Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 378 Arsonist, the Mastermind Revealed

The fire was discovered to be arson, involving complex conflicts of interest.

After a painstaking investigation and meticulous analysis, the Marquis's residence finally determined that the fire was arson. Behind this truth, however, lay a complex web of vested interests.

As the investigation deepened, all signs pointed to the Marquis's business rivals. It turned out that, in order to seize market share and resources, they were willing to resort to such ruthless methods, attempting to destroy the Marquis's important industries in one fell swoop.

"These guys are truly ruthless and will stop at nothing for profit!" Xiao Ling was furious.

Su Jinxiu also looked grave: "But things are probably not that simple. There may be other forces supporting them behind the scenes."

Further investigation revealed that some personnel within the Marquis's residence were also involved. Certain traitors, tempted by profit, colluded with external forces, providing the arsonists with inside information and assistance.

"There's a traitor among us! It's utterly despicable!" The people of the Marquis's residence were filled with indignation.

Meanwhile, some powerful figures in the imperial court were also implicated. They coveted the development of the Marquis's estate and attempted to use the fire to suppress it in order to gain personal profit.

"These corrupt officials in the court are actually stabbing us in the back!"

The Marquis's mansion was instantly plunged into an extremely difficult situation. It had to deal with malicious attacks from external competitors, purge internal traitors, and guard against further suppression from powerful officials in the imperial court.

Xiao Ling decided to start with internal reforms. He ordered a thorough investigation of all personnel involved in this business, to root out those who had betrayed the Marquis's estate.

"Don't let a single one escape; they must be severely punished!"

However, this action caused panic and turmoil within the Marquis's residence.

"Is the Marquis planning a major purge? We are all utterly loyal."

Some innocent people also began to worry that they would be implicated.

Su Jinxiu was busy calming everyone down: "As long as you do the right thing, the Marquis's mansion will never wrong an innocent person."

While cleaning up internal issues, Xiao Ling also actively prepared to deal with external threats. He strengthened ties with some reliable partners to jointly resist the combined suppression from competitors.

"As long as we are united, we are not afraid of their conspiracies and tricks."

But the competitors did not give up. They spread rumors and defamed the Marquis's reputation, which also affected the Marquis's other businesses.

"The Marquis's residence is poorly managed, and the quality of its products is unreliable."

Many customers began to waver and canceled their orders.

"What can we do? All the orders have stopped, how will the Marquis's mansion survive?"

Meanwhile, powerful figures in the imperial court took the opportunity to put pressure on the Marquis's mansion, demanding that it relinquish control of some of its properties.

"The Marquis's residence must obey the imperial court's arrangements, or it will bear the consequences."

After a thorough investigation, the mastermind behind it was uncovered.

When the Marquis's mansion faced numerous difficulties, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu did not back down at all. They led the investigation team to work day and night, leaving no stone unturned. Finally, after in-depth investigation, they successfully uncovered the mastermind behind the scenes.

It turned out that the man was a long-neglected member of a collateral branch of the Marquis's family. Out of jealousy of Xiao Ling's status and the glory of the Marquis's family, he was bribed by his rivals and colluded with external forces to plan the arson.

"It was him! We never knew he had such a wolfish ambition!" Everyone in the Marquis's mansion was shocked and furious.

Among the external forces, the leading one is another powerful family that has been competing with the Marquis's family in business for many years and has a deep-seated grudge. In order to suppress the Marquis's family, they will stop at nothing and even break the law.

"These people are utterly ruthless and insane when it comes to profit!"

However, finding the culprit is only the first step; the real challenge lies in how to handle this complex situation.

After being exposed, the collateral descendant who betrayed the Marquis's mansion showed no remorse whatsoever. Instead, he attempted to incite other disgruntled clansmen to create chaos within the mansion.

"The Marquis's mansion has treated us unfairly; let's all rebel together!"

Some clansmen, unaware of the truth, were misled by him and began to question Xiao Ling's leadership.

"Has our loyalty all along been betrayed?"

At the same time, the powerful families also used their connections in the imperial court to put pressure on the Marquis's mansion, attempting to force it to compromise in this struggle.

"If the Marquis's family does not want to be disgraced, they should obediently give up their share of the property."

Some officials in the imperial court also took the opportunity to attack the Marquis's mansion, demanding that Xiao Ling give a satisfactory explanation, otherwise they would severely punish the Marquis's mansion.

"The Marquis's mansion must give the court an explanation, otherwise it will be difficult to appease public anger."

Faced with such a complex situation, Xiao Ling demonstrated extraordinary decisiveness.

He first decisively dealt with the traitor to uphold the family rules of the Marquis's mansion.

"Those who betray the Marquis's mansion will be severely punished!"

At the same time, he explained the truth of the matter to his people in detail, cleared up the misunderstanding, and stabilized the morale of the tribe.

"The Marquis's mansion will never mistreat any loyal clansman, but it will also never tolerate traitors."

Su Jinxiu actively communicated with upright officials in the court, seeking their support and understanding.

"The Marquis's family is wholeheartedly devoted to serving the imperial court. This time, we have been framed. We hope that Your Excellency will investigate thoroughly."

Thanks to the efforts of the Marquis's family, some officials began to change their attitude and expressed sympathy and support for the family.

But the powerful family was not willing to give up. They continued to plot in secret, attempting to deliver a fatal blow to the Marquis's mansion.

Just when the Marquis's family thought the situation was gradually improving, they suddenly discovered that several of their important businesses had been maliciously sabotaged, resulting in heavy losses.

"They must have done this again!"

Moreover, the Marquis's reputation among the people was also affected, and the public's trust in the Marquis's mansion decreased.

"Is the Marquis's mansion in dire straits?"