Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 415 The New Emperor's Favor, Palace Treasures

The new emperor showed great favor to the Marquis's family, further solidifying their position.

After the new emperor ascended the throne, he bestowed upon the Marquis's mansion a continuous stream of gifts. He not only granted them countless treasures, antiques, and fine silks, but also granted them special permission to expand their residence in the capital, demonstrating their noble status.

"Minister Xiao, the Marquis's family has been loyal to me, and this is what you deserve," the new emperor said in the court.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu hurriedly knelt down to express their gratitude: "Your Majesty's great kindness is something we would gladly die for."

At palace banquets, the new emperor always had Xiao Ling sit next to him as a sign of closeness.

"General Xiao, we owe our success in quelling this rebellion to you." The new emperor raised his cup to toast Xiao Ling.

The sons of the Marquis's family were also given important positions in the court.

"With the support of the Marquis's Mansion, my empire is so secure." The new emperor's words elevated the Marquis's Mansion's glory to a new level.

However, this also aroused jealousy and dissatisfaction among some ministers.

"The Marquis's mansion is now so powerful, it's probably not a good thing," some people whispered among themselves.

"Hmph, with the new emperor showing such favor to the Marquis's mansion, trouble is bound to happen sooner or later."

These comments reached the ears of Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu, and they couldn't help but feel worried.

“My lord, although the Marquis’s mansion is now favored, it has also attracted jealousy. We must be even more careful,” Su Jinxiu said.

Xiao Ling nodded: "Don't worry, Madam, I will act carefully."

To dispel the new emperor's doubts, Xiao Ling voluntarily resigned from some positions and expressed his willingness to use part of his rewards to help disaster victims.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's favor and have no way to repay it. I wish to do something practical for the people."

The new emperor greatly admired Xiao Ling's actions: "Minister Xiao's dedication to the people is truly a blessing to me."

But those who were jealous of the Marquis's family did not give up. They began to collect so-called "evidence" of the Marquis's family's crimes in an attempt to bring them down.

"I refuse to believe we can't find any evidence against the Marquis's mansion."

Once, a distant relative of the Marquis's family committed a crime in another place, and someone seized on this as leverage to spread rumors.

“The people of the Marquis’s mansion dare to break the law and regulations; they must be severely punished.”

Upon learning of this, the new emperor fell into deep thought.

"Your Majesty, this is just an isolated incident. The Marquis's family has always been loyal and steadfast. We must not believe rumors." A minister pleaded for the Marquis's family.

A legend has spread in the palace about a mysterious treasure that is said to possess magical powers.

This mysterious legend spread like wildfire throughout the palace. Some said the treasure could grant immortality and eternal youth; others said it could bestow upon its holder supreme power and control over the world; still others said it could bring prosperity and lasting peace to the nation.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had also heard this legend and were filled with curiosity.

"What exactly is this treasure, that it has such a magical legend?" Su Jinxiu couldn't help but ask.

Xiao Ling frowned: "Madam, this matter is probably not simple. This legend may bring a lot of trouble."

As expected, all factions were eager to seize this treasure.

Some of the concubines secretly inquired about the whereabouts of the secret treasure in the palace, hoping to gain more favor from the emperor.

"If we can find this treasure, His Majesty will definitely look at me differently."

The ministers in the court also sprang into action, attempting to be the first to obtain the secret treasure in order to increase their power in the court.

"Whoever obtains the secret treasure will control the situation."

Even some martial arts figures infiltrated the palace in an attempt to find clues.

For a time, the people in the palace were filled with anxiety, and the atmosphere became extremely tense.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu sensed the potential danger and decided to investigate the matter secretly.

They searched for records of the secret treasure in the ancient books in the palace, but found very little relevant information.

"The origin of this treasure is so mysterious; it seems to hide a huge secret behind it," Xiao Ling said.

Just when they were at their wits' end, Su Jinxiu accidentally obtained an important clue from an old palace maid.

"It is said that this treasure was once hidden by the late emperor in a secret palace."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu decided to risk going to that secret palace to explore.

However, their actions attracted the attention of others.

"Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu are searching for a secret treasure; we can't let them succeed."

On their way to the secret palace, they encountered numerous traps and assassinations.

"Watch out!" Xiao Ling shielded Su Jinxiu as she dodged a hidden arrow.

But they did not back down and finally arrived at the mysterious palace.

The palace was filled with an old and worn atmosphere, covered in dust and cobwebs.

"Husband, is there really a secret treasure here?" Su Jinxiu asked with some doubt.

Just then, they discovered a hidden secret room.