Chapter 5: In the Courtroom

You... you don't come over! You don't come over! You... you... you are spouting nonsense, this is not... not me..." Li was unnerved by Gao Huaiyuan's fiery gaze, fearing that he might recklessly rush over and beat her up. Consequently, she involuntarily took a few steps back, filled with fear and uncontrollable anger. Her lips trembled as she pointed at Gao Huaiyuan, stammering, wanting to threaten him, but her demeanor felt so weak. She wanted to defend herself, yet found no words to articulate her defense.

Li was so frightened by Gao Huaiyuan that she involuntarily took two steps back, nearly fainting from anger. She wished she could rush over and tear Gao Huaiyuan's mouth apart, but looking at the imposing Gao Huaiyuan, she no longer dared to act arrogantly.

After listening to Gao Huaiyuan's words, Liu Er could no longer hold back and burst into tears. The entire audience was stunned by Gao Huaiyuan's imposing presence; this matter had exceeded their capacity for understanding. Was this still the same foolish boy from before

Hmph! Huaiyuan is puzzled by one matter. Liuer is cautious all day long in the residence, diligently taking care of me. What wrong has she done to deserve such mistreatment? The root of the issue lies in my past foolishness, does it not? It is precisely because of my previous ignorance that Liuer has been looked down upon by everyone in the residence, treated as if she does not exist. They do whatever they please with her! If I had not intervened today, I shudder to think of what further suffering Liuer would have endured!

Gao Huaiyuan released Liu Er's arm, his eyes fixed intently on Li Shi. He took two more steps toward her, and after coming to a halt, he coldly sneered and said: "I have said before, is this something you, as the young matriarch, would do? Why must you act like a thief with a guilty conscience?" His words left Li Shi utterly speechless.

Moreover, today I must make my stance clear: if anyone dares to bully me or Liu'er again, I will not hesitate to risk my life to ensure they do not escape punishment!" Gao Huaiyuan shouted angrily at the Li family, slowly approaching them with eyes ablaze with fury. His fists involuntarily clenched tightly once more, resembling a mad tiger, as if he were ready to pounce and devour. An overwhelming aura suddenly emanated from him, making it difficult for anyone to meet his gaze.

Gao Huaiyuan felt an overwhelming disappointment in his father after hearing Gao Jian's words. This old man was actually interrogating Liu'er, clearly not believing in him! At this moment, he realized that if he could not prove today that he had regained his sanity, no one would believe his words, and in the end, Liu'er would have to bear the blame for him. Since things had come to this point, it was impossible to act like a fool if he wanted to establish himself here! His father's bias was very evident; he could only argue based on reason to turn the situation around.

This person was indeed struck by me, but what wrong is there in a master teaching a servant who does not know the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth? If Father believes that I have done wrong and wishes to punish me, then please feel free to do so! I am willing to leave here with Liu'er and will never cause you all any annoyance again. This matter has nothing to do with Liu'er; it is entirely my doing!

The child knows that he was once foolish and silly, which did not please everyone. The child does not blame others for this. However, what I want to tell my father now is that I am no longer the foolish child I used to be. I am now very clear in my mind about what I am saying and what I am doing

To be honest, Gao Jian was also shocked by Gao Huaiyuan's performance today. At this moment, Gao Jian's mind was very chaotic, and his emotions were quite complex. Although he did not like his son Gao Huaiyuan, nonetheless, this Gao Huaiyuan before him was indeed his offspring, carrying the blood of the Gao family; he was his biological son. In the past, he was a fool, which is why both he and the people in the household did not treat him well, which could be understood. However, from an ethical and moral standpoint, their actions were inexcusable.

Seeing Gao Huaiyuan like an enraged rooster, it seemed that he might pounce and tear apart the Li family at any moment. Gao Jian was worried that if Gao Huaiyuan acted foolishly again and truly rushed over to beat up the Li family, their household would be in complete chaos. To prevent the situation from escalating beyond control, he quickly spoke up to stop Gao Huaiyuan.

Li's face immediately turned the color of pig liver. She did not expect that today Gao Huaiyuan would suddenly become so perceptive. Originally, in her view, Gao Huaiyuan had acted as if he had taken the wrong medicine, violently beating her subordinate. She intended to report this to Gao Jian, insisting that he punish this foolish boy and severely deal with that little wretch, Liu'er, to vent her anger. However, she never anticipated that such a significant change would occur. At this moment, Gao Huaiyuan no longer resembled the foolish person he once was. Even she, who considered herself clever, found herself at a loss for words after hearing Gao Huaiyuan's remarks. During this time, her unwarranted punishment of Liu'er had not been concealed, so it could be said that everyone in the Gao family was aware of where Liu'er's injuries had come from.

In the past, I was foolish and unaware of what was right and wrong, but that is in the past! However, I am no longer foolish. I do not seek your affection, Father, but as a member of the Gao family, I should have my own dignity! Although I may not have your favor, I still carry the blood of the Gao family. After all, I am still your son!

He no longer needs to ask about this matter, as he already knows it is the fault of that servant. Even though he does not favor this foolish son, it is not for a mere servant to insult his own child. In any case, Gao Huaiyuan's severe punishment of that servant is justified. If he were to support the Li family and instead punish Gao Huaiyuan, it would tarnish his reputation. If word got out, it could very well lead to him being ridiculed by the people of Shaoxing Prefecture. Should his colleagues find out, it would jeopardize his future in the officialdom, as this incident could be used against him, allowing others to mock him for a lifetime. If he were to support the Li family and instead punish Gao Huaiyuan, it would tarnish his reputation. If word got out, it could very well lead to him being ridiculed by the people of Shaoxing Prefecture. Should his colleagues find out, it would jeopardize his future in the officialdom, as this incident could be used against him, allowing others to mock him for a lifetime.

Liu Er's small hand was tightly grasped by Gao Huaiyuan, leaving her unable to shield herself. She understood that today, Gao Huaiyuan had resolved to go all out for her. As memories of the various grievances she had endured over the years at the Gao residence flooded back, Liu Er could not help but shed two streams of hot tears, lowering her head and softly beginning to sob.

Gao Huaiyuan was truly enraged. At this point, he had already offended the arrogant Li family, so he no longer cared about face or reputation. If necessary, he would leave the Gao family with Liu'er. He could not believe that there was no place for him under heaven and earth. Thus, he turned around, speaking as he grabbed Liu'er's arm, lifting her sleeve to expose her forearm in front of everyone. If necessary, he would leave the Gao family with Liu'er. He could not believe that there was no place for him under heaven and earth. Thus, he turned around, speaking as he grabbed Liu'er's arm, lifting her sleeve to expose her forearm in front of everyone.

Liu Er was so frightened by their commotion that she trembled all over. The young master’s performance today was beyond everyone’s expectations. If people did not believe that the young master had already regained consciousness, they would naturally direct their suspicions towards her. Gao Jian’s questioning made it clear that he did not believe the young master had returned to a normal state of mind, which is why he bypassed Gao Huaiyuan and came directly to ask her.

Gao Huaiyuan unexpectedly launched a counterattack against her, leaving her completely unprepared and without any opportunity to retaliate, thus she immediately stood frozen on the spot

"Sanlang must not be disrespectful to your stepmother, quickly withdraw! Now, everyone, be silent! I have already understood this matter, and you need not say anything further! Someone! Drag this ignorant little servant who knows nothing of rank and propriety out of here, and administer the family law! Thirty strokes of the rod, and then expel him from the Gao family, never to enter the Gao family gates again!" Gao Jian finally recovered from his shock, closed his mouth which had been agape in astonishment, and hurriedly shouted.

Liu'er is the exclusive maid assigned to me by my father to take care of me; she is my personal servant. No one has the right to summon her, command her at will, or, even worse, to beat or scold her! In these past few days, after I was injured, if it weren't for Liu'er, I would have likely died in that small courtyard. My life was saved by Liu'er, yet what has she received in return? Liu'er! Roll up your sleeves!

Everyone was stunned by Gao Huaiyuan's remarkable performance, feeling as if they were still in a dream. A foolish boy suddenly spoke such resounding words today, which was truly beyond their expectations. Consequently, their thoughts began to shift involuntarily along with what Gao Huaiyuan had said. When Gao Huaiyuan rolled up Liu'er’s sleeve, everyone focused their gaze and couldn't help but gasp in shock. They saw that Liu'er’s slender arm was covered in scars, some of which were clearly inflicted by willow branches, while others were unmistakably bruises caused by hand pinching. Thus, they all turned their attention to the Li family member standing nearby.

Today, I have made things very clear. This mere servant dares to speak disrespectfully to me, treating me as if I were a fool, cursing at me as soon as he opens his mouth and striking me without hesitation. No matter how lowly I may be, even if I am indeed a fool, I am still your son. How can a servant so brazenly insult your son? If such words were to spread, what would become of the Gao family's reputation?

However, at this point, Liu Er had no way out, so she steeled herself, gritted her teeth, and lowered her head to say: "In response to the master, every word spoken by the Third Young Master today is true, and these words were not taught to me by the servant! The young master is no longer the same as before; the Third Young Master has now regained his senses! Please see clearly, master!"

Thus, Gao Jian did not hesitate to deal with this servant, diverting everyone's attention to him, while failing to investigate the Li family, who had instigated the incident. In essence, this still served to protect the Li family, while this servant could only be treated as a sacrificial pawn, ultimately sacrificed.

After contemplating these matters, he suddenly took a few steps forward and said loudly to Gao Jian: "Father, please listen to my words, this matter has nothing to do with Liu Er"