Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

On this day, the Marquis's mansion was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. From the gate to the courtyard, everything was newly decorated, adorned with clusters of flowers and fluttering ribbons. Servants bustled about, preparing a sumptuous feast and fine wine.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling personally greeted the guests at the entrance. One after another, magnificent carriages arrived, and dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and literati from the capital came to visit.

"Lord Li, welcome, welcome!" Xiao Ling smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to a court official.

"Young Master Xiao, the Marquis's residence is truly magnificent today!" Lord Li replied.

Su Jinxiu then greeted a noblewoman: "Madam Wang, it is an honor to have you here."

Guests chatted in small groups in the garden of the Marquis's residence, or enjoyed the performances that the residence had carefully prepared. Musicians played beautiful melodies, and dancers danced gracefully, filling the entire residence with laughter and joy.

In one corner of the banquet, several scholars were reciting poems and exchanging literary insights.

"Today's banquet at the Marquis's residence is a feast for the eyes and the palate. I wonder if any of you have any outstanding works to share?" an elderly scholar suggested.

Everyone picked up their pens, and soon, one after another, wonderful poems were produced.

Meanwhile, on the other side, wealthy businessmen were discussing business strategies.

“The silk business has become increasingly difficult lately. I wonder what your opinions are?” a wealthy merchant said.

Others shared their opinions and exchanged experiences.

Xiao Ling moved among the guests, exchanging pleasantries and listening to news and opinions from all sides.

Su Jinxiu, meanwhile, was among the women, chatting with them about fashion, beauty, and family matters.

"Miss Su, you manage your manor so well, what's your secret?" a lady asked curiously.

Su Jinxiu smiled and replied, "It's just about being conscientious. One must be fair and tolerant in dealing with servants and affairs."

Just as the banquet was in full swing, an accident suddenly occurred. A guest accidentally knocked over a vase, and the sound of the vase shattering was particularly jarring in the noisy banquet.

Everyone's eyes were attracted.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry!" the guest said awkwardly.

Xiao Ling quickly went over and said, "It's alright, it's alright. It's just a vase. Don't spoil everyone's fun."

Su Jinxiu quickly instructed her servants to clean up the scene and replace the vase with a new one.

However, this small incident acted as a fuse, triggering a series of minor mishaps. Some dishes were served to the wrong tables, and some drinks were not delivered on time.

The servants of the Marquis's mansion immediately became flustered.

Seeing this, Su Jinxiu calmly directed her servants: "Don't panic, proceed according to the previous arrangements."

Under Su Jinxiu's direction, the servants gradually restored order, and the banquet continued.

At that moment, a mysterious guest appeared at the banquet. He was wearing a black cloak and a veil, so his face could not be seen.

"And who is this guest?" Xiao Ling asked, puzzled.

The mysterious guest did not answer, but silently walked into the banquet hall.

A sense of unease welled up in Su Jinxiu's heart, but she maintained her smile and continued to entertain the other guests.

The mysterious guest sat down in a corner, quietly observing everything at the banquet.

As the banquet progressed, the mysterious guest suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Today's banquet at the Marquis's residence may seem lively, but it is actually fraught with danger!"

Everyone was stunned by these sudden words.

Xiao Ling stepped forward: "What makes you say that?"

The mysterious guest sneered, "You all know the answer in your hearts!"

After saying this, the mysterious guest turned and left the Marquis's residence.

The atmosphere at the banquet suddenly became tense.

"What exactly is going on?" The guests began to whisper among themselves, discussing the matter.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with doubt and worry...