boyutpedia Chapter 40 The Ningguta Incident: The Imperial Concubine's Extravagant Display of Wealth Leads
Chapter 40 The Ningguta Incident: The Imperial Concubine's Extravagant Display of Wealth Leads
Gu Liuli and her group were about an hour's journey from Ningguta. Because Ningguta was currently engulfed in war, nearby cities were also significantly affected.
The smoke of war, like the claws of a demon, mercilessly tore at the once clear sky above Ningguta. In the distance, shouts of battle and the clash of weapons mingled together, like rolling thunder, shaking the very earth.
The peaceful villages near Ningguta were instantly gripped by boundless panic. Women and children, who had been immersed in their daily lives, scattered in terror like startled birds. The shrill, heart-wrenching cries of children mingled with the terrified shouts of adults, creating a chaotic and chilling symphony.
"Waaah... Mother, Mother! I can't find my mother!" A young child stood in the middle of a road full of thorns, crying out in anguish. His small body trembled uncontrollably with fear and helplessness, and his tear-streaked face was heartbreaking to see.
Looking further into the village, the simple thatched huts were toppled and swayed in the sudden chaos. Some houses were on the verge of collapse as the crowd jostled them; others were unfortunately set ablaze by fleeing people, and the flames spread rapidly with the help of the wind.
Thick plumes of smoke, like a ferocious beast, shot straight into the sky, turning the entire sky pitch black. The pungent smell of the smoke made it impossible for people to open their eyes or breathe properly.
In the fields, the once golden crops, poised for a bountiful harvest, were now mercilessly trampled by panicked footsteps. The swaying wheat waves that once danced in the wind had vanished, replaced by a field of broken stalks and ears of grain. These pitiful crops trembled under the glow of blood and fire, seemingly silently lamenting the pain and loss brought by this disaster.
Meanwhile, the livestock were also greatly frightened. They struggled to break free of their reins and ran wildly in all directions like headless flies. The neighing of horses, the bellowing of cattle, and the bleating of sheep mingled together, piercing the sky and adding a touch of desolation and misery to the already chaotic scene.
On the road, refugees, with their families in tow and only a few belongings on their backs, were covered in dust and tears. Some were supporting their wounded relatives, blood seeping from their wounds and staining their clothes red; others had fallen to the ground due to exhaustion, but were then swept forward by the surging crowd behind them.
The once-flowing stream was now stained crimson with blood, and tattered clothing and broken weapons drifted along with the current, as if lamenting the horrors and pain brought about by this war.
The once peaceful land surrounding Ningguta is now ravaged, suffering the devastation brought by war and plunged into an abyss of despair.
"Heavens! Heavens! How could you be so cruel? Are you really going to wipe us out?" The burly, bearded assassin's eyes were bloodshot as he looked up at the sky, his grief and indignation overflowing.
He held the dying child tightly in his arms, as if that was the last glimmer of hope in his life.
At the same time, Wang Guangrong and Wang Zhi were holding onto their woman, Nan Nan, tightly.
Nan Nan looked delicate and timid, but her big eyes were full of curiosity and kept turning around. Her gaze fell on the uncle holding the child, and a feeling of indescribable discomfort welled up in her heart.
Standing to the side, Xiao Jingchuan frowned, looking at the tragic scene in Ningguta with deep worry.
It is well known that most of the people in Ningguta were exiled there.
Some of them were indeed wronged and innocent; others were heinous criminals; and still others were local officials.
The reason these officials remained here was simply to prevent the exiled people from escaping and returning to the city. Therefore, a special government was established to supervise them.
However, at this moment, facing the enemy's fierce attack, those officials who were usually arrogant and cowardly had long since disappeared without a trace.
Only these poor people were left behind, struggling desperately amidst the chaos of war, their lives hanging by a thread.
……
In the magnificent palace, the Empress Dowager sat on the throne in Cining Palace, looking down at the group of concubines who came to pay their respects. The one in the lead was naturally the Imperial Concubine.
"Your Majesty, these are pastries I made myself, please have a taste!" The Imperial Concubine eagerly had her maid, Qiangwei, bring them over.
Consort Shen gave a disdainful "Pfft!"
"Oh! Our Noble Consort is truly filial! I wonder if these flowers were picked by you personally, or by your clever and obedient maids?" Consort Jiao, who was quite close to Consort Shen, asked with a half-smile. Her beautiful eyes flickered slightly, landing on the bouquet of vibrant flowers in the Noble Consort's hands.
Consort Shen, standing nearby, chimed in, "Your Highness is truly radiant and captivating today! Look at your magnificent attire; it must be of immense value!" As she spoke, she looked the Consort up and down with admiration, a subtle, unusual glint in her eyes.
Hearing the two men's praise, the Imperial Concubine couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. She raised her chin slightly, a proud and smug smile on her face, thinking to herself, "So what if you, Shen Hui, are close to the Empress? Now that Mu Qingling has been deposed, you can only watch helplessly as I, the Imperial Concubine, enjoy this wealth and honor, and feel envious."
Thus, the Imperial Concubine, becoming even more smug, boasted, "Hehe, Sister Shen, you truly have a discerning eye! This dress I'm wearing is no ordinary item. It was specially commissioned by my brother from a top embroiderer in Jiangnan, who painstakingly sewed it stitch by stitch. Especially the lifelike peony pattern on the dress; I've heard it was ingeniously woven and fused with gold and silver threads when the flowers were in full bloom!" As she spoke, the Imperial Concubine gently stroked the vibrant peonies on the hem of the dress, as if displaying a priceless treasure to everyone.
However, the Imperial Concubine was completely unaware that her blatant display of ostentation had touched a raw nerve with the Emperor. It was clear that Xiao Han had already issued an edict ordering that all palace affairs be conducted with frugality, given the urgency of the war at the front. Yet this Imperial Concubine was utterly disregarding the Emperor's decree, openly displaying her extravagance and ostentation!
The Empress Dowager, seated above, took in everything. Her eyes, which had been slightly narrowed, suddenly opened, and a cold glint flashed across them.
The Empress Dowager could naturally discern the hidden meaning in Shen Hui's words, but this utterly foolish concubine remained completely oblivious and continued to ramble on about her magnificent dress! Truly, ignorance is bliss!
"Alright, I've made my decision. Everyone except Consort Shen may leave!" The Empress Dowager rubbed her temples and addressed the concubines below.
All the concubines bowed in unison, saying, "It is we concubines who take our leave!"
No sooner had Consort Liang stepped out of the heavy and solemn gates of Cining Palace than she launched an attack on Consort Jiao. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she snapped, "What a remarkable woman! I never knew you were so eloquent! Today, I've truly seen your talent!"