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

Chapter 557: You Absolutely Cannot Win

Without hesitation, Liu Ruyan abandoned her fierce demeanor and, like a cheerful little bird, took small, quick steps as she pounced on Zhao Wuji.

She gripped Zhao Wuji's arm tightly with both hands, her body trembling slightly, and kept murmuring, "Brother Wuji, it really is you. Ruyan missed you so much."

"I never expected to see you here. I was terrified just now!"

Her voice was soft and melodious, full of tenderness and affection, as if the person who had just been baring her teeth and hurling insults was not her at all.

Everyone was stunned by Liu Ruyan's sudden change in temperament and her astonishing reversal in attitude. They looked at each other in disbelief.

Who would have thought that the Prime Minister's daughter, who was just arrogant and domineering, would turn into a little fangirl who fawns over Zhao Wuji in the blink of an eye.

Zhao Wuji looked disgusted, his brows furrowed, and his eyes filled with impatience. He forcefully pushed Liu Ruyan away and said in a cold voice, "Liu Ruyan, mind your place. Don't be so rude."

Liu Ruyan stumbled from the push, an embarrassed expression on her face. Only then did she realize that she was in the midst of the princess's civil and military marriage contest.

Her face flushed red and then turned pale. She bit her lip, her face full of resentment, and stomped her feet as she said, "Brother Wuji, why don't you marry some princess? What do I lack compared to her?"

In terms of family background and appearance, in what way am I, Liu Ruyan, inferior to her!

Zhao Wuji ignored her words and didn't even glance at her, walking straight towards Fang Xiaoxiao.

He walked up to Fang Xiaoxiao, cupped his hands slightly, and said sincerely, "Madam Fang, please begin with the questions."

Fang Xiaoxiao looked at Zhao Wuji and nodded slightly, inwardly admiring his decisiveness.

The farce finally ended, and everyone gradually returned to their previous state. The scene quieted down again, and everyone's attention was focused on Fang Xiaoxiao.

Liu Ruyan was filled with grievances and resentment, but she could only endure it. She glared hatefully in the direction of Li Wan'er, found a seat, and muttered under her breath, "Zhao Wuji, you absolutely cannot win, or I will not forgive you."

Fang Xiaoxiao coughed lightly, cleared her throat, and said loudly, "Listen carefully, gentlemen. The three questions I'm about to ask you seem simple, but in reality, you need to be extremely meticulous to answer them well."

This is not only a test of your talent, but also a test of your character.

She paused, a sly glint in her eyes, and continued, “First question: If you meet a ragged, hungry old woman on the street, and you only have enough money to buy a steamed bun, would you choose to eat the bun yourself or give it to the old woman?”

Please explain your reasoning. This question is intended to test whether you possess a compassionate heart.

Everyone nodded in agreement and began to think about it silently.

Zhang Pangzi and Wang Badan frowned, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, while Zhao Wuji frowned slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of pity, clearly indicating that he already had an answer.

Fang Xiaoxiao looked at everyone's reactions and nodded in satisfaction. She continued, "The second question is: Suppose that the woman you admire is poisoned and there is only one extremely rare herb that can save her. However, obtaining this herb requires going through countless hardships and may even endanger her life. What would you choose?"

This is to test your sincerity towards the person you admire.

The moment this question was posed, the atmosphere became even more tense, and the expressions of the three young masters all turned serious.

Li Wan'er also leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Zhao Wuji, her heart filled with anticipation.

"The third question,"

Fang Xiaoxiao's voice rang out again, "If your country goes to war with a neighboring country, and the woman you admire has a relative who is an official in the neighboring country, will you be soft-hearted towards the enemy because of this relationship, or will you prioritize the greater good of the country?"

I hope you will think carefully and provide your answers.

After answering the three questions, Fang Xiaoxiao glanced at everyone and said with a smile, "Please write down your answers, gentlemen, so that the judges can evaluate them later."

I hope you all can submit a satisfactory answer sheet.

Fang Xiaoxiao's first question filled the entire Lingxi Pavilion with an atmosphere of contemplation. The three young masters reacted differently, and their expressions and demeanor revealed their inner thoughts.

Zhang Pangzi frowned slightly, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

As the son of the Minister of Rites, he was used to a life of luxury and ease.

At that moment, he quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind: if he gave the steamed bun to the old woman, he would go hungry, and that feeling of hunger was unbearable;

But if I don't give it, I worry that people will accuse me of being heartless and it will damage my reputation.

He bit his lip, internally struggling with his conscience, and finally picked up his pen and wrote: "I will give the steamed bun to the old woman. She is old and frail, and needs food to sustain her life."

As a man, I am young and strong, so I can endure hunger for a while.

Furthermore, helping others is the act of a virtuous person; if one can exchange a steamed bun for the old woman's sustenance, it is also a good deed.

Although his writing appeared dignified on the surface, deep down he was somewhat unwilling.

Wang Badan scratched his head, looking conflicted.

He was the son of the Minister of Revenue, and he valued money and material possessions highly.

In his view, the steamed bun was bought with his own money and therefore belonged to him.

But looking at the expectant looks from those around him, he felt that it wouldn't be right not to do something kind.

He scribbled on the paper for a while before writing: "I will give the steamed bun to the old woman."

Because the old woman's situation was much more difficult than mine, I couldn't just stand by and watch her go hungry.

Moreover, if I don't help her, I will definitely feel guilty when I think about it in the future.

Although I get hungry, I believe the satisfaction I get from helping others will make me forget about hunger.

However, his handwriting was somewhat messy, as if he had written it in a hurry, which showed his inner turmoil.

Zhao Wuji pondered quietly for a moment, his eyes revealing both determination and tenderness.

As the youngest general of the Dayu Dynasty, he had witnessed too much suffering and misfortune and knew the hardships of the people's lives.

In his mind, a steamed bun may seem insignificant, but for that hungry old woman, it could be a life-saving meal.

Without the slightest hesitation, he picked up his pen and wrote: "I will definitely give the steamed bun to the old woman."

Respecting the elderly as one would one's own parents is a fundamental moral principle.

As a general, it is my duty to protect my country and its people.

Even a simple steamed bun can bring a sense of warmth and kindness to an old woman.