The Evil Mother-in-law: Torment Children, Work Hard, Be Rich!-Chapter 290: Schemes Run Deep in the Capital

Chapter 290: Chapter 290: Schemes Run Deep in the Capital

The next day, Tong Huaqiong went to Tianxiang Building after waking up.

Mo Mama from Tianxiang Building came forward to greet her.

Before yesterday, she didn’t know Tong Huaqiong, but after yesterday, almost everyone in Pearl Alley knew Tong Huaqiong was the owner of Taohua Dessert.

Additionally, He Chao intentionally spread the news yesterday that Tong Huaqiong had created a pesticide for scab disease and was awarded a plaque by Magistrate Yao. The entire Pearl Alley knew that Tong Huaqiong could speak with Magistrate Yao.

Even though Tong Huaqiong hadn’t even entered Magistrate Yao’s door.

But that didn’t prevent her from using Magistrate Yao’s reputation to intimidate others with a pretentious façade.

Mo Mama warmly asked, "Master Tong, what brings you here?"

Mo Mama muttered, wondering why the owner of Taohua Dessert would come to Tianxiang Building.

Could it be like last time when her son came to promote birthday cakes?

But it doesn’t seem like it.

Tong Huaqiong smiled and said, "I’ve heard that the ladies at Tianxiang Building are all like Jie Yuhua, so I’ve come to see for myself."

Mo Mama: "..."

This Master Tong has quite a peculiar demeanor.

I’ve heard she’s a widow, perhaps a widow’s taste differs from ordinary people?

"Why, afraid I don’t have silver?" Tong Huaqiong slapped the silver in front of Mo Mama and then sat down.

Mo Mama forced a smile and said, "Guests are welcome; I wouldn’t dare have such an idea."

Tong Huaqiong said, "Then let Miss Xian Xian come and chat with me."

Mo Mama’s scalp tingled.

Tong Huaqiong’s sharp gaze swept over Mo Mama’s face.

Both were smart; Mo Mama instantly understood Tong Huaqiong’s purpose at Tianxiang Building.

Tianxiang Building indeed frequently sets traps for some young men.

Any nouveau riche that steps into Tianxiang Building becomes its prey.

Mo Mama often says, it can’t be blamed on Tianxiang Building, but on those men who can’t resist temptation; ultimately, it’s punishment for the disloyal men of the world.

Gu Dashu came to the town to open a pesticide seed shop unnoticed, but as the young master of Taohua Dessert, he drew attention from the various businesses on Pearl Alley.

Tianxiang Building was no exception.

After all, being able to lease a shop in the busiest area of Pearl Alley implies one’s financial prowess is certainly impressive.

When Gu Dashu crossed the threshold of Tianxiang Building, Mo Mama was thrilled; she knew that aside from gossip about Magistrate Yao and the eldest son of the Lu Family, no young men could resist the allure of Tianxiang Building.

But she quickly became disappointed; Gu Dashu was not there to drink wine, but rather to promote desserts from his shop.

Subsequently, Gu Dashu encountered Xian Xian being harassed by a customer; his heroic instincts prompted him to intervene and rescue Xian Xian.

Originally, Mo Mama was waiting for Gu Dashu to visit frequently, but after his heroism, he was never seen again; she advised Xian Xian to lay low and seize an opportunity to express thanks when Gu Dashu’s wife was around.

If it had followed the scheduled plan, the country woman Liu Yueer would cause a scene, Gu Dashu would grow frustrated and be drawn to Tianxiang Building. Comparing Xian Xian with his rural wife, of course, Xian Xian with her gentle charm would win.

Afterward, Gu Dashu would naturally shower Tianxiang Building with plenty of silver.

Unexpectedly, Xian Xian’s expression of gratitude didn’t attract Gu Dashu but instead drew in Gu Dashu’s widowed mother.

Mo Mama lamented inwardly.

From being able to invite Mr. Lu for a ribbon-cutting, it was clear Widow Tong was not simple.

In the whole of Ning City, who pays heed to Mr. Lu?

If she had known earlier, she wouldn’t have let Xian Xian perform such a scene.

"What, does Miss Xian Xian have another guest today?" Tong Huaqiong asked upon seeing Mo Mama’s hesitation.

Mo Mama, with a braced face, called for Xian Xian.

Xian Xian gracefully walked over, slightly frowning upon seeing Tong Huaqiong seated at the table.

What’s going on? Did some young master’s wife come knocking?

She naturally had words to say; if they had the capability, they should manage their own men. What good is it fussing at Tianxiang Building?

Xian Xian sat in front of Tong Huaqiong with a defiant expression.

Tong Huaqiong sneered, saying, "What kind of expression is that? Do you think I’m the main wife coming to confront the mistress?"

Xian Xian looked toward Mo Mama, puzzled by the term "mistress".

Xian Xian scoffed, saying, "If you can’t manage your man..."

Tong Huaqiong said, "My man died long ago."

Mo Mama interjected, "Xian Xian, do not be disrespectful. This is Master Tong, the owner of Taohua Dessert."

Xian Xian laughed and said, "You can’t manage your son..."

Tong Huaqiong retorted, "Stop spouting nonsense. My son’s pants are not my business, but if someone tries to set him up, then it becomes my concern."

Xian Xian and Mo Mama were startled.

Neither of them realized Tong Huaqiong could see through their intentions.

Previously, they didn’t take Tong Huaqiong seriously, thinking she was just a rural woman who wouldn’t understand the schemes of the city.

They really believed Tong Huaqiong was there because of Gu Dashu’s pants.

Tong Huaqiong’s gaze shifted unpredictably, indicating she guessed correctly.

This situation at Tianxiang Building indeed had Gu Dashu trapped.

Mo Mama steadied herself, maintaining her composure with a smile, "Master Tong, whatever do you mean?"

Xian Xian let out a disdainful laugh.

She had seen such overprotective mothers before.

Every time a son visited a brothel, it was the woman’s fault, never the son’s inability to control his desires, as if their son was some sort of paragon of virtue.

If you have the capability, put a chastity lock on your son to carry. What’s the point in coming to Tianxiang Building to shame her?

Tong Huaqiong was drawn to Xian Xian’s laughter and returned it with a sneer.

Tong Huaqiong said, "You both know exactly what I’m talking about. Miss Xian Xian, you must be laughing at my reluctance to manage my son but rushing here to confront you, am I right? To be honest, I couldn’t care less about the trap you set for Gu Dashu’s pants; if he indeed falls for it, it’s because he can’t resist temptation, just like flies don’t land on seamless eggs. You can inquire in Pingchuan County’s Yan Guan Town Qinghe Bay; Widow Tong would rather abandon such a son than come chasing after his lustful debts, I would even thank you for helping eliminate my troubles. But this time, it’s not just about his pants; you’re trying to destroy Taohua Dessert through scheming him, wishing to force Taohua Dessert out of town."

"I pondered over it for half the night. Tianxiang Building does business in romance, while Taohua Dessert trades in pastries; logically, we shouldn’t interfere with each other’s affairs. Why would you target my son? Then there must be someone behind you asking you to target Taohua Dessert. Why choose Gu Dashu? Not only you but others plotting likely have already figured out my family situation, knowing my eldest is a stepson, and Gu Dashu, my biological eldest, is the rightful young master; getting hold of Gu Dashu equals getting hold of me."

"Mo Mama, Miss Xian Xian, do you think I’m right?"

Neither Mo Mama nor Miss Xian Xian confirmed or denied; they unanimously remained silent.

This widow still underestimated her.

"But you miscalculated; I am a selfish person, one who would even abandon my son to protect my own interests."

"Let’s discuss, among Gouxiangji, Thyme, Wei Haomei, Jin Fengxiang, which pastry shop is behind this scheme?"

The pastry shops Tong Huaqiong mentioned were the most renowned in town—four famous establishments.