Chapter 46 (1/2)

On the day of the court hearing, Elder Xiang who was tied up was escorted by few guards who surround him to prevent him from escaping. Lin Xiao saw that the older man’s expression wasn’t good, and he appeared to have aged even more compared to when he first saw him.

“Xiao-er, come on up into the carriage. The official’s time is precious. If we’re late, we won’t be able to get proper judgment and then both you and Ah’Yin won’t receive the justice you deserved,” Xia YuanFeng said when he saw Lin Xiao stop to look at Elder Xiang.

Lin Xiao turned away from Elder Xiang and quickly hopped into the carriage. Once inside, he went to sit beside Long YinLian right away, not giving Xia YuanFeng any chance to get close.

“Shizun, since we are going to the Imperial Court, are we going to enter the gate to the Imperial Palace?” Lin Xiao asked in a soft voice. But before Long YinLian could speak, Xia YuanFeng already began to answer Lin Xiao’s inquiry.

“The House of the Imperial Court was moved a year ago. It is now located in the inner city, close to the Imperial Palace. This movement was made by the Emperor himself so that citizens can have better access to have their case heard,” Xia YuanFeng explained. “The Emperor has made quite a few big movements ever since he ascends the throne. The old Imperial Court was renamed to Sovereign Court Hall where the court meeting takes place. Only high ranked officials and ministers are allowed there. I also heard that he has an army of his own, separate from the one the eight generals have. Other than that, there were also rumors that the Emperor is still looking for the one responsible for the previous emperor’s death.”

Lin Xiao hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t show any further interest, so Xia YuanFeng tacitly kept quiet. He only speaks up again after a while to inform them that they will be arriving soon.

“Xiao-er,” Long YinLian who has been quiet called out to Lin Xiao.

“Lin Xiao is here,” Lin Xiao answered as he looked up to his master.

“Later, make sure that you behave yourself. Only speak when asked and whatever the result will be, just accept it calmly, understand?” Long YinLian gave Lin Xiao a warning.

Lin Xiao frowned but he can only promise Long YinLian. “I understand. I will be sure to behave myself,” he said, assuring the older man. ‘As long as that guy receive what he deserved, I won’t do anything.’

When they arrived at the Imperial Court, Lin Xiao could see how majestic the building was from the outside. ‘If the Imperial Court is already this majestic, then I wonder how those palaces in the Imperial Palace look like…’ Lin Xiao can’t help but wonder as he stared at the buildings in front of him with awe.

They were received by an official working at the Imperial Court and after checking for their documents to make sure nothing was amiss; they were finally led into the Court. As soon as they stepped inside, Lin Xiao’s eyes landed on the three huge buildings in front of him. On the door to their entrance, Lin Xiao saw a huge plate. From the left building, it read: ‘Hall of the Star’, ‘Hall of the Sun’, and ‘Hall of the Moon’ respectively.

“Lord Xia, please wait inside the Hall of the Star. My superior will attend to your case soon,” the official that received them earlier said before he excused himself, presumably to inform his superiors about their arrival.

Xia YuanFeng led everyone to the Hall of the Star and before they could enter, they were stopped by the guards who stood on duty. At first, Lin Xiao was confused but when Xia YuanFeng showed the guards their documents, the guards let them in. ‘How strict. I guess this means it is not as easy to get your case be heard by the officials. Without proper documents, you won’t be allowed in.’

Inside the hall, there were several wooden benches that could hold three adults, and everyone present took their seats. Lin Xiao was just about to go and sit at the back, bringing Long YinLian with him when Xua YuanFeng grabbed Long YinLian first.

“Ah’Yin, you can sit with me here at the front,” Xia YuanFeng said in a gentle tone.

“…” Lin Xiao who was beaten by someone who he had to call ‘Martial Uncle’ felt like he had been cheated off of his own master. Ever since he came to the city, he found that he is spending less and less time with Long YinLian. In the end, Lin Xiao can only thicken his face and sat down on the empty spot beside Long YinLian.