Phi-Fic Chapter 555; If Madam Fang sets a question, it's bound to be difficult.
Chapter 555; If Madam Fang sets a question, it's bound to be difficult.
As soon as Zhao Wuji finished speaking and asked Fang Xiaoxiao to set the questions, the crowd below the stage, who had been whispering and discussing, fell silent instantly. Then came a low murmur, and soon, a hint of joy appeared among the crowd.
"Haha, this is going to be interesting! If Madam Fang sets a challenge, it's bound to be something special!"
A young man dressed in fine clothes had his eyes light up and excitedly nudged his companion next to him.
"Of course, we've all witnessed Madam Fang's abilities. Take that garden party for example, it was truly a delightful experience!"
His companion nodded repeatedly, his face showing a mixture of admiration and schadenfreude.
Everyone present still vividly remembers that garden party. At that time, Fang Xiaoxiao walked alone through the crowd, her figure graceful and her demeanor extraordinary.
A group of students from the Imperial Academy, who usually considered themselves highly talented, wanted to make things difficult for Fang Xiaoxiao, a mere woman, in order to show off their own talents and overshadow her.
Unexpectedly, Fang Xiaoxiao was fearless. Faced with the students' difficult questions about poetry and couplets, she not only answered fluently but also spoke sharply and offered unique insights, leaving the students speechless and wide-eyed.
One of the students was particularly unconvinced and insisted on competing with Fang Xiaoxiao, so he came up with an extremely tricky question.
After hearing this, Fang Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows slightly, a confident smile appearing on her lips. After a moment's thought, she gave an ingenious answer that made the student blush with shame and slink away to the side.
What's even more exciting is that the Prime Minister's daughter, Liu Ruyan, is also at the garden party.
Liu Ruyan usually relied on her status to be arrogant and domineering, looking down on everyone.
Seeing Fang Xiaoxiao stealing the spotlight in front of everyone, she was very unhappy, so she stepped forward, wanting to mock Fang Xiaoxiao.
Looking at Liu Ruyan's arrogant demeanor, Fang Xiaoxiao smiled instead of getting angry and said, "It is said that a prime minister's belly can hold a boat. As the daughter of the prime minister, Miss Liu should be well-educated and have an extraordinary temperament. Why are you so petty today and can't stand seeing others do well?"
Could it be that he's been spoiled rotten by the Prime Minister and has forgotten even the most basic manners?
Liu Ruyan's face turned red and white after being rebuked by Fang Xiaoxiao's words. She wanted to refute, but couldn't find the right words. She could only stomp her feet in anger and turn away.
It is said that after that, Liu Ruyan did not dare to go out for several days, for fear of running into Fang Xiaoxiao again and being laughed at.
"Hehe, Liu Ruyan really suffered a great loss that time. Her arrogant attitude was so annoying. Fang Niangzi was much better; she subdued her with just a few words."
In the crowd, a young woman covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
"Yes, yes, not only is Madam Fang exceptionally talented, but her eloquence is also first-rate. Today, Young Master Zhao has asked Madam Fang to set a challenge, and those who want to take on the challenge are in for a rough time."
Another person chimed in.
Everyone chatted excitedly about the garden party, and their admiration for Fang Xiaoxiao grew even stronger.
Fang Xiaoxiao stood on the stage, listening to the discussions of the crowd below, a faint smile on her face, her eyes revealing confidence and composure.
She slightly raised her head, glanced at the crowd below the stage, then cleared her throat, preparing to announce the competition question that everyone had been eagerly anticipating.
Just as everyone was praising Fang Xiaoxiao's past deeds and was full of interest, the door of Lingxi Pavilion was suddenly pushed open with a "bang". Accompanied by a series of arrogant footsteps, Liu Ruyan walked in with a group of followers, her steps arrogant and disrespectful.
Today she was dressed in a magnificent purple gown embroidered with peonies, adorned with a gold and jade hairpin, her makeup exquisite yet unable to conceal her domineering air.
Beside her, the pale-faced scholar remained a loyal follower, always keeping pace with her, a fawning smile on his face and eyes full of obsequiousness towards Liu Ruyan, a veritable lapdog wagging its tail and begging for mercy.
The moment these two appeared, they seemed to possess a powerful aura, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
The high-ranking officials and dignitaries who were just chattering and praising Fang Xiaoxiao and belittling Liu Ruyan suddenly fell silent as if someone had grabbed their throats, not daring to breathe.
Their expressions changed from excitement and smugness to fear and guilt, their eyes filled with panic, like a group of children caught red-handed doing something wrong.
The atmosphere suddenly became very quiet, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Liu Ruyan glanced at everyone, a cold smile curling at the corner of her lips. That smile was like an icy blade in the dead of winter, sending chills down people's spines.
She spoke coldly, her voice sharp and piercing, as if a blade had slashed through the silent air: "Well, you audacious bunch, daring to point fingers at me behind my back! If I don't teach you a lesson today, you'll never know how powerful I am! Guards, slap them!"
Upon receiving the order, her attendants pounced on the people who had just been discussing the matter like wolves and tigers.
Upon seeing this, everyone scattered and fled in panic. Some darted under the table, while others hurriedly scurried behind the crowd. The scene descended into chaos, filled only with the creaking of moving tables and chairs and the gasps of the crowd.
Meanwhile, the pale-faced scholar stood to the side, shouting at the top of his lungs, "You all better behave yourselves! If you offend Miss Liu, none of you will have a good outcome!"
The shrill voice suddenly rang out, sounding particularly comical in the chaotic scene.
Fang Xiaoxiao saw that the scene was like a pot of boiling porridge, chaotic and disorderly. Screams and the sound of tables and chairs colliding rose and fell. The disheveled appearance of the high-ranking officials and dignitaries hiding and running made the scene increasingly out of control.
She knew that if she didn't step in immediately, the situation would spiral out of control.
So, she took a deep breath, quickly put on a gentle and apologetic smile, and walked gracefully and unhurriedly toward Liu Ruyan.
As Fang Xiaoxiao approached Liu Ruyan, she slightly curtsied, performing a standard bow with an elegant and dignified posture.
She raised her head, her eyes full of sincerity, and said softly, "Miss Ruyan, I'm so sorry."
These people were indeed speaking recklessly today and lost their sense of propriety for a moment.
They are used to being pampered and don't know how to think before they speak or act. We hope Miss Ruyan will be magnanimous and understanding, and not hold it against them.
Fang Xiaoxiao's voice was soft and melodious, like a babbling brook, making people feel comfortable. Her words cleverly shifted the blame to those gossipy officials and nobles, while also giving Liu Ruyan face.