?


    Gu Chaoyan''s voice resonated with authority as she addressed the gathered individuals.


    "The maids from the Saint Divine Land may serve the court, but they are not of low ss. ording to the court''s rules, when these maids reach the age of 25, they have the freedom to choose their own path. They can opt to leave the court and receive settlement money, allowing them to establish their own households, build their own houses, and even pursue marriage. Their choices are unrestricted and entirely their own."


    A stunned silence fell upon the crowd.


    "These maids may serve the court, but they are individuals with agency," Gu Chaoyan continued, her voice calm but resolute. "They have chosen to apany me to Snow Territory, but their lives and choices remain their own, even after they turn 25."


    She walked through the camp with a quiet confidence, ensuring that Lingyun assisted Sword One in adjusting the maids'' clothes. It was a reminder to all that these women were not mere servants to be bullied at will. Gu Chaoyan was determined to make both the people of Snow Territory and the maids themselves understand this truth.


    Wherever they went, these maids had someone to support them, someone who would stand up for their rights. There was no need for them to be afraid.


    Though Huaijin was absent, Gu Chaoyan, as the Queen, would make the decisions necessary to protect their honor.


    As her words sank in, she observed the pallor that spread across the faces of those from Snow Territory.


    They had never anticipated such a response. They had regarded the maids as mere servants, easily disposed of.


    But Phoenix Girl had stepped forward to defend them.


    She had even gone so far as to sever the guards'' arms.


    Longqing was incensed and prepared to argue, but Ouyang Mingjing held him back, leaving him alone with his mounting anger.


    Gu Chaoyan paid them no mind and continued her address. "Allow me to exin why these men do not deserve our women."


    "…."


    "They are supposed to be guards, responsible for protecting others."


    "…."


    "But they proved themselves useless when they failed to protect the visiting King during the ambush."


    "…."


    "Oh, but they excel at bullying the weak. The maids, unable to fight back in their presence, must be quite a feat for these supposedly capable guards from Snow Territory."


    "…."


    "Maids from the Saint Divine Land, even if they choose to leave the court and seek marriage, they will find true men, not trash like you who only know how to prey on the vulnerable."


    "….."


    "But I didn''t see any resistance from you when I severed your arms."


    "…."


    "You can keep those people if you consider them precious. Our maids have no need for such treasures." Gu Chaoyan''s words wereced with directness and disdain as she surveyed the people from Snow Territory.


    Capable individuals?


    Mediocre, at best.


    Then, a glimmer of pride crossed Gu Chaoyan''s face as she turned her attention to the hidden guards from Shadow Door. "Our hidden guards from Shadow Door, even in such harsh conditions, are still selflessly sharing their warm clothing with the women. That is the true measure of generosity!"