Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 9 Xiao Ling's Attention

Xiao Ling heard Su Jinxiu's poems at the poetry gathering and became very interested in her, so he secretly sent people to investigate her.

The messengers quickly returned with information about Su Jinxiu. Xiao Ling learned that Su Jinxiu was the legitimate daughter of a marquis, not only exceptionally talented but also kind-hearted, and highly respected by the servants in the household. However, her situation was not without its challenges; her half-sister, Su Yue, harbored jealousy and frequently sabotaged her behind her back.

Listening to these reports, Xiao Ling felt a surge of pity for Su Jinxiu. He recalled her confident yet gentle demeanor at the poetry gathering and felt even more that this woman was extraordinary.

That day, Su Jinxiu was invited to a gathering of wealthy women. Upon learning this, Xiao Ling also made an excuse to go.

At the party, Su Jinxiu's elegant demeanor and graceful responses earned her high praise from all the ladies present. Xiao Ling observed silently from the side, his admiration growing ever more evident.

Su Jinxiu noticed Xiao Ling's gaze and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled, but she still politely nodded slightly to him.

After the party, Xiao Ling deliberately created an opportunity to meet Su Jinxiu.

"Miss Su, it's nice to see you again," Xiao Ling said with a smile.

Su Jinxiu bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Yan."

“Miss Su, there’s no need for such formality. I have always admired your talent,” Xiao Ling said.

Su Jinxiu smiled gently: "Your Highness flatters me. I am merely smattering of literature."

Looking at her humble demeanor, Xiao Ling was even more pleased: "Miss Su is too modest."

After that, Xiao Ling frequently appeared at places where Su Jinxiu might be, causing much discussion among the people in the capital.

When Su Yue learned of this, she felt both jealous and resentful.

"This Su Jinxiu, I don't know what methods she used, to make His Highness the Prince of Yan pay so much attention to her," Su Yue complained to her mother in the room.

The mother comforted her, "Yue'er, don't worry. We have to think of a way to prevent Su Jinxiu from succeeding."

So the mother and daughter began plotting their scheme again.

They deliberately spread rumors in the Marquis's residence, saying that Su Jinxiu was having an affair with the Prince of Yan, which was improper. These rumors quickly reached the ears of the old lady, who summoned Su Jinxiu for questioning.

"Jinxiu, are the rumors outside true?" the old lady asked with a serious expression.

Su Jinxiu quickly knelt down: "Grandmother, Jinxiu and His Highness Prince Yan only met by chance, and there was absolutely no overstepping of boundaries. Those rumors are completely fabricated."

The old lady looked at her and sighed: "Jinxiu, you must know that the reputation of the Marquis's mansion is of utmost importance."

Su Jinxiu replied, "Grandmother, don't worry, Jinxiu understands."

Although Su Jinxiu explained the situation clearly, the rumors still had some impact on her. Some of the young ladies who were originally on good terms with her began to distance themselves from her, and Xiao Ling was furious when he learned of this.

He decided to personally step forward to clear Su Jinxiu's name.

At a banquet, Xiao Ling said in front of everyone, "Miss Su and I are completely innocent. Please stop spreading those malicious rumors."

No one dared to say another word.

However, this did not make Su Yue and her daughter give up.

They bribed a rogue to harass Su Jinxiu while she was out, hoping to ruin her reputation.

Fortunately, Xiao Ling had been secretly protecting Su Jinxiu, and they arrived in time to drive the scoundrel away.

"Miss Su, were you frightened?" Xiao Ling asked with concern.

Su Jinxiu shook her head: "Thank you, Your Highness. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do."

Xiao Ling said, "Miss Su, you don't need to be so polite. I will never let such a thing happen again."

After all these events, Su Jinxiu's gratitude towards Xiao Ling grew stronger, while Xiao Ling's feelings for Su Jinxiu became increasingly clear.

However, their relationship was still full of twists and turns.

Some factions in the court noticed Xiao Ling's feelings for Su Jinxiu and saw this as a weakness they could exploit. They began to slander him to the Emperor, saying that Xiao Ling was obsessed with women and was unfit for important tasks.

The emperor was displeased upon hearing this and developed a dissatisfaction with Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling is in a dilemma. On the one hand, he has to deal with the pressure from the court, and on the other hand, he is worried that he will implicate Su Jinxiu.

Upon learning of this, Su Jinxiu decided to step forward and help Xiao Ling overcome his difficulties.

She used her connections in the capital to gather intelligence favorable to Xiao Ling and persuaded her father to speak on Xiao Ling's behalf in court.

With Su Jinxiu's help, Xiao Ling gradually resolved the crisis.

The emperor realized that he had been misled by slander and entrusted Xiao Ling with important responsibilities again.

Having gone through this ordeal, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu's relationship became even stronger. They understood that there would be more difficulties and challenges in the future, but as long as they stood together, they would surely be able to overcome them.