Chu Huaiyu knelt upright, meeting Feng Yexuan's gaze.
Though she appeared frail and pitiable, she possessed an inherent pride, like a white lotus in the frost, unstained and peerlessly pure.
Qing Ming's heart stirred.
He walked to Feng Yexuan's side and, leaning in, said, "Your Highness, regarding this matter, perhaps we should first investigate..."
"What? Do you presume to instruct me on how to conduct my affairs?"
Feng Yexuan was cold, devoid of any emotion.
"Drag her away."
"Yes!" Leng Ji waved his hand.
Two guards immediately seized Chu Feixue and dragged her out.
"Your Highness..."
"Anyone who pleads for her will receive thirty strokes of the cane!"
No one dared to speak again.
Not a single word.
Chu Huaiyu's face was ashen, her heart seemingly turned to ashes.
The sight of her biting her lip without a whimper was truly heart-wrenching.
Qing Ming, helpless, whispered, "Miss Huaiyu, the ground is cold, perhaps you should... get up."
Regarding Chu Feixue's situation, everyone was powerless.
He wasn't unwilling to help, but no one dared to disobey the Prince's command.
Soon, screams from Chu Feixue could be heard from outside.
Chu Buqu frowned, also helpless.
Today, they had come specifically to offer an apology.
He hadn't been present last night but knew that Chu Qianli had "jumped into the lake to commit suicide" at the Duke's mansion.
Regardless of the reason, it was ultimately the fault of their Duke's mansion.
Chu Hongtao dared not speak, but a sense of unease filled his heart.
Everyone had assumed that Prince Xuan was indifferent to Chu Qianli, but why did it seem now that the Prince was so biased towards Chu Qianli?
It was truly beyond everyone's expectations.
However, Chu Hongtao was very pleased with Huaiyu's performance just now.
Unlike ordinary women, she was not timid in front of the Prince.
She possessed a certain pride, and such a gentle yet resilient disposition was definitely what men liked.
The Prince must now have different thoughts about Huaiyu.
Chu Hongtao saw it clearly; even Lord Qing Ming, by the Prince's side, showed a hint of pity for Huaiyu.
Chu Hongtao immediately said, "Quickly, help the young lady up."
A maidservant hurried over, helped Chu Huaiyu, and was about to lift her.
Chu Qianli took the cup handed by Qian'er and was nonchalantly sipping her tea.
She had a feeling this matter wouldn't end here.
She vaguely sensed that the man beside her had more to say.
She didn't know where this sixth sense came from.
Therefore, she sat back and watched the show.
Indeed, just as the maidservant was helping Chu Huaiyu up, Feng Yexuan put down his cup.
The cup landed on the tea table with a soft clink.
It wasn't heavy, but it seemed to strike the heart of everyone present.
The Prince was displeased!
Chu Huaiyu froze, her half-crouched posture uncertain whether to rise or continue kneeling.
"Your Highness..." Chu Buqu looked at him.
Feng Yexuan, feigning casualness, spoke with a chilling indifference, "Did I tell you to get up?"
Chu Huaiyu's face turned pale, and with a thud, she knelt back down.
"Your Highness, Huaiyu does not know what offense she has committed."
"Since you do not know what offense you have committed, why did you kneel at my Prince's mansion as soon as you arrived?"
Feng Yexuan's gaze, for the first time, fell squarely upon her.
Unfortunately, there was no pity, no admiration awaiting her.
He remained as distant and cold as ever.
"This..." Chu Huaiyu couldn't answer, her fingertips hidden in her sleeves tightening slowly.
"The Duke does not often visit my Prince's mansion. Perhaps today, I shall escort the Duke on a tour?"
Feng Yexuan suddenly stood up and said lightly, "Duke, please!"