Chapter 54: I Have Evidence

When Su Wenqi arrived, she was already extremely nervous. The sudden roar from Zhao Da startled her profoundly.

“No... no, this book was truly given to me by Chen Fan,” she stammered, still unwilling to relent despite her fear.

Zhao Da's gaze grew colder as he prepared to have her taken away.

“Lord Zhao, isn’t it simple enough to prove whether the handwriting is mine or not?” Chen Fan spoke up before anyone else could.

Upon hearing this, Liu Siyue and Fang Zhengru also turned their attention to Chen Fan.

“Lord Zhao doubts that the manuscript of the Great Sage Sun is not my handwriting?” Chen Fan said calmly. “Then I will write it again right here, and you can compare.”

“No,” Zhao Da interrupted immediately. “If you write it again, you will surely alter your handwriting habits deliberately.”

Chen Fan remained composed. “Lord Zhao, you misunderstand. No matter how one tries to mask it, it is extremely difficult to change one’s handwriting habits instantaneously. Moreover, with Lord Fang’s expertise, even if I tried to disguise my style, he would still recognize it.”

Looking toward Fang Zhengru, Chen Fan spoke respectfully. Fang Zhengru, no longer modest, showed a trace of pride.

“Chen Fan is right. A person’s handwriting habits formed over decades cannot be changed at will. Even if he alters them, he will overlook subtle details, and I can discern the original style from those nuances.”

Such words from anyone else might carry little weight, but coming from Fang Zhengru, no one dared to doubt.

Zhao Da dared not challenge them.

“Then, Chen Fan, write it again,” Liu Siyue urged excitedly.

Zhao Da hesitated but, under the watchful eyes of Liu Siyue and Fang Zhengru, could not refuse. He had no choice but to agree.

Su Wenqi, like a devoted wife, took the initiative to grind the ink for Chen Fan.

“Thank you,” Chen Fan whispered.

“I’m your aunt; it’s only right to help you,” Su Wenqi replied, her cheeks flushed as she deliberately emphasized the word “aunt.”

Chen Fan paid no mind and began to write anew. Everyone noticed he did not look at the Great Sage Sun’s manuscript while writing.

The scholars in the audience waited patiently, while Zhao Da and his son, along with Chen Hao, grew increasingly anxious.

Chen Fan wrote for well over an hour before putting down his brush.

“Lord Fang, I have finished. Please compare it,” Chen Fan said with deep respect.

The fact that, despite his youth, Fang had rushed here on horseback to save him earned Chen Fan’s sincere admiration.

Fang Zhengru nodded and began to compare the manuscripts carefully.

At that moment, cold sweat broke out on Zhao Da’s forehead. He glanced repeatedly at Zhao Hongwei, who now looked vacant-eyed, offering no help.

Fang Zhengru did not take long before setting down the manuscripts.

“The handwriting in Chen Fan’s latest manuscript and the original Great Sage Sun manuscript are identical,” he declared firmly. “I am certain both manuscripts were written by Chen Fan.”

“So, the Water Margin was not written by Chen Fan,” Fang Zhengru stated with conviction.

The scholars below erupted in cheers. Zhao Da nervously swallowed, his thoughts a mystery to all.

“You’re safe now, Chen Fan,” Su Wenqi said with visible excitement.

“Thank you for the manuscript,” Chen Fan smiled gratefully once again.

“I helped you for Yingchun and Yingxia’s sake. Don’t get the wrong idea,” Su Wenqi explained, watching Chen Fan’s smile.

“What do you think I’m thinking?” Chen Fan teased, seeing her shy expression.

Su Wenqi’s cheeks instantly flushed like a ripe apple, tempting one to take a bite.

“Lord Zhao, may we release him now?” Liu Siyue asked sternly.

Zhao Da thought it over again, finding no countermeasure, and reluctantly conceded.

“Chen Fan, after Lord Fang’s comparison, it is clear the manuscript was not penned by you,” Zhao Da said. “After further investigation, I hereby declare you innocent. You may go home.”

He waved dismissively, eager for Chen Fan to leave.

At that moment, the officers came forward to remove Chen Fan’s shackles.

Hearing this, the scholars cheered loudly, and Su Wenqi breathed a sigh of relief.

Yet, instead of leaving immediately, Chen Fan approached Zhao Da, causing the latter to tense, fearing an attack.

He quickly summoned two officers to stand before him protectively.

But Chen Fan stopped in front of Zhao Da without hostility.

“Lord Zhao, you have investigated my case thoroughly. Have you found the person who wronged me?” Chen Fan asked calmly.

A cold gleam flashed in Zhao Da’s eyes.

“I will certainly investigate. Give me some time, and justice will be served,” Zhao Da replied hastily. “You should return home now.”

He urged Chen Fan to leave quickly, wishing to avoid further discussion.

“There’s no need for you to investigate, Lord Zhao. I have already found the person who framed me,” Chen Fan said with a faint smile.

The scholars below quieted instantly, all eyes fixed on Chen Fan.

“Who is it that framed you, Chen Fan?” Liu Siyue asked eagerly.

He had traveled tirelessly for days to save Chen Fan and harbored a deep hatred for the culprit.

“This is no place to discuss the case. Come with me to the county office later and tell me what you know. I will see that justice is done,” Zhao Da said nervously before Chen Fan could respond.

“No need. The one who framed me is right here. Lord Zhao, there’s no need for unnecessary trouble,” Chen Fan retorted.

“Or perhaps, Lord Zhao, you wish to protect the culprit?” Chen Fan sneered.

“N-nonsense! I would never shield anyone,” Zhao Da stammered, trembling.

Chen Fan’s smile widened.

“The ones who framed me are these people.”

He pointed toward the crowd.

Following his gesture, everyone saw Chen Hao and Zhao Hongwei staring wide-eyed at Chen Fan.