USWHC -Chapter 129 Happy New Year (Part 9)

“No way! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to! Trying to mooch a meal at my house? Not a chance! The family’s already split—why didn’t you give me some when you were eating meat buns the other day? And now you suddenly remember me? Why should all the good stuff go to your family?” Old Madam Ji immediately blew her top!

But Zhu Jie didn’t panic or plead. She just shrugged with an air of helplessness and said, “Looks like this lower half of the couplet…” She deliberately paused, letting her words hang—no need to finish; the hint alone was enough to put pressure on them. The rest, they could figure out themselves.

Old Madam Ji glared at her, grinding her old teeth together with a clack-clack, wishing she could just eat Zhu Jie for dinner right then and there.

Then Zhu Jie heard her sneer and mutter, “Hmph, I don’t believe I can’t get a pig even if I ask butcher Zhang!” But then she softened her tone and turned to the old scholar: “Master Kong! You are the most respected in our village. Surely you have the lower half of the couplet, don’t you?”

She’d rather beg an outsider than bow even slightly to Zhu Jie!

Unfortunately, it seemed she had asked the wrong person. The old scholar, who had been brimming with authority just moments ago, froze completely at the question—how could anyone respond to such a bizarre couplet? He didn’t dare take a single breath, let alone speak.

Zhu Jie noticed the awkwardness on his face and couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Luckily, no one here had heard that story before—looks like this meal was going to be secured after all.

She then spoke loudly and earnestly: “I’m new here and don’t know the local customs. If I’ve overstepped in any way, I apologize. If anyone could kindly help provide the lower half of the couplet, the Ji family would be eternally grateful!”

Hearing her speak this way, everyone’s impression of her immediately changed. This girl was no ordinary person! She spoke elegantly and could write couplets—clearly someone who had studied.

These village women had a natural respect for the educated, and their eyes softened as they looked at Zhu Jie. Who would dare step forward now and risk embarrassment by failing to respond?

Even those who had wanted to tease Zhu Jie for fun stayed silent, fearing they might offend the wrong person.

With no one willing to help, Old Madam Ji grew increasingly anxious. “Hmph, no one can match it? Then this year, we won’t hang the couplets at all!” she said, reaching to tear the couplet down.

But just as she stretched out her hand, Zhu Jie shouted sharply, “Mother! You can’t tear it down!”

“Why not?” Old Madam Ji’s voice rang out like an explosion, shrill and piercing.

Zhu Jie sighed softly and said, “In our custom, tearing down a couplet that brings misfortune before the lower half is completed is actually unlucky.”

At this, the old scholar gasped, “Y-yes, you can’t tear it! ‘Good fortune never comes in pairs, misfortune never comes alone’—if you tear it, it might really come true!”

Old Madam Ji’s eyes widened. Not only couldn’t the couplet be completed, she also couldn’t tear it down—what was she supposed to do? Let Zhu Jie manipulate the situation? She was unwilling—so unwilling!

And yet, the old scholar, irresponsibly calm, advised her: “Old Madam Ji, just let Erhan and the others stay with you tonight! You’re still family—why not have a little reunion, even if the households are divided?”

Hearing this, Zhu Jie smiled in satisfaction. Educated people really were different—they knew how to assess the situation! Unlike Old Madam Ji, who, even when defeated, still stubbornly fought.

Old Madam Ji was furious, but at this point, all she could do was glare. All the delicious food and drinks she had prepared—money she had spent—ended up benefiting Zhu Jie and her family instead of angering them!

She wanted to slap herself. How could she have been so foolish? She should have just prepared a few rotten sweet potatoes for New Year!

Sobbing silently, Old Madam Ji let out a deep sigh. But there was nothing to be done—cowardice is cowardice, whether admitted or not.

“Everyone, come in! If you want to eat, get to work!” Old Madam Ji muttered in a low, almost mosquito-like voice, carrying all her lingering resentment.