The Double-Chapter 607 - 176: Found (New Announcement) - Part 2

People at the Official’s Residence knew in private about the disappearance of Jiang Youyao not long ago. Jiang Yuanbai had never given up and continued to send people to search for her, but unfortunately, all efforts returned futile. Those in the know at the Official’s Residence believed that either Jiang Youyao’s fate hung by a thread, or she had already left Yanjing City. They never expected to find her now in the private prison of Princess Yongning’s Mansion—this matter was of great importance, so they did not dare to be negligent and immediately notified the Chief Minister’s Residence.

Upon hearing the news, Jiang Yuanbai hurried over. When he saw Jiang Youyao, he actually shed tears in front of everyone, took Jiang Youyao back to the Jiang Residence, and soon after arranged for a physician. Not long thereafter, word spread that Jiang Yuanbai had gone to the palace with a stern face, seeking an explanation from Emperor Hongxiao. ƒreewebɳovel.com

As Heaven would pity, even if Miss Jiang the Third got better in the days to come, her life was probably ruined forever.

"Let’s go see her," Jiang Li got up and said.

"Didn’t the old madam tell you not to go?" Tonger said, "She mentioned Miss Jiang the Third is not doing well and fears you’d be frightened."

"It doesn’t matter," Jiang Li said, "If I don’t go, it would only cause more gossip."

Jiang Li had heard from Zhao Ke that on the first day Jiang Youyao was thrown into the private prison by Princess Yongning, her eyes were gouged out. Previously, Jiang Li thought if she hadn’t been too harsh, or if she had informed Jiang Yuanbai sooner, Jiang Youyao might not have ended up in such a plight. After hearing Zhao Ke’s words, she understood that even if she had told Jiang Yuanbai immediately upon learning the news, she couldn’t have saved Jiang Youyao.

Princess Yongning wanted Jiang Youyao to despair, which is why she took her eyes right from the start. What can one do after losing an eye? It was this very despair that could utterly destroy Jiang Youyao. Having experienced Princess Yongning’s malice herself, Jiang Li could almost feel the pain Jiang Youyao must have felt. But, if she hadn’t followed Li Lian back to the Li Family from the beginning, or if she had thought it through and actively sought ways to contact the Jiang Family sooner, she wouldn’t have fallen into such an abyss.

Who would have thought that things would turn out this way?

Jiang Li and Tonger went to Yaoguang Mansion.

Yaoguang Mansion had been uninhabited for a long time. Although maids cleaned the courtyard daily, the flowers in the garden had withered. Even as spring arrived, there was not a trace of vitality here; it was as if all hope had been drained away, leaving signs of decay everywhere.

Jiang Li couldn’t help but think back to when she became Miss Jiang the Second shortly after returning to Yanjing City. Back then, at the Jiang Residence, Yaoguang Mansion was the best plot of land belonging to the Jiang family’s main branch. Even the maids in Jiang Li’s courtyard, when they talked about Yaoguang Mansion, all showed yearning, each wishing they could serve in front of Jiang Youyao.

Who could have foreseen the present situation?

By the time they reached the outside of the courtyard, inside the hall, Madam Jiang the Elder, Lady Lu, and Lady Yang were all present. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou were on another side; Jiang Bingji was crying continuously, being consoled by the nurse, and the whole house was filled with sorrow.

"Jiang Li, why have you come?" Lady Lu saw her arrive.

"I’m here to see the Third Sister."

"You’d better not," Lady Lu glanced inside the room and said, "Youyao is probably not doing well right now. I felt uncomfortable just looking at her. It’s better if you don’t go in."

Jiang Li looked at Madam Jiang the Elder, who seemed lost in thought, staring outside. With one mishap after another befalling the Jiang Residence, this astute and stern old madam began to age rapidly, showing a sense of overwhelming helplessness. She hadn’t noticed Jiang Li’s arrival; she was probably in a daze. Understandably, although Madam Jiang the Elder’s affection for Jiang Youyao had waned due to Ji Shuran’s deeds, and Jiang Youyao’s later actions were frequently disappointing, Jiang Youyao was, after all, her granddaughter who had grown up before her eyes. Maybe she didn’t love Jiang Youyao as before, but seeing her own family member become so miserable and suffering, as an elder and relative, Madam Jiang the Elder’s heart was far from at ease.

"Second Aunt, has the physician been?" Jiang Li softly asked.

Lady Lu shook her head and said, "There’s no cure." After speaking, a flicker of pity shone in her eyes, "It’s too pitiful."

Lady Lu had never liked Ji Shuran and her daughter, but faced with a Jiang Youyao like this, she seemed unable to muster the previous dislike, replacing it with deep sorrow. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou were also unusually silent. Only Lady Yang, Jiang Li noticed, remained as always silent, like a background figure in the Jiang family, but her eyes lacked any trace of sorrow, only indifference, as if she had isolated herself from the Jiang family’s affair.

Even Jiang Li, who could not bring herself to empathize with Jiang Youyao, wouldn’t take pleasure in her misfortunes, but it looked like Lady Yang was actually somewhat pleased, although her demeanor disguised it very well. Her attire, nonetheless, was exquisitely put together.