Late afternoon sunshine warmed the courtyard of the Grand Magistrate's House, where a small gathering had convened under fluttering red banners denoting “Official Affidavit Signing." Lin Wantang stood beside Lu Yao, her hand resting lightly on Yao's arm as they faced a solemn-looking scribe and the magistrate's gaveling official.
Between them on an oak table lay two documents: one bearing Lu Yao's signature clearing Wantang of all wrongdoing, the other confirming Yao's own admissions about the coma‑pregnancy conspiracy. A plum‑blossom inkstone and brush awaited each woman.
Lu Yao dipped the brush, ink flowing smooth as silk. Her hand trembled, but her voice was steady as she read aloud her affidavit: “I, Lu Yao, declare under penalty of perjury that I falsely accused Lin Wantang of orche
