Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 474 The Emperor's Rewards, Four Court Rumors

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling successfully passed the emperor's test. The emperor was extremely satisfied with their performance and decided to reward them handsomely.

Inside the palace, the emperor sat high on his dragon throne, looking at Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling below with admiration in his eyes.

"Su Jinxiu, Xiao Ling, I am aware of your achievements on the frontier. Your loyalty and wisdom have greatly pleased me. I have decided to reward you handsomely." The emperor's voice echoed in the hall.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling knelt down to express their gratitude: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

The emperor first bestowed upon them a large amount of gold and silver treasures, and chests of jewels and jade artifacts were carried into their mansions.

"These gold and silver jewels are a small token of my appreciation; I hope you will enjoy them," the emperor said.

Then, the emperor bestowed upon them vast tracts of fertile land and luxurious mansions, making their lives even more affluent and comfortable.

"These fertile fields and mansions are my reward to you. I hope you will continue to serve the court."

However, that wasn't all. The emperor also bestowed upon Xiao Ling higher official positions and military power, giving him greater influence in the court.

"Xiao Ling, I have high hopes for you. I hope you will live up to my trust and do your best for the stability and prosperity of our dynasty."

The emperor rewarded Su Jinxiu with many precious silks and antiques, and allowed her free access to the palace to participate in some important decisions.

"Su Jinxiu, your intelligence and courage have impressed me greatly. In the future, you will be able to share my burdens in the palace."

For a time, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling became the envy and object of flattery among everyone in the palace.

However, this generous reward also attracted jealousy and resentment from some people.

"Why do they deserve so many rewards?" a minister said indignantly in private.

"Hmph, this is just temporary glory. Let's see how long they can be so smug," another minister chimed in.

Some people who had grudges against them in the past began to plot against them.

"We can't let them rise so easily; we must find a way to bring them down."

Faced with these jealousies and conspiracies, Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling maintained a clear head.

“My lord, we must be careful and not let these rewards go to our heads,” Su Jinxiu said.

Xiao Ling nodded: "Don't worry, Madam, I understand. These rewards are His Majesty's trust, so we must be even more careful in our words and actions."

However, trouble followed one after another. Someone falsely accused Xiao Ling before the emperor of holding too much military power and plotting a rebellion.

"Your Majesty, Xiao Ling now commands a large army; we must be wary of him."

Upon hearing this, the emperor inevitably harbored some doubts.

Beneath the tranquil surface of the palace, an invisible storm was quietly brewing. Rumors, originating from an unknown source, spread rapidly throughout the palace like a plague, stirring up widespread panic.

At first, only a few scattered whispers circulated among the palace maids and eunuchs.

"I've heard that the Emperor is seriously ill, and the political situation is about to change drastically."

"It seems that a certain empress was having an affair and was discovered."

These vague words, like willow catkins in the wind, drifted erratically, yet aroused people's curiosity and unease.

As time went on, the rumors became more and more specific and outrageous. Some said that Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling received the emperor's rewards because they used improper means to bribe the emperor's confidants.

"They appear loyal on the surface, but in reality they harbor ulterior motives."

There were also rumors that a coup was about to occur in the palace, with foreign powers colluding with court officials to seize power and usurp the throne.

"It seems the court is about to undergo a major upheaval."

These rumors were like sharp blades, piercing everyone's nerves. The palace maids were distracted, the eunuchs whispered among themselves, and the normal order of the palace was disrupted.

The Empress frowned as she heard these rumors in the palace.

"Who on earth did this? To slander the people of the palace so maliciously."

The emperor also learned of these rumors and was furious.

"Quickly find out the truth and severely punish those who spread rumors!"

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling were also caught up in the vortex of rumors.

"My lord, these rumors are spreading like wildfire, what should we do?" Su Jinxiu asked worriedly.

Xiao Ling pondered for a moment: "Madam, don't panic. We are upright and have nothing to fear. We will definitely find out the truth."

They began to secretly investigate the source of the rumors.

By questioning the palace maids and eunuchs, they discovered that the rumors seemed to have originated from a remote corner of the palace.

"That's where some disgraced concubines lived. Could it be them?"

Xiao Ling led his men to investigate, only to find that the concubines there were also bewildered, unaware of the origin of the rumors.

Meanwhile, the rumors continue to evolve and spread.

Some say that the palace treasures have been stolen and secretly moved out of the palace.

"That's royal wealth, how can it fall into the hands of others?"

Some people say that the emperor has secretly designated a new heir and is preparing to depose the current crown prince.

"What should we do? The palace is in chaos."

The entire palace was gripped by panic, and everyone felt insecure.