Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 413 Supporting the Orthodox Line, Providing Covert Assistance

After careful consideration, they decided to support the emperor's chosen rightful successor.

In the dim candlelight, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu discussed the situation carefully once again.

"Madam, after these days of deliberation, I believe that supporting the rightful heir in the Emperor's heart may be the only way out for the Marquis's mansion," Xiao Ling said solemnly.

Su Jinxiu nodded slightly, her eyes filled with determination: "What my husband says is absolutely right. Only in this way can we be legitimate and have a better chance of quelling this conflict."

However, determining the rightful heir was no easy task. The emperor was gravely ill and in a coma, and had never clearly expressed his intentions; they could only search for clues from past events.

They began a secret investigation into the emperor's past attitudes and evaluations of the princes, and reviewed a large number of court records.

“Husband, look here. The Emperor has praised the Fourth Prince’s intelligence and benevolence many times,” Su Jinxiu said, pointing to a yellowed book.

After reading it carefully, Xiao Ling seemed to understand something: "But this alone is not enough to confirm it; we need more evidence."

So they secretly interviewed the emperor's trusted eunuchs and palace maids, trying to extract some key information from them.

"Eunuch, this matter concerns the life and death of the Marquis's mansion. I hope you can reveal some details." Su Jinxiu stuffed a heavy silver ingot into the eunuch's hand.

After hesitating for a long time, the eunuch finally lowered his voice and said, "Madam, as far as this old servant knows, the Emperor once mentioned after getting drunk that the Fourth Prince resembled him the most when he was young."

Upon receiving this news, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had a glimmer of hope.

But their actions also alerted the other princes.

"Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu are secretly investigating the matter of the rightful heir; we must not let them succeed," the eldest prince said fiercely.

The second prince also looked worried: "If they find strong evidence to support the fourth prince, our plan will be completely ruined."

The Third Prince decided to strike first and sent assassins to kill Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu.

"Once they're dead, no one can stop us."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu sensed the approaching danger and strengthened the defenses of the Marquis's residence.

"Madam, please be very careful during this time," Xiao Ling instructed.

Just as they were cautiously pushing forward with their plan, another problem arose.

The fourth prince is indifferent by nature and seems to have little interest in power, so persuading him to participate in this struggle has become the key.

"Your Highness, the situation is critical. If you do not intervene, the palace will descend into chaos," Xiao Ling said earnestly.

The fourth prince shook his head and said, "General Xiao, I have no intention of vying for the throne; I only wish to live a peaceful life."

Without arousing the suspicion of the other princes, they secretly assisted the rightful heir.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu knew that they had to be extremely careful about this matter, otherwise all their efforts would be in vain.

They first secretly gathered a group of loyal and resourceful advisors in the Marquis's residence to discuss strategies for providing assistance.

"We must win over the hearts of the Fourth Prince discreetly, while simultaneously gathering evidence of the other princes' crimes," Xiao Ling said in a low voice.

Su Jinxiu nodded in agreement: "But we must not be too hasty, lest we alert the enemy."

Therefore, Xiao Ling used his old subordinates in the army to secretly spread some rumors that were detrimental to the other princes, thereby weakening their prestige in the army.

"The eldest prince is narrow-minded. If he succeeds to the throne, the soldiers will have no chance to rise up." These words circulated secretly in the military camp, causing some soldiers to waver.

Su Jinxiu, through her interactions with some concubines in the palace, subtly revealed the misdeeds of other princes, causing them to harbor resentment towards them.

"The Second Prince appears benevolent on the surface, but he is actually extremely hypocritical. Sisters, be careful."

At the same time, they secretly funded some neutral ministers, enabling them to speak on behalf of the fourth prince in court.

"The Fourth Prince is both benevolent and virtuous, and is truly the only suitable candidate for the throne."

However, their actions still aroused suspicion among some people.

"Xiao Ling's recent behavior has been rather strange; he seems to be plotting something."

"Su Jinxiu's behavior in the palace is also quite suspicious."

The other princes also began to intensify their surveillance of Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu.

"Keep a close eye on the Marquis's residence. Report any unusual activity they may be doing immediately."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had to be even more careful and act more secretly.

They used the dead of night to send secret messages, avoiding the notice of others.

"This intelligence must be delivered to the Fourth Prince tonight."

To confuse the enemy, they deliberately created false impressions, leading them to believe that their target was another prince.

"To keep them guessing about our true intentions."

During this process, the Marquis's residence also faced enormous pressure.

"Master, the Marquis's mansion is incurring huge financial losses, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to sustain this situation," the steward said with great concern.

"No matter what, I'll grit my teeth and persevere," Xiao Ling replied firmly.

With their secret assistance, the fourth prince gradually began to distinguish himself in the palace, but he still had a long way to go before ascending the throne.

"General Xiao, Madam Su, thank you for your help, but the road ahead is still difficult."