Bi'an's brows knitted tightly.
Meng Mingde let out a breath of relief and resumed his disdainful posture.
Bi'an stepped down from the hall to bow to Shaoguang.
The Meng family members also bowed.
Shaoguang strode in with an imposing air, yet he went to help Meng Mingde up and told Meng Liangmiao and the others, "No need for formalities. Rise first."
He ignored Bi'an's bow.
Meng Anli frowned. He was deliberately elevating the Meng family.
The Crown Prince walked straight behind the desk. "I heard a hidden prison was discovered in the Meng residence."
Bi'an turned toward him and bowed. "Yes. Meng Zhao has now confessed and admitted that he captured those women."
"Then the matter is perfectly clear," the Crown Prince declared shamelessly. "Since it was Meng Zhao's fault, release Lord Meng, Liangmiao, and Xiuchen."
"Crown Prince?" Bi'an raised his head, his voice rising in disbelief.
"Hmm?" The Crown Prince lowered his brows over his eyes, rose, and leaned over the desk to look down at him, his presence overwhelming.
Bi'an lowered his head. "This humble servant was disrespectful."
"It is nothing. Lord Bi'an, speak your mind."
Bi'an got straight to the point. "A great number of human, demon, devil, and Heavenly Immortal corpses were found in the hidden prison. This humble servant believes it could not have been Meng Zhao's doing alone. I have already sent people to the Underworld..."
"Impudence!" The Crown Prince slammed the judge's block. "Kneel!"
Though Bi'an did not understand, he could only obey and kneel.
Meng Anli was so furious that flames seemed to rise from her heart.
What right did the Crown Prince have to make Lord Bi'an kneel?
The Crown Prince sneered. "It seems Lord Bi'an is unconvinced and does not know where he went wrong."
Bi'an raised his head and