Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 409 Court Celebration, Another Turmoil Begins

To celebrate the victory in the war, the court held a grand celebration.

Inside the palace, lanterns and decorations were everywhere, and melodious music filled the air, creating a joyful and peaceful atmosphere. Palace maids and eunuchs bustled about, making final preparations for the celebration.

The emperor, dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, sat on a high throne, his face beaming with a joyful smile.

"This victory is a blessing for our dynasty and should be celebrated properly."

Ministers and concubines also attended in their finest attire, offering their congratulations to the emperor.

As contributors to the cause, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were naturally among those invited.

Su Jinxiu was dressed in a gorgeous palace gown, and after being carefully made up, she looked even more dignified and beautiful.

Xiao Ling, clad in armor, was dashing and imposing.

The celebration began with singing and dancing, and the wonderful performances were dazzling.

"This celebration is truly spectacular."

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

Some people who were jealous of Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu whispered among themselves in the corner.

"Hmph, look at how smug they are, they'll be taught a lesson sooner or later."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu, however, paid no attention to any of this and were enjoying this rare moment of joy.

Just then, the emperor suddenly announced that he would reward the meritorious officials.

"Xiao Ling, Su Jinxiu, step forward to receive your orders."

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu respectfully stepped forward and knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

The emperor bestowed upon Xiao Ling a large amount of gold, silver, and fertile land and beautiful houses, and also conferred upon Su Jinxiu the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

However, this generous reward only aroused more jealousy and resentment.

After the celebration, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu returned to the Marquis's residence.

"My lord, although we were in such a glorious moment today, I still feel that someone is watching us from the shadows," Su Jinxiu said worriedly.

Xiao Ling held her hand and comforted her, "Madam, don't worry. We'll deal with whatever comes our way."

That very night, however, the Marquis's residence was struck by a mysterious fire.

"No, it's gone!"

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu quickly got up and organized everyone to put out the fire.

During the celebration, some unexpected incidents occurred.

Just as the palace celebrations were in full swing and everyone was immersed in joy, an unexpected storm quietly descended.

A dancer suddenly collapsed during her performance, foaming at the mouth and fainting on the spot. This unexpected turn of events shocked everyone present.

"What's going on?" the emperor roared.

Chaos erupted at the celebration. Some speculated it was food poisoning, while others suspected a deliberate poisoning plot.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu were also drawn to this unexpected situation.

"This matter is quite strange and needs to be investigated carefully," Xiao Ling said, frowning.

At that moment, a minister stepped forward and rebuked Xiao Ling.

"General Xiao, you were in charge of security for this celebration, and now that this has happened, you cannot shirk your responsibility!"

Xiao Ling's eyes sharpened, and he replied, "My lord, please do not rush to condemn me. The matter has not yet been investigated."

Su Jinxiu added, "Your Majesty, please give General Xiao a chance to find out the truth."

The emperor's face darkened, and he nodded, saying, "Very well, I will give you time to investigate this matter."

Xiao Ling immediately began an investigation. He discovered that the food and drinks consumed by the dancer were no different from those of others, ruling out the possibility of food poisoning.

"Could someone have poisoned her?"

Just when the investigation reached a stalemate, Xiao Ling discovered some strange powder on the dancer's jewelry.

"what is this?"

After examination, it was discovered that this was a rare poison.

Xiao Ling suspected that someone had smeared poison on the dancer's accessories beforehand, and that when she danced, her sweat came into contact with the poison, causing her to be poisoned.

During the investigation, Xiao Ling discovered some other clues.

It seems that someone wants to use this opportunity to disrupt the celebration, or even target Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu.

"Who exactly is behind this?"

Meanwhile, rumors were rampant in the palace.

"I heard that General Xiao's incompetence caused the celebration to go wrong."

"Perhaps General Xiao himself directed this whole thing to attract attention."

Su Jinxiu was furious when she heard these rumors in the palace.

“These people are clearly deliberately trying to smear my husband.”

Xiao Ling remained unmoved and continued to focus on investigating the truth.

Finally, he discovered a crucial clue that pointed to a powerful figure in the palace.

"It turned out to be him."

Xiao Ling decided to present the evidence to the emperor and reveal the truth.

However, the powerful figure was already prepared and turned the tables on him.

"Xiao Ling has framed me; his intentions are despicable."

The emperor was once again caught in a dilemma.