hand, they strengthened communication with the imperial court to demonstrate the loyalty of the Marquis's mansion.

But troubles still ensued.

Someone reported that the Marquis's residence had acted unfairly in the distribution of disaster relief supplies, and rumors spread like wildfire.

"I heard that the Marquis's mansion keeps all the good resources for its own people and doesn't care about us ordinary people at all."

Xiao Ling immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, which ultimately revealed that someone had deliberately framed him.

"We must find the mastermind behind this and clear the Hou family's name."

During the investigation, Xiao Ling discovered that there seemed to be an even larger force manipulating things behind the scenes.

Su Jinxiu said worriedly, "Husband, it seems that someone doesn't want the Marquis's mansion to have an easy time."

Xiao Ling held Su Jinxiu's hand tightly: "No matter what, we have a clear conscience."

Just then, news came from the border that the war was escalating, and the imperial court ordered the Marquis's residence to send troops to provide support.

This was undoubtedly a huge challenge for the Marquis's mansion, which had just experienced disaster and reconstruction.

A mysterious visitor arrived at the Marquis's residence, bringing with him a mysterious message.

Just as the Marquis's mansion was overwhelmed with a series of problems, a mysterious figure appeared at the mansion's gate. This person was completely shrouded in a black cloak, making it impossible to see their face.

The gatekeeper, seeing his suspicious behavior, was about to stop him when the man handed over a jade pendant engraved with strange symbols, saying, "Give this jade pendant to the Marquis and his wife, and they will understand."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were both surprised when they saw the jade pendant, and quickly had someone invite the mysterious visitor into the mansion.

Inside the secret room, the mysterious visitor finally removed his cloak, revealing a weathered yet resolute face.

"My lord, my lady, I have long admired your name." The mysterious visitor's voice was deep and hoarse.

Xiao Ling cupped his hands and said, "May I ask what brings you here today?"

The mysterious visitor narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a low voice, "I have brought news concerning the life and death of the Marquis's mansion."

Su Jinxiu's heart tightened: "Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

The mysterious visitor took a deep breath and slowly said, "There are people in the court who are plotting against the Marquis's mansion. They have collected so-called 'evidence' of the Marquis's mansion's crimes in disaster relief and reconstruction, and are preparing to impeach the Marquis's mansion to the Emperor at the right time."

Xiao Ling's face darkened: "How could this happen! Who could be so vicious?"

The mysterious visitor shook his head: "I haven't found out exactly who it is yet. But this matter is absolutely true, and the Marquis and his wife need to make plans as soon as possible."

Su Jinxiu frowned: "Thank you for telling me, but I don't know why you want to help us?"

The mysterious visitor paused for a moment, then said, "I have received kindness from the Marquis's mansion, and I have come here to repay that kindness."

After saying this, the mysterious visitor got up to leave.

Xiao Ling hurriedly said, "Please wait, Your Excellency. If there is anything the Marquis's mansion can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

The mysterious visitor waved his hand and said, "I appreciate your kindness, Lord Marquis. Farewell." With that, he disappeared into the night.

After the mysterious visitor left, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu fell into deep thought.

"This news came suddenly; I don't know if it's true or not," Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu analyzed, "It's better to believe it exists than not. We need to be careful."

However, before they could come up with a solution, another problem arose.

One of the Hou family's important properties was suddenly attacked by an unknown force, resulting in heavy losses.

"Who on earth did this?" Xiao Ling was furious.

The investigation revealed that the attackers were skilled and well-trained, and were by no means ordinary robbers.

Su Jinxiu guessed, "Could it be related to the message brought by that mysterious visitor?"

The Marquis's residence was immediately thrown into chaos.

Just then, an imperial envoy arrived at the Marquis's residence, conveying the Emperor's decree, demanding that Xiao Ling immediately enter the palace to meet the Emperor.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were filled with trepidation, unsure whether this trip to the palace would bring them good fortune or misfortune.