0p0 Chapter 166 Celebration Incident
Chapter 166 Celebration Incident
At night, the palace was adorned with lanterns, a scene of dazzling splendor. Countless bright lanterns hung high, illuminating the entire palace as if it were daytime. The dazzling light reflected on the glazed tiles, reflecting a dreamlike hue. Fireworks burst forth with abandon in the night sky, their dazzling brilliance illuminating the heavens like stars falling to earth. A grand celebration unfolded, the scene so vibrant and lively that it was breathtaking. Laughter and joy flowed joyfully in every corner like a gurgling stream.
However, behind this seemingly flawless celebration, there were discordant notes. In a secluded corner of the palace, a few people were still dissatisfied with the awakening of women's status. They gathered together furtively, whispering and plotting how to deliberately cause trouble at the celebration in an attempt to destroy this beautiful atmosphere.
"Women's awakening to their status? This is sheer nonsense! Since ancient times, women have been supposed to do their duty. It's outrageous that they are making such a fuss now!" An official with ulterior motives muttered in a low voice, gritting his teeth. His eyes were filled with resentment and dissatisfaction, and his brows were furrowed into a deep "川" shape, so tightly that it seemed as if he could pinch a fly to death.
"That's right, this is simply a blasphemy against tradition!" A wealthy businessman next to him echoed, the fat on his face trembling with anger, a disdainful sneer on the corner of his mouth, "Women should stay at home to take care of their husbands and children. How can they show themselves in public?" His fat fingers tightly grasped the corner of his clothes, as if he wanted to vent all his dissatisfaction on this poor piece of cloth.
"We can't let this perverse trend prevail. We have to teach them a lesson!" Another scholar-like figure waved his folding fan, a sinister look in his eyes. Beneath his seemingly elegant exterior, he concealed a narrow-minded heart.
At that moment, a procession of foreign envoys, led by ceremonial officers, entered the celebration venue. They were dressed in ornate, exotic clothing, vibrant in color and unique in style, each bearing an expression of haughtiness and scrutiny. The leading envoy, tall and with a sharp gaze, surveyed his surroundings, seemingly filled with curiosity about his country's culture and customs, yet more with questioning. His slightly raised chin betrayed an air of unparalleled arrogance.
"Will the change in the status of women in your country affect social stability and traditional order?" the envoy's voice rang out in the silence, a touch provocative. His tone was harsh, and his eyes betrayed both incomprehension and concern about this change. His questioning gaze, like a cold arrow, shot straight at the crowd.
This sudden questioning instantly turned the atmosphere tense. The cheerful music seemed to pause for a moment, and everyone's smiles froze, their eyes filled with anxiety and confusion. The air seemed to freeze, suffocating.
At this crucial moment, the women stepped forward. They were clad in exquisite clothing. Some were flowing silks and satins, embroidered with delicate floral and bird designs, their delicate needlework revealing their ingenuity. Others were rich brocades inlaid with pearls and gemstones, gleaming dazzlingly under the light like the glittering stars in the night sky. Their makeup was exquisite, their hair was in high buns, and their demeanor was dignified, revealing an extraordinary aura.
A woman walked to the center of the stage, splashing ink. She took a deep breath, calmed herself, then flicked her wrist, her brush swaying like a dragon. Her movements were fluid and effortless, the calligraphy flowing with vigor and force, like a dragon or a phoenix dancing. Each stroke held profound skill, creating a powerful and majestic calligraphy that captivated the reader.
"Good! Great calligraphy!" The crowd erupted in cheers. They stared intently at the calligraphy, their eyes filled with surprise and admiration.
Then, another woman gracefully leaped onto the stage and began dancing. Her movements were lithe and graceful, like a fairy descending to earth. Her sleeves fluttered in the wind like blossoming flowers. Her steps were light and agile, each spin and leap perfectly timed, as if fused with the music. Her eyes, filled with confidence and passion, captivated everyone.
"So beautiful!" People were enchanted by her dancing, forgetting their previous nervousness and anxiety. Some couldn't help but sway their bodies gently to the rhythm of the music, as if they were also drawn into the wonderful world of dance.
Another woman sat before a guzheng, strumming the instrument. Melodious music flowed from her fingertips, a plaintive, intoxicating sound. The notes seemed to come alive, leaping and dancing in the air, guiding our thoughts far away. Her expression was focused and affectionate, as if she were engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the zither.
Concubine Su walked gracefully to the foreign envoy and skillfully responded to his questions.
"Your Excellency, the awakening of women's status is not a destruction of tradition, but an inevitable result of social progress." Concubine Su's voice was crisp and firm, and her eyes revealed confidence and composure. "Women have talent and wisdom and can contribute to the development of the country. They can use their talents in literature, art, medicine and other fields, which will only make our country more prosperous." Every word she said was so powerful that it could not be ignored.
Seeing the women's outstanding performance, the troublemakers felt ashamed. Their arrogance gradually faded, and their heads, which had been held high, slowly lowered. They began to reflect on their own narrow-mindedness and short-sightedness, realizing their mistakes.
"We were wrong. We shouldn't have underestimated women's abilities." The sinister official said ashamedly. His face flushed red and he didn't dare to look the women in the eye, as if those eyes were sharp swords that could pierce his heart.
"Yes, we are too stubborn." The rich businessman also lowered his head, his voice full of regret. He kept rubbing his hands, not knowing what to do.
The foreign envoy was also impressed by the women's talents and Concubine Su's answers, and his attitude changed significantly.
"The grace of your country's women is admirable. It seems I have misunderstood." The envoy nodded slightly with an expression of admiration on his face. "Such changes may really bring new vitality and development to your country." There was no longer any doubt or arrogance in his eyes, but respect and appreciation instead.
The outstanding performance of the women won wide recognition from the whole society. People applauded and cheered, and gained a new understanding of women's abilities and values.
“The women are amazing!”
"Their talent and wisdom amaze me!"
"Never look down on women again!"
The celebration incident ultimately ended with the women's victory, adding another powerful chapter to the awakening of women's status. From then on, women's status in society has been more respected and recognized. They have shown their brilliance in various fields and made indelible contributions to the prosperity of the country.
Fireworks continued to bloom in the night sky, illuminating the palace and the people's hope for the future. The brilliant light seemed to herald the arrival of a more equal, inclusive, and beautiful era.