TFWYH – Chapter 867 Modified Facts

“Your Majesty, it’s true—absolutely true!” Old Madam Liu cried as she secretly glanced at Gu Hengcang. Bursting into tears, she began listing Ling Yue’s “crimes.”

“This humble woman and my old husband heard that our grandson Ling Yu had become successful, so we brought our youngest son to seek refuge with him. But that family avoided us completely and ignored whether we lived or died. That little wretch Ling Yue was even worse—she wanted to drive us out of the capital! I argued with her for a few words, and… and she hit me. My old husband couldn’t stand by and came to stop the fight, but she accidentally shoved him away. He… he…” She sobbed uncontrollably. “My poor old man… he’s gone just like that…”

It had to be said that Old Madam Liu was remarkably skilled at twisting the truth.

Her story not only targeted Ling Yue but also implicated Ling Yu.

In ancient times, filial piety was considered the greatest of all virtues.

Anyone branded as unfilial was considered morally corrupt and would be despised by society.

In serious cases, it could even ruin an official’s career.

Old Madam Liu’s intentions were utterly vicious.

Gu Hengcang sneered inwardly. Even if he couldn’t destroy Ling Yu immediately, ruining his reputation would be enough to make him suffer.

Tang Wan clenched her fists in anger, already sentencing Old Madam Liu to death in her heart.

Ling Yue was furious as well. In the past, she would have immediately jumped up to argue.

But after everything she had been through, she understood that the loudest voice wasn’t necessarily the right one.

Government courts relied on evidence—not volume.

The Prefect struck his gavel before finally looking at Ling Yue.

“Ling Yue, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Taking a deep breath, Ling Yue answered with remarkable composure,

“Your Honor, may this humble woman ask a few questions first?”

The Prefect nodded.

“You may.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.”

Ling Yue turned and looked coldly at Old Madam Liu.

“You keep insisting that my elder brother refused to see you, but that claim is absurd. The Ministry of Revenue Residence has gatekeepers, and directly across from it is the Second Prince’s residence, both guarded day and night. If you truly came seeking refuge, you would have visited repeatedly. Yet… Old Madam Liu, I’m sure neither the gatekeepers of the Ministry residence nor the guards of the Second Prince’s residence have ever seen you, have they?”

Old Madam Liu froze, her face full of guilt. After a long pause, she finally forced out,

“Th-that’s because the Ministry residence is such a grand estate. We simply couldn’t get to see Ling Yu.”

“Very well. Let’s assume that’s true.”

Ling Yue shifted her gaze to Granny Wang.

“Granny Wang, just now all of you claimed that I trespassed into a private residence. Everyone here heard those words clearly. So here’s my question.”

“If Old Madam Liu truly came seeking refuge and had finally met me, shouldn’t she have asked me to pass a message to my brother or take her back to the Ministry residence?”

“So why was she instead trying to beat me to death while accusing me of trespassing?”

Granny Wang was speechless.

Her eyes darted around desperately as she struggled to come up with an explanation.

“Th-that was… because…”

“Because Old Madam Liu’s story about seeking refuge is completely false. My elder brother never even knew the three of you had come to the capital.”

“As for whose people you really are…”

Ling Yue deliberately glanced at Gu Hengcang before letting out a cold laugh.

“…that couldn’t be more obvious.”

“My own grandfather and grandmother came to the capital, yet instead of seeking shelter with their children or grandchildren, they hid in a residence belonging to Prime Minister Gu…”

“Heh…”

Her smile carried a meaning everyone understood.

Ignoring Gu Hengcang’s dark expression, she respectfully bowed toward the Prefect.

“Your Honor, the testimony and so-called evidence contradict one another completely.”

“From everything that has happened, it appears more likely that they were working together in a conspiracy against the Ministry of Revenue Residence. After I discovered their plot, they attempted to kill me.”

“I respectfully ask Your Honor to investigate thoroughly and uphold justice.”

---

Silence.

A deathly silence filled the courtroom.

Ling Yue spoke with calm logic and crystal-clear articulation.

Facing an entire group of witnesses alone, she never panicked, and every step of her reasoning was airtight.

Meanwhile, the so-called witnesses had been left speechless again and again by her questions.

Gu Hengcang narrowed his eyes dangerously as he stared at Ling Yue.

It was his first time dealing with her.

He had never expected that the Ministry of Revenue Residence wasn’t difficult to deal with only because of Ling Yu.

Even this sharp-tongued little girl was proving troublesome.

Tang Wan was utterly astonished.

She looked at Ling Yue with eyes full of admiration.

Holy…

Did someone from another world possess this girl?

How did she suddenly become… so eloquent?

Ling Yu raised an eyebrow, equally surprised by his younger sister’s performance.

No one knew Ling Yue better than he did.

She bullied the weak and feared the strong.

Loved taking small advantages.

Kindhearted—but only a little.

Capable of being mean—but only a little.

Whenever trouble came, she always hid behind him and Tang Wan for protection.

And whenever there was something to gain, she ran faster than anyone else.

Compared to Jiang Shi and the late Ling Cangshan, Ling Yue’s personality actually resembled Old Madam Liu much more.

Because of that, he had never truly liked this younger sister.

If not for responsibility…

If not for the fact that half the blood in her veins was the same as his…

He wouldn’t have cared whether she lived or died.

But today…

He had gained a completely new respect for her.

This was the first time Ling Yue had not hidden behind him or Tang Wan.

Instead of thinking about herself first, she had immediately cleared him of the accusation of being unfilial—and even turned the tables on Old Madam Liu.

Even Ling Yu couldn’t help but think:

Beautifully done.

The Prefect, however, was in agony.

Personally, he truly admired the girl.

But she had far too much courage.

She… she… she had actually dragged Prime Minister Gu himself into the case!

The Prefect wanted to cry.

He wanted to resign.

At that moment, however, the Shadow Lord silently lifted his eyes and cast him a warning glance.

The Prefect shuddered.

Instantly, he no longer cared about offending Gu Hengcang.

Slamming his gavel, he shouted at Old Madam Liu,

“Ling Liu! Tell the truth immediately! Must this official resort to torture before you’ll speak honestly?”