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A group of soldiers pushed through the crowd, led by an official in full regalia, exuding authority.

But upon closer inspection—

Oh my goodness!

All were figures of great importance!

"Your humble servant pays respects to Prince Ce, Prince Hui, Princess Seven, and County Lord Changning!"

Jun Ce grunted in acknowledgment. "It was County Lord Changning who reported the matter."

Su Li stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "My carriage moved through this bustling market at a snail's pace, yet I am accused of killing someone with it. However, this person clearly did not die from being hit by a carriage. Call for a coroner to examine the body."

The white-clad girl, still sobbing loudly, shouted, "What more is there to check?! My father was killed by your carriage! So many people saw it happen—how dare you deny it?!"

The onlookers glanced at the group, recognizing the high status of everyone involved. Though they dared not speak out loud, their disapproving gazes were fixed on Su Li.

Meng Zhiyun chimed in, her tone laced with sarcasm. "County Lord, the evidence is clear—the body was found under your carriage wheels. What else do you need to investigate?"

The patrolling soldier, realizing he was in over his head, quickly interjected, "Esteemed nobles, please consider that this is a busy marketplace. If we continue to block traffic here, it will cause chaos. Perhaps we could move the proceedings to the magistrate's office?"

By moving the case to the magistrate's office, the soldier hoped to wash his hands of the matter and leave the headache to the higher-ups.

The group surveyed the scene, noting how the crowd had completely blocked the area. Nodding in agreement, they decided to proceed.

"Hurry up! Bring some men to carry the deceased to the magistrate's office!"

Su Li and her entourage followed behind, trailed by curious onlookers.

"Don't be afraid, Miss Su. With me here, nothing bad will happen to you," Jun Hui said as he subtly edged closer to Su Li.

His proximity set off alarm bells in Su Li's mind. Was he still harboring those ill intentions?

"The fiancée of this prince requires no concern from Sixth Imperial Brother!"

Everyone turned to see Jun Mo step forward, clad in a striking purple robe. His composed demeanor and refined features immediately drew admiration from the crowd.

"We pay respects to Prince Jing!"

Jun Mo strode gracefully to Su Li's side.

"Trouble again?" he asked softly, his voice warm and tinged with amusement.

Such gentle behavior made the hearts of countless maidens flutter.

Once again, the crowd couldn't help but marvel at Su Li's good fortune!

Su Li gave a slight shake of her head. "It's nothing. Why are you here?"

"Just passing by," he replied smoothly.

Mo Yang, trailing behind Jun Mo, rolled his eyes. Passing by, indeed—clearly, he had rushed over in haste.

The procession toward the magistrate's office became a spectacle, drawing even more attention. Unaware bystanders joined the growing throng, making the procession increasingly grand and imposing.

The county magistrate, having received word ahead of time, scrambled out without even properly adjusting his hat.

As a low-ranking official, how could he possibly preside over such a case involving royalty and nobility? This was sheer torture!

"Your humble servant pays respects to Prince Jing, Prince Ce, Prince Hui, Princess Seven, and County Lord Changning!"

Jun Mo waved dismissively. "Rise."

The magistrate stood up, carefully observing the expressions of the noble guests.

Su Li spoke up. "I trust your subordinates have already informed you of the situation?"

The magistrate bowed repeatedly, sweating profusely. "Yes, yes, of course! No doubt, these troublemakers are framing County Lord Changning! Allow me to lock up this audacious commoner immediately! Guards—"

Meng Zhiyun's face lit up with satisfaction. This would only further reinforce the perception that the Su family was abusing its power.

"Wait! To issue orders before investigating the truth—is this how you normally conduct trials?" Su Li's voice cut through sharply.

The magistrate wiped his sweat, bowing repeatedly in apology.

"Forgive me, County Lord. I merely thought the matter was self-evident..."

The white-clad girl clung to the corpse, wailing bitterly. "You corrupt officials who abuse your power! You judge without discernment! Heavens above, open your eyes! Father, you died so tragically! Daughter is useless—I cannot seek justice for you! I shall join you in death!"

"No! Stop her!"

"She's going to commit suicide!"

In a flash, the girl bolted toward a pillar in the magistrate's hall, intent on colliding with it.

Reacting swiftly, Jun Mo lunged forward and kicked her away.

The girl tumbled to the ground, coughing up blood.

Though the crowd winced at the sight, none dared criticize Jun Mo. After all, he had saved her life—even if his method was rather forceful.

Su Li approached the girl, her tone icy. "So eager to die? Don't rush. Once the truth comes to light, no one will stop you if you still wish to end your life."

The girl's eyes darted nervously. "I don't understand what County Lord means. You are of noble birth—your words are law. A lowly peasant like me has no say against you."

Su Li looked down at her disdainfully. "Is this truly your father? As a daughter, why would you use your own father's life to frame someone?"

Meng Zhiyun interjected, "County Lord Changning, where exactly do you see foul play? All we see is a pitiful girl unable to seek justice, driven to desperate measures."

Princess Wanyan Xue leaned in and whispered to Su Li, "Miss Su, do you have concrete proof of your innocence? If not, it might be best to resolve this quickly by compensating them. Prolonging this drama will harm both you and your family's reputation."

Her advice was sound, and Su Li shot her a grateful glance.

Addressing the crowd, Su Li declared, "When I say this person was not killed by my carriage, I have evidence. Observe: though the deceased has external injuries, a carriage collision would leave marks consistent with friction against the ground or axle. Yet these wounds appear to have been inflicted by blunt force trauma. That is point one."

"Recall also that when the body was discovered, it was beneath my carriage wheels. Logically, a person struck by a carriage would be flung some distance away. Point two."

"Now observe this girl, who claims to be the deceased's daughter. The deceased clearly worked as a laborer, yet I noticed earlier that this girl's fingertips bear calluses typical of someone who plays musical instruments regularly. Tell me, how does a farmer's daughter develop such calluses?"

As the crowd turned their attention to the girl's hands, she hastily hid them within her sleeves.

"I... my father doted on me. Even though our family was poor, he hired a tutor to teach me music. Is there a law forbidding daughters of poor families from learning the arts?"

Su Li smirked. "Learning music is fine, but how do you explain the signs of poisoning on the deceased's body?"

"What? Poisoning?"

"This person was poisoned to death?"

"You know, after hearing County Lord analyze it like this, I agree—this girl seems highly suspicious."

...

The word "poisoning" sent shockwaves through the crowd. What had seemed like a simple case of a carriage accident now took on a far murkier tone.

The white-clad girl's face betrayed a flicker of panic. She darted a quick glance at Meng Zhiyun.

"Poisoning? County Lord will say anything to absolve herself!" the girl cried, feigning deep sorrow.

Su Li sneered. "Whether you admit it or not doesn't matter. Once the coroner examines the body, the truth will come to light."

The girl's eyes widened. "Coroner examination?"

"Yes," Su Li confirmed. "An autopsy will expose every conspiracy!"

The girl screamed, "No! I won't allow it! My father has suffered enough. Must you disturb his peace even in death? How heartless can you be!"

Meng Zhiyun jumped in immediately. "An autopsy is too cruel. The dead deserve respect."

The surrounding crowd began to murmur in agreement.

"Sigh, poor soul. Not even allowed rest in death."

"An autopsy involves cutting open the body—it's barbaric!"

...