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

Upon returning to the North Residence, Fang Zhengyong heard the news and rushed over to inquire about Fang Xiaoran's invitation from Old Madam Lin.

Seeing his hurried expression, Fang Xiaoran calmly handed the pastries and wine that Lin Ziheng had given her to Ziju, instructing her to keep them safe. Then she turned to Fang Zhengyong, bowed slightly, and smiled, "Father, are you worried that your daughter will be bullied by Old Madam Lin, or are you afraid that your daughter will offend Old Madam Lin?"

“Given your temperament, you will not be bullied.” Fang Zhengyong frowned slightly, his expression solemn and his voice steady.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoran remained calm, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "Father, do not worry that I will offend Madam Lin. I know this well. I have no connection with Madam Lin and will not cause trouble for no reason. We will only have a brief conversation and there will be no offense."

Fang Zhengyong ignored the mockery in her eyes and asked with a stern face, "Why did she summon you?"

This was no secret, so Fang Xiaoran didn't need to hide it and answered truthfully, "It wasn't anything important, just a heart-to-heart talk with my daughter, and we talked about the many benefits and conditions offered by the Lin family."

"So you had a very pleasant conversation with her. Does that mean you've agreed to the marriage with Young Master Lin?" Fang Zhengyong's eyes lit up instantly, as if he had sensed something that would benefit him. However, Fang Xiaoran's next words greatly disappointed him.

Fang Xiaoran shook her head, "Of course not. Those so-called benefits and conditions are insignificant to my daughter and are not enough to tempt me."

Instantly, Fang Zhengyong's face darkened, and his tone was very displeased. "You are really arrogant. Even though the Lin family is weak now, its ancestors were once very prominent. The old lady of the Lin family is the old Grand Tutor's niece. If you can get her protection, you will definitely not suffer any grievances in the Lin family in the future."

“Father also knows that was in the past. The Lin family now is nothing but a castle in the air, which may collapse at any time. If I marry into the family, I will only become a tool in their hands, just like my mother did back then. How could they treat me sincerely? Why should I ask for trouble?” Fang Xiaoran’s attitude was resolute.

This angered Fang Zhengyong, who said coldly, "Don't bring up your mother in everything. My past with her is not what you know."

"Then what is it?" Fang Xiaoran stared intently at him, hoping to hear the truth from him. However, Fang Zhengyong hesitated and finally fell silent, only sighing and shaking his head helplessly. "Don't mention her anymore. As the youngest daughter of the Lin family, I didn't want you to marry so early, but since the Lin family has already decided on the marriage alliance, why refuse? Although that young master Lin is not very accomplished, he is kind-hearted and guileless. He will definitely accommodate you in everything in the future. I don't expect you sisters to marry very well. As long as your husband's family is kind and you are not bullied, that will be the best outcome."

Although this statement was true, it was made by Fang Zhengyong, which made it less credible. Fang Xiaoran found it laughable.

She said, "When Father said these words, did you ever ask yourself if you truly had no selfish motives and only wanted to find a good match for your daughter? If we're talking about grievances, haven't I suffered enough in the Fang family? None of that can change my mind."

At this point, Fang Xiaoran's eyes turned cold, her icy gaze fixed on him, a cold smile appearing on her lips. "You speak so vehemently in support of the Lin family, does that mean you've already made a choice between the Xue and Lin families? Could it be that the Grand Tutor has put pressure on you?"

Fang Zhengyong, after all, had been on the battlefield and was not a weakling. If it weren't for the Fang family's reputation, he would never have compromised so easily. At this moment, his words revealed a sense of helplessness, clearly indicating that he was forced to make this choice. Apart from the Grand Tutor, Fang Xiaoran could hardly think of anyone else who could make him waver like this, at least the Xue family did not have such power.

“I had no intention of forcing you, but since it concerns the interests of the Fang family, I cannot stand idly by. A woman’s marriage is traditionally arranged by her parents and matchmakers. Even daughters of royalty must sacrifice personal gains for the sake of their family. At least the Lin family is not a pit of fire, and you are not marrying down. What’s wrong with a marriage between equals?”

Fang Zhengyong stared at his daughter with a solemn expression. He was convinced that everything he said made sense, but Fang Xiaoran's subsequent response left him speechless.

"Father, what is there about the Fang family that makes me want to sacrifice my personal interests? To this day, the people who framed my mother and tried to kill me are still living in the mansion. One of them eats vegetarian food and chants Buddhist scriptures, while the other lives in seclusion in the mansion. They can atone for their crimes, while my mother has to bear those undeserved disasters, and I am still being bullied and framed. Do you really have the right to make me sacrifice for you?"

Fang Xiaoran's eyes widened, her eyes reddening, and she couldn't calm down for a long time. At this moment, her heart was filled with grief and resentment. The grievances she had suffered over the years surged into her heart like a tide, making it impossible for her to suppress her emotions.

Does she resent Fang Zhengyong? Of course she does, but over time she has seen through it all and no longer holds any hope. This time, Fang Zhengyong's words have completely enraged her. The little affection they had left between them has now been torn open with an unhealable wound, leaving no room for reconciliation.

For a moment, Fang Zhengyong was speechless. He had seen Fang Xiaoran question him with red eyes more than once, but this time was obviously different. It was as if there was an insurmountable chasm between them, gradually separating them further and further apart.

In the end, Fang Zhengyong simply closed his eyes heavily, glanced silently at Fang Xiaoran, and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Not long after he left, Ziju rushed over, trying to comfort Fang Xiaoran. However, when she was about to ask her something, she saw that Fang Xiaoran had already smiled and the redness in her eyes had disappeared. "Let's go, let's go have a drink."

Fang Xiaoran smiled slightly, as if nothing had happened, but her appearance only made Ziju more worried. She asked softly, "Miss, if you are sad, just cry."

Fang Xiaoran gently shook her head, raised her hand to stroke Ziju's head, her movements gentle, "Silly Ziju, you don't think I would still shed tears for him, for the Fang family? It's just an act. Father has always been like this. A gentle approach is more effective than a harsh one towards him."

Is that really the case? Clearly, she's putting on a brave face. Ziju sighed inwardly, but didn't point it out to Fang Xiaoran. She simply asked worriedly, "If things go this way, will Master give up the idea of ​​betrothing you to the Lin family?"

"Of course not. This matter concerns the Fang family's reputation, and there is also pressure from the Grand Tutor. Whether to give up is not a decision he can make alone."

"Does this mean that the Xue family is no longer forcing the girl to stay?"

"Not necessarily. Isn't there still Fourth Sister as our trump card? With her around, the Fang family will always be on the defensive. Father may seem gentle and refined, but he is actually cold-hearted. In the end, he may choose to abandon her."

Upon hearing this, Ziju's expression changed drastically. She stared at Fang Xiaoran in disbelief and asked in a low voice, "You mean the master..."

"This is a choice we have to make, it all depends on whether Liu is willing to make this decision." Fang Xiaoran's tone was calm, but this only made Ziju more confused. She turned her head and asked, "Liu? But if that's the case, doesn't that mean you can only marry into the Lin family?"

In Ziju's view, without the Xue family as a competitor, wouldn't the Lin family have the upper hand? The key is that Fang Xiaoran has no intention of marrying into the Lin family. How can this situation be resolved?

"Who said that? It's not like the Lin family is the only option. Now that things have come to this point between me and the Lin family, I naturally won't have any further involvement with them."

Seeing Fang Xiaoran's certainty, Ziju secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but still had doubts. She asked, "What are your plans, young lady?"

"What else can we do but wait? We haven't reached that desperate situation yet. Anyway, it has nothing to do with me. We should eat and drink as usual. Remember to prepare a large warehouse to store my mother's dowry."

After speaking, Fang Xiaoran walked steadily into the house. Ziju was bewildered, but then realized something was wrong and quickly followed her, asking, "However, Madam's dowry has already been used to cover the family's deficit. All that the Fang family has used over the years has come from Madam's dowry, so there must be very little left..."

“So we must make them return everything.” Fang Xiaoran sat down calmly, picked up a grape and chewed it, her eyes filled with a deep meaning, which puzzled Ziju.

Since it's all gone, how can it be returned? Besides, the Fang family is barely able to survive themselves, so they probably won't hand over the remaining dowry, right?