the ground with a thud and her hand landed on a stone, causing her pain and making her grimace in discomfort. Friendly reminder: This book's first update website is 151 看書網 (Please search "151 看書網" on...Chapter 25: Fireworks Fade Easily

The sun was high in the sky, though the cold wind still pierced through; however, it couldn't dampen the city's excitement.

Almost everyone was converging towards Drunken Flower Pavilion, making the scene look crowded with black throngs of people.

Inside Drunken Flower Pavilion, things were equally lively yet orderly, not chaotic in the slightest.

"Is this really okay" Kōqīng still didn't believe that the woman chosen by the Prince could accomplish something earth-shattering. After all, she was just a frail woman who couldn't even practice martial arts.

However, Zǐyìn acted as if he hadn't heard him and sat leisurely in the VIP seat drinking wine. He occasionally glanced at the women below with his eyes, which put Princess Xiāo Zhǐróu beside him in a difficult position; she had been as cold as ice from start to finish. Of course, there was also her concubine standing by.

Probably what upset the princess wasn't that the Prince flirted with women but rather the woman next to him.

The former Lan Fei, the Emperor's woman; now Lánér, the Prince's concubine. What a strange setup.

Looking at the remaining candidates, each of them was extraordinarily beautiful. Mudan still wore her usual light pink wide-sleeved dress, with light makeup that showcased her innate gentle beauty and elegance more than anyone else around her. Although everyone beside her was extremely beautiful, none could match Mudan's elegant beauty. How was Bùyáo doing

Wait a moment; I haven't seen Bùyáo yet. With less than half an incense stick of time left before the event begins, is she preparing to make a stunning debut

"Of course." She had to be the most unexpected choice; otherwise, it wouldn't be interesting.

Líuxī looked at her reflection in the bronze mirror with surprise. She'd only lightly applied rouge but that made her delicate face perfect without flaw. And that smile, there was no confusion whatsoever, as if she wasn't going to compete but already had won a title. What arrogance!

“Snap snap snap”

Lóngyè clapped his hands and swaggered in from the door, walking behind Bùyáo, picking up a strand of her black hair and kissing it while murmuring softly, "I'm looking forward to your surprise for me, my sweetie. Did I use the wrong words this time My dear"

Bùyáo smiled slightly and turned around, her slender hand already touching Lóngyè's handsome face as she said with a smile, "Very accurate, but I prefer it when people call me queen."

Hmm Furrowing his brows slightly, Lóngyè looked at Bùyáo in confusion. Just as he was about to ask her clearly, Bùyáo had already stood up, the long crimson skirt slowly brushing past her face. Lóngyè reached out but couldn't grab it, only catching a whiff of fragrance.

As she walked to the door, Qī Lín turned around with a bright smile on her face and said, "This is still too early for you; I'll tell you more gradually in time."

Hearing that was enough.

"I'm really looking forward to it." Lóngyè flipped over and lay on the ground sideways, watching Bùyáo with interest. Suddenly he frowned and said, "But are you sure about this attire I don't want any of those stinky men's dirty gazes on you or their vile imaginings about your body; you can only belong to me."

Upon hearing this, Bùyáo smiled broadly. She was here today to redeem her shame and take revenge on Mudan.

Of course, it was also a greeting for her kind.

This round is a singing competition, but the order of appearance isn't determined by drawing lots; instead, it's decided based on birth order. The first one to appear is the current Chancellor **Xiao Ran**. It's said that she is both talented and beautiful, and her specialty lies in singing poems from ancient times to the present with her unique voice. Once, she sang a song in front of Feng Changqing, attracting chirping sounds from white birds.

Indeed, when Xiao Ran stepped onto the stage, no one below made any noise. Just by virtue of being the Chancellor's daughter and the sister-in-law of the Prince, her brilliance was enough to instill awe in everyone, leaving them breathless. Coupled with her natural beauty and aloof demeanor, she is truly a lady of icy charm.

She nodded at the court musicians, who then started playing.

The melodious tune spread throughout the hall carried by the gentle breeze.

"Scattered strings,

Filled boxes with jade and pearls.

Singing a peaceful melody,

Remembering nothing of merchants.

Dancing the rainbow dress,

Forgetting the length of my sleeves.

Messy heartstrings, dreams arise with sorrow.

In front of the mirror, yellow flowers, treading on tired sounds.

Searching through lanes of poetry and books,

Unable to dispel melancholy.

Tear through emotions entwined.

Cry until new makeup is ruined.

Morning draws the light, mandarin ducks and butterflies perish."

The song ended, and those below were already shedding tears onto their clothes.

Her fair hands drew a perfect arc in the air, elegantly wiping away her tear streaks. Her crimson lips curved into an appealing smile under her wide sleeves. Everyone knew this poem was written by Empress Ji of that year, filled with endless sentiment and the audience's favorite choice.

Indeed, almost everyone who followed chose to sing this piece. Each had their own unique voice, all capable of moving people to tears.

But since the first one was a genius, those after were merely imitating.

Hence, as they listened on, the audience's interest waned, and their praises for the beauty on stage became mere compliments.

However, when Mu Dan appeared on stage, she was already in tears with red-rimmed eyes that were heartbreakingly adorable. Instead of standing there to sing as expected from a weak and beautiful lady like her, she had prepared a zither beforehand.

Her pale fingers looked almost transparent under the sunlight, and her light pink dress fluttered in the wind. As she plucked the strings of the zither, the first note emerged, accompanied by her wistful gaze towards the distance, filled with yearning and admiration. Her uniquely soft voice conveyed the emotions of the song perfectly, seemingly drawing everyone below into a beautiful reminiscence.

This move clearly won over the audience, but Xiao Ran's face showed anger which he was hiding well.

All this was noticed by Qi Lin. Although Mu Dan was a courtesan, from what Wood Qingfeng had told her, she knew that courtesans held a high status here; not only were they sought after for pleasure and conversation among men, but also a place where scholars could hold discussions, and a hub of song and dance.

When Mu Dan left the stage, Qi Lin pondered over it. Only Bu Yao was yet to appear, but given that she had already recovered from her injuries, she must surely make an impressive debut. But this wasn't what Qi Lin cared about; seeing Mu Dan's smug face and false sorrowful eyes made her feel sick.

Wood Qingfeng’s words on that day were like a bolt of lightning.

She never expected that Mu Dan could be so venomous. Initially, she thought it was only towards Qiao Er, but Mu Dan actually harbored hatred because Yu Mu helped Su Feng and Zhuo Xi save her life. She tore off her clothes and claimed it was an accident by Zhuo Xi’s fault, demanding punishment for her but blocked by Su Feng's intervention. Meanwhile, Qiao Er had come seeking help at that time, yet she was detained by Yu Mu with her injuries still not fully healed, leading to the current situation of all three being beaten.

She knew it was because Qiao Er came to seek her help but was sent back midway by Mu Dan’s people and was told malicious lies which led her to hate Qi Lin so much.

That's why she had said such a decisive sentence.

"Bu Yao, come."

The sharp call brought Qi Lin back from her thoughts. She followed the sound and saw something that drew her attention—red petals falling like snow.

What is this Red snow

Not only did Qi Lin wonder about this; everyone present was also puzzled by it.

"Red Plum Dance, wonderful," Mo Qing couldn't help but clap in admiration at the unexpected scene. She momentarily forgot her status and moved forward.

"Cough cough."

The strong coughing of Zi Yin made Mo Qing realize her mistake and quickly returned to her place.

Bu Yao stepped out amidst everyone's astonishment, under the swirling red plum blossoms.

Similar to a red top with a long skirt, adorned with golden threads on a black waistband that accentuated her perfect figure without reserve. She wore no shawl and had separate sleeves reaching just above her elbows, wide black sleeves embroidered with crimson plum petals at the cuffs, simple hair decoration was but a single red plum flower pinning up one strand of her long hair. This made her noble and elegant demeanor shine through.

This kind of beauty took everyone by surprise; although the ladies on stage envied her, they still appreciated this style, yet Qi Lin found it suspicious.

It's a modern attire.

Who exactly is this Bu Yao

"Your humble servant, Bu Yao, greets all present," she gracefully bowed and softly said, "Throughout history, people have praised Empress Ji for her generosity, beauty, and virtue. Thus, I, Bu Yao, made a song in dedication to Empress Ji."

Compose her own music This was unprecedented, and everyone was eagerly looking forward to Bu Yao's next performance.

"Please give me your guidance." She smiled confidently as she looked ahead.

Zhi Lin also wanted to know what Bu Yao would do next. At this moment, however, she suddenly remembered the pleasant sound of string instruments and bamboo flutes. Looking around, she didn't see anyone playing them, but she could tell it was yu wood (a type of wood used in traditional Chinese musical instruments). Had Bu Yao also asked for help from yu wood

But... this melody... How familiar did it sound

"Amidst the clamor and noise, I retreat into emptiness. It's enough to shock people.

In my dreams, I am cold and wander through life; how many love debts do I have

This is... "Flowers Fade in Winter" A song by Jay Chou!

How could she be singing it

Zhi Lin stared at Bu Yao in surprise. Her mind flashed with the most unlikely yet only possible explanation: that Bu Yao, just like her, was also a time traveler.

By the time Bu Yao finished the song, Zhi Lin's mind had conjured up all sorts of possibilities. However, the likeliest one remained that Bu Yao came from the same world as she did. So when thunderous applause echoed outside, she gradually snapped back to reality.

Bu Yao had already finished singing but didn't hurry off. She simply smiled slightly and waited for the applause and cheers to subside before raising her eyes to look at Zi Yin in the VIP box. Seeing admiration in his eyes, she believed he would remember her.

Once the applause ceased, Bu Yao stepped forward and said, "Just like all of you, I admire Empress Ji. Because of historical records, I learned about a fragrant concubine who, though not loving the emperor, was loyal to her own love story. So I was inspired by their romance to create this song. Please forgive my rudeness."

A fragrant concubine Zhi Lin watched as Bu Yao left and felt like she had some understanding.

"Xue, have you made up your mind"

Ma Dong, standing beside her, was worried. Not to mention how formidable Xiao Ran and Mu Dan were in controlling everyone; Bu Yao's appearance already seemed to confirm a choice. From what he knew, the woman before him, wrapped head-to-toe in a light purple cloak, had merely spoken to Prince Yu wood yesterday and then dragged a group of people to work hard for half a day on something unknown. He couldn't help but doubt whether she was confident enough, not to mention that she didn't have any royal-bestowed floral tokens.

But Zhi Lin waved him off seriously, "You just need to do what I ask you to do. Worry about nothing else."

She had already invested a lot; this was her last chance. Besides, she firmly believed that as long as she made some noise today, even if it wasn't enough in certain aspects, Zi Yin would use his power to put her up for the sake of being a useful pawn.

So sometimes, pawns must rely on their master.

In simple terms, use them when they can be used.

When Bu Yao approached Mu Dan, Mu Dan stood up with an expression of relief and walked over to her. She took Bu Yao's hand and said, "Sister, how is your injury You don't know how worried I am about you. Come, sit down quickly. Liu Xi, hurry and help Lady put on clothes so she doesn’t catch a cold."

Bu Yao just smiled slightly; she held Mu Dan's hand in return, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes as she said, "Don't worry, I won't die. Thanks to Sister's blessing, I'm fine. But don't you dare leave first. I still want to stay with Sister."

After all, some accounts hadn’t been settled yet.ned to Feng Changqing, saying, "Given how fond the Emperor is of My Lady, he should agree to it."I won’t agree! Qi Lin shouted in her heart. Back then, she had been most reluctant to get involved with...