USWHC -Chapter 363 Exchanging Fate (Part 3)

“Old Madam Ji, come out quickly! The county magistrate has already arrived!” Even while the sound of gongs and drums was still echoing in the distance, someone had already run ahead excitedly to deliver the news.

“So early?” Old Madam Ji was equally thrilled. Turning toward the house, she shouted, “Meizi, get up! They’ve come to fetch you!”

But the room remained completely quiet. The sun was already high in the sky, yet Ji Mei still hadn’t gotten up. Could it be that she was too tired from learning how to make soap last night?

Old Madam Ji called out three times in a row. When no one responded, she hurried over to Ji Mei’s door. “Meizi, come out quickly!”

After a moment, a voice finally came from inside: “Aunt, Meizi hasn’t woken up yet!” It sounded like Hua Feixue.

“Then why aren’t you waking her up!” Old Madam Ji shrieked.

Hua Feixue hurriedly replied, “Yes, yes, I’ll wake her right away!”

Soon, her urgent whispers could be heard from inside, one after another: “Meizi, Meizi, wake up! Ah! You’re finally awake—quick, get dressed! They’ve already come to fetch you!”

“Remember to wear the goose-yellow dress you picked last night—that one looks bright!” Old Madam Ji added hurriedly from outside.

“Alright~” came a loud response from within—though it was unclear whether it was Ji Mei or Hua Feixue answering.

“Mother, go take a look—what things should Meizi bring?” At this moment, Zhu Jie’s soft voice came from behind. As the model daughter-in-law, she had arrived early to help.

“You can’t even handle something like this? Weren’t they already packed?” Old Madam Ji said irritably. As she spoke, she turned and walked toward Sister-in-law You, since all the items to be taken to the capital were with her.

Before they even reached her, Sister-in-law You had already come out carrying the bundle.

“See? She already knows!” Old Madam Ji shot Zhu Jie a glare.

Just then, the sound of gongs and drums grew closer and closer—it was clear they had reached the door. Old Madam Ji only had time to shout one last time toward Ji Mei’s room, “Hurry up, don’t keep them waiting!” before rushing out to greet them.

Early in the morning, it was truly a busy scene. No sooner had Old Madam Ji reached the courtyard gate than the county magistrate’s sedan chair came to a stop.

“Oh my, Your Honor came so early! Come, come inside and have a seat!” Old Madam Ji was far more enthusiastic than last time. She even reached out again, intending to pull the magistrate.

Of course, this time she wasn’t trying to grab his leg—she aimed for his arm instead. But she had clearly misjudged. Would a county magistrate allow himself to be casually grabbed like some village old woman from Xiangshui Village?

With a flick of his sleeve, the magistrate neatly avoided her eager hands. “Where is she? Why hasn’t she come out yet?” he said coldly, clearly showing little interest in Old Madam Ji.

Her hand grasped nothing and hung awkwardly in midair. She gave an embarrassed laugh. “She’s coming, she’s coming right away!”

At that moment, the door creaked open—it was Ji Mei stepping out. She was dressed in a goose-yellow skirt, youthful and radiant.

But Old Madam Ji immediately frowned. “What is that on your head? What are you doing? Take it off quickly!”

Indeed, Ji Mei had a black hat covering her head—a dark, bulky thing that even obscured her face completely.

Old Madam Ji hurried forward and reached out to remove it, but Ji Mei quickly stepped back, narrowly avoiding her hand. Once again, Old Madam Ji’s warm gesture met a cold response, making her feel even more awkward.

Ji Mei then spoke softly, “On this journey to the capital, there will be many dangers. As a young woman, how can I allow men to look at me freely? That is why I wear a veiled hat. I hope the magistrate will forgive any inconvenience.”

Yes, she was addressing the county magistrate.

“The young lady is thoughtful—this is quite good. It will save a lot of trouble on the road,” the magistrate nodded approvingly.

But the more Old Madam Ji looked, the stranger it felt. “Meizi, what’s wrong with your voice? Why are you talking so affectedly? It doesn’t even sound like you anymore!”