USWHC -Chapter 419 Slaughtering in All Directions (Part 9)

The drums roared, firecrackers exploded—the celebration was deafening. Yes, today was Ji Yi’s wedding, and the noise seemed set to shake all of Xiangshui Village.

“Oh my, they’re really back again!” The gossipy aunts and neighbors once again gathered at the gate, watching the grand wedding procession and chattering excitedly.

“You don’t know? I heard this whole thing was the county magistrate’s setup. Ji Yi’s second brother didn’t plagiarize at all, didn’t even give money to Xuezheng. That magistrate just took advantage of the Ji family and wanted to mess them up!”

“The Ji family let a magistrate take advantage of them? That can’t be, right?”

“Why not? Haven’t you heard that Ji Mei didn’t go to the capital? They say Hua Feixue’s trip to the capital was miserable. The magistrate wanted to present her to the palace to gain favor, but Ji Mei refused to go!”

“Is that true? Isn’t going to the capital supposed to be good?”

“What’s good about it! This year, the emperor’s draft for selecting ladies didn’t attract anyone. Haven’t you heard? The emperor is already sixty-seven; which young girl would want to go? It’s basically like being forced to live alone!”

“Oh, so it was meant as a gift for the emperor! Tsk tsk tsk, this old emperor really has no shame, still wanting young girls at his age!”

“Mother, they wouldn’t really send her to serve the old emperor, would they?” Ji Mei hid behind the crowd and whispered.

Old Madam Ji hesitated. “I hope not…” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “Wouldn’t that make Hua Feixue unlucky?”

“If you ask me, that damn magistrate isn’t a good person. Otherwise, how could he have been so severely punished by a high official in the capital? I heard he was beaten so badly he couldn’t even get out of bed!” Ji Yi’s eldest brother joined the gossip. “Good thing our Mei hasn’t gone to the capital, or we wouldn’t even know how to cry!”

Old Madam Ji sighed deeply. “Ah, what a wasted opportunity. You know, even if Mei had gone to the capital, it wouldn’t necessarily mean she’d have to marry the old emperor. I heard the emperor still has several sons…”

What was she thinking? Dreaming about marrying a prince? Has her brain gone soft? With someone like their Mei, even the Sun family would be picky—would a prince even glance at her? She might not even qualify to be a servant!

“Yes, there are! Five of them!” Ji Yi’s eldest brother answered earnestly. Were they really planning to marry Mei to a prince? These people were dreaming too far!

“What about Ji Yi’s scholar friend?” someone ahead whispered.

“He’s here, he’s here!” Old Madam Ji hurried to answer. “Everything’s sorted out—of course he’s here!”

Seeing that the Ji family members were still around, everyone quieted down. Only one person smiled and praised them, “Ah, Sister-in-law Ji, you’re going to have a good life! Such a fine son, marrying such a beautiful daughter-in-law. Your good days are just beginning!”

“Of course! When our Mei gets married, life will be even better!” Old Madam Ji laughed. “Her brother is still a scholar, so you all spread the word and let everyone know—maybe someone will introduce a good match for Mei!” Turns out her excitement was all for Ji Mei.

At this moment, Ji Yi’s grand horse-drawn carriage continued onward, joyfully heading toward his little home. From now on, it didn’t matter whether Old Madam Ji worried about him—at least someone in his family truly cared for him, loved him, didn’t they?

Ji Yi was full of spirit, taking in all of Xiangshui Village with delight. Flowers bloomed, birds sang, and the neighbors on the streets were so warm and welcoming. Everyone blessed him, wishing him and Zhu Jie a wonderful life together.

“Play the music louder! Let everyone hear it!” Ji Yi couldn’t help but instruct.

Uncle Ge ran back immediately. The drums and gongs erupted, shaking the village and surrounding areas. Probably everyone in town would hear it: today, Ji Yi was marrying his bride!

From afar, Ji Yi saw the bright red “double happiness” characters on the door and red lanterns hung high. Though he had left through this gate just that morning, seeing it now filled his heart with waves of sweetness. His cheeks even flushed with excitement, a subtle glimmer of emotion shining in his eyes.

“Set down the sedan chair!” a loud shout rang out. The chair came to a steady stop at the gate, and Ji Yi leapt off his horse without waiting for the musical fanfare.

The villagers around cheered even louder. “Look! The groom can’t wait—he wants to see his bride immediately!”

Indeed, Ji Yi’s heart raced like never before. For the first time, he felt that burning urgency—the desperate desire to make Zhu Jie truly his bride.