USWHC -Chapter 408 If You Don’t Seek Death, You Won’t Die (Part 8)

Magistrate Xu staggered out of the sedan chair, and when he saw Zhu Jie, he paused for a moment. Was she here for revenge? He felt a twinge of caution.

But then Zhu Jie cried out loudly, “Sir, if you just release Ji Yi, I’ll do anything you want!”

“Anything?” Magistrate Xu immediately thought the wrong way. Oh my, this girl is really beautiful… his eyes widened. Could this be his lucky day?

Just then, Old Madam Ji stepped in sharply and shouted, “Second daughter-in-law, are you out of your mind? Ji Yi’s in trouble now—being locked up for a couple of days is only right! Don’t make a fuss here. Go home and wait for news!”

It was only at this moment that Zhu Jie noticed Old Madam Ji and was startled. But hearing Old Madam Ji speak this way, tears immediately began to flow. “Mother, please! Save Ji Yi! They’re going to beat him to death!”

Old Madam Ji was taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at Magistrate Xu. Seeing his expression was also uneasy, she immediately said, “Impossible! Magistrate Xu looks like a good man. I don’t believe he would do such a thing!”

Huh? Old Madam Ji was actually defending Magistrate Xu? Zhu Jie was stunned but quickly added, “It’s Constable Hao. He’s taking his anger out on Ji Yi, isn’t he?”

Hearing this, Magistrate Xu believed it to some extent. He had seen that turtle-faced Constable Hao before—if it were him, he’d want revenge too.

Zhu Jie’s words made the atmosphere a bit awkward. Magistrate Xu looked embarrassed, and Old Madam Ji quickly added, “It’s fine. A grown man can handle a few hits—he won’t die!”

Zhu Jie’s eyes widened. What was going on? Why was Old Madam Ji siding with the magistrate?

At that moment, Old Madam Ji pulled Zhu Jie aside and whispered, “Don’t make a scene. Mei Zi is going to the capital. This is important. If you upset Magistrate Xu now, what if he doesn’t let Mei Zi go?”

Indeed, compared to Magistrate Xu, Old Madam Ji was far more concerned about going to the capital—so much so that she seemed to care less about Ji Yi’s life.

Zhu Jie felt her grief and anger directed entirely at Old Madam Ji. Was this a mother who cared more about her daughter’s future than her son’s life? The son was nearly dead, and she was still thinking about prospects and wealth. Was the daughter her own and the son adopted? This was the first time Zhu Jie had ever seen such a family favoring girls over boys.

Ji Mei also came over quietly and said, “Second sister-in-law, don’t make a fuss. You’ve already angered the magistrate. It took us a lot of effort to calm him down. Don’t you think of that? When I get to the capital and win Lady Consort Li’s favor, Second Brother will surely be released. You can rest easy!”

Ji Mei spoke confidently, but Zhu Jie was burning with anxiety. She didn’t need to wait for Mei Zi to reach the capital—by tomorrow, Ji Yi could already be dead. Even if she made it to the capital, he might suffer even worse.

Zhu Jie could no longer hold back. She shouted, “Magistrate Xu! The person Consort Li wants to see is me! As long as you release Ji Yi, I’ll go to the capital with you!”

Magistrate Xu, hearing Old Madam Ji and the others urging, felt rather pleased. At least now both sides were on the same page—how nice!

But Zhu Jie’s sudden statement threw him for a loop. What did she mean? Consort Li wanted to see her, not Ji Mei? Was there something he didn’t know?

Old Madam Ji immediately panicked and said anxiously, “Second daughter-in-law, what are you trying to do? Impersonate someone?”

She really was bold—wasn’t this turning the tables? They had been using Zhu Jie’s name, and now she claimed it for herself.

Ji Mei hurriedly said, “Second sister-in-law, you can’t just spout nonsense here because you’re worried about Second Brother! You’re going to ruin everything!”

“Exactly! When we get to the capital, if Consort Li finds it’s not the person she wants, won’t she skin you alive? You may not mind dying, but what if you implicate Magistrate Xu?” Old Madam Ji said, showing concern for the magistrate’s position.