The dozen musicians and dancers below looked at Chu Qianli, utterly stunned.
It was the first time in their lives that someone had told them they earned their living with their own hands.
They were not lowly!
Instantly, a mistiness veiled the eyes of each of the dozen.
They were unsure if it was emotion or sorrow.
Yes, they all earned money to support their families with their own efforts, not by selling their bodies.
Why did everyone else say that people like them were lowly?
No one had expected that the seventh miss, who was previously the most detested, could utter such words.
Whether her intentions were genuine or feigned, at this moment, those dozen people were filled with gratitude towards her.
Qing Ming looked at his Princess, a hint of surprise also crossing his heart.
Feng Yexuan's fingers, holding the wine cup, paused slightly. His gaze shifted, landing on Chu Qianli's face.
The dead woman had a rare solemnity on her face.
As she spoke, there was a hint of displeasure in her eyes.
These words were clearly sincere.
As the Princess of Xuan, did she truly believe that courtesans and dancers were not lowly people?
"Your Highness, please have some wine." Chu Huaiyu dared not approach and could only stand by, carefully pouring wine for him.
Feng Yexuan withdrew his gaze from Chu Qianli.
He continued to drink.
The surprise of that moment seemed to have never occurred.
After a moment of stunned silence, Chu Feixue became utterly furious: "Father! She… she called me a woman of the streets! Little Seven is too malicious!"
Chu Hongtao first glanced at Prince Xuan.
Seeing that His Highness was expressionless and only focused on drinking.
It seemed he was drinking the wine poured by Huaiyu.
Chu Hongtao felt pleased, and his dislike for Chu Qianli intensified.
"Little Seven, if you continue to act out like this, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Chu Qianli knew that in this household, apart from her grandfather, no one truly cared for her.
Therefore, she did not need to be polite to anyone.
Leaning back against the chair, she glanced at Chu Hongtao and curled her lips.
"I am the Princess of Xuan. What can a mere Grand Tutor like you do to me that would be impolite?"
"You!" Chu Hongtao was so enraged he almost spat blood.
Rebellious! Truly rebellious!
But she was right; she was the Princess of Xuan, and only the Prince could punish her.
Even as her father, he could not do anything to her!
Chu Hongtao glanced at Chu Huaiyu, who was pouring wine for Feng Yexuan again. The Prince did not refuse and drank it directly.
He was both angry and pleased, so he could only suppress his anger for now.
He winked at two people below: "Seventh Miss is drunk. Escort her back to rest."
Two guards immediately approached Chu Qianli.
Chu Qianli frowned. As they reached out to "help" her, her fingertips, concealed with silver needles, slashed out.
"Mmph—" The backs of both their hands were pricked, blood trickled down, and they let out muffled groans of pain.
Blood was drawn!
The young ladies beside them, startled, quickly dodged.
Seeing blood, why did His Highness show no reaction?
Everyone quietly looked over, only to see that after drinking a few more cups, Prince Xuan seemed to be showing signs of intoxication.
His Highness had always been dedicated to military affairs; his tolerance for alcohol seemed not very good!
Seeing this, Chu Hongtao immediately became happy: "His Highness cannot hold his liquor. Huaiyu, escort His Highness back to rest."
"Yes." Chu Huaiyu said softly to Feng Yexuan, "Your Highness, Huaiyu will escort you back to rest."
Qing Ming saw that the Prince was indeed quite drunk and did not wish for him to stay and witness these tedious disputes.
Qing Ming supported Feng Yexuan and said, "Your Highness, your subordinate will escort you back to your room to rest."
As for Chu Qianli.
Qing Ming was very displeased with her today.
After all, she was in the Duke's mansion, her own family's home. Even if she were bullied a little, no one would truly do anything to her.
Qing Ming could not be bothered to watch any further. He supported the drunken Feng Yexuan and slowly departed.
Chu Huaiyu followed behind them.
After they left, the smile on Chu Hongtao's lips instantly turned ferocious.
He turned back, glaring at the isolated Chu Qianli: "You unfilial daughter! Today, I, your father, will enforce family discipline and punish you properly!"