USWHC -Chapter 200 Proposal of Marriage (Part 10)

Unfortunately, just as Ji Mei was sitting there dreaming about becoming an official’s wife, only a few days later the Sun family suddenly sent word again. However, it wasn’t the exciting news that the golden chamber pot had been completed. Instead, the messenger came to invite the entire Ji family to visit the Sun residence as guests.

For Old Madam Ji and the others, this news didn’t cause much of a stir. Meeting future in-laws was perfectly natural, so they simply assumed that the Sun family wanted to get to know their future relatives in advance.

But for Zhu Jie, it was undoubtedly bad news. If she went there like this, wouldn’t she be exposed on the spot?

“Mother, can I not go?” Zhu Jie asked nervously. That kind of tragic scene—she’d rather not be part of it.

“Why wouldn’t you go? Didn’t the Sun family’s old madam like you very much? When the time comes, you can help say a few more good words for us!” Old Madam Ji said innocently.

Yes, the Sun family’s old madam liked her—but she wasn’t the only one in the Sun family who liked her! Young Master Sun liked her too! Zhu Jie secretly groaned in her heart.

“That’s right, sister-in-law. Even though we’ve split households, we’re still one family after all! The Sun family specifically said the whole family should come. If you don’t go, that wouldn’t look very good, would it?” Sister-in-law You chimed in.

While they were talking, Ji Yi had already enthusiastically harnessed the ox cart. Everyone quickly climbed aboard. Seeing that there was no escape, Zhu Jie could only grit her teeth and follow along. But in her mind, the gears were turning nonstop—how could she keep confusing everyone and hide the truth?

The ox cart creaked along slowly toward the Sun residence. Spring had arrived and the ice and snow had begun to melt, making the road much easier to travel than before. Before noon, the Ji family had already reached the Sun estate.

“Second sister-in-law, why are you standing so close to me?” Ji Mei shot an annoyed glare at the sudden leech attached to her body. The moment they got off the cart, Zhu Jie had clung to her arm like a leech.

Zhu Jie deliberately looked up and gave Ji Mei a silly grin. “Don’t misunderstand, little sister. I’m just afraid I might get lost!”

Ji Mei rolled her eyes again when she heard that. Seriously? Had her brain short-circuited? Zhu Jie had been to the Sun residence one more time than she had—how could she be afraid of getting lost? Had spending too much time with that blockhead Ji Yi infected her with bouts of stupidity too?

But Zhu Jie had her reasons. She had already thought it through on the way here. Today she had sworn to act like Ji Mei’s conjoined twin. Hehe—ideally she would do everything together with Ji Mei. That way, the Sun family wouldn’t discover the truth.

Ji Mei sighed inwardly. Going out with this family was truly embarrassing beyond ordinary levels.

Someone from the Sun family was already waiting at the gate. Out of concern for her own dignity, Ji Mei couldn’t make a scene right there, so she could only allow Zhu Jie to hang onto her arm while following closely behind her step by step.

The Sun residence courtyard was still as large as ever. But this time, when Ji Mei looked at it, her feelings had completely changed. It felt as if she were looking at the backyard of her own home, and the sense of satisfaction in her heart was indescribable. Jealousy? Let others be jealous of her instead!

“Old Master Ji, Old Madam Ji, this way please!” A maid walked ahead respectfully, guiding them. This time only the Ji family had come, so it was essentially a half-family banquet. There was no separation between men and women, and the maid led the entire Ji family directly to the inner courtyard.

Old Master Sun had already arrived there, together with Old Madam Sun, Madam Sun, and Young Master Sun, waiting for them.

Of course, Sun Shaohui was not among them. In ancient times, even when future in-laws came to visit, an unmarried young lady was not allowed to appear casually—especially when there were men among the guests.

Private interactions between young people were another matter, of course. Otherwise, how could there be so many stories of secret exchanges of affection? Privately, everyone usually just turned a blind eye.

“Uncle Ji, Aunt Ji, please come in and sit!” Sun Shaoyan enthusiastically stepped forward to greet them first. As a junior—and the key connection between the two families—it was only natural that he would take the lead in welcoming the guests.

And it was obvious that Sun Shaoyan was quite happy to greet them. As he spoke, his gaze had already drifted involuntarily toward Ji Mei. The way he looked at her was utterly dreamy, as if one day apart had felt like three autumns.

Of course, whether the person he was actually looking at was Ji Mei—or Zhu Jie hanging from Ji Mei’s arm—only he and Zhu Jie themselves knew.