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

Fang Zhengyong immediately understood the meaning behind that look. He pondered to himself and waited for the old lady to continue.

The others also looked at the old lady with suspicion, then at Fang Xiaoran, quite puzzled. Fang Xiaoran, however, sneered inwardly, guessing it was definitely not a good thing, and that her grandmother was probably trying to sell out her interests for the Fang family.

After all, in the Fang family, she would certainly have no chance of getting anything good.

The old lady remained silent for a long time, as if she had something difficult to say.

Fang Chan saw through her mother's intention and immediately spoke up to smooth things over, "Mother, there's no need to be in a difficult position. No matter what method is used, it's all for the Fang family. Even if it's hard to give up, I think anyone would do the same. After all, the Fang family is a whole, sharing honor and disgrace."

Her actions were clearly a form of moral blackmail, making it clear in advance that if the person refused, they would be making an enemy of the entire Fang family.

Zhou Qin, who was standing to the side, also noticed something amiss and chimed in, "Yes, as fellow members of the Fang family, we should prioritize our family. Personal honor and disgrace are insignificant. Although I have only recently joined the family, I still understand this principle."

Liu could easily see through such obvious matters, but she couldn't say much at the moment. Anyway, since someone was stirring things up, she could just sit back and reap the benefits.

After hearing these words, the old lady's expression softened slightly. She patted Fang Zhengyong's hand and asked solemnly, "You are the head of the family, and this matter should be decided by you. Yong'er, what do you think?"

Fang Zhengyong looked troubled, as if he was having some difficulty making a decision. But considering the crisis the Fang family was facing, as the head of the family, he naturally had to put the family first. So he said with a solemn and serious expression, "Of course, the family must come first. Mother, please speak frankly if you have any solutions. There is no need to worry too much."

"Alright, since that's the case, then I'll be frank. What Sister Lin means is that since Fourth Sister and Zhiming are in love, then let's grant them this marriage." The old lady said slowly, and Fang Yunyao's face changed drastically upon hearing this. She wanted to stop her, but was rebuked by Liu Shi's cold glare.

Then the old lady added, "However, in order to strengthen the ties between the Fang and Lin families through marriage, she proposed that our sixth daughter marry her grandson, Lin Ziheng, to promote good relations between the two families."

“Compared to the Xue family, the Lin family has a glorious history, so it’s not a bad choice. Sixth Miss is of marriageable age anyway, so this is perfect.” Fang Chan said with a smile. As long as Fang Xiaoran got married, it didn’t matter who it was. Besides, there was no difference between the Xue and Lin families.

Zhou Qin added, "Since it's a better choice, I don't think Sixth Sister would disagree. Besides, this is for the Fang family's benefit. Once they are united by marriage with the Lin and Xue families, they will all be one family. In that case, they will naturally suppress Fourth Sister's matter, and the Fang family will no longer have to worry about their reputation."

"Yes, facilitating two marriages is a great joy, and it has also relieved the Fang family's urgent needs. Sixth Sister is a great contributor to the Fang family," Fang Menghe said with a smile.

In their view, the Lin family was in dire straits, and Fang Xiaoran would not have a good life after marrying into the family. This was exactly what they wanted, so they did their best to stir things up and put Fang Xiaoran in a difficult position, leaving her no chance to refute.

Although Fang Zhengyong remained silent, his gaze was fixed on Fang Xiaoran, as if observing her expression. However, Fang Xiaoran was unexpectedly calm, giving him a sense of impending danger.

It's surprising that he would care so much about Fang Xiaoran's emotional changes; it seems that what happened before still haunts him.

“I understand what Grandmother means. She wants me to clean up this mess for Fourth Sister. But why should I? This matter has nothing to do with me. No one can make me compromise!” Fang Xiaoran’s eyes were calm, but her words were sharp. Although there was a faint smile on her lips, it revealed a hint of coldness.

Fang Chan quickly retorted, "How can it be considered cleaning up a mess? The Lin family is also a good choice. Or are you saying that you haven't let go of Xue Zhiming?"

"It's just a one-time acquaintance, how can you say you've let go? It's fine for others to gossip, but why are you getting involved, Aunt? Do you really think that our Fang family's daughter is so worthless that she would fall in love at first sight with a rogue scholar?" Fang Xiaoran said coldly.

These words made Fang Chan's face turn red with anger. She stood up abruptly, glaring at Fang Xiaoran with wide eyes, "What are you saying? What do you mean by 'unworthy'? They come from a distinguished family, they are more than a match for you."

"Would a noble family like yours have an affair with an unmarried girl? My niece is not worthy of such a family. Since you like him so much, why not marry one of your daughters to him?"

"Why are you talking so sarcastically, girl?"

Fang Chan was so anxious that her voice stammered. She never expected that Fang Xiaoran would talk back to her like that in front of so many people.

Seeing this, the old lady quickly stepped in to persuade her, "Sixth girl, I know you are dissatisfied, but you are doing this for the sake of the Fang family."

Before the old lady could finish speaking, Fang Xiaoran immediately interrupted her, "You covered up for Wang Zhiyu before, saying it was for the sake of the Fang family's reputation. Later, when I wanted to clear my mother's name for what she did back then, you brought up the Fang family's reputation again. How can you have the nerve to ask me to jump into the Lin family's fire pit for your laughable reputation this time?"

“How can you say such things as a member of the Fang family? Even if the Lin family is not doing well, it is still a prominent family. Marrying into the Lin family will definitely benefit you. If the matter of Fourth Sister gets out, how will you and your sisters get married in the future? Not to mention the Lin family, even ordinary families will not want you. Although this matter is inappropriate, it is a last resort.” The old lady explained anxiously, her voice slightly hoarse.

Fang Xiaoran looked at her coldly, a sneer appearing on her lips. "You don't need to say anything more to me. Whoever caused this matter will be responsible for it to the end. Don't even think about making me clean up this mess."

The old lady looked at her in astonishment. "You, if this gets out, how will you ever get married?"

Fang Xiaoran smiled calmly: "What's wrong with not getting married? I can support myself, why do I have to get married?"

"Even if you don't get married, what about your sisters?"

"That's their own business, it has nothing to do with me. If you're really unhappy, let Fourth Sister figure something out. It's her own business, why would she come to me if not her?" Her voice grew sharper and clearer throughout the hall, causing the old lady's chest to heave and her face to turn pale. She was speechless for a long time.

After a long while, the old lady clutched her chest and said with a face full of grief, "You are...you are driving the Fang family into a dead end."

"Grandmother, you are mistaken. It was not me who drove the Fang family to the brink of ruin, but my fourth sister and the Xue family. After all, one hand cannot clap. If the Xue family is not afraid, why should Grandmother be in such a hurry?"

The old lady was so angry that she couldn't speak. She could only turn to Fang Zhengyong and signal him to try to persuade him. Fang Zhengyong was about to speak when Fang Xiaoran interrupted him, "If Father wants to use some grand principles to make me compromise, then I advise Father to keep quiet. I'll put it this way today: how to handle this matter is your business, but don't bother me, and don't expect me to help anyone out of this predicament."