Right in the middle of the trial, Dao Xuzi, who had been absent, suddenly arrived, hands behind his back, strolling in leisurely, holding onto a rope. And there were three people tied to it. It was none other than Ba Santong and his two brothers who previously helped Chen Dongliang commit evil deeds.
"Master, where have you been?" Yang Ruxin hurriedly stood up, "They..."
"Just wandering around, picked up a few annoying people." Dao Xuzi said as he handed the rope to Yang Ruxin, "Heard some annoying things too, really bothersome. Iâll leave them to you. Iâm off to find a place to nap." He didnât even glance at Lin Lang.
Though Lin Lang hadnât met Dao Xuzi, he figured out his identity from his conversation with Yang Ruxin. He wanted to retain him but before he could speak, Dao Xuzi had disappeared, leaving Lin Lang with no choice but to give up.
Right after, the Chen Family and managers from those bank stores were also brought in by government officials.
Everybody was present. The examination was swift, and everything became clear. The final judgment was that Chen Dongliang received the death sentence, to be executed on a selected day, and meanwhile, imprisoned in the death cell, while the Chen Familyâs property was confiscated.
Dai Zhigao was dismissed and investigated, also sentenced to a reprieve; his property was seized, but his family was not implicated. At least Dai Xiyan and her brother werenât dragged into it.
This result was already considered a stroke of luck for the Dai Family.
"Yang Ruxin, are you happy destroying our Dai Family?" Dai Xiyan stopped Yang Ruxin after only a few steps out of the County Governorâs Office.
Looking at this girl before her, full of tears yet brimming with hatred, Yang Ruxin helplessly spread her hands: "Iâm not the one who destroyed the Dai Family, you did it yourselves. Donât bite indiscriminately."
"Youâre really sinister." Dai Xiyan gnashed her teeth, staring at Yang Ruxin, "You will surely face retribution, and die a miserable death."
"Thatâs enough!" Chai Qin stepped forward, "Who do you think you are? Dare to..."
Yang Ruxin raised her hand to stop Chai Qinâs words and instead smiled faintly: "Dai Xiyan, if yesterday I had been ruined by Chen Dongliang, then today Iâd be dead, and itâd be my family grieving." She leaned forward slightly, staring straight into her eyes, "If that had happened, what would you do? Call your uncle sinister?"
Dai Xiyan frowned.
"After getting news, you Miss Dai would gloat, saying I Yang Ruxin deserved it." Yang Ruxin smiled, raising her hand to pat Dai Xiyan on the shoulder, "But you were disappointed. I had the capability, not only to stay safe but to let Chen Dongliang reap what he sowed. So now, itâs me saying your family deserves it."
Dai Xiyan was so furious her breathing became erratic, she suddenly raised her hand intending to slap Yang Ruxin, but her wrist was caught by Yang Ruxin as soon as she lifted it.
"Miss Dai," Yang Ruxinâs smile began to turn cold, "Youâre a smart person, able to weigh pros and cons in court, decisively giving up those who perished that day. Donât you realize itâs even more inappropriate to provoke me now?" Saying this, she flung Dai Xiyan, causing her to stagger.
Dai Xiyan barely steadied herself, gulping nervously. Yes, sheâs no longer the daughter of the County Magistrate, but a ministerâs daughter. So, she must avoid offending this woman, as patience is imperative now. She suddenly regretted spearing her father; having a criminal father was worse than none.
"Miss Dai, since weâve met once, Iâll offer you free advice. If I were you, I wouldnât be here having a pointless stare-down, you canât defeat me. Youâd be better off rushing home to check if someone is emptying your house, you still have a younger brother to support, donât you?"
Dai Xiyan was stunned.
"I can offer you one more bonus; your fatherâs concubine has probably moved out your motherâs dowry by now, eloping with her lover." Yang Ruxinâs face was full of schadenfreude.
Hearing this, Dai Xiyan hurriedly turned and ran back.
"If you hurry to the docks, you might just catch up..."
"Madam, why did you tell her that?" Chai Qin frowned, watching Dai Xiyanâs retreating figure. Before, Dao Xuzi had gone to the Daiâs kitchen searching for food and caught those attempting to flee while uncovering the concubineâs secret, naturally telling Yang Ruxin.
"Performing a good deed." Yang Ruxin shrugged.
Chai Qin couldnât hold back a laugh: "I wonder if Mr. Dai will be angered to death knowing."
"How about visiting him in jail?"
"Good idea." Chai Qin got excited, "Iâll go right away."
"Alright, you seem to be taking things seriously." Yang Ruxin hurriedly pulled the little maid back, "Heâs already in jail, let him stay there peacefully, donât go disturbing him, okay? Be good!"
Chai Qin pouted: "Madam, are you hoping the higher his hopes, the greater his future disappointments?"
"Didnât know you became this smart." Yang Ruxin snapped her fingers.
"I wasnât stupid before, alright?"
"Yes, very smart, just that your previous intelligence was applied elsewhere."
"Madam, can you stop calling out flaws?" Chai Qin stomped, "A prodigal who turns back is worth more, Iâve changed."
Yang Ruxin just laughed harder: "Eh, the previous white lotus had a black heart, now itâs turned red."
"What black heart red heart? Say more and Iâll go seduce the young master." Chai Qin got riled, but after speaking, she suddenly laughed too. "Madam, youâre truly wicked."
Yang Ruxin patted Chai Qinâs shoulder: "Once someone is sincere, their mind becomes calm. If mother-in-law sees you like this, sheâd certainly be pleased."
Chai Qin nodded.
"Is there no end?" Dao Xuzi was growing impatient, "Iâm hungry."
"Then..."
"Madam Ruyi." At this moment, Lin Langâs subordinate arrived, "My master is waiting for you at the restaurant across the street."
"Great." Yang Ruxin nodded, "Time for some food."
In the private room, once Yang Ruxin entered, Lin Lang stood up and bowed deeply.
"Whatâs Lin Da doing?" Yang Ruxin swiftly dodged, "Trying to shorten my lifespan?"
"Ah!" Lin Lang sighed, "I actually want to thank Madam for being lenient towards me back then. Just havenât had the chance to visit; today is a good opportunity, grateful Madam came."
"I donât understand such talk." Yang Ruxin shook her head, "Lin Da is capable and daring, and your administration is considered honest and just. I, a simple village woman, wouldnât dare comment."
"The Wei Family matter." Lin Lang had to clarify, "Back then my brother-in-law Zhao Yunliang almost married Wei Yao... later he did marry a girl from the Wei Family. Actually, Yunliang isnât a lewd person, but his wife passed away, he couldnât live alone. At that time, many proposed matches but Yunliang had seen Wei Yao; the girl was competent and beautiful. When Wei Family came saying it was agreed by the second family, and she herself was willing, it almost led to a major mistake."