Chapter 604: Chapter 570: Not of Blood Ties (Second Update)
As these words were spoken, Jiang Qingyu felt as though her world had collapsed, her mind buzzing incessantly.
At this moment, the people around her seemed to vanish, leaving only Tang Yuan and the words he had just uttered.
What does despair taste like?
She thought, this must be it.
Chen Prefectâs gavel snapped Jiang Qingyu back to reality.
"Tang Yuan, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Jiang Qingyu frowned deeply.
He shouldnât be like this.
He liked her so much, heâd kept himself pure for her for years, never touching any of the maids in the mansion, just to wait for her to change her identity and become his woman. But now that she was his, when everyone turned against her, saying she deserved to die, shouldnât he have stood up to shield her, telling her not to be afraid? Why did he have to suddenly betray her?
Tang Yuan turned his head with a cold laugh, his eyes bloodshot, "Despicable woman! Did you really think I would care for you? Being nice to you, figuring out ways for you to change your identity and join the second family, it was all just to trick you into revealing your true colors and find out the real cause of my brotherâs death. Otherwise, why do you think the bridal sedan was halted at the door by the government officials?"
Under Jiang Qingyuâs expression of falling into the abyss, he continued, "My great-grandfather and grandfather were renowned scholars worldwide, teaching countless students. As their descendant, and the next Family Head of the Tang Family, while I may not continue their brilliance, I have the duty and responsibility to pass down the teachings and protocols of the Tang Family.
Having a virtuous and compliant wife, how could I possibly take a murderer as a concubine under the scrutiny of society? Mrs. Jiang, when I initially wanted to marry you, you were unwilling, and you climbed into my brotherâs bed. When you regretted it, you resorted to any means to transform yourself into my woman. Donât you find yourself filthy and disgusting?"
Whether Jiang Qingyu had willingly climbed into Tang Xiaoâs bed, Tang Yuan did not have concrete evidence, but to protect himself, he had to pin this filth on her.
A despicable woman deserves no sympathy in death!
But he accidentally stumbled upon the truth.
Jiang Qingyu never expected Tang Yuan to have known everything from the start.
No wonder over these years, no matter how ambiguous the atmosphere, no matter how much she seduced him, apart from hugging her, he never took it further.
He was merely using the opportunity to get close to her, speaking of affection but internally despising her for being filthy and repulsive.
"Please, Lord Governor, investigate thoroughly," Tang Yuan looked towards the presiding officerâs seat, explaining to Chen Prefect that he never had an illicit affair with his sister-in-law and that everything was a carefully set trap to uncover the cause of his brotherâs death.
After speaking, Tang Yuan specifically glanced at the nanny beside Jiang Qingyu.
The nannyâs lips moved slightly. She knew well that Tang Yuan was lying, but she couldnât refuse this lie; all her hatred was directed solely at Jiang Qingyu.
The master was like her own son whom she nursed, and when Mrs. Jiang harmed him, she had to avenge this grudge!
So, after a moment of silence, the nanny corroborated Tang Yuanâs words, stating that she had indeed secretly cooperated with the Second Master over the years, and today finally revealed Mrs. Jiangâs true nature.
The nanny had a vivid recollection of the events from that time; she could specify the medicinal recipes Tang Xiao had that day, the various soups Mrs. Jiang brewed, even bringing the old doctor who prescribed the medicine as a witness.
With witness and material evidence, Jiang Qingyuâs premeditated murder of Tang Xiao was irrefutable.
She didnât utter a single word, merely collapsed onto the ground, staring at Tang Yuan with eyes that transitioned from struggling to despair, and finally settled into tranquility.
Upon hearing the guilty verdict, Tang Yuan knew he could extricate himself cleanly from this disaster. Afraid of any possible slip, he used the excuse of his severe illness to conveniently "faint."
Chen Prefect ordered Jiang Qingyu to be detained in prison awaiting judgment.
When Jiang Qingyu was lifted by the government officials, she leaned over to whisper something into Tang Yuanâs ear.
At this moment, while Tang Yuan was "unconscious," he was gritting his teeth tightly, nearly unable to resist the urge to jump up and slap her, but he ultimately had to endure.
Tang Yuan and the nanny, being witnesses, were released immediately after the case concluded.
Tang Yuan was carried to the back hall to rest and was only allowed to leave after he "regained consciousness."
As he exited the government office, the nanny looked at Tang Yuan, hesitating to speak.
Tang Yuan knew that his petty tricks were transparent to the nanny, so he whispered, "If you have something to say, just say it. I know Iâve done wrong today."
The nanny sighed, "I am no longer a member of the Tang Family and have no right to criticize the Second Master. I just hope you will forever remember what you just said in court and pass down the teachings and protocols of the Tang Family. This isnât just my wish; itâs the masterâs dying wish. Also, take good care of Young Master Yong."
Tang Yuan didnât expect the nanny to say this, and while surprised, he felt even more ashamed, lowering his head, "I understand."
After the nanny left, Tang Yuan walked a few steps forward and soon saw a servant from his mansion driving a carriage towards him.
Shortly afterward, the carriage stopped beside him, and the curtain was lifted, revealing Mrs. Qiaoâs face, pale with worry.
"Second son, how did it go? What about that despicable woman, Mrs. Jiang?"
"Murderer, naturally sheâs been locked up in prison," Tang Yuan said calmly.
"So, are you saying your elder brother was really killed by her own hands?"
Tang Yuan pressed his lips together, "Mother, Iâm very tired, may I rest for a bit?"
Only then did Mrs. Qiao notice her sonâs injured face, and quickly went to help him up into the carriage.
Once Tang Yuan was seated, he closed his eyes, clearly not intending to speak further.
Mrs. Qiao glanced at him a few times, seeing how exhausted he was, and swallowed the words she had ready, instead pulling the blanket over him.
When they arrived home, the red silk carefully hung up yesterday had all been removed, casting a gray shroud over the Tang Mansion, with the expressions of the servants as if in mourning.
Not knowing what truly transpired in the courtroom, Mrs. Qiao, still confused, thought for a moment and then called Tang Yuan to her courtyard to explain everything.
As mother and son entered the main courtyard, a small figure ran over from a distance, crying out, "Second Uncle, Second Uncle..."
Tang Yuan stopped and turned to look at him, "Whatâs the matter?"
Tang Yong sobbed as he wiped his tears, "They all say mother is missing, where is mother?"
He finished speaking and began crying again.
Ultimately, at an age that couldnât part from a mother, no matter how afraid he was of being mistreated by her, at that moment, he couldnât let go of his mother.
Tang Yuan was silent for a moment before telling him, "Your mother has gone to your maternal grandparentsâ home. Before leaving, she said sheâd return when you grow taller, so from now on Yongyong should eat and sleep well, strive to grow taller to bring your mother back sooner, okay?"
Tang Yong cried even harder, clutching his sleeve and refusing to let go, "I donât want, I donât want, I want my mother. Second Uncle, take me to find her."
Tang Yuan closed his eyes, and it seemed he could still hear Jiang Qingyuâs last words to him before being taken awayâDo you really naively think that Tang Yong is your brotherâs son? If I could climb into his bed, I could certainly climb into anotherâs.