The Emperor's Beloved Crazy Wife

Chapter 13

‼️⚠️Warnings⚠️‼️
Blood warning, attempted murder, slight suicidal tendencies.

|Trial
A few days passed, and as I walked into the newly opened trail, anticipation tinged the air—the intriguing presence of the beautiful lunatic hung around me. The Dai family on the other side seemed restless, their eyes gleaming with an eagerness to seize everything the Lunatic possessed. Zeng YaoZu stood confidently on the opposite court, casting a glance at his brash family—Fools... They believe they can escape the consequences of their actions. A smirk tugged at my lips at the thought, though I found myself trembling, tightly gripping my parents beside me along with a handful of others.

"A-niang? Why do I have to see them again..."
I asked, my voice quivering as a mix of emotions bubbled within me, small tears pooling in my eyes as I nervously surveyed the Dai family. Whispers of judgment surrounded us, painting a picture of a frightened lunatic caught in a storm. Meanwhile, the Dai family exchanged sneers at YaoZu, their eagerness palpable, hoping fervently that the trial would soon swing in their favor. But as the events unfolded, I couldn't help but wonder what surprises lay ahead.

The village chief stood on an elevated platform, already anticipating a lengthy discourse. "Zeng YaoZu, can you comprehend the reason for your presence here today?" Zeng YaoZu shook his head in the negative, seeking comfort from his parents. Chief Hou Shen sighed, feeling a sense of empathy for the young boy. "You have been summoned regarding the allegations of assault against Dai Zhilan and the subsequent defamation of the Dai family." Zeng YaoZu tilted his head in confusion. "But I was only defending my children from that–"

"No talking yet, please, Zeng-Gongzi..."
I nodded as I stepped out from behind my mother, who was holding my hands and guiding me forward. I moved into the spotlight— all eyes were suddenly on me, looking at me like a pearl tarnished in murky, bloodied waters, filled with awe and ignorance.

How could someone who seemed so lovely and kind-hearted be labeled a lunatic?

What about all those terrible rumors?

Were they just fabrications meant to tarnish his reputation?

"Let us start—"

Old Man Hou Shen began, but he was interrupted by Fu BaoZhi.

"Can we just exile that b*stard child? It's clear that he hurt my Dai Zhilan"
At a recent public event, attendees expressed their strong reactions upon seeing Dai Zhilan for the first time since her recent attack. Her altered appearance served as a poignant reminder of the severity of her experience. This occasion highlighted both the challenges she faces and the resilience required for recovery. She had large bruises and burns all over her face, one of her eyes was covered in bandages, and her lips were covered in blister-like bruises. I almost burst out into laughter but didn't— I buried my face in my father's arms, feeling 'nervous' but also... ecstatic at her broken beauty.

"Don't hide Lunatic, you did this to her!!"

Dai Han shouted, his finger aimed squarely at the 'trembling' lunatic across the way.

"Look at what you did to my daughter!"

Dai Han kept cursing at me, disrespecting me as if I were nothing. While society says to respect your elders, I refuse to show him any respect until he gives me the same. I gritted my teeth behind my long sleeve, determination rising within me. "But it's Dai Zhilan's fault... she— Ack!" I yelled as I ducked behind my father, who blocked the sudden splash of water aimed my way. "You cannot throw water at the defendant!" Hou Shen asserted sharply, slamming his fist onto the table and glaring fiercely at the Dai family. Ironically, none of them threw it.