Chapter 758 - 532: Time Is Running Out

Chapter 758: Chapter 532: Time Is Running Out

"Big brother, it’s been years since we last met, and your demeanor has only become more exceptional."

Xiaomi supported her chin with one hand, leaning on the table. After Jiang Yu’s attendant student had finished pouring the tea for them, Jiang Yu gestured, and the student respectfully left.

Although it was just a simple action, one could clearly feel that now, big brother was indeed different from a few years ago.

Even though he tried to be reserved in front of them, after all, he had been polished in the officialdom for several years, which naturally made him different from before.

Besides, as the eldest brother, Jiang Yu had always been more imposing than the other siblings, sometimes even more effective than their parents in the family.

Jiang Yu merely cast her a glance, having long been accustomed to this little sister, even if she didn’t have a lady-like demeanor now, he could still turn a blind eye.

There was a brazier in the study, brought in earlier by that attendant student. Wei Ziang opened the window beside him halfway, and then sat back at the table.

"Big brother, is there something specific you wanted me and Xiaomi to come over for? Is there any news from the court regarding the bay?"

Other than this, they couldn’t think of anything else.

Calling them so solemnly to the study must mean something very important. Yet aside from the bay, they couldn’t think of anything else that might concern the two of them.

However, Jiang Yu shook his head, gesturing for Wei Ziang to sit down first.

Xiaomi also sat up straight. It was evident from big brother’s serious expression that whatever it was, it was certainly something important.

"Do you still remember that your sister-in-law once mentioned that my mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law of the old Duke Wei were as close as sisters?"

Xiaomi and Wei Ziang exchanged a glance; indeed, they had heard their sister-in-law mention it a few years ago.

However, when they were in the Capital City previously, the old duke had always been at the border and hadn’t returned by the time they left.

Wei Ziang thought for a moment and asked, "Big brother, if there’s something you need to say, just say it directly."

Xiaomi nodded repeatedly, exactly, there was no need to beat around the bush among family.

Jiang Yu didn’t intend to beat around the bush either; he just wanted to see if they remembered, and apparently, they did.

"Shortly after you left the Capital City, the old duke, due to his age, returned to the Capital City to spend his twilight years. Because of the relationship with my in-laws, for these years, I’ve also kept having your sister-in-law visit the old duke or send some of the food you brought."

Jiang Yu knew that what was sent from Quanyuan County must be good products from their realm, and consuming them was beneficial to health.

Over the years, from rice, flour, grains, and oil to many long-storing fruits and vegetables, almost everything consumed was sent by their parents from their side.

There was plenty of produce, and they, of course, couldn’t finish it all, so they would also send some to the in-laws. Given Zhou Ying’s past relationship with the old duke’s grandson, they would send a little to the old duke as well, and no one would think much of it.

Moreover, most of the time, Zhou Ying would visit the Duke’s residence with her own mother. Zhou Ying’s mother and the old duke’s daughter-in-law were as close as sisters, and there was nothing wrong with visiting an elder.

Jiang Yu’s words left Wei Ziang and Xiaomi exchanging looks, and what Jiang Yu said next left them even more at a loss.

"Early this morning, someone reported that the old Duke caught a cold last night and became gravely ill. An Imperial Physician was summoned, and it was said that the old Duke had been physically and mentally wounded in his early years, and his body was filled with hidden injuries. This cold is like the sun setting; even if he survives, it is feared he won’t have more than half a year left."

With a ’clack’ sound, the wine cup Wei Ziang was about to pick up fell on the table.

There wasn’t much expression on his face, but those who knew him could see the stiffness and some panic.

"Big brother, I..."

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

Jiang Yu sighed lightly, "I know what you’re thinking, but the old man’s time is running out."

Wei Ziang had lost his memory, and no longer remembered his childhood.

When they were in the Capital City before, he hadn’t concealed his appearance or hidden his name, and even in Lishi City for several years, his name was known to almost every citizen in Lishi City.

Yet, despite this, it seemed that no one had noticed that Wei Ziang might have a connection with Grand Duke Wei.

Their speculation was merely based on Zhou Ying’s narratives, without any evidence at all.

As for whether Wei Ziang had any connection with Grand Duke Wei, there seemed to be no concrete corroboration.

Without evidence, directly visiting to acknowledge kin, it would fear that people would think they were trying to climb the social ladder.

If the old Duke Wei had always been at the border, perhaps knowing that he had passed, Jiang Yu wouldn’t have any thoughts.

But he had returned to the Capital City, and for these years had subtly arranged for his lady to care and visit, sometimes seeing him from afar at official banquets.

After all, they were not entirely strangers who had never met, so upon learning his days were numbered, Jiang Yu specifically informed Wei Ziang about this.

As for calling Xiaomi over as well, it was obviously because the two were about to get married, becoming a couple meant sharing everything together, so it was only right for them both to be aware of this matter.

"Little brother." Xiaomi grasped Wei Ziang’s hand, a little worried. "How about we go and take a look?"

If they had always stayed in Quanyuan County, or if the old duke had always been at the border, even if they really missed the chance, they might only regret it for a bit.

But the issue was that they had returned to the Capital City, and the old duke was also in the Capital City. Now that they knew, if they didn’t go and visit, perhaps they would regret it for a lifetime.

Wei Ziang gently closed his eyes, slowly exhaled, and when he opened them again, he was much calmer.

"Xiaomi, do you still remember the room where you treated my wounds when you first found me? Under the mattress in that room, there should be a jade pendant; if nothing has changed, it’s still there."

"Jade pendant?" Xiaomi was startled for a moment, but didn’t rush to ask questions, "Wait a moment."

Saying this, she immediately disappeared from their sight, heading into the space to find the jade pendant.

Jiang Yu was also a bit surprised, "You hid a jade pendant?"

Ever since everyone knew about the existence of the space, Xiaomi had unintentionally told the true story of finding Wei Ziang back then.

But regarding the jade pendant, it had never been mentioned; neither had Xiaomi nor Wei Ziang said a word about it.

It now seemed that even Xiaomi wasn’t aware.

Wei Ziang smiled bitterly, "It’s been so long that I had forgotten myself. At that time, I was too young and must have hidden the jade pendant right away to avoid being discovered for my identity."

If not for his big brother suddenly mentioning the matter of Grand Duke Wei, he probably wouldn’t have recalled this matter.

Jiang Yu didn’t comment much, and soon Xiaomi reappeared, holding a jade pendant in her hands.

It was filthy, with the cord stained with many bloodstains and dirt, almost turning most of the jade pendant a reddish-brown color.

That was the color after dried blood had discolored.