Chapter Twenty-Five: Fireworks Easily Fade

  The sun is shining brightly in the sky, although the cold wind still bites, it can't compare with the bustling atmosphere of the whole city.

  Everyone almost converged on Drunken Flower Building, and at once only a sea of people could be seen.

  Inside the Drunken Blossom Pavilion was also very lively, yet it was also orderly and not chaotic in the slightest.

  "Is this really not a problem?" Kong Qing still didn't believe that the woman chosen by Wang Ye could do anything earth-shattering, after all she was just a weak woman who didn't know martial arts.

  However, Zi Yun seemed to have not heard his words and sat in the VIP seat, drinking wine leisurely. He would occasionally use his eyes to flirt with the women below, which made Xiao Zhi Ruo Wang Fei, who had been icy-faced from the beginning, feel embarrassed, as well as the little concubine beside her.

  I think what's bothering the princess isn't the king teasing women, but rather the woman beside him.

  The former Orchid Concubine, the emperor's woman, now Orchid, the prince's concubine.

  What a strange layout.

  Take another look at the remaining candidates, each with their own unique beauty. Peony still wore a light pink wide-sleeved dress with a high waist, her makeup subtle yet elegant, showcasing her inherent gentle and refined beauty. Although the people around her were extremely beautiful, they couldn't compare to Peony's elegant beauty. I wonder how Bixiao is doing?

  Wait a minute, Bu Yao ??? Haven't seen Bu Yao yet, and there's less than half an incense stick of time left before it starts, could she be preparing to make a stunning debut?

  "That's for sure." Of course, it has to be the most unexpected debut, otherwise there's no fun.

  Liu Xi stared at the reflection in the copper mirror, and it was just a casual touch of rouge, but it made her delicate face stand out perfectly, and that smile, without a hint of confusion, as if she had already won the title, not just being selected. What kind of arrogance is this?

  "Bang Bang Bang"

  Long Yan clapped his hands and swaggered in from the doorway, walking to Bu Yao's back, picking up a strand of green silk and lowering his head to kiss it, saying softly "I'm really looking forward to the surprise you're bringing me, little sweetheart. I didn't use the wrong words this time, did I? Darling?"

  Buxia smiled slightly and turned her head, her jade-like hand already stroking Long Ye's handsome face. She laughed and said, "That's quite accurate, but I prefer it when people call me queen."

  "Huh?" Frowning slightly, Long Ye looked at Bu Yao in confusion, just as he was about to ask for clarification, Bu Yao had already stood up. The long, bright red skirt hem slowly swept across his face, and Long Ye reached out, but couldn't catch it, only getting a hint of fragrance on his fingertips.

  As she walked to the door, Qilin turned back with a bright smile and said "It's still too early for you to know this, but I'll tell you more slowly later."

  It's all right as long as there is this sentence.

  "I'm really looking forward to it." Long Ye flipped over and lay on his side, watching Bu Yao with great interest. Suddenly, he frowned and said, "But is it really okay for you to dress like this? I don't want those stinky men's dirty gazes on your body, nor do I want them to have any wild thoughts about your body. You can only be mine."

  Upon hearing this, Bu Yao sneered and smiled. Today, she was going to avenge her shame, which was also revenge against Peony.

  Of course, it is also a gift for meeting with people of the same kind.

  This round is a singing competition, and the order of appearance is not decided by drawing lots, but rather by birth. First up is the current Chancellor, Xiao Ran, who is said to be talented and beautiful, and is best at using her unique voice to sing poems from ancient times to the present. She once sang a song in front of Feng Changqing and was said to have attracted a flock of white birds singing in harmony.

  As expected, as soon as Xiao Ran stepped onto the stage, not a single person in the audience made a sound. The aura of the Prime Minister's daughter and the King's sister-in-law was enough to make everyone hold their breath in awe. Adding her natural beauty and that air of coldness, she was indeed the perfect ice queen.

  The musician nodded and began to play.

  For a moment, the beautiful melody echoed through the entire hall with the gentle breeze.

  The sound of the zither is sparse and scattered.

  A box full of pearls.

  The melody is "Clear and Peaceful Music".

  Can't remember the business.

  Dance in a rainbow-colored dress

  Forgot Cloud Sleeve Long

  My heartstrings were in disarray, and I dreamed of a tragic love affair.

  The flowers in the mirror are yellow, and the pipes are tired of responding.

  Searching through Poetry Book Lane

  Can't untie melancholy.

  Exhausted from emotional entanglement.

  Tears destroy new makeup.

  "The morning leads the heavenly light, and the Mandarin ducks and butterflies lose their way."

  As soon as the song ended, the audience was already in tears, their clothes soaked with emotion.

  The white jade-like fingers drew a perfect arc in the air, elegantly wiping away the tears on her face. The crimson lips slightly raised under the wide sleeves, forming a beautiful curve. Everyone knew that this poem was written by Empress Ji years ago, and its sentimental meaning made it the top choice for many people.

  As expected, almost everyone who came next chose to sing this song. Each person's vocal cords were unique and moving, bringing tears to the eyes of all who listened.

  But the first person who sang was a genius, while those who followed were merely imitators.

  So everyone listened and got tired of it, and their faces were just praising the beauty of the woman on stage.

  But Peony was already tear-stained when she went on stage, her red eyes were very pitiful, originally a weak and beautiful woman, she didn't stand there singing, but had prepared a guqin in advance.

  Her slender fingers appeared somewhat transparent in the sunlight, her pale pink dress fluttering in the wind, accompanied by the swaying of the jade pendant on her head, and the first note emerged. Looking into the distance, her eyes were filled with thoughts and adoration, her unique gentle voice perfectly conveying the emotions of this song. The people below the stage seemed to be brought back to their own beautiful memories as well.

  The peony's move obviously won everyone's appreciation, but Xiao Ran looked at it with a face full of anger, which was covered up very well.

  All of this was naturally seen by Qilin, although Mudan is a courtesan, but from Mu Qingfeng's mouth she only knew that the status of courtesans here is still very high, it is not only a place for men and women to seek pleasure, but also a place for literati and scholars to engage in elegant conversations, and even a good place for music and dance performances.

  When Peony stepped down, Qilin calculated that Buxiao had not appeared yet, but heard that her injuries had already recovered, and she must have made a stunning appearance. However, this was not what she cared about. Looking at Peony's smug face with fake sadness in her eyes, Qilin only felt a wave of nausea.

  What Mu Qingfeng said to her that day was like a thunderclap on a clear day.

  I didn't expect Peony to be so ruthless. Originally, I thought she was only like that towards Qiao'er, but it turned out that because of Yu Mu's help in saving Su Feng and Xiao Xi, she harbored resentment in her heart. She tore her own clothes, falsely accusing Xiao Xi of being careless and wanting to punish her, but was stopped by Su Feng. As a result, she took matters into her own hands and privately punished them. At that time, Qiao'er had come seeking help from me, but she was being held captive by Yu Mu and hadn't recovered from her injuries. Peony actually beat the three of them mercilessly, resulting in their current situation.

  She realized that Qiaoer had come to her that day, but she didn't know the reason why she was sent back by Mudan halfway, and also said very vicious words, only simple-minded Qiaoer would hate herself like this.

  Only then would he say such resolute words.

  "Stepmother Yao's daughter has arrived."

  Qilin's attention was drawn back by a clear and crisp cry, and as she looked in the direction of the sound, her line of sight was pulled away by the constantly falling red petals.

  What is this? Red snow?

  Not just Zilin raised this question, but everyone present also asked this question.

  "Red plum blossoms are dancing wildly, great!" Didn't expect to see such a wonderful scene, it turns out it can be like this. Kong Qing couldn't help but applaud and cheer, for a moment forgetting her identity as she stepped forward.

  Cough cough

  Zi Yun let out two strong coughs and Kong Qing reluctantly returned to his original position.

  Bù Yáo walked out under the fluttering red plum blossoms amidst everyone's astonishment.

  She was wearing a red off-the-shoulder long dress with a black waistband embroidered with gold thread, which perfectly showcased her figure without any reservation. She didn't wear any shawl, and the sleeves were separate from the dress, only covering up to about an inch above the elbow. The wide black sleeves had red silk threads embroidered with plum blossoms at the cuffs. There was no excessive hair decoration, just a single branch of plum blossom holding back a strand of long hair, but this simplicity perfectly set off her noble and elegant temperament.

  Such beauty, dazzling in front of one's eyes, the beauties on stage were jealous but also very appreciative of this style, however, such dressing up was highly suspicious in Qi Lin's eyes.

  This is the modern man's attire.

  This step, after all, is what kind of sacred?

  "Little girl Xie Yao, greeting to all the noble kings." With a elegant bow, she softly said "Since ancient times, people have been praising Queen Ji's magnanimity, beauty and kindness. So I, Xie Yao, though not talented, composed a piece of music to dedicate to Queen Ji."

  Composing her own song? This is unprecedented, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to Pei Yao's next performance.

  "I also ask for your guidance." The corners of his mouth curved up to a pleasing arc, looking forward with confidence.

  Qilin also wanted to know what Xieyou would do next, but suddenly remembered the pleasant sound of silk and bamboo, looked around, didn't see the performer, but she could also hear that it was Yu Mu, had he also asked for Yu Mu's help?

  But... this melody... how come it's so familiar?

  "The hustle and bustle of life slips away into emptiness, deceiving the world."

  Dreams are cold and turn over, one life's emotional debt is several volumes

  Are fireworks easy to cool?! Jay Chou's song!

  How can she sing?

  Qilin looked at Bù Yāo in astonishment, and a fact that was the most impossible yet the only explanation flashed through her mind - that Bù Yāo was also a transmigrator just like her.

  Until Bu Yao finished singing the whole song, Qi Lin's mind had flashed through all sorts of possibilities, but in the end, the most likely one was still that Bu Yao and she were from the same world. So when the thunderous applause came from outside, she gradually came back to her senses.

  At this time, Bu Yao had finished singing, but she didn't hurry to step down. She just slightly raised the corner of her mouth and waited for the applause and cheers to end. She looked up at the noble seat where Zi Yun was sitting, and when she saw the appreciation in his eyes, she believed that he had already remembered her.

  Waiting for the applause to end, Bu Yao took a step forward and said, "I admire Empress Ji just like everyone else. I've read history books before, and I think Xiang Fei is amazing. Although she didn't love the emperor, she was loyal to her own love, so I'm also moved by their love story. This song is inspired by that."

  Xiang Fei... Qi Lin watched as Bu Yao walked away, and it seemed like she had also understood something in her heart.

  "A Xue, have you thought it through?"

  To one side, Mai Dong was somewhat worried. Not to mention Xiao Ran and Mu Dan being extremely formidable, but with a single move, they had already controlled everyone. However, the appearance of Bu Yao seemed to have already determined the person in question. According to what he knew, the woman wrapped tightly in a light purple cloak standing before him had only spoken to Yu Mu Gongzi the day before and then pulled a large group of people to busy themselves for half a day, doing who-knew-what. Therefore, he couldn't help but suspect that this person didn't have any grasp on things, and she also seemed not to have any imperial family-bestowed flower token.

  Facing Qi Lin's concern about Mai Dong, Zhi Lin simply waved her hand and said seriously, "You only need to do what I ask you to do, don't worry about the rest."

  She had paid a heavy price, and success or failure hung in the balance. Moreover, she firmly believed that as long as she made some noise today, even if she was somewhat lacking in certain aspects compared to others, Zi Yin would definitely use his power to lift her up. After all, for him, she was still a useful pawn.

  So, sometimes the chess pieces have to rely on the person playing the game.

  Simply put, use it when you need it.

  When Bu Yao arrived in front of Peony, Peony stood up, a relieved smile on her face. She walked to Bu Yao's side, took her hand and said, "Little sister, how are your injuries? You don't know how worried I was about you! Come, sit down quickly. Liu Xi, hurry up and help our young lady put on some clothes, don't let her catch a cold."

  Bù Yáo merely smiled faintly, turned to grasp Pú Tuán's hand, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes, saying "Don't worry, little sister won't die, thanks to big sister's blessing, little sister is fine, but big sister, don't leave first. Little sister still wants to be with big sister."

  After all, there are still some accounts that have not been settled yet.

  Upon hearing this, Peony's face turned white in an instant. Subconsciously wanting to pull her hand out, but being tightly grasped by Bu Yao. However, the next second, her gaze fell on Bu Yao's back, and she opened her mouth in surprise, thinking she was dreaming, and unconsciously called out "Sister???"