Zhu Zhu pondered, "Then how about we let him die now."
The crowd: "..."
She said it so casually, but except for Bai Li Chongyan, no one took her words seriously.
"Zhu Zhu, don't get involved. We're discussing serious matters."
"Aren't we discussing serious matters..."
Bai Li Chongyan squeezed her hand, signaling her to stop talking.
"Then, before the imperial decree arrives, let's finalize her marriage. If the Emperor asks later, we can say it was decided long ago, just not announced."
"Then with whom?" Madam Song asked.
Zhang Yicheng immediately said, "I am willing to marry Cousin Fanghua."
Madam Song immediately retorted, "No!"
"This is the best option."
Zhang Yicheng spoke in a business-like manner, "All eyes are on the Song Manor now. If we seek a marriage proposal from elsewhere, they will surely refuse. But it's different for me. Our families are already related by marriage. If I marry Cousin Fanghua, it will be an even closer bond. Plus, I visit the Song Manor frequently, so even if someone is suspicious, they won't find any fault."
They could tell outsiders that the two of them had secretly decided to marry long ago, but due to the relationship between Song Zhu and Zhang Yicheng, it had never been announced.
Now that Song Zhu was married, there were no obstacles between them.
Lord Song agreed with this proposal.
It was only Madam Song who was displeased with Song Fanghua, feeling somewhat resentful.
But she also knew this was the best outcome and fell silent.
While they were in silence, the guard outside suddenly knocked.
The room became even quieter. Lord Song asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"
"My Lord, the eldest daughter is here."
The few exchanged glances. Lord Song said, "Let her in."
"Yes."
Soon, the door was pushed open, and Song Fanghua walked in.
"Daughter greets Father, Mother, Young Master Zhang, Second Sister... And who is this?"
She looked at Bai Li Chongyan with a hesitant expression.
This person was still holding hands with her second sister, could it be...
Lord Song reminded her, "This is Prince Yan."
Song Fanghua was a little surprised, and then somewhat relieved.
She had wondered why she suddenly agreed to get married; it turned out she knew about this person.
But whether he was good or not, she didn't want to be involved.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Bai Li Chongyan instinctively replied, "Eldest Sister, there's no need for such formalities."
The crowd was speechless again.
Song Fanghua wore a strange look.
Weren't they saying Prince Yan was a ruthless devil who killed without blinking? How did he seem so cute now?
Zhu Zhu noticed her gaze and subtly blocked her, her words carrying a possessiveness she hadn't noticed before, "I and A'Yan are husband and wife, and we are one. If you are my elder sister, then you are also his elder sister."
Song Fanghua understood and was even more speechless.
"Why have you come?"
Madam Song's opening was filled with clear disdain. Looking at her dressed like a maid, she was displeased, "Why are you dressed like this again? I gave you two more bolts of cloth a few days ago, who are you trying to impress?"
Lord Song also frowned at her. His second wife was a lady from the Prime Minister's manor, not someone who would mistreat her stepdaughter in terms of clothing and food.
Song Fanghua curtsied to Madam Song, "My apologies, Daughter. I was busy just now, and wearing those clothes was inconvenient, so I came as I am."
Madam Song had indeed not mistreated her in this regard. After the incident last time, she had specially sent her two bolts of high-quality fabric, but Song Fanghua found them inconvenient to wear and hadn't worn them much.
With the major incident that had happened to her in the past two days, she had even less inclination to bother with such matters and had come directly upon hearing the news.
"Enough, we can discuss this later." Lord Song waved his hand. "You've heard the rumors outside, haven't you? Your mother and I are thinking of quickly arranging a marriage for you. The Second Prince is not long for this world. Do you have any thoughts?"
Madam Song said, "Before your sister got married, I told you to get engaged, but you weren't willing. And now look? The whole family..."
She grumbled under her breath under Lord Song's warning gaze and then fell silent.
Song Fanghua looked confused upon hearing this, "Still need to ward off ill luck? Everyone outside says I'm a harbinger of doom. Isn't the Emperor afraid I'll curse the Second Prince to death as soon as I arrive?"
"Shut up!" Before she could curse the Second Prince to death, she was about to anger Lord Song to death.
He flicked his sleeve, his face full of rage, "I don't know who is spreading these rumors. If I find out, I'll have words with them!"
Song Fanghua, who was spreading the rumors herself: "..."
She had been thinking of saying it to get credit, but now she immediately became timid, closing her mouth and daring not to speak.
"Cousin Fanghua," Zhang Yicheng quickly said, "I wish to marry you. Are you willing?"
Song Fanghua looked up at him.
She had met Zhang Yicheng elsewhere, but they were at most nodding acquaintances. To suddenly hear him say he wanted to marry her, Song Fanghua's eyes widened in shock.
"What's with that look?" Madam Song said displeasedly, "My nephew is a talented young man, more than enough for you. How dare you be picky?"