Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 79 Countermeasures

In the dark and damp cell, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu sat facing each other, their expressions solemn but their gazes resolute.

"Jinxiu, Liu Yi struck first this time, and the situation is extremely unfavorable for us." Xiao Ling frowned, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Su Jinxiu gently held Xiao Ling's hand and comforted him, "Husband, don't worry. The more difficult the times, the more we need to think calmly and find a way to deal with them."

Xiao Ling nodded and began to analyze: "Now that Liu Yi is slandering us before the emperor, our first priority is to find a way to meet with the emperor and clarify the facts."

After pondering for a moment, Su Jinxiu said, "It will be difficult to directly request an audience with the Emperor. Liu Yi will definitely try his best to obstruct us. We need to find someone who can speak on our behalf before the Emperor."

“But now Liu Yi wields immense power, and most officials in the court are afraid of him. Who would be willing to risk helping him?” Xiao Ling asked worriedly.

Su Jinxiu's eyes flashed, and she said, "I remember that my father once had a close friend, Minister Li, who was an upright man. Perhaps he can help us."

A glimmer of hope ignited in Xiao Ling's eyes: "Then we need to contact Minister Li as soon as possible."

Su Jinxiu continued, "In addition, we also need to collect more evidence of Liu Yi's crimes so that he cannot deny them."

Xiao Ling frowned: "But we're in prison now, how are we supposed to collect this information?"

Su Jinxiu smiled slightly: "We can entrust the Marquis's loyal steward to carry out his duties secretly outside."

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement: "Okay, we'll do as you say."

However, before their plan could even begin, they encountered a new problem. Liu Yi seemed to have sensed their intentions and tightened security on the cells, strictly forbidding anyone from contacting them.

"Liu Yi is indeed cunning, cutting off our possibility of contact with the outside world," Xiao Ling said angrily.

Su Jinxiu was not discouraged: "He can blockade us for a while, but he can't blockade us forever. We need to wait patiently for the right opportunity."

Just as they were racking their brains for a solution, a mysterious visitor suddenly arrived at the prison cell.

"Lord Xiao, Madam Su, how have you been?" The visitor was masked and spoke in a low voice.

Xiao Ling looked at the newcomer warily: "Who are you?"

The mysterious man said softly, "I'm here to help you."

Su Jinxiu asked in confusion, "Why are you helping us?"

The mysterious man slowly said, "Liu Yi has committed numerous evils, and I have long been disgusted by him. I heard that the Marquis and his wife have been unjustly imprisoned, so I have come to help them."

Xiao Ling was skeptical: "What method do you have to get us out?"

The mysterious man pulled a key from his pocket: "This is the key to the cell. I can help you escape."

Xiao Ling resolutely refused: "Escape from prison is a serious crime and cannot be done."

Su Jinxiu said, "Thank you for your kindness, but we cannot extricate ourselves in this way, otherwise it will only confirm the charge of treason."

The mysterious man sighed, "Alright then, I'll find another way to help you."

After the mysterious man left, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu fell into deeper thought.

"This person's origins are unknown; we don't know if he's a friend or foe," Xiao Ling said worriedly.

Su Jinxiu said, "No matter what, we still have to rely on our own strength."

A few days later, the steward finally managed to get a message out that he had contacted Minister Li, but Minister Li was cautious and needed more solid evidence before he would help.

"What should we do? We don't have enough evidence yet," Xiao Ling said anxiously.

Su Jinxiu calmly analyzed, "Since Liu Yi is so eager to frame us, he must have more flaws. If we start with his previous actions, we might be able to find new evidence."

So they began to recall Liu Yi's past behavior, trying to find clues.

After careful consideration, Su Jinxiu suddenly remembered something: "Husband, do you remember those mysterious financial transactions related to Liu Yi that we discovered when we investigated Hongyun Trading Company?"

Xiao Ling's eyes lit up: "Yes, perhaps if we follow this lead, we can find crucial evidence."

Just as they were about to have the butler continue the investigation, Liu Yi arrived at the prison cell...