USWHC -Chapter 136 Wealthy Relatives (Part 6)

“Ah! Grandma, I’ve come to kowtow to you!”

A sharp shout suddenly rang out from outside, and the lively chatter inside the house immediately froze. Everyone instinctively turned toward the door.

Through the doorway, they saw Old Madam Ji pulling Ji Mei along, dashing into the room. Even before she fully entered, her high-pitched voice had already exploded across the space.

But the moment she stepped inside, she froze. Wait… is this even a house? This room was bigger than the temple hall in town!

The room was packed with people, most of them from her own village. If someone didn’t know any better, they’d think the entire village had gathered for a women’s assembly!

Everyone inside was now staring at Old Madam Ji. Some, realizing it was her, covered their mouths to laugh quietly—but with Madam Sun also present, the scene still maintained a semblance of decorum.

“And who might this be?” Madam Sun asked with a smile, looking at the sudden group appearing at the door.

Old Madam Ji was momentarily at a loss. Which woman was she supposed to call “Grandma”?

Just as both sides froze, a young woman from the lower end of the room stepped forward. “Madam, this is Aunt Ji from our village, here with her daughter and daughter-in-law to pay New Year respects to the Old Madam and you, Madam.”

Old Madam Ji glanced up and immediately frowned. Why was Er Gou’s mother still here? They’d already received the silver ingots—why wouldn’t they leave?

“Greetings, Aunt Ji!” Madam Sun replied politely. Seeing that Old Madam Ji showed no sign of disdain, she even turned to introduce her to the Old Madam seated at the head: “She’s also a villager from Xiangshui Village.”

“Oh, old neighbors from before, then!” The Old Madam observed the slightly aged woman, noting her surprisingly few wrinkles and plump, fair complexion. Her smile squinted her eyes in a way that made her look only about forty, though her voice carried the warmth and kindness of an elder.

Old Madam Ji was no fool; listening to their conversation, she immediately figured out who was who. She tugged Ji Mei and Sister-in-law You forward and gestured for Zhu Jie to join in: “Aren’t you going to kowtow to your grandma and wish her a Happy New Year?”

Ji Mei and Sister-in-law You immediately obeyed, collapsing to the floor with a thud and kowtowing repeatedly like pounding dough: “Happy New Year, Grandma! Wishing you longevity without bounds!”

Watching their filial display, it almost looked like they were her own grandchildren! As they knelt, Zhu Jie was revealed behind them.

But Zhu Jie could never muster the act of kneeling with that fake filial piety. An honored retired minister’s widow—what was that? Not worth such a grand display!

Yet standing there doing nothing felt equally awkward. Just as everyone thought Zhu Jie was too clueless to even observe proper etiquette, she gracefully squatted, lowering her body slightly. With her eyes modestly downcast, she brought her hands together at her waist and said: “Greetings, Old Madam Sun. Greetings, Madam Sun.”

Old Madam Ji frowned. What kind of bow was that? She felt uneasy—she couldn’t risk angering the Sun family. If they withheld the silver ingots, what would she do?

Annoyed, she spat: “Aren’t you going to kneel to your grandma?”

Your “grandma”! Zhu Jie ignored her completely, remaining half-squatted and motionless, waiting for the Old Madam to speak.

Just as Old Madam Ji angrily moved to force Zhu Jie into the proper ritual, the Old Madam chuckled: “What a polite young lady! Someone, reward her!”

At once, a maid brought over silver ingots, one for each.

Finally holding her long-awaited silver ingot, Old Madam Ji’s face lit up with joy. Ignoring everything else, she immediately popped it into her mouth: “Oh wow! There really is a silver ingot!”

Ji Mei and Sister-in-law You received theirs as well. While not as eager as Old Madam Ji, they hurriedly gathered, excitedly exclaiming: “Mother, each of us got one!”

The people inside couldn’t help but laugh at their crass excitement.

Meanwhile, Zhu Jie once again bent slightly, her posture proper, and respectfully said: “Thank you, Old Madam Sun, Madam Sun.”

The Old Madam looked on, impressed. This girl was truly exceptional—polite, precise, and elegant. She did not resemble a simple village woman at all; she was clearly a young lady of high birth.