Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 411 Maintaining Neutrality, the Struggle for Succession

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling decided to remain neutral and not get involved.

Faced with the princes' fierce struggle for the throne and their constant attempts to win them over, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had an in-depth discussion in the Marquis's residence.

“Madam, the power struggles in the palace are like a whirlpool; once you get caught up in them, it’s hard to escape,” Xiao Ling said solemnly.

Su Jinxiu nodded slightly and replied, "What my husband says is absolutely right. We must stay true to ourselves and not be tempted by power and profit."

Therefore, they decided to publicly declare that the Marquis's Mansion would never participate in the struggle for the throne among the princes and would maintain a neutral stance.

However, their decision did not appease the princes. The eldest prince sent his trusted aides to try and threaten Xiao Ling.

"Xiao Ling, don't be ungrateful. If you don't support the Crown Prince, you'll lose your life and fortune."

Xiao Ling snorted coldly: "I, Xiao Ling, am upright and honest, why would I be threatened by you?"

The second prince adopted a policy of appeasement, sending more treasures and beautiful women.

"General Xiao, this is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will consider supporting me."

Xiao Ling sternly refused: "Your Highness, please take these things back. My mind is made up."

When the third prince saw that neither soft nor hard tactics worked, he spread rumors in the palace that Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu had secretly supported a certain prince, attempting to trap them in the suspicion and attacks of the other princes.

"What should we do?" Su Jinxiu asked worriedly.

Xiao Ling held her hand and comforted her, "Madam, don't be afraid. As long as we do the right thing, the rumors will naturally disappear."

However, the situation in the palace became increasingly complex, and the emperor's attitude towards Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu became more subtle.

"What exactly is Xiao Ling thinking?" the emperor wondered to himself.

Some ministers also began to speak to the emperor, accusing Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu of feigning righteousness while harboring ulterior motives.

"Your Majesty, the attitude of Xiao Ling and his wife suggests they may have ulterior motives."

In the inner palace, Su Jinxiu also faced exclusion and harassment from other concubines.

"Hmph, you think you can remain untainted in this palace?"

Despite facing immense pressure, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu remained steadfast in their neutral stance.

They were cautious in their words and actions in the palace, and tried to avoid having too much contact with any princes or ministers.

Just then, a major event occurred in the imperial court.

An important minister was investigated for suspected corruption, and this minister had a close relationship with a prince.

"This might be a turning point," Xiao Ling thought.

He decided to use this opportunity to demonstrate his loyalty and neutrality to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I have no interest in the princes vying for the throne; I only wish to serve Your Majesty and the country."

After hearing this, the emperor remained silent for a moment.

"Xiao Ling, I will trust you for now."

But Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu knew that the crisis was not completely over.

The princes' struggle continues, and the political landscape in the palace remains unpredictable.

As the situation develops, the battle for succession has entered a heated phase.

Within the palace, a tense atmosphere permeated every corner. The eldest prince, in an effort to increase his power, spared no expense in bribing high-ranking officials, attempting to win over more people to serve him.

"As long as you support me, you will surely enjoy wealth and honor in the future," the eldest prince solemnly promised to the sycophantic ministers.

The second prince, under the guise of benevolence and righteousness, extensively befriended scholars and literati, attempting to build momentum for himself through public opinion.

"I will govern the country with benevolence and virtue, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment." The second prince's words spread among the people and won the hearts of many.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the third prince began to secretly plot a conspiracy to frame the other princes in order to achieve his goal of ascending to the throne.

"What does it matter if I have to use any means to get to the throne?" The Third Prince's thoughts became increasingly sinister.

Although the Marquis's residence, where Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu reside, has maintained neutrality, it has still become the focus of attention from all sides.

"Xiao Ling, if you don't make a statement, don't blame me for being impolite!" The First Prince put pressure on Xiao Ling again.

Xiao Ling remained unmoved: "Your Highness, I am only loyal to His Majesty and the country. The matter of the heir apparent is not something I can interfere with."

The second prince also sent someone to persuade him: "General Xiao, we share the same ideals, why not join hands to create a great cause together?"

Xiao Ling replied, "Your Highness, I had no intention of getting involved. Please understand."

Su Jinxiu also faced many troubles in the palace. Some concubines, in order to curry favor with the princes they supported, ridiculed Su Jinxiu.

"Su Jinxiu, do you think the Marquis's mansion can remain unscathed? Don't dream!"

Su Jinxiu responded calmly: "Sisters, the Marquis's Mansion only wants to do its part for the peace of the palace, and has no other requests."

Just then, a sudden turn of events shattered the balance. The emperor suddenly fell seriously ill and went into a coma, plunging the palace into chaos.

The princes seized the opportunity to vie for power even more recklessly.

The eldest prince attempted to control the palace guards and seize control of the situation.

The second prince, on the other hand, tried to win over more ministers in the court to gain their support.

The third prince was secretly plotting a coup, preparing to forcibly seize the throne.

Xiao Ling knew that if the situation continued to deteriorate, the country would fall into civil war.

“Madam, we can no longer sit idly by,” Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu nodded: "Husband, what should we do?"

Xiao Ling decided to step forward and maintain the stability of the palace.

He summoned his trusted confidants to strengthen the defenses of the Marquis's residence, just in case.

"Everyone in the Marquis's residence must remain vigilant."

Meanwhile, Xiao Ling secretly entered the palace to meet the Empress.

"Your Majesty, the situation is critical. We urge you to take charge."

The Empress said with a worried expression, "General Xiao, I don't know what to do either."

Xiao Ling suggested, "Your Majesty, the most urgent task is to ensure His Majesty's safety and stabilize public sentiment."

Thanks to Xiao Ling's efforts, the situation in the palace was temporarily brought under control.

However, the battle for the crown prince position is not over, and various forces are still secretly vying for power.