Everyone was stunned when they saw a young man appearing in the hall, clearly out of breath.

Li Yuan’s eyes narrowed as his aura erupted. Secretary Chang was also stunned before raging aloud, " Who dares to disturb the ongoing trial?! Guards, apprehend him!"

However, before the guards could reach him, the young man raised his hand. An emblem flashed in his hands, making Li Yuan tremble in shock and anger.

Cai Yixue was stunned as her vision turned blurry due to the tears. She felt like she was hallucinating, but her senses told her it was real.

" You-You came..."

But before he could react, the young man shouted.

" Halt the decision right away!" The young man roared, " I present the Four Clawed Dragon Bronze Insignia. Bow before the Crown Prince’s presence!"

The entire palace seemed to tremble as the voice echoed, a sense of apprehension appeared in everyone’s hearts.

Li Yuan didn’t feel much, but he suddenly felt a presence creeping up behind him.

Somehow, a pale looking old man wearing a black hood appeared behind him, monitoring the situation.

" You actually..." Li Yuan wanted to exclaim, but the old man shook his head, " That young man might be dangerous. I don’t feel good vibes from him, Prince Yuan."

Li Yuan felt a sense of shock, followed by gushing rage. ’ To think this old man actually undid his concealment to show his presence! What’s so special about that bastard?!’

Jia Hao huffed as he stepped forward, leaning his head on Cai Yixue’s shoulder. " Haah, Wife... just give me a few breaths, alright?"

Cai Yixue rolled her eyes, " Who is stopping you? Take as much time as you want."

" Hehe, that’s my wife." Jia Hai chuckled as he took out a gourd to drink water. Only after drinking his fill, he rubbed his face on Cai Yixue’s back.

" Goodness!" Cai Yixue pretended to scold Jia Hao, " This isn’t our bedroom! There are people here! Can’t you maintain some decorum?!"

*CRACK!*

Li Yuan’s face remained placid, but his fist clenched the armrest of his seat, almost crushing it into powder.

Jia Hao behaved like he was taking a short break, but he looked at the guards who were surrounding him and Cai Yixue.

" What is this shit?" Jia Hao’s voice turned cold. " Can’t you see this insignia? Or you are trying to defy the Crown Prince’s authority?"

" And don’t try to take a speech that might be a fake." Jia Hao’s eyes ran over everyone, " Those who are concerned are free to check."

" Ahem..." The Secretary Chang couldn’t help but clear his throat. " You are..."

" Oh, my manners!" Jia Hao didn’t let Secretary Chang finish before cupping his fist.

" This humble scholar is Jia Hao, husband of Lady Cai."

The crowd gasped as they finally got Jia Hao’s identity. His clothes were drenched with sweat, clinging to his lean but shapely muscles.

" Goodness, I only heard they married Cai Yixue to someone random. To think he would be so handsome!"

" Wow, that young man looks so good. Look at his shoulders, so broad!"

" They actually look good together. The perfect pair."

The women who were gloating over Cai Yixue’s predicament couldn’t help but burn with jealousy.

" So what if you have the insignia of the Crown Prince?" Secretary Chang realized the momentum was shifting, making him hasty.

" The imperial law is above everyone. If it’s broken, it’s only right for the culprit to pay for..."

" The transgression." Jia Hao added, " But that doesn’t mean we can’t appeal once again. Not to mention, I am pretty sure this insignia, even though it’s a temporary one, could be used for a second appeal. I can even send a memorial to the Ministry of Justice, so His Majesty the Emperor could review it."

" And till then, you are obliged to keep the prisoner imprisoned, but also unharmed." Jia Hao’s voice echoed, " And if the criminal is a high-ranking noble, they can only be house arrested." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Everyone was stunned as they looked at each other. The imperial law is quite a huge book, with many parts. Scholars who gave the Imperial Examination naturally read it. However, for noble children who gathered here, they couldn’t bear to read such a boring book at all.

However, Secretary Chang’s face turned ugly when he heard that. Because he knew what Jia Hao said was actually true.

" However, Miss Cai deliberately killed three people, one being a promising young man." Li Yuan finally spoke, " Not to mention, he is also a noble of equal, if not lower ranking thank Miss Yixue. The punishment-"

Jia Hao blinked as he stared at Li Yuan, " Who are you again?"

Li Yuan was stunned for a moment before flames of rage jumped in his eyes. Even before he spoke, one of his guards jumped forward, unsheathing his sword right at Jia Hao.

" How dare you to insult the Third Prince!" The guard roared as the sword already reached Jia Hao’s arm.

Cai Yixue tried to move, but she realized her arms and legs were shackled. However, Jia Hao’s expression didn’t change.

He merely took a step back, dodging the attack at a hair’s breadth.

" Whoa whoa, calm down, friend." Jia Hao shrugged. " I don’t think it’s wise to brandish a weapon during such a serious situation."

The guard was stunned as he realized his attack missed the mark. ’ Impossible! I aimed right at his shoulder. Even if he tried to dodge...’

" Don’t think much. Those who deal with their weapons shouldn’t put a burden on their brains. They won’t understand anyway."

Jia Hao’s voice echoed, making the guard fluster. Before he could launch another attack, Secretary Chang stepped in.

" Young Master Jia, insulting someone from the imperial family is unacceptable! You are..."

" Well, I don’t think Third Prince’s standing is higher than Crown Prince Li Qing, who has partial authority granted by the emperor." Jia Hao looked at Secretary Chang.

" None of you bowed when I presented the insignia. Does that mean I will take it as an offense and insult against the Crown Prince?"

Secretary Chang’s expression faltered when he heard Jia Hao’s reasoning, unable to refute.

" Wise words, Young Master Jia." Li Yuan spoke, " However, I can assure you that my dear brother won’t take offense at all. Though I am glad you considered the dignity of the Imperial Li Family."

" Hehe, since the Third Prince has given his word, I can relax." Jia Hao stretched his waist for a bit before looking at Secretary Chang.

" Well, I will advocate for my wife, Cai Yixue, the eldest daughter of the Cai Family. I hope you can recount the charges against her."

Secretary Chang remained rooted in his place silently, looking here and there. But receiving Li Yuan’s glance, he nodded and started to speak.

Li Yuan leaned to the side as he glared at the attendant provided by Governor Wu, " Why the hell isn’t Governor Wu here yet? Haven’t he gotten the news that his only son is fucking dead?"

" Prince Yuan, the messenger should have long reached the palace. I am sure Governor Wu would be reaching here at any moment." The attendant sweated as he hurriedly replied.

Secretary Chang recounted the event and the evidence found during the investigation.

" ... Hence, It’s proven that..."

" PFFTTT!" Jia Hao almost spat on the ground as he clenched his stomach. " HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

His loud laugh echoed throughout the entire place.

" Hahaha... Oh, Oh heavens..." Jia Hao rubbed his face, " You are calling this evidence?"

" Ok, Ok..." Jia Hao steadied himself. " Allow me to help my defendant then."