USWHC -Chapter 357 Jumping Into One’s Own Trap (Part 7)

Old Madam Ji was still terrified, crying nonstop, “My lord, that girl was really not kidnapped by us—she came here on her own! Please, please don’t arrest us and throw us in jail!”

“Girl? What girl?” The county magistrate was completely confused by her words. Could there be more to this?

Old Madam Ji croaked, “My second son’s wife! She really ran back here herself!”

“Second son’s wife?” The magistrate grew even more puzzled. Turning to a clerk beside him, he asked, “Who is their second son?”

The clerk quickly leaned in and replied, “Their second son is Ji Yi.”

“Oh, him? Perfect—I actually have business with him. Where are they now?” the magistrate said with a smile, even glancing around lightly.

So the magistrate had really come looking for Ji Yi? What could it be about?

At that moment, Old Madam Ji suddenly shouted, “There! They’re over there!” She pointed straight at Ji Yi and Zhu Jie in the crowd. Not only that, she grew even more agitated and cried out, “My lord, everything was done by them! If you want to arrest someone, arrest them!”

Hearing her sudden accusation, Zhu Jie couldn’t help but feel speechless. This old woman—always so selfish no matter the situation!

But Zhu Jie didn’t dare make a sound. She simply lowered her head and carefully hid behind Ji Yi, occasionally sneaking glances at the magistrate. What exactly had he come to find her for? Could it be to ask for her help in solving a case? If so, she’d be more than willing!

When the magistrate heard Old Madam Ji’s words, he immediately turned to look. There stood a man in the crowd, head held high, exuding an impressive and dignified presence even from afar. The magistrate’s face lit up with satisfaction. He even waved kindly at Ji Yi, saying, “You are Ji Yi? Come here at once!”

Ji Yi walked forward calmly, cupped his fists respectfully, and said, “Greetings, Your Excellency.”

Seeing his unusual manner, Old Madam Ji grew anxious at once. Wasn’t this going to offend the magistrate? She grabbed Ji Yi and tried to force him down. “Why aren’t you kneeling when you see the magistrate?”

Ji Yi, however, deftly avoided her hand and said politely, “This student, Ji Yi, a successful candidate of this year’s county examination, greets Your Excellency.”

Yes—licentiates (xiucai) were not required to kneel before a magistrate!

The magistrate immediately smiled. “So you are a scholar! Good, good—truly a fine talent!”

Hearing this, Old Madam Ji was stunned. The magistrate wasn’t angry? Hahaha—so her family actually had an important figure now! Someone who didn’t even need to kneel before a county official! She instantly became excited. What a brag-worthy matter!

She had even decided that later she must go out and show off properly—of course, that was assuming Ji Yi wouldn’t be arrested!

“Your Excellency, please come inside,” Ji Yi said politely.

Only then did Old Madam Ji realize that such an important person had arrived, yet they had blocked him at the entrance. The entire village was watching him like he was part of a performance—it did seem rather inappropriate.

She quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes, please come inside!”

Only then did the magistrate reveal a satisfied smile and stride in grandly, chest out and head high.

Watching his theatrical manner, Old Madam Ji’s eyes widened in amazement. See? Important people really were different!

The yamen runners led the way, the magistrate walked in the center, and Old Madam Ji followed closely behind, step by step, enjoying the feeling of being protected. She even swayed her head as she walked, as if she herself had become someone of great importance!

But after only a couple of steps, someone grabbed her. It was Ji Eldest, still full of fear, saying, “Mother, aren’t you afraid of being arrested? You’re even letting the magistrate go inside? Father and my wife are still in there!”

Seeing his cowardly expression, Old Madam Ji rolled her eyes and snapped, “You useless thing! Didn’t you notice? The magistrate came today for something good—he definitely won’t arrest us!”

Something good?

Ji Eldest couldn’t help but widen his eyes. How on earth had she figured that out?