After being sentenced to death, she came to her senses.

Upon hearing these words, Lin Cuilan's face instantly darkened. She tried her best to suppress her anger and said in a deep voice, "A woman's reputation is of utmost importance. If your Fang family doesn't care about it, then don't blame us for being ruthless."

"As a scholar, reputation is equally important to Young Master Xue. Otherwise, why would no one ever mention his name in any of the rumors? Clearly, someone is deliberately concealing it."

"So what? Do you intend to give up on yourself? If you act this way, the Fang family will inevitably suffer the most. I advise you, Sixth Miss, that your recklessness will ultimately harm you." Lin Cuilan's voice was unusually cold, and her gaze towards Fang Xiaoran was filled with chilling intent.

However, Fang Xiaoran didn't take it to heart at all, and just smiled casually, "That's none of Madam Xue's concern. What you should be considering right now is how to protect Young Master Xue's reputation and how to help him rise to prominence."

"What do you mean by that?" Lin Cuilan was puzzled by Fang Xiaoran's intentions and couldn't help but feel surprised. Could she really have a way to affect Xue Zhiming's future? That was absolutely impossible. Although she was favored by the Empress Dowager, her power was not so great as to be so arrogant. How could she dare to speak so recklessly?

Fang Xiaoran calmly picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Madam Xue wants me to marry Young Master Xue, simply because she covets my dowry and the marriage alliance with the Fang family. Of course, this is probably also related to my current favor with the Empress Dowager. Your purpose is exactly the same as that of the Fang family back then. The only difference is that the Xue family has no successor. Such actions are just a drop in the ocean and can only slightly alleviate the Xue family's predicament."

"Absurd! My son is a scholar, how can you say there's no one to carry on the family line? At most, your Fang family has only produced a general, a mere warrior. The battlefield situation is unpredictable, whether he can achieve merit is still uncertain, and his life or death is even more unknown." Lin Cuilan snorted coldly, her words filled with hostility.

"If what you say is true, then why do you insist that I marry Young Master Xue?" Fang Xiaoran frowned slightly, her expression unchanged, but she exuded a chilling aura.

Lin Cuilan was speechless when asked the question. She turned her head and said coldly, "You should go back and ask your aunt about that."

“My aunt is willing to make the match, but it depends on the Xue family’s willingness. Madam Xue, let’s be frank. I have no intention of marrying into the Xue family, and I have no interest in Young Master Xue. I think he feels the same way. In that case, I might as well give you a compromise. If the Xue family stops bothering me and marries Fourth Sister, Young Master Xue will have the opportunity to take a position at Baowen Pavilion.”

Fang Xiaoran's calm tone shocked Lin Cuilan, who stared at her in disbelief for a long while before finally speaking: "What did you say? Bao, Baowen Pavilion? He's just a scholar, how can he hold a position? Besides, a scholar of Baowen Pavilion is at least a seventh-rank official, how can you be so sure?"

"I didn't say he would have an official title; he'd just be organizing and copying books. However, if he's ambitious, this is an excellent opportunity. It all depends on Madam Xue's decision," Fang Xiaoran said calmly. She dared to make such a statement because she had written a letter before coming and had someone deliver it to Zhao Jin.

Although Zhao Jin, as a prince, was rarely seen by ordinary people, he had always harbored ill intentions towards her and naturally wouldn't miss her letter. Moreover, in her previous life, Xue Zhiming had only been able to enter Baowen Pavilion through Zhao Jin's connections, but unfortunately, his abilities were limited, and he made repeated mistakes in less than a year, ultimately being expelled.

In her past life, she was used by Zhao Jin, and in this life, she wants to get her revenge one by one. Naturally, she doesn't mind using him in return. After all, it's just a nominal position, and Zhao Jin can easily arrange it. Moreover, she is absolutely certain that Zhao Jin will give her that face.

Lin Cuilan was deeply moved. Even without any official position, being able to enter Baowen Pavilion would be a significant boost for Xue Zhiming.

However, is this really possible?

Based on Fang Xiaoran's words alone, she found it hard to believe. But the opportunity was too tempting for her to refuse.

"Is what you said true?" After a long while, Lin Cuilan finally spoke slowly, asking in a low voice.

Seeing her change in attitude, Fang Xiaoran smiled slightly, "How could it be false? I believe that Young Master Xue will receive the news soon. At that time, Madam Xue should try to quell the recent turmoil and come to propose marriage as soon as possible. My fourth sister can't wait much longer."

After saying these words, Fang Xiaoran put down her teacup and bid farewell to Lin Cuilan. Only after Fang Xiaoran left did Lin Cuilan finally relax, leaning on the table for support. She let out a long breath and then reached out her hand, trembling. A maid quickly helped her up. Feeling someone supporting her wrist, she relaxed slightly.

"Madam, do you believe what Miss Fang said? I'm afraid she doesn't have that ability, does she?" the maid asked in a low voice.

Lin Cuilan said, looking slightly tired, "Judging from her confident demeanor, it doesn't seem like she was just saying it casually. Besides, she also said that Miss Fang Si couldn't wait any longer. As far as the Fang family is concerned, they certainly don't want those scandals to be spread. We just need to wait."

The maid asked again, "But if Miss Fang really has such abilities, wouldn't it be better for her to marry into our family?"

These words struck a chord with Lin Cuilan. The problem was that Fang Xiaoran had no intention of marrying into the Xue family. If she continued to pester them, who knew what she might do? She wasn't an ordinary girl who was easy to control; a slight misstep could backfire.

"Forget it. Why force someone whose heart isn't with us? In the end, we can't really break ties." Lin Cuilan shook her head slightly.

--------

Recently, news of the Xue and Lin families' desire to marry Fang Xiaoran had already reached Zhao Jinzhi's ears. He had remained unmoved, waiting for Fang Xiaoran to come to him for help. However, to this day, Fang Xiaoran remained as steadfast as a mountain, showing no intention of seeking assistance.

On this day, he received the letter from Fang Xiaoran. When Zhao Jin heard Shao hand the letter to him, he was slightly surprised, "Only this one letter?"

“Exactly,” Wen Shao nodded in response.

Zhao Jin frowned slightly as he read the letter. After a moment, his expression suddenly darkened. Noticing the unusual look on his face, Eunuch Li asked softly, "Could it be that Miss Fang's words were inappropriate, causing His Highness's displeasure?"

It should be known that Zhao Jin is capricious and unpredictable, and even those close to him find it difficult to fathom his thoughts. Eunuch Li dared not speak rashly, but he had no choice but to ask.

"I thought she came to ask me for help, but it turns out she's here to secure an official position for someone surnamed Xue," Zhao Jin said coldly. Upon hearing this, Eunuch Li hurriedly asked, "Is it someone from the Xue family who wants to marry Miss Fang?"

"Xue Zhiming." Zhao Jin sneered, and the surrounding air turned cold. Eunuch Li couldn't help but shrink his neck, wondering what this Miss Fang was thinking. How dare she be so bold? It was truly her good fortune that the Third Prince favored her so much, yet she dared to ask the Prince for such a favor.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Jin's lips curled up into a puzzling smile. "She's found a compromise to get out of this mess. Even if she gets rid of the Xue family, there's still the Lin family. I've heard that the Grand Tutor has already intervened. How can she possibly go against him? Besides, she wants my help with just a letter."

"Did this servant girl refuse her?" Eunuch Li asked tentatively, but was met with a cold glare from Zhao Jin, and he immediately shut his mouth, not daring to say anything more.

Zhao Jin put away the letter, his expression solemn, and said slowly, "It's not difficult to add a sinecure to Baowen Pavilion. Li Fei, take my token to Zheng Yan and ask him to make proper arrangements."

"Yes." Eunuch Li accepted the token with a look of astonishment and slowly withdrew.

Then, Zhao Jin ordered Wen Shao, "Continue to monitor the Lin family."

The three-day deadline had passed, but there was still no news from the Xue family. Everyone in Cuiwei Pavilion was filled with anxiety. Fang Yunyao didn't even dare to leave the house, for fear of being seen by Fang Zhengyong.

As the sun slowly rose on the fourth day, Fang Yunyao was like a frightened bird, peeking out from time to time, unable to feel at ease.

"Is Fang Xiaoran reliable or not? It's already this late, why hasn't the Xue family made a move yet? Where is Mother? Where did she go? What if Father comes?" Fang Yunyao was restless and anxious.

The maid comforted her, saying, "There are many affairs in the manor these days. As the person in charge, you naturally have to take care of everything. Young lady is busy right now, so please wait a moment. Since the sixth young lady has promised, she will definitely be able to do it."

"I never imagined that one day I would place all my hopes on her..." Fang Yunyao closed her eyes in pain, looking incredibly fragile.

At this moment, Madam Liu was kneeling in front of Fang Zhengyong, weeping and pleading, "Master, please wait a little longer. The Xue family will surely take action. Please give me some more time."

Fang Zhengyong looked down at her, his eyes filled with both pity and indifference. "I have given you three days. Do you know how fast this kind of thing spreads? Three days is enough to spread it throughout the streets and alleys."

"But she's also your daughter. Are you really going to just watch her die?"

“I didn’t drive her to her death. Rather than let her live a life of humiliation amidst the condemnation of others, it’s better for her to die to prove her innocence and at least clear her name. Aoyun, I hope you can understand this.”

After speaking, Fang Zhengyong glanced at Liu Shi with a cold and indifferent expression. His gaze was as cold as ice, which made Liu Shi feel a chill down her spine. She slumped to her knees on the ground.

As Fang Zhengyong walked further and further away, after a struggle, she got up again and rushed over, hugging his leg tightly. "I only have this one daughter. If I cannot protect her, I would rather go with her than suffer the pain of losing my daughter."

“She is also my daughter, how could I not be heartbroken?” Fang Zhengyong looked at her in a low voice, gently stroking her face with his hand, as if touching a rare treasure. “However, since this matter arose because of her, it should be resolved by her, so as to preserve her reputation.”

At that moment, Liu was immersed in his deep eyes, and two lines of clear tears silently slid down her cheeks. Liu closed her eyes in pain and let go of his hand helplessly.

A woman's reputation is more important than her life; as a woman herself, how could she not know this? But how could she bear to give it up...?

Just as Liu was feeling utterly disheartened and hopeless, the steward's booming voice brought her a glimmer of hope. "Master, the Xue family has arrived!"