However, the fact that this woman knew his surname was Mu made Mu Xinghe somewhat uneasy, even though he had indeed come a clean slate and had never deceived anyone.

Qiao Xi'er said anxiously, "Miss, he is my husband. He has never seen you before. Please don't mistake him for someone else, lest people misunderstand my husband's reputation."

The woman persisted, letting out a cold, sorrowful laugh: "Never seen me? Is this what he told you? We used to be together day and night. His family was poor, and I worked hard doing needlework to support his studies. Every day I would make several handkerchiefs and towels, and my eyes were almost blinded. I finally helped him achieve success, and then he left me without a word, just like that. I thought there was another reason for his departure without saying goodbye, but I never imagined that he could walk independently and then he would throw away me, his crutch."

"Mu Xinghe, open your eyes and see clearly. Don't you really recognize me? Righteousness often comes from humble beginnings, while heartlessness often comes from scholars. I thought you were different, but it turns out you're just as heartless. You've disappointed me so much. I regret meeting you. I wholeheartedly supported you, using my parents' money and my future dowry to fund your studies, and this is how you repay me? How cruel you are!"

The woman chattered on and on, throwing out a whole string of attacks that left Mu Xinghe, an honest and law-abiding man, completely unable to defend himself.

He vaguely guessed that this woman might have been invited by one of the other students taking the exam. As long as she tarnished his reputation, no matter how well he did in the exam, he would not be able to enter the palace examination.

There are so many tricks in Beijing that it's impossible to guard against them all.

The woman's voice, filled with grievance and injustice, added to the credibility of the story, and onlookers began to point and whisper among themselves.

"Mu Xinghe, I think I've heard that name before."

"Is he a student who passed this year's imperial examination, or the top scholar in the autumn examination of the Southwest region?" Someone interjected from the crowd, "He looks respectable, but I never expected him to do such a despicable thing."

"Oh, it's true, you can't judge a book by its cover. Some people look honest and decent, and they are dressed well, but they are actually rotten inside and out. They are the worst of the worst."

Someone suddenly shouted, "Give her justice!"

Everyone raised their hands and shouted, "Give her justice! Give her justice!"

The overwhelming noise drowned out Mu Xinghe's explanations. All his attempts to defend himself seemed so pale and powerless; no one heard his voice.

Qiao Xi'er's face drained of all color, her body trembled, filled with fear and helplessness. Of course, she knew that Mu Xinghe had been wronged. He was too outstanding in his studies and was destined for a bright future in his career. Someone had their eye on him and wanted to ruin him.

Ironically, this kind of Chen Shimei plot is the most unbearable. Even a dog would want to kick him while he's down. A man who betrays his promise, climbs up by stepping on women, and then abandons them is useless in every way. He might even be unfaithful to his superiors, which could be treason. So, the other side quickly stirred up public outrage.

Seeing his wife frightened, Mu Xinghe became nervous and could only hold her tightly in his arms. He wanted to get Qiao Xier out of this troublesome place as soon as possible, but the crowd surrounded them, demanding an explanation from him.

But it seemed that none of his explanations were heard.

Mu Xinghe looked up at the sky and felt utterly helpless.

From this day forward, he will be utterly disgraced, betraying the support of the Qiao family and his own hard work.

Unexpectedly, after arriving here, it was all for naught.