Zhou Li's eyes lit up; this was exactly what the prince had been waiting for!
He Cheng could argue that the handwriting was forged or that he changed his handwriting on the spot, but that was his imperial examination paper! He absolutely could not deny it!
He hurriedly took the prince's token and rushed out with lightning speed.
Outside the county government hall, a large crowd had gathered to watch the spectacle.
When Su An arrived, a carriage slowly drove up, and a handsome young man with fair skin stepped down, lifting his robe.
His robes fluttered, yet he naturally exuded the arrogance of a scholar, his eyes sweeping over the astonished crowd with a hint of disdain.
"It's He Cheng, the scholar! He really came!"
"No wonder he passed the imperial examination; he has an extraordinary air about him!"
Su An rolled his eyes on the spot. Impressive demeanor? Indeed, just looking at him, he looked like a gold digger!
She scoffed inwardly, glanced at him with a blank expression, and walked indifferently toward the government office.
“Su An?” He Cheng was stunned when he spotted the bright-eyed and white-toothed girl in the crowd.
At this moment, Su An walked gracefully, her peach-blossom-like eyebrows and eyes bright and upright, showing no trace of her previous timid image.
Is this Su An?
The difference is so huge after just a few days!
Moreover, she seems to be doing better after being abandoned by herself?
They all dare to pretend they can't see him!
Haha—good, you'll go to any lengths to get my attention, huh!
He Cheng sneered repeatedly, suppressing his anger as he strode after Su An. He wanted to see what other tricks Su An was up to!
Inside the hall, Su An and He Cheng quickly found themselves facing each other.
Facing the stern-faced county magistrate on the high platform, He Cheng preemptively and angrily began to accuse Su An of his crimes.
But everyone said that Su An was slandering and spreading rumors to force him into marriage, while he was a righteous gentleman and innocent!
Upon hearing this, the county magistrate glanced at him a couple more times, his expressionless face cold and his eyes seemingly scrutinizing something.
Then he asked Su An, "Defendant, do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Suppressing the urge to hurl insults at this scoundrel, Su An took a deep breath and began to calmly recount her past with He Cheng, word by word.
Finally, she took out the letter from her bosom and presented it as evidence.
“Your Excellency, please take a look. Inside are not only love letters that He Chengping wrote to me, but also the betrothal letter he gave to my family. He tricked my family out of ten taels of silver just to raise money for the imperial examination.”
"After passing the imperial examination, he not only broke off the engagement but also refused to return the money!"
"Our Su family was almost destroyed because of him!"
Su An clenched her fists, her clear voice revealing a hint of anger, and continued to shout emphatically: "As for those rumors, I am only telling the truth and only want to seek justice for myself. I have never slandered or framed anyone!"
"I implore Your Excellency to investigate this matter thoroughly!"
He Cheng had anticipated Su An's move, and a smug smirk appeared on his lips, showing no sign of panic.
When the county magistrate questioned him again, he tried to argue that Su An had forged the letter himself, but Su An could no longer find a way to bluff!
Unexpectedly, the stern-faced magistrate in the hall, after receiving the letter, took a piece of paper and carefully compared it with the letter.
The more he looked, the more solemn his expression became, while also revealing disappointment.
He shook his head, then slammed his gavel down and glared coldly at He Cheng, saying, "Upon my examination, the engagement letter is indeed your own handwriting, and what Miss Su An said is true!"
"How dare you make false accusations in court! You are utterly audacious! What else do you have to say for yourself!"
"What!" He Cheng was immediately shocked. How could the county magistrate make such a judgment without even asking any questions?!
His face was filled with disbelief, and he quickly said, "Impossible! This is clearly a forgery by Su An..."
"How dare you! You still dare to argue!" The county magistrate was instantly enraged and picked up the exam paper to show him clearly. "Your exam paper is here. The handwriting is consistent and there is no doubt about it!"
"Considering that you are a scholar who has passed the imperial examinations and this is your first offense, I will forgive you for this false accusation! If you dare to speak falsely again, don't blame me for punishing you with twenty strokes of the cane according to the law!"
He Cheng turned pale and was stunned in an instant, his heart filled with great horror.
Aren't the exam papers all sealed in the archives? How could this county magistrate have such great power to mobilize them?!
Are you crazy?!
Su An was unaware of the intricacies involved, only surprised by how smoothly the outcome went.
That's perfect!
She bowed with satisfaction and said, "Then I beg the county magistrate to make sure that scoundrel He Cheng immediately returns the ten taels of silver to my family!"
Although He Cheng didn't provide a written loan agreement when he borrowed the money, he wrote it in his love letters in order to deceive the original owner!
He Cheng was so frustrated he almost vomited blood. That bitch Su An was actually serious! She really dared to demand his money back!
But seeing the magistrate's imposing gaze and the growing number of people pointing and whispering about him, he could only swallow his anger.
As he reluctantly handed over the silver, he glared coldly at Su An, gritting his teeth, "Su An! You just wait! Don't even think about me looking at you again!"
As soon as Su An received the silver, upon hearing the message, he immediately covered his nose with a disgusted expression, as if Su An were some kind of trash, and jumped back with utter loathing.
"Get away! What filthy thing are you from! Don't touch me!"
This immediately provoked He Cheng greatly, his face turning ashen as if he had swallowed a fly!
"alright!"
The magistrate slammed his gavel and looked at Su An, declaring in a powerful voice, "This court hereby formally pronounces the verdict: Miss Su An is innocent and has been cleared of all false accusations and framing!"
"This case is closed. Court is adjourned!"
Everyone watching could see clearly that Su An's words were true and that she was innocent. As soon as she came out, the crowd cheered and congratulated her.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
