Father, who is both a heir and a descendant, is still biased; the bound system has gone berserk.

"Only by striking the Drum of Appeal can I plead my case before the people of the world and ask Your Majesty for your permission."

Meng Wanli's expression remained firm.

Emperor Cangxuan glanced at her with considerable appreciation and said, "In that case, I grant your request."

Morning next day.

The Crown Prince stood at the head of all the officials, stepped forward to report his trip to Anzhou to Emperor Cangxuan, and presented the evidence of the crimes committed by the newly appointed Prefect of Anzhou, Ming Zhiyuan, to the court.

The Crown Prince said, "Your Majesty, the evidence found in Ming Zhiyuan's residence does not only involve Ming Zhiyuan's family, but also the entire Anzhou government, including the former prefect Meng Huaran."

The officials were in uproar.

The Crown Prince continued, "From what I understand, Ming Zhiyuan, Meng Huaran, and other officials in Anzhou not only prey on the people, but they have even sided with people from other countries."

The lord they mentioned in their letter, judging from the content of the letter, was not a person from Beixuan.

In fact, in order to refine longevity pills for their so-called "master," they poured poisonous waste pills and dregs into Anzhou Fishing Lake, turning it into a dead lake where fish and shrimp multiplied quickly but died even faster.

There, your servants and others witnessed firsthand the mountains of rotten fish and shrimp in Anzhou, piled up endlessly by the people, a scene resembling a living hell.

The entire hall was silent; all the officials lowered their heads and dared not utter a sound.

At the head of the table was Emperor Cangxuan, his face filled with anger. He said heavily, "Let Mingzhiyuan and all the other criminals enter the hall."

Why bother relaying orders? Before long, Mingzhiyuan and his group, dressed in prison uniforms and with their hands and feet bound by chains, were brought up.

The officials all turned their heads to look at the criminal.

"Ming Zhiyuan, the evidence is conclusive. Do you have anything else to say?" Emperor Cangxuan spoke coldly, but his eyes were very calm.

Ming Zhiyuan looked up and glanced at the head of the table, at the exceptionally calm face of the Celestial Emperor.

Mingzhi Yuan lowered his head again, his voice ashen, and said, "Your Majesty, I have nothing more to say. My crimes are all documented in the evidence."

At the same time.

Outside the palace gates, Meng Huaran and Second Master Meng waited for a long time.

They want to block the people from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion here.

As soon as someone from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion leaves the palace, they surround them. At that time, with everyone watching, and given that the two families are engaged, it will be difficult for the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to deny it.

Since Meng Wanli is ruined, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion will have to accept the marriage even if it means holding their noses, as long as they don't want to be branded as treacherous.

"Father, I heard yesterday that Ming Zhiyuan and the others were thrown into the imperial prison overnight. If His Majesty suspects us, he should have come to the Meng family to arrest them this morning."

Since His Majesty hasn't come to arrest them, doesn't that mean there's still room for maneuver? It hasn't reached a dead end yet?

Master Meng looked bewildered, yet also hopeful.

Meng Huaran glanced at him and saw the panic in his expression, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.

This second son was far less composed and calm than the eldest son.

Unfortunately, the eldest son died three years ago.

"Whether you're at your wit's end or not, you'll have a plan when you meet the people from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. Why are you panicking now? Take that expression off your face."

Master Meng paused, his expression still strained with barely suppressed emotion. He lowered his voice and said, "Father, the Lord hasn't replied yet. Has he abandoned us?"

Meng Huaran was furious with him and said, "Look at you, you panic when something happens. How can you compare to your older brother?"

Second Master Meng stared wide-eyed in disbelief. "Father, why are you bringing up my eldest brother now? He's been dead for three years. You were the one who..."

"You unfilial son, shut up!"

The father and son were about to blush when, just then, a thousand-feathered army strode towards them.

"Lord Meng, Second Master Meng, His Majesty summons you to the palace."

Yu Hai said coldly.