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

Within just a few days, the affair between Fang Xiaoran and Xue Zhiming had spread throughout the household.

At first, Fang Xiaoran didn't take it to heart. The renovation of Beiju was nearing completion, and the outline of Yunlai Villa was faintly visible, which made her recall the time she spent with her mother in the villa.

Having lived through two lifetimes, these years should have been far removed from her, yet they gave her the illusion that they were close at hand and that she had not been separated from her mother for too long.

Looking at the scene before her and reflecting on the past few days, Fang Xiaoran couldn't help but wonder what her mother's feelings were when she married into the Fang family, and whether she regretted her choice back then.

At least here, as a member of the Fang family, Fang Xiaoran felt no warmth whatsoever.

“Miss…” Seeing Fang Xiaoran’s sad expression, Ziju was a little worried.

Fang Xiaoran shook her head slightly and smiled, "I'm fine, I just remembered some things from the past."

Seeing her like this, Ziju opened her mouth, but swallowed back what she was about to say. Noticing Ziju's unusual behavior, Fang Xiaoran said calmly, "Do you have something important to say? Go ahead and say it. Don't think your girl is so fragile. Besides, the past isn't all sad stuff."

Ziju hesitated for a moment before whispering, "The news about you and Young Master Xue has spread far and wide. At first, it was only in the manor, but now it has spread throughout the entire capital. I'm afraid it will be difficult for any other noble family to propose marriage to you."

"Really? That's much faster than I expected. My aunt is really thoughtful. She's afraid I'll actually find a good man, so she's using this method to cut off other possibilities and only giving me one choice. But why does she think I'll definitely choose the path she's given me?" Fang Xiaoran didn't care. Obviously, these things were within her expectations.

But Ziju wasn't as calm as her, and said with great concern, "But what if... what if..."

"What if you can't get married?" Fang Xiaoran smiled and poked Ziju's forehead, saying playfully, "What's there to be afraid of? My mother left me a little treasure trove, and I'm not short of money now. Do you think I can't survive?"

"It's not about money. A young lady will eventually get married. If they can't find a good husband, I'm afraid the master and his family will just find anyone for her to marry into. After all, the master cares so much about his reputation..."

"Does he care? Back then, he let others slander my mother, and even now he refuses to clear her name and restore her reputation. I think all he cares about is himself. What reputation, what family honor? These are just excuses he makes up. Besides, what reputation does the Fang family have?" Fang Xiaoran's tone was calm, but it contained endless sarcasm.

Then, Fang Xiaoran comforted her, "I know you're thinking of me, but you don't need to worry about this. I have my own way of dealing with it."

Hearing Fang Xiaoran's firm and confident words, Ziju finally felt relieved.

Recently, the Empress Dowager's heart condition has worsened, with the frequency of attacks increasing. Fang Xiaoran had no choice but to enter the palace to diagnose and treat her.

However, this disease is difficult to cure and requires long-term recuperation and care. But the Empress Dowager did not like taking medicine, perhaps because she had developed a strong aversion to it after years of taking medication.

Therefore, Fang Xiaoran specially developed a topical ointment for the Empress Dowager. When combined with acupuncture, the effect was even more significant. However, oral medication was also essential.

Therefore, Fang Xiaoran carefully prepared several prescriptions that could be mixed into food, hoping to aid in the treatment through diet. In this way, the Empress Dowager would not have to endure the bitter taste of the medicine, and could receive treatment unconsciously through her daily meals.

With such good intentions, the Empress Dowager grew to like her even more, and would often talk to her about Bai Qiqi, and the two would have a very pleasant conversation.

While administering acupuncture, the Empress Dowager suddenly asked, "I've heard that you have a close relationship with the young master of the Xue family. The Xue family is indeed a good choice. However, I remember that you and the second young master of the Gu family have been engaged since childhood. Although it was only a verbal agreement, one should not break one's promise. If you have no interest in this marriage, I can make the decision for you to cancel it. In this way, your relationship with the young master of the Xue family will not attract any criticism."

Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager, despite living deep within the palace for so long, was so well-informed that she knew such things so clearly. However, those who could sit firmly in the position of Empress were no ordinary people.

Fang Xiaoran lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have only met Young Master Xue once, but I don't know why this matter has been spread so widely, even to this point..." Her voice carried a hint of helplessness and grievance, as if she was very troubled by these rumors.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face instantly darkened, and a flash of anger appeared in her eyes. "A young lady's reputation is of utmost importance. Who on earth is so bold as to deliberately spread such rumors!"

Fang Xiaoran quickly comforted her, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance. I will handle such trivial matters myself. Your Majesty need not trouble yourself with this." Her tone was calm and firm, which for a moment reminded the Empress Dowager of her former pale and frail appearance.

"That's enough. I will no longer concern myself with this matter. However, if you suffer any injustice, you may come to me at any time. I will definitely stand up for you and will never let you be bullied."

"Your Majesty, I thank you." Fang Xiaoran immediately knelt down and respectfully performed a grand salute.

Although she didn't expect the Empress Dowager to actually make decisions for her, at least this statement gave her a way out.

After administering acupuncture, the Empress Dowager went to sleep. Fang Xiaoran came out of Cining Palace and was led by Eunuch Liu towards the palace gate. Along the way, Eunuch Liu said with a smile, "The Empress Dowager is quite fond of Miss Fang. In the future, Miss Fang should often come to the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager. With the Empress Dowager's favor, it will benefit both you and the Fang family."

Fang Xiaoran nodded slightly and said calmly, "Thank you for the reminder, Eunuch Liu, but I only entered the palace to treat the Empress Dowager's illness, and I have no other intentions."

"It's good that Miss Fang is a sensible person." Eunuch Liu smiled enigmatically, feeling that his words just now were more of a test than a suggestion.

Those in the palace are the most shrewd and calculating, so it's naturally difficult to probe their true intentions.

As they approached the East Gate, soft footsteps sounded, and a group of people slowly approached. In the center of the procession was an exquisitely crafted palanquin. Six palace attendants steadily carried the palanquin forward. Upon closer inspection, a beautiful woman in splendid attire sat regally atop the magnificent palanquin. Her figure was graceful, her bearing dignified, and her eyes, though indifferent, held a chilling intensity, like a cold night.

Fang Xiaoran recognized the beautiful woman at a glance. She was Zhao Jin's mother, Consort Ning, and also Shang Lingzhu's older sister, Shang Linglan.

Despite being sisters, their relationship is lukewarm, and few people mention them together. Even Zhao Jin and Gu Yuqing, who should be cousins, have very little contact, causing Fang Xiaoran to almost forget that they have a proper relationship.

Could it be that Zhao Jin let Gu Yuqing go because of their relationship?

No, Zhao Jin wouldn't even spare his own brothers, let alone his cousins.

At this moment, Eunuch Liu whispered a reminder: "Miss Fang, you should quickly pay your respects to the Imperial Concubine."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoran finally came to her senses. The moment she looked up, she saw Shang Linglan's cold gaze fixed on her face. For some reason, she felt a chilling hatred in those eyes.