From cannon fodder villain to superpowered queen

Inside the magnificent palace, wine cups clinked, and elegantly dressed people mingled, creating a lively and bustling scene.

However, the appearance of Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

The surrounding gazes were filled with curiosity, disdain, and scrutiny—a variety of emotions that made Bi Yao want to roll her eyes.

Good heavens, the feast hasn't even started yet, and a battleground has already been set up?

"Oh, isn't this the... well, extraordinary woman that Young Master Jiang brought along?" Lord Li's sarcastic voice rang out, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

"Is it appropriate for a merchant to appear at a court banquet?" He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, his eyes full of provocation.

Bi Yao raised an eyebrow. This old guy was definitely up to no good.

She smiled, meeting Lord Li's gaze without fear: "Lord Li, you speak as if I were some kind of monster. Why can't I, a legitimate merchant, attend this banquet? Is there some special rule for this court banquet?"

“There are rules, of course.” Lord Li snorted coldly. “But some people probably don’t understand them, right? For example, does this… Miss Bi know about the court etiquette of the previous dynasty?” He deliberately emphasized the words “Miss Bi”, his tone full of sarcasm.

The surrounding officials also began to whisper among themselves, their eyes darting back and forth between Bi Yao and Lord Li, waiting to see what would happen.

This Lord Li is a notoriously stubborn old man who can't stand people of humble origins. Now that he's caught Bi Yao, he probably won't let her off easily.

Jiang Ruiyuan gripped Bi Yao's hand tightly and gave her a reassuring look.

He knew Bi Yao's abilities; this little situation was no challenge for her.

Bi Yao took a deep breath. This old man had indeed dug a pit for her.

How could she possibly know about the court etiquette of the previous dynasty?

She's not a real princess from the previous dynasty!

But who is Bi Yao?

When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. Who are we afraid of?

She smiled slightly, about to speak, but suddenly stopped, her gaze falling on an official behind Lord Li.

“Lord Li,” she said calmly, “you’ve asked the wrong person this question.”

Lord Li was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

Bi Yao did not answer, but turned to the official and slowly said, "Sir, the jade pendant you wear..."

Bi Yao's gaze fell on the jade pendant of the official behind Lord Li, and she slowly said, "Sir, the jade pendant you wear is exquisitely carved with clear patterns; it's clearly the work of a master craftsman. However..." She paused deliberately, her tone tinged with regret, "...the patterns on this jade pendant are from a previous dynasty. I wonder if you admire the culture of that dynasty, or..." She gave Lord Li a meaningful look, "...is there another meaning behind it?"

Lord Li's expression changed, and the official behind him subconsciously touched his jade pendant, his eyes flickering.

Bi Yao smiled slightly and continued, "The etiquette of the previous dynasty is certainly important, but now we are in a new dynasty. We should focus more on how to ensure that the people live and work in peace and contentment, rather than being bound by the cumbersome formalities of the past." She looked around, her tone firm and resolute, "In my opinion, instead of discussing the etiquette of the previous dynasty, we should think about how to develop the economy and enable the people to live a good life. This is the true meaning of serving the country and its people!"

His words drew nods of approval from many officials present.

Even the emperor nodded slightly in agreement.

Bi Yao then pressed on, offering some suggestions that would benefit the government's economic development, which immediately caught the attention of the officials present.

Her unique business acumen and keen market insight have impressed many.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Lord Li's face was so gloomy that it looked like it was about to drip water.

He originally intended to use the etiquette of the previous dynasty to make things difficult for Bi Yao, but unexpectedly, she outmaneuvered him instead.

That girl really has a sharp tongue!

Just as he was about to launch another attack, he heard Bi Yao say, "Lord Li, you see, even a merchant like me can think of these things. As a court official, you must have better suggestions, right?"

Lord Li was speechless, and could only stare blankly at Bi Yao.

"How about..." Bi Yao suddenly changed the subject, a meaningful smile playing on her lips, "We'll have a contest?"

"A contest?" Lord Li was taken aback.

“That’s right.” Bi Yao nodded. “I’ve heard that Lord Li has a talented daughter who is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. How about we have her come and have a friendly competition with me?”

Lord Li narrowed his eyes. What exactly was this girl up to?

“Alright,” he readily agreed. “Then please wait and see, Miss Bi.”

Bi Yao smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes.

"The real show is just beginning," she said softly.

Just then, a high-pitched voice rang out: "Master, everything is arranged."

Lord Li gave a sinister smile and winked at the woman behind him.

The woman walked gracefully to the center of the hall, bowed, and began to play the zither.

The music was melodious and beautiful, truly demonstrating exceptional skill.

When the music ended, thunderous applause erupted in the hall.

Lord Li glanced at Bi Yao smugly, his eyes seeming to say: You think you can fight me?

Bi Yao chuckled softly and walked calmly to the zither.

Her slender fingers gently caressed the strings, and a series of notes flowed out. Unlike the previous classical and melodious tune, this piece was lively and energetic.

Everyone was stunned. This...

What piece of music is it?

Unheard of!

The music gradually began, sometimes low and sometimes high-pitched, sometimes like a gentle stream, and sometimes like a raging storm.

This piece blends musical elements from both ancient and modern times, possessing both classical charm and modern dynamism, captivating the audience.

Even the emperor couldn't help but nod slightly in rhythm.

When the music ended, the hall was completely silent. After a moment, thunderous applause erupted.

The woman behind Lord Li was pale. She prided herself on her superb musical skills, but she had never heard such a beautiful piece of music before.

She lowered her head in shame, feeling ashamed of herself.

Jiang Ruiyuan looked at the radiant Bi Yao, his eyes filled with pride and love.

He picked up a glass of wine and handed it to Bi Yao.

Bi Yao took the wine glass, and their fingers touched unintentionally, creating an ambiguous atmosphere between them.

"Yao'er, you look beautiful tonight," Jiang Ruiyuan whispered in her ear.

Bi Yao smiled gently, but a complex look flashed in her eyes.

She knew that tonight's victory was only temporary, and the conservative forces in the court would not let her off easily.

The challenges she will face next will be even more severe.

After leaving the banquet, Bi Yao and Jiang Ruiyuan walked side by side along the palace corridor.

The moonlight cast long, slender shadows of the two people.

“Ruiyuan,” Bi Yao suddenly stopped, “tell me about my background…”

"Shh—" Jiang Ruiyuan placed his finger on Bi Yao's lips. "I know what you want to say. Don't worry, I'll help you find out."

Bi Yao nodded, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes.

She knows she has a long way to go, but she will not give up.

Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed by and disappeared into the night.

"Who is it?" Jiang Ruiyuan asked warily.

Bi Yao shook her head, but a sense of unease rose in her heart.

She had a feeling that something was about to happen...

“It’s alright,” Bi Yao said, taking Jiang Ruiyuan’s hand. “Let’s go.”

However, just as they turned to leave, a voice rang out behind them:

"Miss Bi, please wait."