When the government officials arrived and took away the three who had been begging for mercy, Yang Ruxin and Gu Qingheng finally breathed a sigh of relief. With this, the spies were essentially cleared out, leaving only the Emperorâs people, like Nanny Lou and Butler Qian.
Although they knew their identities, they couldnât clean them out. Only by letting the Emperor know their every move would he be free of suspicion, as rulers have always been suspicious throughout history.
As for the fate of Lun Yi, Hong Yi, and Arong, thereâs no need to think about it; they wonât survive. Even if their crime doesnât deserve death, their masters wouldnât allow them to live.
Yang Ruxin didnât feel uncomfortable about it. After all, if they hadnât been prepared earlier, she would probably be arranging for her husband to marry an aunt now.
Great Monk Puji said he condoned their crimes, but so what? They have to have the intention, and only then can there be condoning.
This world can never stop people who seek their own downfall.
With no one watching her in the room, Yang Ruxin felt particularly at ease while sleeping that night.
"Madam, Ba Kang from Yuan Country is visiting." The next day, just after breakfast, Butler Qian came to report.
"Ba Kang?" Yang Ruxin raised an eyebrow, "Isnât he the Poison Doctor?"
"Thatâs the one." Butler Qian nodded.
"Let him wait in the front hall first." Yang Ruxin nodded.
In the front hall, Ba Kang sat very respectfully. When he heard footsteps outside, he quickly stood up, and when Yang Ruxin entered, he promptly bent over to salute: "Greetings, Madam."
"No need for formalities, Mr. Ba Kang." Yang Ruxin smiled, "Please sit." After he sat down, she said, "I wonder what brings Mr. Ba Kang here?"
"We are leaving." Ba Kang glanced at Yang Ruxin, "But I greatly admire Madamâs medical and toxicology skills..."
Yang Ruxin smiled but didnât respond.
"Although we are from different countries and might be enemies, I still admire Madam."
"Thank you, Mr. Ba Kang, for your appreciation."
"This is my token from Yuan Country." Ba Kang said, handing over a tooth of an unknown animal, "I hope one day Madam can visit Yuan Country, and then I hope we can be friends."
"Alright." Yang Ruxin did not refuse and took the tooth, "We people of Daxuan always like to reciprocate with courtesy, whether it is goodwill or malice."
"No, I only represent myself." Ba Kang smiled, "I have no ill intentions toward Madam or Daxuan Country; I just admire Madamâs skills. If possible, I would even like to become a disciple, but I know itâs impossible."
Yang Ruxin nodded with a smile.
"I bid you farewell." Ba Kang stood up to take his leave, "I look forward to Madam visiting Yuan Country as a guest."
"Perhaps that day will come." Yang Ruxin rose and escorted him to the front hall door, with Butler Qian sending him out of the mansion.
However, when Butler Qian returned, he held a box in his hands: "This is the gift Ba Kang gave to Madam upon meeting."
Inside the box was a necklace made of twelve-colored gemstones and a bracelet of the same color scheme, obviously very valuable.
Yang Ruxinâs gaze flickered for a moment, then she took out a porcelain bottle and handed it to Butler Qian: "Catch up to Ba Kang and say itâs a return gift."
Although Yang Ruxin didnât say what the medicine pill was for, Ba Kang sniffed the scent and knew it could save lives at a critical moment, instantly overjoyed; this trip was truly worthwhile.