Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 117 Resolving Disputes, Family Gathering

Upon learning of the difficulties the Marquis's family was facing in expanding their businesses, Su Jinxiu decided to personally address this thorny issue. She knew that simple physical confrontation could not fundamentally resolve the conflict; only wisdom and strategy could completely resolve this dispute.

Su Jinxiu, accompanied by a few trusted confidants, traveled light to the area. Instead of directly confronting the local forces hindering the expansion of the Marquis's estate, she first immersed herself in the lives of ordinary people, learning about their customs, traditions, and true thoughts.

"Auntie, how do you feel about life here?" Su Jinxiu chatted warmly with an elderly woman selling vegetables on the street.

The old woman sighed, "Alas, life is hard. Those with power and influence always bully us ordinary people."

Through her interactions with the local people, Su Jinxiu gradually gained a clear understanding of the situation. It turned out that the reason the local authorities dared to be so arrogant was because their long-term oppression of the people had led to widespread resentment.

Su Jinxiu had an idea in mind; she decided to start by winning over the hearts and minds of the people. She opened soup kitchens in the area to provide relief to the poor, while also explaining to them the benefits of the Marquis's family's business expansion.

"Fellow villagers, if the Hou family's businesses can develop smoothly here, it will bring more job opportunities, and everyone's lives will get better and better." Su Jinxiu's words were sincere and moving.

The people began to look forward to the arrival of the Marquis's residence.

At the same time, Su Jinxiu met with some respected local gentry.

"Gentlemen, the Marquis's Mansion has come here not to plunder, but to develop together with you and bring benefits to the region," Su Jinxiu said earnestly.

The local gentry were moved by her sincerity and expressed their willingness to support the Marquis's family.

With the support of the common people and local gentry, Su Jinxiu finally had a face-to-face negotiation with the leader of that local power.

“Your obstruction of the Marquis’s estate will ultimately harm the interests of the local people,” Su Jinxiu said righteously.

The leader remained defiant: "Hmph, don't try that. The Marquis's mansion won't get away with this here."

Su Jinxiu smiled slightly: "Do you think you can last long by relying on violence and tyranny? Now the people have already stood on the side of the Marquis's mansion. If you continue to be stubborn, you will surely become the target of everyone's criticism."

The leader began to waver.

Su Jinxiu pressed her advantage: "As long as you stop obstructing us, the Marquis's Mansion is willing to cooperate with you and develop together."

Ultimately, through Su Jinxiu's wisdom and eloquence, the local leaders agreed to no longer obstruct the Hou family's industrial expansion and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Hou family.

However, just when things seemed to be resolved satisfactorily, a new crisis quietly descended.

The Hou family's businesses in the area suddenly encountered a series of unexpected events, including the loss of goods and the vandalism of shops.

"Madam, someone must be sabotaging us behind this," Qin Xin said anxiously.

Su Jinxiu calmly analyzed: "It seems that there are still people who are not willing to give up."

After some investigation, Su Jinxiu discovered that it was actually a hardliner within the local power structure who was behind this.

"Since that's the case, don't blame me for being impolite." Su Jinxiu decided to take a tough stance.

She joined forces with local officials to crack down on this hardliner. At the same time, she strengthened security measures for the Marquis's estate.

Thanks to Su Jinxiu's efforts, the Marquis's family business finally gained a foothold in the local area and began to flourish.

But at this moment, some unfavorable news about the Marquis's mansion came from the imperial court...

To celebrate the successful expansion of the Hou family's businesses in the area and its recent achievements, the Hou family has decided to hold a grand family gathering.

On the eve of the gathering, the entire Marquis's residence was bustling with activity. Servants meticulously decorated the courtyard, adorning it with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Enticing aromas wafted from the kitchen as chefs prepared a sumptuous feast for the party.

Su Jinxiu personally supervised all the preparations to ensure that every detail was perfect.

"These decorations need to be arranged more neatly and beautifully," Su Jinxiu carefully instructed.

Xiao Ling was busy inviting relatives, friends, and powerful figures from the capital.

"This gathering must be a testament to the prosperity of the Marquis's mansion," Xiao Ling said.

On the day of the gathering, the Hou Mansion was bustling with activity as guests arrived one after another.

"Congratulations to the Marquis's residence! You are truly enjoying great prosperity now," a guest said, bowing respectfully.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu greeted each guest with smiles, showcasing the grandeur and hospitality of the Marquis's residence.

The party was filled with singing, dancing, and laughter. Family members showcased their talents, earning rounds of applause.

"The Marquis's family is full of talented people; their future is promising," someone exclaimed.

However, hidden beneath this seemingly harmonious atmosphere are some unknown undercurrents.

A distant relative, emboldened by alcohol, began to complain about the unfair treatment he received within the family.

"I have contributed a lot to the Marquis's mansion, so why am I not getting the recognition I deserve?" he shouted.

The situation became awkward, and Su Jinxiu quickly stepped forward to mediate.

“Cousin, please calm down. The Marquis’s mansion has never forgotten your contributions and will definitely make amends in the future.”

Just as things were calmed down on one side, two other disciples got into a fight over a treasure.

"I saw it first, so it should belong to me."

"Nonsense, I clearly got it first."

Xiao Ling's face darkened, and he shouted, "Stop it, all of you! What kind of behavior is this!"

Just then, a mysterious guest arrived uninvited.

"With the Marquis's residence so lively, how could I be absent?" the visitor said sarcastically.

Upon closer inspection, everyone realized it was Lord Zhao, the old rival of the Marquis's mansion.

"What are you doing here? You're not welcome here." Xiao Ling glared angrily.

Lord Zhao, however, did not take it to heart: "I just came to see the prosperity of the Marquis's mansion and, by the way, to remind you not to be too happy too soon."

Su Jinxiu said, "Lord Zhao, our Marquis's Mansion has done nothing wrong and is not afraid of your threats."

Lord Zhao gave a cold laugh and turned to leave.

After the party ended, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu fell into deep thought.

"It seems that the prosperity of the Marquis's mansion has aroused the jealousy and resentment of many people," Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu nodded: "But we cannot back down because of this. We must work even harder to protect the honor of the Marquis's mansion."

However, unbeknownst to them, a much larger conspiracy was quietly brewing...