"Exiled To The Barren Lands."
That was the title of the so-called romantic masterpiece that took months to film. Personally, I always thought it was overhyped, but since it was directed by a famous director and starred actresses ranging from A-list to C-list, of course the entire world was desperate to watch it.
The plot was simple:
The male lead had a wicked wife and two sons from his first love. He and his entire family were eventually banished. A maid named Li Manman chose to follow them, despite not being required to.
She cared for the children, helped the struggling family, and slowly won the male lead's heart. Meanwhile, Su Long the villainess cheated on him with his cousin Fu Fong and repeatedly tried to harm the children. Eventually, Fu Sheng lost all patience and stopped protecting her. In the end, she died tragically after being attacked by a bear, while her so-called lover ran for his life and abandoned her.
The end.
How stupid.
And yet because I happened to hear the villain's name right before dying, here I am now, trapped in her body, forced to live her fate.
"Everyone belonging to the Fu Family is to be stripped of their luxurious clothing and dressed in rags. You are to begin your exile to the barren lands immediately."
The Second Prince's cold voice echoed through the courtyard. His eyes swept over us one last time before he turned to leave, expression filled with cruel satisfaction.
Just as he ordered, our fine clothing was taken away. One moment I had been wearing a beautiful red hanfu, the next, I was standing there in a plain, dark-blue village dress. It was simple and worn, but at least not completely uncomfortable.
The rest of the family had been dressed just as poorly. Hours ago, they had been wrapped in silk and dignity. Now… this. But unlike them, I had known this was coming. They hadn't.
Soon after, Fu Sheng and his brothers came out of the residence, pushing Master Fu in a rough wooden wheelbarrow. His injured leg had been hastily wrapped, though the bandaging looked weak and uneven.
"Oh my dear son… what did they do to you? How will you walk now?" Grandpa Fu cried softly.
But Grandma Fu only shook her head.
"Why pity him? He brought this upon himself. He knew he couldn't win yet still chose to act like a hero. Now look at him... hmph!"
She folded her arms with clear disdain. I stared at her, stunned.
Wasn't he her son? Why did she sound more annoyed than worried?
"Mother, don't trouble yourself," Fu Tian added calmly. "Elder Brother always acts self-righteous. This is simply fate teaching him a lesson."
Grandma Fu nodded along, satisfied.
Master Fu only sighed, clearly used to their treatment, while Madame Fu and the daughters gently tried to comfort him.
My gaze met Fu Sheng's. His expression was tight with anger, but he held himself back. I remembered in the film, he was always respectful toward his parents. No matter what his uncle said, Master Fu never allowed him to argue.
But I wasn't him.
And I had no intention of staying silent.
I folded my arms and spoke clearly:
"Wow, Uncle. You seem unimpressed by Father's courage, but shall I remind everyone that while the Fu Family was being attacked, our dear Uncle Fu was hiding in a corner with his wife and children? Not even sparing a thought for his brother, nieces, or nephews?"
Everything went quiet.
Everyone stared at me like I had grown another head.
Fu Tian's face froze. He clearly didn't expect me to talk back.
Before he could reply, his wife Guan An rushed forward.
"Su Long! Watch your mouth!" she shouted. "My husband didn't do anything wrong! He was only protecting us. What do you want him to do... throw his life away?"
Her voice was loud and sharp.
Bai Ming rolled her eyes, "Mother, why are you even answering this witch… she's talking like she's any better."
Fu Jia, who was standing beside Bai Ming, folded her arms, annoyed, "Just because she happened to save Master Fu and help Fu Fei, she suddenly thinks of herself as a saint."
They spoke while I just shook my head. I was the queen of rage-baiting; I was immune to words like this.
I smiled a little and spoke calmly.
"Protecting your family is fine," I said. "But shouldn't he also care about his brother? Or at least show some worry?"
Guan An opened her mouth again…
…but nothing came out.
Fu Tian's face darkened. He was shocked at how I was speaking to him so rudely. The old Su Long almost always supported him and worshiped him because she wanted his approval for her and Fu Fong. Too bad for him, that stupid Su Long is long gone.
Grandma Fu clicked her tongue. "Enough. Heng caused this himself. Tian was smarter. He knew when to step aside."
Grandpa Fu looked upset, but he stayed quiet. Sigh! He was alright, but he just needed to be more outspoken and put this annoying wife of his in place for once.
Madame Fu stayed close to Master Fu, trying to comfort him, "Su Long, just let it be... There's no need to escalate the matter any further."
Fu Fei nodded, supporting her mother, but Fu Li didn't.
"Mother, for once this witch has a point. Uncle dared to say nonsense about Father when he couldn't even protect anyone but his family. Does he still see himself as a member of the Fu Family?"
"Enough! The both of you... stop talking!" Master Fu said softly, calling me back, but if there was one thing I and the original Su Long had in common, then it would be how stubborn we both were.
"No, Father, I won't stop until Uncle Fu apologizes to you and every single one of us for failing us as an elder."