"No, Father, I won't stop until Uncle Fu apologizes to you and every single one of us for failing us as an elder."
I said aloud, Fu Tians face turning red in rage.
"Fong'er... Why is this women suddenly talking to your father like that.. doesn't she want you anymore, why is she supporting Fu Heng and his family?" Aunt Fu asked her son, as he frowned.
Walking towards me as he slightly placed his hands on my shoulder, "Su Long, why are you saying this to my father... We know well father is..."
Fu Fong didn't even get the chance to finish his sentence.
Before another word could leave his mouth, Fu Sheng stepped forward and yanked his hand off my shoulder, his grip firm and cold. Then, without a second's hesitation, he pulled me toward him, placing himself between us.
"That's enough," he said quietly, but his voice carried through the courtyard like a blade. "This matter ends here."
Fu Fong stiffened, clearly shocked. He opened his mouth to argue, but one look at Fu Sheng's eyes made him swallow the words back down.
Grandma Fu clicked her tongue sharply.
"Look at this! Su Long, must you always stir trouble? At a time like this, instead of showing shame, you're still arguing and accusing others?"
Before she could continue scolding, Fu Tian suddenly stepped forward.
"Mother… stop." His voice sounded strained... almost sorrowful.
Everyone turned to look at him.
He let out a heavy sigh and lowered his head.
"Su Long is right," he said slowly. "Even if I am weak… even if I was afraid… I should have stood up to protect my brother. Even if it meant my life."
Then to everyone's shock Fu Tian hit himself on the chest as if punishing himself.
"I have failed as a younger brother. Heng, I'm sorry… truly… I'm sorry!"
Grandpa Fu panicked.
"Second son, what are you doing?!"
Grandma Fu rushed forward and grabbed his arm.
"Enough! Stop that! What nonsense are you saying?" she scolded, glaring at me afterward. "Are you satisfied now? You've made him blame himself. Is this what you wanted?"
I stared at her for a moment… then simply rolled my eyes.
"I only said he should apologize," I replied calmly. "If he enjoys hitting himself, that has nothing to do with me. Why should I be blamed?"
Silence.
Literal silence.
Everyone just stared.
Fu Sheng looked at me again this time with a strange expression in his eyes.
Fu Teng leaned toward Fu Tong and whispered,
"Brother… Sister-in-law has really changed since last night…"
Fu Tong nodded stiffly.
"…She's not acting like the scary witch anymore."
Neither of them noticed that I definitely heard that.
I simply crossed my arms.
Let them think what they wanted.
I wasn't here to play villain anymore.
"Fu family let's get moving!"
A loud voice sounded as walking towards the fu family was a group of men, from their dressing you could guess they were the guards who would be escorting us to the Barren Lands.
They were five in numbers, their boss was the one with a different Outfit while the rest wore identical ones.
Upon seeing fu sheng, he bowed slightly paying his last respect to to the now exiled general.
"Before we get going I would like to set some ground rules and let you all know what we are getting into." The Head guard said as the fu family all paid full attention.
"Journey to the barren land by foot will take a month... But if we go though the forest we will reach there in about two to three weeks.... During this journey, danger will surely be near us as we will be in wild.. stay close to one another don't go walking away or even think of running.. if you dare escape...
He didn't finish, he just drew out his sword slightly indirectly telling us the consequences.
"Food will be given daily and your water will be refilled daily... But don't expect to be treated like royalty.. Dry buns and one egg for each person... Nothing more.. if you want more than that, you pay for it or you hunt for it.. simple. Any questions?"
Fu Sheng stepped forward, still keeping me slightly behind him. His voice was calm, but steady.
"I understand," he said. "But I have one question. My father is injured. His leg cannot bear long walking. Will he be allowed to rest when needed?"
The Head Guard glanced toward Master Fu in the wheelbarrow. For a moment, his expression softened.
"He may rest," the guard replied. "But the group will not stop for long. If he cannot keep up… then you must find your own way to support him. We are only responsible for escorting, not caring."
Fu Sheng nodded. "Understood."
Beside him, Fu Teng raised his hand quietly.
"Sir… I have a question as well."
The head guard turned to him. "Speak."
Fu Teng swallowed.
"What… what is the barren land like?"
The courtyard fell silent for a moment.
The guard sighed.
"It is dry. Empty. Food is scarce. Water even more so. The land is harsh, the winters colder than the capital, and the winds carry dust instead of warmth."
Fu Li shivered.
He continued,
"Some villages survive there… but life is hard. You will work if you want to eat. If you grow weak, you will be left behind. Only those who adapt… live."
The words hung in the air like a heavy cloud.
Madame Fu gently tightened her grip on Master Fu's hand.
Grandpa Fu lowered his head, sadness settling into his eyes.
Even Bai Ming looked nervous.
But I was unbothered, the barren lands wasn't all that bad compared to where it was filmed. It's just the name and it wasn't entirely Barren.. natives there just didn't know how to plant in that type of land... In the end it became a punishment zone for exiled nobles... Where they are were meant to leave the rest of their stays starving.
But lucky for them, I'm here... In no time I'll turn the barren lands into my own little village... They better get ready.