Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 3 Planning for the Future

Su Jinxiu began to formulate a detailed plan for revenge and to protect her family. She rose early and went to bed late every day, studying music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and prose. She also learned to manage family affairs from the steward, thus cultivating her character and strategic thinking.

Before the first rays of sunlight entered the Marquis's residence at dawn, Su Jinxiu had already risen and was studying military strategy in her study. She knew that the path to revenge required not only talent and wisdom, but also sufficient strategy and courage.

During the day, she followed the butler to familiarize herself with every aspect of the family business, from the operation of the shops to the management of the estate, learning everything diligently. She listened attentively to the butler's experience and insights, occasionally offering her own, which impressed the butler with her intelligence and keen observation.

In the afternoon, Su Jinxiu gathered with her sisters in the garden. In the past, she might have been engrossed in playing and frolicking, but now, she cleverly used this opportunity to observe her sisters' words and actions, analyze their thoughts, and in order to win over supporters within the family.

As night fell and everyone else drifted off to sleep, Su Jinxiu continued practicing her music, chess, calligraphy, and painting by candlelight. Her brushstrokes flowed across the rice paper, and the music of her zither echoed in the quiet night.

At the same time, Su Jinxiu began to cultivate her own confidants in the mansion. She bestowed favors upon the loyal maids and servants, making them devoted to her.

One day, Su Jinxiu learned that the Marquis's mansion was about to launch a new business partnership with a wealthy merchant. She realized this was an excellent opportunity to showcase her abilities.

She meticulously prepared a detailed cooperation plan, which not only considered the distribution of benefits between the two parties but also proposed countermeasures for potential risks. When she presented the plan to her father, his eyes showed surprise and admiration.

However, this move aroused jealousy and vigilance among some members of the family.

Upon learning of this, Su Yue's resentment intensified. She joined forces with several treacherous elders in her clan to try and sabotage Su Jinxiu's plans.

At the family meeting, they were extremely critical of Su Jinxiu's proposal and raised many questions.

"What business sense does a little girl like her know? This plan is full of loopholes. If it is implemented, the Marquis's mansion will suffer heavy losses." An elder said sarcastically.

Su Jinxiu remained calm and composed. She stood up and responded to each question clearly and logically, explaining the advantages and feasibility of the proposed solution.

"Elders, Jinxiu is not acting rashly. This plan is the result of careful consideration and reference to many successful cases. If it can be implemented, the Marquis's Mansion will surely reap substantial benefits." Su Jinxiu's voice was firm and powerful.

Everyone fell into deep thought, and even the elders who had initially opposed the idea began to waver.

Just then, Su Yue suddenly interjected, "Sister, don't be so glib. This business is no small matter. If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility?"

Su Jinxiu gave her a cold look: "Sister, I am certainly capable of taking responsibility. But you, why are you obstructing me like this? Do you perhaps have some ulterior motive?"

Su Yue was speechless, choked by the words.

Ultimately, the father decided to adopt Su Jinxiu's plan.

As the cooperation progressed, the Hou family's business flourished, and Su Jinxiu's position in the family became increasingly secure.

But she knew this was only a small step on the road to revenge.

She continued to secretly investigate Su Yue and Gu Yu's movements and discovered that they were secretly colluding with the Marquis's family's hostile forces in an attempt to overthrow the family.

Su Jinxiu decided to accelerate her plans. She began to cultivate relationships with some powerful figures in the capital to secure more support and resources for the Marquis's mansion.

At a banquet, Su Jinxiu met the wife of a high-ranking official. With her talent and wisdom, she won the lady's favor.

Through this lady, Su Jinxiu obtained some important intelligence, which added a powerful bargaining chip to her revenge plan.

However, Su Yue and Gu Yu also noticed Su Jinxiu's actions. They decided to strike first and set another trap, trying to put Su Jinxiu in a desperate situation.