The only way to save Yuwen Duo now is to prove that everything he did was right.
The death of Prince of Ding was not unjust; in fact, it was a cause for celebration.
As long as she can prove this point, and with the support of the people, he won't be in any major trouble.
Lang Xuan remembered something that happened later in her previous life, and perhaps she could grasp at this straw.
Concubine Yun was shocked when she saw Lang Xuan's distraught expression.
It seems that Ninth Miss has already considered herself one of the eldest young master's women?
But the two never got married...
With one becoming a prince and the other's family reduced to prisoners, this marriage was definitely doomed.
But with Ninth Sister like this... Concubine Yun suddenly dared not think any further.
Lang He was a bit slow on the uptake, saying, "That's none of our business, and it has nothing to do with us; it would be better if they fought each other to the death!"
Deep down, he was definitely on the side of the Lang Family, and therefore also very dissatisfied with Linlin.
Lang Xuan instinctively wanted to retort, but before she could speak, she suddenly realized that if she defended Yuwen Duo, it might cause misunderstandings among her family.
Seeing Concubine Yun's worried look, Lang Xuan couldn't bring herself to say anything and could only pretend that nothing had happened.
Little did she know that beneath the wide sleeves, her fingernails were almost digging into her palms, and she was completely unaware of it.
Afterwards, Lang Xuan asked Chun Chunya to tell Tu Wu to continue to follow up on the progress of this matter.
She was soon shocked to learn that the Emperor had ordered Gao Zheng, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to preside over the trial, and that Tang Mingfan was to avoid suspicion of impropriety.
Moreover, the trial will be held in open court.
In other words, all the people of the capital were welcome to go and watch.
It was Gao Zheng Gao Zheng!
Lang Xuan closed her eyes, her teeth chattering.
She calculated that Gao Zheng should be twenty-five years old this year, just beginning to show his talent.
Five years later, when he turned thirty, he entered the cabinet, implemented reforms, and became a rising star who was famous throughout the court.
At that time, he was Yuwen Duo's right-hand man.
This man was known for his unyielding and impartial nature. Before he pushed forward with the reform, he issued a divorce decree, sending his wife and children back to her parents' home. He also severed ties with the Gao Family, showing no regard for his relatives, and single-mindedly pushed forward with the reform.
It was a battle without the clash of swords, yet still breathtaking.
Behind the spirited Gao Zheng at that time stood the powerful Crown Prince Yuwen Duo.
Unexpectedly, the Emperor has now appointed Gao Zheng as the presiding judge.
If a rift is left unresolved, will Gao Zheng still be of use to Yuwen Duo in the future?
That's one thing, but Lang Xuan was even more afraid that Gao Zheng, being incorruptible, might deliberately give Yuwen Duo a harsher sentence in order to gain fame and reputation.
Will this madman, who's willing to risk his life for a place in history, turn his anger towards Yuwen Duo?
Probably, considering that the entire city was watching.
Lang Jiu, don't panic.
There's still a chance; everything is in your hands.
Never before has Lang Xuan felt so important.
On the day of the trial, the entire capital city was deserted as people flocked to the Court of Judicial Review gate early in the morning.
We probably can't get to the front of the line for the trial, since there are too many people, but it's good to come and witness the young master's demeanor.
Compared to the high-profile Yanran, Linlin was so low-key that she was almost invisible.
Lang Xuan also mingled in the crowd.
To secure the best spot, she ran out before dawn today, without even bringing any Chunya.
Chunya is currently in her room pretending to be her to avoid being discovered.
When Lang Xuan saw Lin Lin, dressed in a sky-blue straight robe and exuding an extraordinary Linlin, appear, even though she was prepared, her heart was still startled.
Linlin's expression was calm, his gaze clear and resolute. Although he had not yet grown to be as tall as he had been in his previous life, he stood tall and straight, with a slight smile on his lips, exuding composure and fearlessness.
A line of poetry flashed through Lang Xuan's mind.
--In the midst of laughter and conversation, the enemy's ships and forts were reduced to ashes.
Even though she fell in love with her "enemy" in her past life and was tormented by it, she never blamed herself for having feelings she shouldn't have had.
Because Yuwen Duo was the object of affection for too many young women in the capital.
Who can resist?
She could only lament that their differing stances and the cruel twist of fate had brought them together.
Lang Xuan believed that all the events of her past life were permanently sealed in her memory.
But every time we met, I realized it was just self-deception.
That name is permanently etched in her heart.
In her eyes, this person bought a piece of land to possess permanently.
However, Yuwen Duo seemed not to notice her at all.
Lang Xuan clenched her fists tightly inside her sleeve.
She used all her strength to stop herself from rushing at him, and shouted—"Where's all the evidence I gave you!"
If Yuwen Duo were to bring out those resources, it might be able to turn the tide.
Don't forget, you absolutely mustn't forget.
Although he may not have taken it to heart, it was something he had put a lot of effort into obtaining, and it was truly useful!
His Linlin gaze swept over the crowd, and he nodded slightly to them, his demeanor impeccable.
He saw Lang Xuan and was somewhat surprised, but his gaze did not linger on her; he quickly looked away.
Gao Zheng ascended the court.
Although the outside was crowded with people, no one dared to utter a sound in the solemn courtroom, all listening intently as Gao Zheng spoke.
Linlin stood below the hall.
Gao Zheng slammed his gavel. "Why don't you kneel down, you people below?"
Linlin has no title, official rank, or merit, so he should kneel.
However, Linlin's identity is public knowledge.
Everyone knows he is the emperor's eldest son, and when the retired emperor was still in power, the emperor had already petitioned to make him the heir apparent.
This is the Emperor's most favored eldest son!
If Gao Zheng had wanted to go easy on them today, he wouldn't have started with that sentence.
Everyone fell silent, but they couldn't help thinking to themselves that this Gao Shaoqing was indeed incorruptible.
Linlin's expression remained unchanged, and he did not move.
Lang Xuan couldn't help but speak up, "Why should we kneel? The eldest young master has done nothing wrong, nor has he been convicted. Why should he kneel?"
He was such a proud man, how could he kneel before a Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review in public?
Moreover, kneeling down would essentially eliminate any possibility of bringing Gao Zheng under his command again.
Lang Xuan may have been overthinking things, but she couldn't control her emotions.
She was stupid, so she didn't realize that during the trial, Linlin really should have knelt down.
Now, all eyes were on Lang Xuan.
Lang Xuan instantly felt an immense pressure, as if Mount Tai.
But she held on, even as her face turned red and she tried to flee in panic.
She clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling as she looked at Linlin and said, "Young Master, evidence! You have evidence!"
How could you forget the evidence I gave you?
Prove it now, prove you're not guilty, don't suffer this humiliation!
Gao Zheng slammed the gavel again, his voice icy. "Who dares disturb the court? Guards..."
Linlin said calmly, "Lord Gao, this is none of the common people's business. She was frightened by today's situation; considering it's her first offense, let's give her a warning first."
Gao Zheng sneered, "Are you trying to teach me how to judge a case? Guards..."
"Imperial edict has arrived--"
(I'm working overtime today, so I'll update later~)