Dugu Jingyao is reborn as Li Chu's beloved

Instantly, rumors spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of Chang'an. From the peddlers and hawkers to the prominent families in the mansions, everyone was discussing this shocking rumor - Princess Yi'an had actually committed adultery!

And when the court was in session that day, there was an uproar in the court. A minister stepped forward and reported the matter to the emperor.

One of the ministers knelt down respectfully and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, it is now widely rumored in the city that Princess Yian has an affair with someone, behaves improperly, and does not maintain good manners. It is really disgraceful. With her character, she is really not worthy of being the Princess of Guangping. I hope Your Majesty can see clearly and revoke the marriage contract you previously granted." As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the court, and the other ministers also whispered to each other.

However, since the rumor had spread to every corner of Chang'an City, it was natural that the palace would not be uninformed. Soon, an informant passed the news to the ears of the emperor, the crown prince, and others.

The Emperor frowned slightly upon hearing this. He knew Dugu Jingyao was a straightforward, honest, cheerful, and well-educated person. How could she possibly do something so unsightly?

The Emperor, filled with rage, slammed the throne beneath him, and shouted, "This is absurd! My words are as good as gold. Now that I've issued the decree granting the marriage, how can I easily go back on my word?"

Upon seeing this, the official who first submitted the memorial was so frightened that he immediately lowered his head and dared not say another word.

At this time, Yang Guozhong, who was standing in the front row, suddenly bowed, took a step forward, and then slowly said: "Sir Wang, Your Majesty is the king of a country, the supreme ruler. It is indeed inappropriate for you to withdraw the order. But I have a small suggestion here, I wonder if I should say it?" After speaking, he raised his head and looked straight at the emperor.

The Emperor was somewhat suspicious when he saw Yang Guozhong volunteering his advice, but he waved his hand to signal him to continue: "Lord Yang, if you have anything to say, just speak frankly."

Yang Guozhong bowed and addressed the emperor respectfully, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, if reversing the decree is no longer feasible, then we should allow the Prince of Guangping to marry Princess Yi'an and then divorce her after the marriage is completed. This way, not only will it not damage your reputation as a wise ruler, but it will also ensure that those responsible for the misconduct receive the appropriate punishment."

At this time, Li Chu had been granted permission by the emperor to participate in the court proceedings. Although he had anticipated this matter, he could not suppress the rage that welled up in his heart when he saw everyone attacking him.

Li Chu interrupted Yang Guozhong without hesitation, bowed deeply to the emperor, then turned to face Yang Guozhong, staring at him with a hint of icy coldness in his eyes, and said in a deep voice: "Sir Yang, let's not discuss whether the method you proposed is feasible. You yourself mentioned that the so-called matter is just some rumors circulating in the streets. No one has witnessed the incident with their own eyes. Moreover, the truth of the matter has not yet been determined. Furthermore, when Princess Yi'an was assassinated, I happened to arrive at the scene in time. The rumored incident never happened at all. Therefore, these rumors are probably just nonsense and malicious fabrications!"

Yang Guozhong chuckled and said, "Your Highness Prince Guangping, apart from anything else, I have heard that you are deeply in love with Princess Yi'an and naturally you are biased towards her. You cannot believe everything you say."

For the first time, Li Chu felt a tightness in his chest from being so angry. The Crown Prince saw Yang Guozhong's unreasonable behavior and how he dared to confront his most valued son. He couldn't help but say, "Lord Yang, be careful with your words. Can you just make up stories about the Prince of Guangping?"

Yang Guozhong said confidently, "Your Highness, this is not your fault. Everyone can see the feelings of His Highness Prince Guangping towards Princess Yi'an. I think it's not surprising that His Highness Prince Guangping would favor Princess Yi'an, right?"

If Li Chu had not been a steady man, he would have wanted to rush up to Yang Guozhong and tear his mouth apart.

Fortunately, the emperor also felt that Yang Guozhong was a little too arrogant. He pressed his hand to his temple and said in a deep voice, "Stop arguing! It's so shameful to quarrel in the court. It gives me a headache! I have other matters to report today. If not, please disperse!"

Then the eunuchs beside the emperor were heard to chime in, "I have a petition to present, otherwise, I will dismiss the court!"

Yang Guozhong was unwilling to accept that even the emperor was on the side of this princess! He continued to bow and said, "Your Majesty, how should this matter be handled?"

The Emperor said, "The truth of this matter has not yet been determined. I will send someone to investigate this matter before making a final decision!"

The Crown Prince and Li Chu both bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise!" Seeing this, the other ministers could only echo, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Hearing this, the emperor's frown relaxed slightly, and he walked out of the hall with a graceful stride. The people below waited until the emperor left the hall before they all stood up.

The Crown Prince and Li Chu stood up and left. When they passed by Yang Guozhong, the Crown Prince snorted coldly, "Lord Yang is so arrogant now! He doesn't even take me and Chu'er seriously."

Yang Guozhong wasn't as aggressive as he had been before, but he didn't show any weakness either. "Your Highness, your words are too serious. I was only discussing the matter at hand."

The prince snorted again, ignored Yang Guozhong, and walked away.

Yang Guozhong looked at the two men's arrogant expressions and thought to himself, "Hmph, let's wait and see!"