The courtroom holds its breath after Magistrate Lu's sincerity question. Mei stands beneath the Truth Lantern at the marriage altar.

The pressure tightens around Mei as everyone waits for a yes or no.

Magistrate Lu forces Mei to prove she understands the rule she is invoking.

Lu states the cost of the silence-clause in plain terms for the court.

Mei glances toward Bai, half-expecting him to object or exploit the moment.

Mei invokes the silence-clause.

The Lantern responds, but not as it would to a lie.

Lu defines what the mixed flame means for the official record.

Lu grants the continuance and makes clear it is not forgiveness.

The terms of the continuance are read into the court record.

The locked-room pressure breaks as the court is released.

Mei steps away from the altar past the people who helped collapse her case.

Bai approaches only as far as the aisle allows, keeping visible distance between them.

Mei and Bai step into the courthouse courtyard after the suspended hearing.

Bai states the limits he will accept during the continuance.

Mei tries to name Bai's promise as another form of control.

Bai's restraint lands ambiguously before the clerk calls Mei back to sign the continuance receipt.

Mei follows the clerk to a side desk near the open doors, where the count ledger lies exposed.

Mei sees a red count placed before Aji's testimony.

The clerk is forced to explain the earlier entry.

Mei realizes the Lantern marked her before anyone else, and Bai already knew.