"Everyone can take a closer look. The names on these two fonts may look similar at first glance, but they are actually different."
Bei Yutang handed the two items to the three presiding judges.
Zhou Gongjin was a great calligrapher and he could tell the difference at a glance.
After passing it around, Censor Zhou and Minister Yang both looked at Zhou Gongjin, waiting for him to speak.
"That's right. These are two different handwritings, not written by the same person."
Master Zhang said subconsciously, "Impossible."
Censor Zhou said, "Master Zhang, are you doubting our ability to see correctly? Minister Yang and I might be mistaken, but Prime Minister Zhou is a master calligrapher; there's no way he could be wrong."
Lord Zhang realized he had misspoken and quickly explained, "Please forgive me, Your Excellency the Censor. I spoke without thinking. She clearly wrote this character herself, and now it's different. I'm truly surprised. That's why I lost my composure."
Minister Yang began, "I heard a case two years ago. I remember the criminal's exoneration was based on inconsistent handwriting. However, after some investigation, I finally discovered her secret. Some people have slightly different handwritings when writing with their front and back hands. How about finding a few samples of her previous handwriting and comparing them? It would be clear at a glance."
"Yes, yes, yes." Lord Zhang nodded repeatedly in response.
The bailiff immediately went to Lei's shop to get the account book, on which was Bei Yutang's signature.
After the three presiding judges compared the handwriting in the account book with the handwriting on the scene, Zhou Gongjin reiterated, "They weren't written by the same person. However, the handwriting in the account book and the confession are so similar that it's difficult to tell them apart."
Master Zhang immediately said, "Write your name with your left hand."
Bei Yutang smiled and said, "Sir, that's not necessary."
"Do you admit it?" Lord Zhang asked urgently.
Bei Yutang ignored him and continued, "I know why the two handwritings are different. It's because the handwriting they imitated was written by my son. The signatures on the Lei family's account books were all signed by my son. Qin, the Lei family's manager, can testify to this."
"Those people probably copied the handwriting in the account book and wrote it on the confession."
Xiao Moer suddenly said, "Sir, I can write it down on the spot and let you identify it."
Zhou Gongjin nodded, and immediately a yamen runner came over with paper and pen.
After Xiao Moer finished writing, the three adults looked at it one by one and found that the handwriting was exactly the same as that in the account book and the confession letter.
"That's right, it's the same." said Censor Zhou.
At this moment, the people outside who were listening to the trial were all angry.
"It's fake."
"If they are not innocent, why would they lie?"
"These corrupt officials are violating their conscience and doing things that are against the will of heaven and earth."
…
The insults outside were getting louder and louder.
"Silence, silence."
Minister Yang slammed the gavel, but it had little effect.
Xiao Moer said to the onlookers, "Uncles and aunts, let's listen to what the adults have to say. Not all officials are like this."
With Xiao Moer's voice, the people who were talking and cursing around stopped.
Minister Yang looked at Prefect Zhang with a cold gaze, "How did you handle the case? What's with this confession?"
Zhang Fuyin groaned bitterly. This confession was given to him by the prince, who also promised that it would be unrecognizable. Who would have thought that the handwriting they imitated was her son's?
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