As the flooding in the Southwest Region grew increasingly severe, the atmosphere at court became more and more tense. It had already come to light that some were organizing large groups of refugees to pillage and burn areas not yet affected by the floods. The Southwest had become a living hell. The fact that the local officials had only reported the situation once it could no longer be concealed meant that this catastrophe had been unfolding for some time. The Emperor was furious, and everyone in court felt a sense of impending danger, especially high-ranking officials with ties to the region, who feared what might be uncovered.
Meanwhile, the noble families in the Capital lived as luxuriously and indulgently as ever, completely indifferent to the lives of those elsewhere. This was the seat of the Emperor; surely, the refugees could never make it here?
Xiao Yan had secretly left for the Southwest some time ago and should have arrived by now.
Chapter 142