Marry my elder sister? Fine! I'll give you the letter of annulment and marry someone else.

Fang Ning's face flushed red. He didn't expect that he was just saying something casually to win favor, but was left speechless.

The monthly silver was three taels, which was enough to cover his family's expenses for a month with some surplus.

Fang Ning's eyes lit up again as he looked at Xiao Tao. While thinking about how to take her money for himself, he used his excellent method of making promises, "Of course, in the future, I will definitely make Tao Tao a lady, a noble lady who never has to do any work."

Xiao Tao was very moved and looked at Fang Ning with emotion.

Song Zhi sighed, wondering how she could eat so much even though the pancake looked so fake.

She interrupted the affectionate conversation with a dry cough and said casually, "There's no need for that later. It's rare that Master Fang has such affection for Xiao Tao. I'll ask my father to give you a night watchman's job in the capital. If you feel sleepy while studying at night, you can go out for a walk to refresh yourself."

With a bright smile, he said, "I know you care about Xiao Tao, so just give the night watchman's salary directly to Xiao Tao. I will give her a vacation for the next two months, so that she can experience the joy of not having to do housework."

Fang Ning didn't react for a moment, and his face looked extremely ugly.

Does this mean that not only did he not gain any advantage, but he will also have to work hard to make money for Xiao Taohua in the future?

Didn't you say you would introduce him to Lord Song? How did it turn out like this?

Fang Ning couldn't accept it and was about to refuse with a frown.

Song Zhi's tone suddenly changed, and his voice was full of pressure. "Why, Master Fang doesn't want to? Didn't you say that you wanted Xiao Tao to stay away from women? Could it be that all those words were just to deceive Xiao Tao?"

Fang Ning was so frightened that he swallowed his words back. "It's not...it's not that I don't want to, it's just that doing other things is bound to distract me. The Spring Examination is only six months away, and I'm afraid I'll be distracted and unable to study properly, which would be a big deal."

What he said was sincere and well-reasoned, and he looked like he had the will but not the ability.

I have to say, this guy is really good at speaking.

Xiaotao was obviously the one who was persuaded, and she stood aside ready to join in.

Song Zhi glared at her, successfully making her shut up in grievance.

Song Zhi returned his gentle gaze to Fang Ning. "It's precisely because the Spring Examination is only six months away that I've asked you to study day and night to improve your chances of passing the high school entrance exam. How can you say you're distracted? Miss, I'm very considerate of you. Don't worry, it won't take that long to finish the night watch."

"Besides, this is a test for you. If someone only knows how to study and can't do anything else, then they definitely won't have much of a future. Xiaotao and I are like sisters, and I don't feel comfortable leaving her to someone like that."

Fang Ning was stunned again, pinching his fingers anxiously, not knowing what to say.

He looked at Xiaotao for help, hoping that Xiaotao would say a few words for him.

Xiao Tao was so scared that she waved her hands repeatedly, "I have to listen to my lady."

Although she didn't know why the lady made such arrangements, Xiaotao developed an inexplicable belief in Song Zhi after a long period of admiration.

In short, my young lady would never harm her.

Seeing that there was no one to turn to for help, Fang Ning felt as if he was being roasted on a fire. In just a few breaths, beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead.

He knew that his status was too low to be worthy of Song Zhi, so he swallowed and agreed reluctantly when he couldn't refuse.

Not only did he agree, but he also had to say thank you against his will.

Song Zhi felt relieved when he saw his constipated face. He waved his hand and said, "I'll go talk to you later. You can report tonight."

Fang Ning suddenly looked up and opened his eyes wide, "So fast!"

Song Zhi looked innocent, "Don't you want Xiao Tao to live a comfortable and peaceful life as soon as possible?"

Fang Ning was embarrassed and forced a smile, "Of course I do."

"That's it." Song Zhi rolled his eyes.

At this moment, Fang Ning's eyes suddenly fell on the plate of ginseng fruit on the table. He was so shocked that he forgot his previous annoyance and stood up, "Could this be the ginseng fruit that is worth a fortune!"

Just now he was only concerned with looking at the decorative ornaments and didn't notice the plate of emerald green fruits at all. But when he took a closer look, he became perked up.

Song Zhi curled the corners of his lips, "Yes."

Fang Ning's eyes suddenly became fiery, and he couldn't help but excitedly said, "This thing can't be bought with money. The old scholar in our village only saw it from a distance once, and then he went back and boasted about it for most of his life. If I could just taste it..."

"No, no, no, sorry, Miss Song, I'm sorry for being rude."

Fang Ning quickly corrected himself, "This thing is so rare, I am of such low status that I am absolutely unworthy of it."

In order to show that he really felt he had said something wrong, he deliberately took two steps back in panic.

Song Zhi saw all of his little movements and picked up a ginseng fruit and played with it in his hand without paying any attention.

"You think it's a rarity, but I think it's nothing special. I put it here to entertain guests. If you want, come and take it, Mr. Fang."

Fang Ning's eyes once again showed greed, "Is it really possible?"

Song Zhi nodded, "Okay."

He was about to go forward to take it, but Xiao Tao suddenly said, "Cousin, this is the third...it was specially given to the young lady by the royal family. You can't take it."

Fang Ning frowned unhappily. "Miss Song just said this was for guests. If I don't take it, I'd be ignoring her kindness. Please don't be so nosy."

For some reason, Xiaotao suddenly felt that her cousin at this moment was different from the one she had seen before.

She was dissatisfied and wanted to stop him, but Fang Ning said, "I'm only taking one, not all. I really admire Miss Song's sharing spirit."

After saying this, he was afraid that Song Zhi would regret it, so he quickly took one out and put it in his arms.

It was no use for Xiao Tao to stop him. She stamped her feet and was very displeased with Fang Ning's behavior. After saying goodbye to Song Zhi, she turned around and left the flower hall angrily.

Fang Ning stood there awkwardly. Song Zhi had achieved his goal and was too lazy to look at him anymore, so he had someone send him out of the house. Before leaving, he reminded him to remember to report to the night watchman on time tonight.

Perhaps it was the ginseng fruit that made Fang Ning see the strength of the Song family. He no longer had the same resistance as before and happily promised that he would not be late.

It's just a little hard now, but he has to endure it for the sake of future glory and wealth.

The Song family is so powerful, and Miss Song is so fond of Xiaotao. As long as he holds Xiaotao tightly, there is no fear that he will never have a chance to succeed.

As for taking the imperial examination, that was just a lie to fool silly girls like Xiaotao. He couldn't even recognize all the characters.

He heard that Xiaotao was living well in the capital, so he came here to seek refuge.

Fang Ning's face was full of calculation. No, he would never feel at ease if the person was not his own.

It seems that he needs to make the matter a done deal as soon as possible.

He was thinking quickly in his mind how to coax Xiao Tao into his arms. He carefully stroked the ginseng fruit in his arms, with a determination in his eyes.