"Hmm..." Magistrate Yang threw the red deed back onto the table, his tone stern and righteous. "This matter requires further deliberation. Although your name is on the deed, the house and land were acquired after the marriage. Why ruin the relationship and cause a scene that leaves neither party with any dignity? It would be better for both sides to take a step back. Let the Meng family continue to reside in the house; once Scholar Meng’s official career progresses and he moves into a new residence, it will not be too late to return the property to the Cheng family."
He considered his judgment fair. He hadn’t granted the house to the Meng family on the spot, so if the Cheng family knew what was good for them, they would be kowtowing in gratitude and calling him an upright official.
Meng Nanzhou felt guilty, but he believed this was the best possible arrangement for now. "I will defer to your decision, Magistrate."
Chapter 67