Fang Dehua was in the front interrogating servants, while Yang Ruxin walked about with Xiaolun. Xiaolun promptly found a small porcelain bottle in a pile of grass behind Zhi Academy. It was indeed the bottle that had contained poison. Upon inquiry, someone mentioned having seen Miss Dai around that area, but nothing about what she might have done there.
The situation was now clear. After informing Fang Dehua of the findings, Yang Ruxin took her leave. She was still worried about Fang Tianze and besides, how to handle the situation was a matter for the Fang Family. After all, the Dai Family was not of low status, and there could be complications unknown to others. For that reason, it was all the more inappropriate for her to stay.
Fang Dehua did not insist she stay any longer and had the butler arrange for someone to escort her to the Xiyue Residence.
Grandmother Aqiu was now sticking close to Fang Tianze, clearly trusting no one else.
Tianze had not awakened, but at this point, he was not in a coma, but in a deep sleep.
After examining him and finding nothing amiss, Yang Ruxin prepared to leave.
"Miss Yang." Suddenly, Grandmother Aqiu approached Yang Ruxin and, with great respect, knelt down, "This old servant thanks you. You’ve not only saved the young master’s life, but also my young mistress’s life. Aqiu is truly grateful." Before Yang Ruxin could react, Aqiu had already kowtowed three times with resounding thuds.
"Grandmother Aqiu, you’re shortening my life like this," Yang Ruxin said, genuinely frightened as she hurriedly helped her up. "I saved Zeze because of our fate. You mustn’t do this, or else I won’t dare to come here anymore..."
Grandmother Aqiu hurriedly nodded with a smile: "I know, I won’t do this again."
"If nothing unexpected happens, he should wake up in about two hours. Remember not to give him tea, just let him sip some warm water. Also, for the next two or three days, have him eat only plain porridge with a little pickled vegetable..."
"This servant has noted it," Grandmother Aqiu quickly affirmed.
With that, Yang Ruxin left Xiyue Residence and headed toward Dingxiang Academy.
Zhou Xiao had been quiet all along, but he suddenly looked at Yang Ruxin and said, "Big Sister, do you... do you not want Mengmeng to marry into a large household?"
Yang Ruxin was startled and stopped, casting a glance at the slightly confused Zhou Xiao. However, she quickly understood: "You actually know where your family is, don’t you?"
Zhou Xiao silently counted on his fingers.
"And you’re not going back because..."
"My family is considered a large household, too," Zhou Xiao looked up at Yang Ruxin, his father held an office much higher than that of Mr. Fang. "Things are also a mess at home, so my sister and I dare not go back for now..."
"That doesn’t matter," Yang Ruxin smiled. "If you don’t go back, then don’t. It’s up to your father’s ability to find you, we’ll see..."
Zhou Xiao smiled: "But Big Sister, are you willing for Mengmeng to..."
"Would you trust her for life and be her support?" Yang Ruxin asked, her brows slightly raised.
"I..."
"Don’t hurry to answer," Yang Ruxin interrupted Zhou Xiao. "You’re both still young. You can take your time to think it through before answering because being together isn’t just for one day. You will encounter many people and many things along the way..."
Zhou Xiao nodded.
"As long as a couple can trust each other and be honest, it doesn’t matter whether it is a large or small household..."
"I understand," Zhou Xiao smiled.
Yang Ruxin reached out and flicked his forehead. If her younger sister was willing, she would not stop her. Besides, how could her sister be bullied by anyone? However, considering the era’s male-dominated society, the key depended on the man’s attitude. If Zhou Xiao could be Mengmeng’s pillar, what was there to fear from wind and rain?