Chapter 137: Reopening

He lifted his head, his eyes showing a hint of helplessness.

"This case involves many parties; it cannot be fully sorted out in a short time."

In these troubled times, swords and blades are unavoidable, but if one can find a place to settle, perhaps one can avoid an untimely death.

If the matter could be settled satisfactorily, he would consider taking over that tavern—better than living a life of licking blood from blades.

Jiang Xiaomu gathered his thoughts and continued inquiring without showing any emotion.

"In other words, that tavern is already under temporary official custody, right?"

"That's right." Li Wenqing nodded, his tone slightly solemn.

"After all, it involves smuggling and a murder case; one cannot be careless."

As they chatted, Jiang Xiaomu already had a vague plan in mind.

Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou enjoys a superb location; if he could secure it, he might later use it as a stepping stone.

"Then let me make a suggestion?"

Jiang Xiaomu summoned his courage, his heart stirred, and he suddenly felt confident.

Li Wenqing came to, apparently attracted by his sudden proposal, and looked up to greet him:

"Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou is a popular spot in the city; if managed well, it can provide fine food and drink for the populace."

"Business is booming day after day; if I could take it over,"

"with this opportunity I could also reopen it, perhaps finding a stable path for myself and Xiao Yu."

"You're not lacking in courage."

Li Wenqing gave a faint smile; the weary lines on his face seemed to ease a little.

"But have you considered that the accounts of Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou are not easy to straighten out?"

"After taking it over, can you bear this risk?"

"I have a way to settle the accounts."

"Moreover, the locals here need steady work; why not let me give it a try?"

Li Wenqing thought for a moment, then slowly said:

"If you truly have the resolve, go ahead and do it."

"But you must be cautious; money is a sensitive matter."

"Especially in these chaotic times, mishandling it could bring trouble upon yourself."

Jiang Xiaomu nodded heavily, thinking: "Indeed, talent is rare in this world."

After bidding farewell to Li Wenqing, he headed straight for Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou.

Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou stands on the city's most prosperous street; even though it has been sealed off, its magnificent carved beams and painted pillars still catch the eye.

The two vermilion doors are tightly shut, with fresh red seals affixed, appearing even more solemn in the sunset's glow.

Jiang Xiaomu stepped forward, pulled off the seal without hesitation, producing a crisp "shrip" that sounded especially abrupt in the quiet street.

He pushed open the heavy wooden door; a musty smell rushed out, making Jiang Xiaomu cough a few times.

Inside the tavern, the light was dim, filled with the odor of dust—clearly it had been unattended for days.

"Cough... really... quite irritating."

Jiang Xiaomu waved away the dust with his hand as he stepped inside.

The main hall's furnishings were rather luxurious—carved wooden tables, delicate screens; even covered in dust, their former splendor was hard to conceal.

"This Jin Buhuan sure knows how to enjoy life."

Jiang Xiaomu glanced around, sighing inwardly.

He went up the stairs to the second floor; the layout was similar to the first floor, except there were a few more private rooms.

One of the private rooms had its door half open; Jiang Xiaomu entered curiously.

The room's appointments were even more refined—a carved large bed stood in the center, its brocade cover in disarray, as if someone had fled in haste.

Jiang Xiaomu walked to the window, opened it, and a cold draft blew in, scattering the indoor dust.

"This world..."

Jiang Xiaomu couldn't help but sigh.

He closed the window, turned to leave, but suddenly felt a chill creep up from behind.

He whipped his head around, but saw nothing.

"Could it be my imagination?"

Jiang Xiaomu felt doubtful, but that chill would not go away.

He looked around again, his gaze landing on a painting of ladies on the wall.

"I must have seen a ghost..." Jiang Xiaomu muttered under his breath and hurried out of the private room.

He inspected the entire tavern thoroughly and found nothing abnormal besides dust and some damaged furniture.

"Looks like I was overthinking it."

Jiang Xiaomu gave a self‑deprecating chuckle, his mind settling a little.

Although Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou has been deserted for days, its overall structure is still sound; with a little repair it can reopen.

Jiang Xiaomu reckoned in his mind, if he could acquire this tavern,

it would not only solve his and his sister's livelihood, but also serve as a base from which to develop his own influence.

Jiang Xiaomu left Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou; the sun had fully sunk below the horizon, night fell, and few pedestrians remained on the street.

"Brother, you're back!"

As he pushed open the courtyard gate, Jiang Xiaoyu came forward to meet him, her face full of worry.

"How are you today? Are you feeling alright?"

Jiang Xiaomu looked at his sister's hopeful eyes and struggled to squeeze out a smile.

"I'm fine, I'm much better now."

"By the way, I have good news—Sir Li agreed to let me take over the Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou."

"Really? That's great!"

Jiang Xiaoyu jumped up happily, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

"Now we have our own place!"

Jiang Xiaomu's heart was also full of hope, but at the same time he felt the burden on his shoulders grow heavier.

He stroked his sister's head and said softly:

"Xiao Yu, things will get better from now on."

Early the next morning, Jiang Xiaomu brought a few hired workers and began cleaning the Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou.

The restaurant was covered in thick dust, most of the tables and chairs were damaged, and a musty smell permeated everywhere.

The workers complained nonstop, but Jiang Xiaomu was full of vigor; as long as they worked hard, they could surely restore this place to its former glory.

Besides clearing out trash and junk, Jiang Xiaomu also made inquiries everywhere and got in touch with the former staff of the Jin Zhuangyuan Jiulou.

These people were mostly idle at home, living in hardship.

Jiang Xiaomu offered higher wages than before and promised stable work, which delighted them, and they all expressed their willingness to return and continue working.

"Mr. Jiang, you're truly a great person!"

The old manager excitedly grasped Jiang Xiaomu's hand.

"In these troubled times, having a stable job is better than anything!"

Jiang Xiaomu smiled.

"We're all just trying to make a living, helping each other out."

"From now on, you'll still be in charge of managing this restaurant for me; please handle the accounts."

The restaurant's sign was also changed by Jiang Xiaomu.

The original glittering "Jin Zhuangyuan" plaque was replaced by one bearing the words "Mu Yu Lou."

The two characters "Mu Yu" were taken from his and his sister's names, and also represent his hope for a better future life.

Jiang Xiaoyu was also arranged by Jiang Xiaomu to work in the restaurant, learning accounting and business from the old manager.

Although Jiang Xiaoyu is young, she is clever and quick to learn; within a few days she had mastered basic bookkeeping and hospitality.

"Xiao Yu, from now on the accounts of Mu Yu Lou will be entrusted to you."

Jiang Xiaomu solemnly said to his sister:

"You need to study well, because we'll have to rely on it for our livelihood in the future."

Jiang Xiaoyu nodded seriously.

"Brother, don't worry, I will definitely work hard!"

With everyone's **cooperation**, Mu Yu Lou soon took on a completely new look.

On its opening day, Mu Yu Lou was filled with guests, extraordinarily lively.

Jiang Xiaomu stood at the doorway, watching the bustling crowd, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

"Brother, look, so many people!"

Jiang Xiaoyu excitedly ran to Jiang Xiaomu's side.

"Our business will surely be good!"