Chapter 1283: Chapter 1279: Xia Guagua’s Identity (Second Update)

The restaurant staff, including those in the kitchen, all stayed.

Everyone worked together, determined to face the crisis with Chengfeng Restaurant.

Mu Shuangshuang was touched and indeed needed their help.

The first priority was those two so-called poisoned individuals; Mu Shuangshuang dispatched two staff members to monitor them at Hechun Hall.

Who would have thought that by noon, the dispatched people had disappeared!

The staff were baffled; they never expected things would turn out this way!

Mu Shuangshuang was even more anxious; the disappearance of people seemed to mean no evidence could prove innocence, while Yu Dahai had already been imprisoned in the county’s prison.

She said the people had disappeared, but the County Magistrate’s Office wouldn’t release him!

Mu Shuangshuang found herself in a dilemma.

Meanwhile, the two "poisoned" men had already been cured and were energetically seeking out Xia Guagua and Mrs. Jin.

Both believed the other had truly been poisoned, hoping the other would go to the office to falsely accuse Mu Shuangshuang.

After presenting the occurrences to Xia Guagua and Mrs. Jin, the women’s reactions were strikingly aligned!

Since someone had already really had an incident, there was no need for their impersonations, to avoid exposing flaws and letting Mu Shuangshuang escape.

Sometimes, things unfold in unexpected ways.

Mu Shuangshuang, unable to find the people, drew four portraits in total.

Of the two poisoned people and two who tried to stir confusion, inciting diners in the restaurant unaware of the truth.

All were drawn! She carried the portraits, paid some money, and sought trustworthy people to investigate.

Even her search extended to street-side little beggars.

But after a day, no news came!

Every day Mu Shuangshuang delayed meant Yu Dahai stayed another day in prison!

At this moment, Mu Shuangshuang couldn’t sit still anymore!

She took the portraits to find Zhi Xueyi’s people.

Same as before, a familiar old man came out to meet Mu Shuangshuang; he greeted her respectfully.

He offered Mu Shuangshuang tea, conversing as they drank.

Mu Shuangshuang, anxious inside, couldn’t well refuse.

The same tea she enjoyed before tasted bland this time.

The old man seemed to know, offering advice to Mu Shuangshuang.

"Young lady, some matters can’t be forced! The more anxious you are, the worse things will go!

Instead, have a sip of tea to clear your mind!"

Mu Shuangshuang, after hearing the old man’s words, took several deep breaths, feeling calmer. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

The old man then spoke: "The person you asked me to investigate, I’ve found them!"

Mu Shuangshuang’s eyes lit up, "Who is she?"

"She’s nothing significant, just a courtesan from a brothel, selling art, not herself.

Last year-end, she connected with a reputable landlord in Qianzhou Prefecture, who has good ties with the Prefecture Office.

The person you seek used some tactics to take silver from that landlord, claiming it was to honor her parents.

Once her family matters are resolved, she plans to return to Qianzhou to continue serving the landlord!"

The old man’s words surprised Mu Shuangshuang, almost unbelievable.

Xia Guagua’s identity was nothing like Mu Shuangshuang imagined.

Erasing her past deeds so thoroughly, Mu Shuangshuang thought she was entangled with some official.

Who knew... she turned out to be a courtesan!

Where does Xia Guagua get the nerve to provoke Lu Yuanfeng?

Even forgetting Lu Yuanfeng, would a regular person, knowing Xia Guagua worked as a courtesan in a brothel in Qianzhou Prefecture, still be willing to marry her?

Especially someone like Xia Guagua, who did not enter it out of necessity but willingly!

"Grandfather, you say if I confront Xia Guagua, how much chance do I have to win?" Mu Shuangshuang asked.

Mu Shuangshuang didn’t know who the landlord in Qianzhou Prefecture was or whether he would do anything for Xia Guagua!

"That depends on yourself! If you’re meticulous, chances are high; if poorly managed, naturally you’ll evoke others’ resentment!

Overall, young lady, this is all I can help with!"

The old man spoke bluntly, but Mu Shuangshuang wasn’t angry.

After all, he wasn’t Xue Yi; even if he were, he’d likely ponder whether there was any benefit for himself!

"By the way, grandfather, I have four portraits here. I had people search but found no trace; can you help?" Mu Shuangshuang asked.

The old man hadn’t even glanced at the portraits.

Instead, he said: "Birds of a feather flock together! In all walks of life, there are places where the various types linger; on the street, you won’t find them! Why not go to gambling dens or brothels...

In short, look in places desperate for money, let someone check those!"

The old man’s words were an instant eye-opener for Mu Shuangshuang.

She bowed to the old man, "Thank you! I know what to do now!"

Saying that, Mu Shuangshuang took the portraits and left the cloth shop.

This time, she headed straight for the gambling den, and fortunately, from following Fengzi before, she knew a few of the town’s gambling den thugs.

Mu Shuangshuang handed over the portraits and some silver.

Soon, news arrived!

A thug said they had seen two people before, who had previously gambled there and lost quite a bit.

Most importantly, those two people also knew Lu Xiao.

Mu Shuangshuang guessed immediately.

Among them, one was likely sent by Xia Guagua.

Xia Guagua herself had lost her restaurant, surely wanting Mu Shuangshuang to fare poorly as well.

After connecting the dots, Mu Shuangshuang decided to head back.

...

Mu Shuangshuang stayed in town for two days, during which various things unfolded back in the village!

Mu Xiangxiang, after spending several days in the medical hall, was sent home, ten taels of silver gone empty.

That was manageable, yet upon return, Mu Xiangxiang found her bridal dowry stolen.

Old Mrs. Mu first suspected Mrs. Lin.

She assaulted her with punches and kicks, even blurting out words of divorce.

Stubbornly, no information about the money came from Mrs. Lin’s mouth.

Old Mrs. Mu’s fury was immense, and at this time, news spread from Sun Dali’s family; Matchmaker Sun was matching Sun Dali with another family’s girl.

Ever since disowning Mu Xiangxiang, Sun family’s days improved.

No longer having a gluttonous wife, the family’s grain supplies increased rapidly.

Moreover, Sun Dali’s mother found a new target, Mu Xiangxiang’s elder sister, Mu Zhenzhen!

Lately, ever since Mu Xiangxiang sought medical treatment in town, Mu Zhenzhen had been eating meals at Sun Dali’s home, helping Sun Dali’s mother Mrs. Qin with various chores.

Cooking, washing clothes, even farm work; despite the unsatisfactory results.

After enduring a wife like Mu Xiangxiang, Mrs. Qin found it satisfactory.

She felt Mu Zhenzhen was simply inexperienced, but importantly willing to learn.

She was far better compared to Mu Xiangxiang.

Overall, this matter was secretly put on the agenda without the knowledge of Old Mu Family!