The perpetrator must have fabricated facts or concealed the truth, leading the victim to harbor mistaken beliefs and consequently dispose of their assets. The judicial interpretation clearly stipulates that if the victim did not harbor mistaken beliefs, it does not constitute fraud. Therefore, the opposing counsel could approach it from this angle. They could blur the concept of cognitive error to evade criminal responsibility. The fact that both parties had already obtained their marriage certificates was also a defense point for the opposing side.

"The ambiguity in this marriage fraud case primarily centers on the definition of marriage—specifically, the assumption that obtaining a marriage certificate negates any deceptive behavior," Qi ZhaoYu took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Regarding this, we can approach it from the perspective of a de facto marriage. Obtaining a marriage certificate but not cohabiting or even being able to meet should be considered deceptive behavior. This would establish the other party's marriage fraud."

"And considering the actual circumstances, the other party clearly had no intention of marriage but illegally took possession of the bride price. Therefore, it's highly probable they can be charged with fraud."

"However, this is the ideal scenario. There are still three days until the court hearing. If, within these three days, both parties meet, and everything is amicable and without conflict, then it can no longer be concluded as marriage fraud."

Qi ZhaoYu quickly pinpointed the key issue in this case. If both parties were to begin cohabiting, the marriage would be deemed legal and reasonable. The fraudulent behavior would cease to exist. The 1.08 million he paid as the bride price... would essentially be irrecoverable. This is because the Wan family meets none of the three legally stipulated conditions for the refund of the bride price.

Wan Zhongyuan furrowed his brows after hearing further analysis of the case. "Is that even possible?"

Ever since discovering the woman was obsessed with financially supporting her brother, he disliked this daughter-in-law even more. To be honest, he was increasingly disappointed with his own sycophant son. His lack of ability was one thing, but throwing my money around was another, and he continually opposes me. If it weren't for having only this one son, I would have severed ties.

"So, you're saying now that the certificate has been obtained, as long as the other party genuinely goes through with the marriage and wedding ceremony, there won't be any issues?"

Qi ZhaoYu nodded, "Yes, as long as they agree to the marital relationship, it doesn't constitute fraud, and there's no basis to reclaim the bride price."

Wan Zhongyuan's face gradually soured. Losing 1.08 million was secondary. What infuriated him was that his son was unyieldingly blind, continuing to be a sycophant. If he really married that woman, his entire life's savings, everything he had worked for, would be drained!

「Zhang Wei Law Firm.」

Only three days remained until the trial. Yan Yeyun once again visited and reported the progress of the case to Zhang Wei. Zhang Wei had already taken the case and even pointed out a way out. But Wan Zhongyuan utterly refused their compromise method. She'd heard that Wan Feizhang's legs had even been broken, and Wan Zhongyuan was now dead set on fighting this lawsuit.

At the moment, her heart was actually very uneasy. She was the mastermind behind the bride price incident. She had communicated with Wan Zhongyuan throughout, demanding the bride price. If they lost the case... she would be the only one to go to jail! According to what the lawyer said, once convicted of fraud, she would very likely be sentenced to more than ten years in prison!

"Since the other side won't accept the compromise, there's still one method left," Zhang Wei looked deeply at Yan Yeyun.

He had anticipated this outcome long ago. The other party would have to be irrational to add another 600,000 to the 1.08 million bride price and also drop the lawsuit! Their kind of "compromise" was obviously unreliable.

"What method?" Yan Yeyun stared at Zhang Wei, anxious and nervous, and asked hurriedly.

"The other party sued for fraud. As long as it doesn't constitute actual fraud, you don't have to bear criminal responsibility," Zhang Wei slowly began, explaining, "This means both sets of parents must acknowledge their marital relationship and allow them to live together."

In fact, he too detested Yan Yeyun's exorbitant bride price demands. But as a lawyer, he maintained his professional ethics. He still presented the best legal solution. As long as it didn't constitute fraud, the other side wouldn't even be able to reclaim the bride price.

"Let them cohabit?" Upon hearing this, Yan Yeyun immediately widened her eyes. The word "disagree" was practically written on her face.

She said with an agonized expression, "It's not that I'm dissatisfied with Wan Feizhang, it's just... if they don't pay the full bride price for my daughter, how will my son get married?"

Her biggest concern was still her son getting married without sufficient funds. The other party had only given 1.08 million so far. That sum was nowhere near enough for a house, a car, and the bride price for her son. She only had one daughter, so she had to try her best to get more.

After pondering for a long time, she then asked, "Apart from this method, is there any other way?"

Zhang Wei: "..."

He really wanted to tell her to rob a bank. But he truly feared Yan Yeyun would actually do it; then he would become an instigator, as guilty as someone who robbed a bank.

"With only three days left until the trial, you must prepare as soon as possible. And you absolutely must not do anything illegal or disruptive."

Finally, for safety's sake, he repeatedly cautioned Yan Yeyun one more time. He always cautioned previous clients in the courtroom. But with Yan Yeyun, he had a bad feeling even before the trial began.

「Jin City.」

In an ordinary residential area, after consulting with the lawyer, Yan Yeyun returned home. Her brows were tightly furrowed. This lawsuit...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.