Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 108 Rising Fame, Xiao Ling's Mission

In the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns, people were talking about Su Jinxiu's deeds.

"I heard that Lady Su Jinxiu of the Marquis's mansion, with her extraordinary wisdom and courage, uncovered a shocking conspiracy and saved the Marquis's mansion."

"Indeed, she is a true heroine, worthy of admiration."

Su Jinxiu's name became a symbol of heroism in the hearts of the people of the capital, and her story was adapted into operas and performed on stage.

Some young ladies from prominent families regarded Su Jinxiu as a role model and followed her intelligence and perseverance.

"I also want to be like Madam Su Jinxiu, bravely facing difficulties," a young lady said.

Even some literary figures wrote poems and painted pictures in praise of Su Jinxiu's character and talent.

However, along with his growing fame came a lot of trouble.

Some women who were jealous of Su Jinxiu began to spread rumors in an attempt to tarnish her reputation.

"Hmph, she's just lucky. Maybe she's using some underhanded methods behind the scenes."

Some men with ulterior motives tried to get close to Su Jinxiu, attempting to curry favor with the Marquis's family.

"Madam Su, I have long admired you. I wonder if I would have the honor of having a conversation with you?"

Faced with these rumors and malicious individuals, Su Jinxiu remained calm and composed.

She knew that fame was fleeting, and what mattered was staying true to herself.

Xiao Ling felt sorry for Su Jinxiu's distress and said, "Jinxiu, don't pay attention to those people's nonsense."

Su Jinxiu smiled and replied, "Don't worry, my husband, I won't let these trivial matters affect my mood."

But the matter did not end there.

One day, Su Jinxiu received a challenge letter. It turned out to be from a woman who was arrogant and proud of her talent. She was dissatisfied with Su Jinxiu's reputation and wanted to compete with her.

"I have heard that Madam Su is exceptionally intelligent, so I have come here to seek her guidance."

Su Jinxiu gladly accepted the challenge.

The competition attracted a large crowd of onlookers.

With her erudition and wit, Su Jinxiu once again won everyone's admiration.

The woman who had challenged him was completely convinced of his defeat: "Mrs. Su, I am truly convinced of my loss. You are indeed worthy of your reputation."

Just when Su Jinxiu thought she could finally breathe a sigh of relief, another crisis quietly descended...

As Su Jinxiu's fame spread, Xiao Ling, due to his firm stance and outstanding performance during the turmoil in the Marquis's mansion, also gained the emperor's appreciation and was given an important position. The emperor entrusted him with a difficult and important mission—to reorganize the border defenses.

Xiao Ling was well aware of the great significance of this mission and understood the difficulties and obstacles involved. But he had no intention of backing down and was determined to do his best.

Back at the Marquis's residence, Xiao Ling discussed the matter with Su Jinxiu.

“Jinxiu, I don’t know when I will return from this trip to the frontier, but it is my responsibility, and I will certainly live up to my mission,” Xiao Ling said with a firm gaze.

Su Jinxiu held his hand, her eyes full of support and trust: "Husband, go ahead with peace of mind. I'll take care of things at the Marquis's residence."

Xiao Ling nodded and immediately began intensive preparations. He summoned a group of capable generals and strategists to discuss defense strategies.

During the preparation period, Xiao Ling faced numerous difficulties. On the one hand, the military funds allocated by the imperial court were limited, and supplies were scarce; on the other hand, some officials secretly hindered his actions and attempted to sabotage his plans.

"General Xiao, this is all the military funds we have. You can decide what to do with it," the official in charge of allocating funds said sarcastically.

Xiao Ling suppressed his anger: "How can you treat the safety of the nation so casually!"

To solve the funding problem, Xiao Ling had to travel around seeking support from various parties. Some wealthy merchants who had previously been on good terms with the Marquis's family offered their help at this critical moment.

"General Xiao, this amount of money is nothing compared to the stability of the country."

However, new problems arose one after another. The complex geographical environment of the frontier and the unknown situation of the enemy posed a great challenge to the defense deployment.

"General, this place is mountainous and densely forested, making it easy for the enemy to hide. We must proceed with caution," a general said worriedly.

Xiao Ling personally led a team to survey the terrain and formulated a detailed battle plan.

After months of arduous preparations, Xiao Ling finally led his army to the frontier. Along the way, they endured wind and rain, sleeping in the open, facing constant hardships and dangers.

But Xiao Ling maintained high morale throughout, inspiring his soldiers to move forward.

Upon arriving at the frontier, Xiao Ling discovered that the situation was even more dire than he had imagined. Enemy troops frequently harassed the border, causing immense suffering to the local people.

"General, the enemy troops came to plunder again yesterday and killed many civilians," a soldier reported.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling was furious: "Pass on my orders to strengthen defenses and prepare to meet the enemy!"

In the days that followed, Xiao Ling shared weal and woe with his soldiers, trained diligently, and prepared for a decisive battle with the enemy.

However, on the eve of the great battle, a bizarre incident suddenly occurred in the army...