An Yuan'er couldn't refuse An Hui's request, so she went with him.
When they arrived at the Imperial Clan Court, almost everyone else had arrived, except for the Emperor and Yi Chenxuan, who were in the center of the room.
Today, the presiding judge is Emperor Tiansheng, with Grand Tutor An and Prime Minister Pan assisting him on either side.
The two assistants were both senior officials with considerable prestige in the court. Prime Minister Pan was related to the eldest prince, while Grand Tutor An was An Yuan'er's grandfather. One on each side was fair.
Outside the Imperial Clan Court, a large crowd of onlookers had gathered. The attention this matter had garnered was unprecedented.
Those in power in Shengjing are all men, and those who have come with them today are mostly men as well.
Before the trial even began, someone made disrespectful remarks about An Yuan'er.
“A perfectly good young lady should stay at home. Instead, she has to run out and show her face in public, making a fool of herself. It is really offensive to public morals.”
"It's not just a matter of being immoral. I think her actions have dragged down her whole family. What man would dare to marry such a shrew in the future? It's such a waste of a pretty face."
"......"
An Yuan'er looked at it coldly and said, "None of your business!"
The minister pointed at An Yuan'er and said, "You're spouting nonsense. The ladies of Shengjing are all eloquent, unlike you, who can't even speak a coherent sentence."
An Huai protectively shielded his younger sister: "Lord Li, have you lost all humanity? How come you can't understand what my sister is saying?"
"You... your sister is a shrew, no one dares to marry her." Lord Li angrily pointed at An Huishou. These two siblings were implying that he was unworthy of being a human being.
An looked back and said mockingly, "Who my sister marries is none of Lord Li's business. I've heard that Lord Li's wife is notoriously shrewish. I heard that Lord Li wanted to take a concubine recently, and she made a huge fuss and refused no matter what. I've heard some of the rumors myself!"
An Huishou feigned sympathy: "I think that if Lord Li has the time, he would rather spend more effort dealing with his own shrewish wife. Otherwise, all I hear here is that Lord Li is afraid of his wife, a worm at home and a dragon outside. Such a two-faced person must be exhausting for you, sir."
The ministers present covered their mouths and chuckled when they heard An Huishou's words.
Lord Li had risen through the ranks and amassed his fortune thanks to the help of his wife's family. What he hated most in his life was being told that he was afraid of his wife, but An Huaishou had exposed his weakness in front of so many people, causing him to be ridiculed. Lord Li was filled with shame and anger.
Just then, the eunuch's shrill voice rang out.
"His Majesty has arrived! His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Although the trial was conducted openly and without precedent, the emperor was the Son of Heaven, not someone ordinary people could see. A screen had already been erected before the emperor took his seat. Ordinary people could not see the emperor's face.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" The crowd of people and officials bowed to the Emperor.
Emperor Tiansheng's voice came through the screen: "Get up."
"This matter involves the royal family, and it is of great importance. The Dengwen Drum has only been sounded once every hundred years, and this is the first time since I ascended the throne. I am very concerned about this matter, so I have made an exception and decided to conduct a public trial. Everyone present can serve as a witness."
As Emperor Tiansheng finished speaking, the people knelt down in unison, saying, "Your Majesty is renowned."
The trial has officially begun.
Since the Emperor did not speak directly, Grand Tutor An and Prime Minister Pan were responsible for the trial process.
The An family has never been afraid of authority. Before starting, Grand Tutor An asked directly, "The Crown Prince was notified to arrive at 5:00 AM. Why is the Crown Prince late?"
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