The heavy, ancient prison door groaned open, its screech echoing like a lament for the passage of time and the helplessness of those held within. A woman of breathtaking, peerless beauty appeared at the entrance, her presence as striking as a masterpiece brought to life. She wore a resplendent, flowing gown that billowed in the breeze, and a phoenix hairpin caught the light as she moved with a graceful, swaying gait. A delicate peony was painted between her brows, and her supple waist moved with the languid grace of a willow in the wind—her beauty was as bold as it was captivating.
"How detestable. This old woman is dead; take her away," Noble Consort Gao said, covering her nose and mouth, eyeing the corpse of Hongniang on the floor with utter disdain.
"At once, my Lady!" several jailers responded in unison before promptly carrying Hongniang's body out.
Chapter 142