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

Chapter 558: You owe me back my Lingxi Pavilion

Hunger is only a temporary discomfort for me, but for an old woman, it could be life-threatening.

I cannot disregard the lives of others for my own selfish desires.

His handwriting is neat and powerful, and each character seems to be a reflection of his inner beliefs, showing his broad mind and noble character.

After the three young masters finished writing their answers, they handed the papers to the judges. Everyone was looking forward to their next performance. The answers to the first question were like a mirror reflecting their inner world, revealing their different values ​​and character.

After answering the remaining two questions, the three young masters presented their answers with a mix of confidence and nervousness.

Zhang Pangzi slightly raised his chin, his eyes revealing a hint of expectation, seemingly convinced that his answer would impress the judges;

Wang Badan was somewhat uneasy, rubbing her hands together from time to time, her eyes scanning back and forth between the judges;

Zhao Wuji remained calm and composed, his eyes firm and peaceful, quietly awaiting the outcome.

Fang Xiaoxiao watched closely as the judges scored the contestants.

The judges, including Murong Changqing, sat together, their expressions serious as they carefully considered each answer, sometimes nodding, sometimes frowning, creating an atmosphere of extreme tension.

They evaluated the three young men's answers from multiple perspectives, including their talent, character, and emotions, and each score was carefully considered.

After the judges gave their scores, Fang Xiaoxiao walked over to Li Wan'er.

She sat to the side, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes filled with anticipation and shyness.

Holding a pen in his hand, he carefully wrote down his decision on the paper.

Fang Xiaoxiao gently took the paper from her hand and smiled slightly at her, while Li Wan'er lowered her head shyly.

After everything was ready, Fang Xiaoxiao walked to the center of the stage, cleared her throat, and said loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, after the judges' careful evaluation and the princess's thoughtful decision, I now announce the final winner."

Her voice echoed in the Lingxi Pavilion, and everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on her.

Meanwhile, Li Renyi secretly glanced at the judges' scoring records and Li Wan'er's decision while everyone was distracted.

When he saw that Zhao Wuji was the final winner, his already gloomy face instantly became even more unpleasant.

Her eyes widened like saucers, burning with jealousy and rage. Her hands clenched involuntarily, her knuckles turning white. "How could it be him!"

He cursed inwardly, his dissatisfaction surging like a tidal wave.

Just as Li Renyi was filled with resentment, Fang Xiaoxiao announced: "The final winner of this Princess's Literary and Martial Arts Marriage Competition is—Young Master Zhao Wuji!"

As soon as she finished speaking, applause and cheers erupted from the audience.

Many people acknowledge Zhao Wuji's talent and character, believing him to be the undisputed winner.

However, at that moment, Liu Ruyan and Li Renyi jumped up at the same time and shouted in unison, "No!" Liu Ruyan's voice was sharp and piercing. Her face was full of anger and resentment. Her eyes were glaring at Zhao Wuji as if she wanted to devour him alive.

Li Renyi's face turned red, veins bulging on his forehead, and he shouted, "This competition must be rigged! How could Zhao Wuji possibly win!"

Their actions surprised everyone present, and the once lively scene instantly fell silent. Everyone looked at them with astonishment, not understanding why they had reacted so strongly.

Fang Xiaoxiao's face also darkened. She frowned and looked coldly at Liu Ruyan and Li Renyi, saying, "The competition process was fair and just, and the result was decided unanimously by the judges and the princess. What is the reason for your disturbance?"

Looking at Zhao Wuji's indifferent expression and then at the admiration in Li Wan'er's eyes when she looked at Zhao Wuji, Li Renyi felt a burning jealousy in his heart, and his reason was instantly burned away.

In a moment of impulsiveness, in order to prevent Zhao Wuji from marrying Li Wan'er, he did something that left everyone speechless.

He lunged forward like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, snatching the Xuan paper from Fang Xiaoxiao's hand that contained the competition results.

Fang Xiaoxiao was startled by his sudden action, and the Xuan paper in her hand instantly fell into Li Renyi's hand.

Before anyone could react, Li Renyi crumpled the Xuan paper into a ball and stuffed it directly into his mouth.

He chewed frantically, looking just like a starving wild beast.

"I'll let you win! I'll let you win!"

He mumbled incoherently, with bits of chewed Xuan paper still hanging from the corner of his mouth, and his face contorted with smugness.

Everyone present was stunned. Their mouths were agape, their eyes wide as saucers, completely unable to believe what they were witnessing.

Seeing Li Renyi making such a scene, Liu Ruyan was not to be outdone. She twisted her waist and ran onto the stage like a wild cat throwing a tantrum.

She grabbed Zhao Wuji's arm and pressed herself against him, pleading sweetly, "Brother Wuji, you can't marry that princess. Ruyan is the one who loves you the most."

Zhao Wuji looked disgusted and tried to break free from her grasp, but Liu Ruyan clung to him like a stubborn plaster.

The originally solemn marriage selection ceremony has now turned into complete chaos.

Those dignitaries watching from below the stage could no longer contain themselves when they saw the scene in such chaos.

They thought to themselves, since things are already in such a mess, we might as well take this opportunity to fight for our daughter's happiness.

So a group of people rushed up and ran onto the stage to compete for the other contestants.

Some powerful and influential people grabbed a young master's sleeve and refused to let go no matter what.

Some even got into fights with others, all in an attempt to snatch their favorite young master to their side.

Shouts, curses, and cries filled the air, creating utter chaos.

Some people were pushed to the ground, but quickly got up and continued to join the melee;

Some people had their hats knocked off in the crowd, but they didn't bother to pick them up.

Some of the ladies, who were originally dignified and elegant, now disregarded their image and struggled desperately in the crowd.

The entire matchmaking event resembled a runaway vegetable market, utterly chaotic.

And so, this farce continued for quite some time before finally subsiding.

After everyone left, the Lingxi Pavilion was already in a mess.

The stage was riddled with holes from being walked on, and the once-flat wooden planks were warped up.

The shop was in complete chaos, with tables, chairs, and benches overturned, some smashed beyond recognition, and others trampled to pieces.

Various miscellaneous items were scattered on the ground: papers, cloth, hairpins... a complete mess.

Fang Xiaoxiao stood amidst the ruins, trembling with anger.

Her face flushed crimson, her eyes blazing with fury. Pointing a finger at Li Renyi's nose, she roared, "Li Renyi, you bastard! Look what you've done! You've ruined a perfectly good marriage contest! You'll pay for my Lingxi Pavilion! You'll pay!"

Looking at the chaotic scene, Li Renyi felt a little uneasy, but he still stubbornly refused to admit his mistake.