Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 376

Wu Qingyi was “scared” by his mother’s cooking skills and hastily made his way to the front yard.

Coincidentally, there was some unresolved business. The theater owner, Hua Dan, and the little butler were still inside the house, and Wu Qingyi promptly sent them to the officials for investigation.

Because Wu Qingyi himself had initiated this action, the officials showed great respect, and their efficiency was remarkable. The results of the interrogations were available the same day.

The butler remained tight-lipped throughout the process.

The theater owner and Hua Dan, however, couldn’t help but confess to their intention. However, they were unwilling to identify Duke Lu’s mansion as the mastermind behind the butler.

Since their scheme had not succeeded, both the theater owner and Hua Dan were sentenced to just one year in prison. The butler was released due to insufficient evidence.

When “Kindness” was performed again, the absence of Xiao Feng as an essential supporting character had a significant impact on the performance.

Without Hua Dan and the theater owner to manage the production, the show couldn’t go on.

On that same day, the auspicious theater began issuing ticket refunds. Curious spectators naturally inquired about the reasons for this decision.

Upon investigation, they learned of Xiao Feng’s vocal injury and the imprisonment of the theater owner and Hua Dan for causing harm.

As the news spread among the diverse audience in the theater, various rumors emerged, leading to increasingly exaggerated stories. Some claimed that the theater owner’s mute-inducing concoction was both colorless and tasteless, causing Xiao Feng’s vocal issues. Others suggested that the auspicious theater owner and the staff were skilled in witchcraft, using it to harm people rather than resorting to poison.

Rumors abounded, and there was no way to refute them. Whether it was poison or witchcraft, both were highly taboo practices in that era.

Despite the auspicious theater’s past popularity with “The Story of Love” and “Kindness,” the venue’s doors remained deserted for some time as curious spectators stayed away.

Thankfully, “Food of Heaven” remained unaffected by the incident. People recognized that “Food of Heaven” had reported the incident, and its reputation for safe and delicious food was intact. However, without real-time publicity, and facing competition from “Look Up to Heaven Tower,” which was willing to endure financial losses, the restaurant’s business declined.

“Light Food” on the third floor continued to thrive, with numerous patrons and loyal clients, ensuring that the restaurant remained bustling.

With the fourth and fifth floors still unutilized, Gu Yin contemplated new ideas. Unsatisfied with merely running a food business, she had expanded into guest room massages and now considered how to use the upper floors.

On that day, Xiao Feng first visited “Food of Heaven.” Upon discovering that Gu Yin was not present, he proceeded to Duke Ying’s house to inquire about her.

He was a polite and cautious individual who was mindful of his status and avoided imposing.

Gu Yin received the report from the concierge and extended an invitation to him.

Upon entering the mansion, Gu Ye returned home.

It was the end of the first month, and the weather had officially warmed up. Even the ships of the Gu family had set sail, but Gu Ye still wore thick leather hat and jacket, resembling a furry bear.

Upon entering the room, Gu Ye removed his hat and jacket, complaining about the heat, sticking out his tongue like a panting puppy.

Gu Yin wasn’t surprised and had prepared cool tea in advance.

After Gu Ye finished his tea, he reluctantly smacked his lips and expressed his desire for Gu Yin’s homemade sour plum soup.

Gu Yin smiled and replied, “It’s only been a few months, so where will we find plums? Maybe you should consider wearing lighter clothing.”

Gu Ye, feeling the heat, was restless and perspired more than other children. Changing his clothes every day resulted in a strong sweat odor, leading Gu Yin to worry about potential heat rashes.

Gu Ye shook his head and sighed, stating, “It will be warmer soon, and then I’ll be fine.”

Gu Yin wasn’t particular about seasonal clothing for spring and autumn. She believed that comfort was key, whether it was hot or cold.

Gu Ye wore the jacket and hat that Empress Zhou gave him, which were carefully selected. Empress Zhou had a meticulous approach when raising her own children, and she extended the same care to Gu Ye.

The jacket and hat had been crafted by Empress Zhou herself, and Gu Ye intended to wear them next year.

Unexpectedly, when Empress Zhou greeted Gu Ye the following day, she noticed that he wasn’t wearing the clothes. She inquired carefully, concerned that something might be amiss. 

Empress Zhou was attentive to the needs of her own children and aimed to ensure Gu Ye received the same level of care.

Fearing that she might cry, Gu Ye reassured her, “It’s all fine; the new clothes just need to be softened in water, and I’ll wear them tomorrow.”

Empress Zhou accepted the explanation and felt content once more.

In front of Xiao Feng, it was challenging to delve into such personal matters, so neither mother nor son mentioned it further.

Gu Yin wiped away Gu Ye’s sweat with a handkerchief and asked Xiao Feng, “Did you come to see me today?”