Chapter 1739 - 1734: Arranging the Plan

Xing Beichen and Fu Xiaonan spent a few sweet days in the village.

During these days, they didn’t have to think about anything; after washing up upon waking, they could see each other, which was a kind of happiness.

Xing Beichen had already decided to propose to Fu Xiaonan’s father.

This time, he wanted to take Fu Xiaonan to the Capital to meet his mother, who had long lived a life of seclusion, so they could settle the marriage.

Fu Wu and Fu Xiaonan’s mother were somewhat saddened by their daughter’s distant marriage.

But they also knew they couldn’t find another man as good as Xing Beichen.

Moreover, ever since their daughter’s engagement was broken, none of the men from the nearby villages considered her.

Now, their daughter managed to land a rich husband by luck, what more could they say!

After dinner, Fu Xiaonan and Xing Beichen took a walk on the small path in the village.

As it gradually got dark, they prepared to head back home, only to see two shadows at the doorstep.

Before Xing Beichen and Fu Xiaonan could say anything, the figures had already reached them.

In the moonlight, Fu Xiaonan and Xing Beichen saw the two figures—one tall, one short.

Upon closer inspection, who else could it be but Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng!

"You guys... are back?" Xing Beichen said, overwhelmed with emotion.

Fu Xiaonan felt the same. Mu Shuangshuang hadn’t contacted her upon returning, partly due to being busy and partly because she knew Fu Xiaonan and Xing Beichen were enjoying their time together, making it inconvenient to disturb them.

Seeing each other suddenly, they all deeply missed each other.

Mu Shuangshuang said to Fu Xiaonan, "Just got back! There are some matters to discuss with you; would you like to go to my house, or..."

"Let’s go to my place!" Fu Xiaonan said, "Brother Beichen bought a lot of food, Shuangshuang, you’d definitely love it!"

"Alright!" Mu Shuangshuang nodded.

She and Lu Yuanfeng followed them into Fu Xiaonan’s house, where, in a side hall, the four of them gathered to chat casually.

Mu Shuangshuang recounted the matters that occurred in the county to Xing Beichen and Fu Xiaonan.

Additionally, she also mentioned Taohua’s situation.

Fu Xiaonan hadn’t known about these affairs before, and hearing Mu Shuangshuang explain, she was utterly bewildered.

It took her a moment to recover.

She said, "Those two, how could they be so bold! I heard from my father that Old Mu Family’s uncle and Ruan Xiao Jiao were childhood sweethearts, but that was over ten years ago!

Mu Dandan is almost eighteen, right? How did those two mess up again after so many years?"

"It’s not about who’s right or wrong now! It’s time to think about how to resolve it!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

"My uncle relies on Ruan Xiao Jiao and will soon bounce back! He’s so morally corrupt; we can’t let him get away!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

The other three nodded in agreement.

"Now, I’m thinking of taking Taohua to the county so the County Magistrate can become aware of this! But there’s a problem—if we speak up, the County Magistrate might hold it against us.

I haven’t figured out how to let the County Magistrate know without implicating us!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

"Shuangshuang, here’s how I think we could handle this! Your aunt plays a crucial role; if she’s willing to spill the beans, with Taohua actively testifying, the matter won’t involve you!" Xing Beichen said.

"It won’t work." Mu Shuangshuang shook her head.

"Mrs. Jin might reveal other things, but not this one!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

"Why?" Fu Xiaonan asked in confusion.

"This matter involves the County Magistrate’s reputation; it’s disgraceful. If the County Magistrate finds out, the whole Old Mu Family couldn’t stay. By then, Mrs. Jin wouldn’t be able to save her own life, and her two daughters would be implicated too.

As a mother, Mrs. Jin would never do such a foolish thing!" Mu Shuangshuang explained.

"Shuangshuang, what if your uncle decides to abandon your aunt? What would she do then?" Lu Yuanfeng suddenly asked Mu Shuangshuang.

"She’ll retaliate; she’ll fight back frantically! If this matter involves Ruan Xiao Jiao, she would be even more desperate!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

After speaking, a hint of joy appeared on her face.

"I know what to do now!" Mu Shuangshuang exclaimed.

No sooner had she finished speaking than the other three looked at her with curiosity.

"I always thought my uncle shouldn’t come out, but now I realize I was wrong! He needs to be released once; when he’s out and my aunt remains inside, she’ll go mad, and she’ll retaliate!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

"But wouldn’t your uncle poison her?" Xing Beichen asked.

Xing Beichen, having grown up in the Capital, was familiar with such familial scandals among wealthy families.

"He won’t, my uncle is very confident! He certainly believes Mrs. Jin wouldn’t dare betray him!" Mu Shuangshuang said.

Mu Dade had an exceptionally high opinion of himself.

He only believed what he chose to believe.

Even if he were released, he absolutely wouldn’t believe Mrs. Jin could betray him.

It was precisely because of this excessive confidence that, inadvertently, Mu Shuangshuang benefited.

"This can’t be delayed!" Xing Beichen said.

"The sooner it’s handled, the sooner we can head to the Capital!" he said.

"We? Is Xiaonan going with you?" Mu Shuangshuang squinted her eyes and said with a smile.

Xing Beichen nodded, "I want to take her to meet my mother. Shuangshuang, do you want to join us in the Capital with Fengzi? This time when he and I go to the Capital, we might get some titles; though not major ones, it’s possible to stay in the Capital!

By then, you could either assist Fengzi as his virtuous spouse or start your business in the Capital; both are feasible!"

Lu Yuanfeng didn’t speak; he looked at Mu Shuangshuang with eyes full of expectation.

He wanted Shuangshuang to accompany them.

Seeing the longing in Lu Yuanfeng’s eyes, Mu Shuangshuang didn’t hesitate to nod, "I’ll go with you!"

Lu Yuanfeng’s eyes brightened, and a smile instantly appeared on his face.

Mu Shuangshuang continued, "Before heading to the Capital, my uncle’s family must face due punishment!"

"This matter, the four of us will deal with together; he won’t escape the law!" Xing Beichen said.

The four chatted a little longer, and then Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng got up to head home.

Because their return home was sudden, Mu Dashan and Yu Si Niang didn’t prepare much.

Yet, that night, they slaughtered a chicken, gutted a fish, and prepared a delicious meal.

...

...

The next day, Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng woke up in their respective rooms.

After washing up, they met in the courtyard.

In the kitchen, Yu Si Niang was preparing breakfast, the sound of chopping meat filling the air alongside the morning sunlight.

A dense homely atmosphere enveloped them.

Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng exchanged smiles.

And went to the kitchen to help.

Seeing Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng, Yu Si Niang hurriedly said, "Why are you up so early? Go and rest!"

"Mother, we’re not tired, I’ll make dumplings and Fengzi can light the fire; you go and rest!"

Yu Guixiang’s voice was warm and comforting, making everyone feel at ease.