I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Fang Xiaoxiao shook her head helplessly, pretending that she was the one who had suffered the most loss.

"I thought Murong Changqing was a well-read and highly talented scholar, but I didn't expect him to be nothing more than that. He doesn't even know the poem 'Shuidiao Getou'."

She inwardly criticized him, but maintained a calm smile on her face.

"Alright then, since we've come this far, I won't hold back anymore and will reluctantly offer my contribution."

Fang Xiaoxiao coughed twice as she spoke, as if to clear her throat.

She didn't intend to recite the poem in the usual way; her plan was to dedicate it to everyone present by singing it with a voice worthy of a karaoke queen.

Pei Yan sat coldly on the stone bench, but his heart was already churning like the turbulent waters of the Yellow River.

He couldn't believe that the woman in front of him could actually compose poems; it was completely beyond his comprehension.

It's just because of her special status that she has to maintain a cold and aristocratic demeanor.

Yes, that's right, I want to maintain that feeling.

He told himself this in his heart.

Ever since Fang Niangzi brought him home, Long Jinyan had become her devoted fan. He trusted and unconditionally supported whatever Fang Xiaoxiao did or said.

Just like when Fang Niangzi went missing last time, his first reaction was to search for her, rather than question her in any way.

To put it bluntly, even if Madam Fang told him to die right now, he would probably do as she said.

There was nothing he could do; after all, he almost died.

Fang Niangzi was his savior.

There's a saying that goes, "A life-saving grace should be repaid with a spring of gratitude."

Fang Xiaoxiao didn't look at the others; instead, she slowly closed her eyes.

To be honest, with her big eyes and long eyelashes, she's definitely a beauty in the making.

This completely captivated Murong Changqing.

Although he was the prime minister and had seen countless women, when he really looked closely at Fang Xiaoxiao in front of him, he was truly amazed by her beauty.

She was completely comparable to Consort Ning, the emperor's most favored concubine.

Thinking of Consort Ning, a slight pain rose in his chest again.

"Don't overthink it. The cause of your parents' death has not been determined. You shouldn't be thinking about such matters of affection."

Murong Changqing comforted himself for a few moments before reverting to his cold and arrogant demeanor.

He did all this to better disguise himself, so that no one could discover what he was really thinking.

Murong Changqing smiled coldly.

"Let's get started. I'm eager to see what Madam Fang's performance will be like next."

Fang Xiaoxiao clapped her hands, made a microphone shape with her right hand, and looked up at the crescent moon hanging in the sky.

She hummed the intro of a song slowly and deliberately.

The song "Shuidiao Getou" is a modern re-composed version.

As she began to sing the first part: "Even if the bright moon exists, I raise my cup to ask the blue sky, but I know not the celestial palace..."

The expressions of the three were exaggerated to the extreme.

In particular, Long Jinyan completely transformed into a star-struck fanboy. His handsome, square face was almost completely filled with smiles, making him look quite comical.

Our noble and aloof prince, however, maintained his usual demeanor, so cold that one might think he was completely devoid of emotion.

Even if he were to hear a timeless classic, he would not show any emotion and would remain as cold as ever.

On the other hand, former Prime Minister Murong Changqing, who always preferred to keep his abilities hidden and kept everything to himself, did not appear to be so aloof.

He couldn't help but smile, secretly applauding in his heart, wishing he could rush forward, embrace Fang Xiaoxiao, and keep her all to himself.

Unfortunately, he still had two opponents in front of him, so he couldn't reveal his true thoughts.

Fang Xiaoxiao sang while glancing at the three people around her out of the corner of her eye.

Seeing their different expressions, he knew that he had put on a perfect act.

As a modern person, she still particularly enjoys being admired by others.

Hmph, let me show you what singing is all about. I'm a regular karaoke king, after all, and I'll have you guys completely under my thumb.

Fang Xiaoxiao thought to herself with smug satisfaction.

When the song ended, it immediately drew cheers and shouts of joy from Long Jinyan's little fanboy.

"Great! You sang it so well! It's so beautiful! This is a song I've never heard before. Not only are the lyrics beautiful, but your voice is also so clear and moving!"

This skill in praising people is the result of his constant mental search.

As a former general, he was well-versed in military strategy and his ability to command troops was truly divine.

Of course, he also had a slight liking for poetry, but unfortunately, during the war years, he didn't have any time to study it.

To hear Fang Niangzi sing and perform like this now is truly a feat comparable to that of the greatest singer in the history of the Great Yu Dynasty.

Even the great poet of the Great Yu Dynasty today might not be able to compare to Lady Fang.

Pei Yan did not speak at this moment. He silently memorized the lyrics Fang Xiaoxiao sang, hoping to use them one day.

Murong Changqing's eyes were filled with surprise and astonishment. He never expected that the person in front of him would be so capable.

At first, he thought the other party had simply heard someone else's poems somewhere.

Looking back now, even the immortal Li Taixian could not have composed such a literary style and such an extraordinary song.

Although he thought this way, he remained calm and composed on the surface, and did not show any unusual behavior.

He was the former prime minister, a man second only to the emperor.

Pride is innate; how can one easily admit that others are better than oneself?

"The singing was alright, except it was a bit strange, otherwise it was passable."

Fang Xiaoxiao glanced at him and said calmly.

But this doesn't convince myself. I just laughed and said you were the most disgusting person, so why pretend to be aloof and indifferent?

She was dissatisfied, but on the surface she still wore a humble smile.

"Murong is right. In front of you scholars, I am merely showing off my limited skills."

The four chatted for a while, then went back to their rooms to rest alone.

……

inside the room.

On the dilapidated wooden table, there was a red candle. Due to long-term use, only the wick remained. A gentle breeze blew, and the candle wick swayed from side to side, as if it would be blown out at any moment.

The room was very simple and plain, with a slightly shabby wooden bed placed quietly against the wall, without any curtains or anything, just exposed to the outside.

Lying on the wooden bed is the stunningly beautiful Fang Xiaoxiao, her eyes fixed on the roof beams, pondering the memories of her past life.

Aside from eating, drinking, having fun, and gambling, his predecessor was a complete good-for-nothing, never serious, and eventually squandered his family fortune, only to be treated like a fool by Yu Donglei, the daughter of the village chief.

Later on, he was even knocked to death by the other side with a blunt object near the water.

If I hadn't transmigrated to this world, my predecessor would probably have been devoured by rotten fish and shrimp long ago.

"Sigh, this guy was a rich second-generation heir at the beginning, but ended up being a penniless second-generation heir. He was a complete brainless guy."