The next day, Chen Xianming and Chen Zirong got up early to go to court together.
The emperor sat down on the dragon throne and was momentarily surprised to see Chen Xianming's figure.
Although Chen Xianming was old, as a veteran of three reigns, he did not retire to his hometown; the emperor even granted him special permission to attend court.
The incident that occurred at the Anchang Marquis's residence yesterday has caused quite a stir in the new capital.
When the civil and military officials witnessed the Marquis of Lin'an attending court, they became more convinced of the rumors circulating in the streets.
The emperor was unaware of what had happened outside the palace the day before. When he saw Chen Xianming, who was old and frail, wearing the official robes of a military marquis, he raised his voice and offered a few words of comfort.
When Chen Xianming was singled out by the emperor for his condolences, he immediately stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Thank you for your kindness and concern, Your Majesty."
"I have come to court today to plead with Your Majesty to grant me justice!"
The emperor had already made plans, after all, Chen Xian was old and had retired to the court to recuperate since Chen Zirong was promoted to a second-rank official.
Now that he has suddenly appeared in the imperial court, given Chen Xianming's habit of only showing up when he has nothing to do after retiring from the court, it's obvious to anyone with a brain.
"What could possibly be so perplexing for even a first-rank military marquis?"
Chen Xianming held the tablet in both hands, pondering the words he had thought of the night before.
"Your Majesty, I have come here to file a petition with Your Majesty, and I hope Your Majesty will take a look."
After saying this, Chen Zirong came out and took out a petition from his sleeve and handed it to the eunuch.
The emperor took the petition from Li Defu and began to examine it.
A moment later, the emperor slammed the petition onto the desk. "How could such a thing happen in the capital? Marquis Anchang, come out and explain yourself to me!"
Upon hearing this, the hall fell completely silent.
Only then did Li Defu approach the emperor from behind and whisper, "Your Majesty, the Earl of Anchang has taken leave to recuperate today and has not attended court."
The emperor originally thought this matter was unbelievable, but unexpectedly, the Earl of Anchang did not attend court today, which just proved that he had a guilty conscience!
Taking advantage of the silence, Chen Zirong quickly explained the whole story: "Your Majesty, the swindler Lu Changping was arrested and imprisoned yesterday."
My niece, accompanied by her guards, went to the Marquis of Anchang's residence to demand her dowry, but was refused entry.
Your subject suspects that the thieves are in cahoots with the Marquis of Anchang's household, and are after the dowry of the Marquis of Lin'an's household.
Although there is no conclusive evidence, the Anchang Marquis's attitude of refusing to see anyone is indeed suspicious.
Immediately, some speculations began to circulate in the imperial court.
The emperor watched as the Marquis of Lin'an and his son stood in the court, singing in unison, while the person who filed the complaint was not present.
He cannot judge a case solely based on a written complaint and one-sided testimony.
Just as he was about to order the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review to thoroughly investigate the matter, he heard several abrupt voices.
"Although Anchangbo's fourth son had a poor reputation, Anchangbo himself had fought on the battlefield."
Such a sordid thing could not possibly have happened; there must be some misunderstanding.
"The Marquis of Lin'an's family provided a dowry, so does that mean the Earl of Anchang didn't give any betrothal gifts?"
This matter can't be considered from just one perspective, can it?
"In my opinion, we should wait until Marquis Anchang recovers from his illness and confronts him to clarify the situation before the truth can come out."
The three people who were speaking were already gloating when they heard the news that the Marquis of Lin'an's mansion had lost both money and valuables.
Now that the Marquis of Anchang has not attended court, even if the matter is a foregone conclusion, it doesn't stop them from deliberately causing trouble for the Marquis of Lin'an's residence.
Chen Xianming turned around and glanced indifferently at the three officials who had spoken.
Then, as if casually striking up a conversation, he said, "I remember Lord Liao, who also rose from a junior scholar to become the second-highest scorer in the imperial examination."
Your wife used to do laundry for others and support Lord Liao's schooling.
How come Lord Liao was able to fabricate news a few days ago, spreading the message that women should not receive honors?
This shows that even those who fight on the battlefield can forget the fundamental principles of loyalty and integrity expected of a general.
Upon hearing this, Liao Hai immediately shut up and even lowered his head slightly.
Yan Bujin spoke a few words in support of Anchangbo. At that moment, he lowered his head and felt a beam of cold light shining on him, making his spine feel cold.
Although he arrived late, Chen Xianming naturally wouldn't let him go.
"As for Lord Yan's mention of the betrothal gifts, I must prove myself to avoid the world mistakenly believing that the Marquis of Lin'an's mansion only takes in and never gives out."
Zirong, show the betrothal gift list and dowry list to Lord Yan.
Only then can we know whether the Marquis of Lin'an's family is truly the aggrieved party!
Knowing he had kicked a hornet's nest, he dared not accept the offer and quickly waved his hand in refusal.
Chen Xianming looked down on his spineless appearance.
Just thinking about how someone like that dared to tarnish Lu Qiqi's reputation in the imperial court and even in the capital was unbearable.
It felt disgusting, like being covered in flies!
Chen Zirong was, after all, Yan Bujin's superior. Even though he repeatedly refused, he dared not question it when the order was presented to him.
But before he could throw this hot potato away, he heard Chen Xianming's deep voice again.
"Doesn't Lord Gou also believe that this matter requires a confrontation between the Earl of Anchang and this Marquis? Why don't you take a look?"
None of the three officials who spoke up for Anchangbo escaped punishment.
The civil and military officials present were not truly blind; they could naturally see that the Marquis of Lin'an was avenging the Princess of Kangle County.
After a moment of silence in the court, the lists of betrothal gifts and dowry were all delivered to the emperor.
Chen Xianming stood in the center of the front hall and announced loudly, "Your Majesty, everyone knows that my eldest daughter, Chen Wenjun, disappeared several years ago on her way to her wedding."
It is pitiful that I, a soldier, have spent my whole life on the battlefield, yet I could not protect my only legitimate daughter.
A year ago, the entire household was overjoyed to find that swindler.
Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a malicious act, intended to swindle money from the Marquis of Lin'an's mansion.
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