We all made our way out of the capital main gate.. all bidding farewell to their luxury lives, now getting ready for what awaited them in this journey.
The Head guards turned to us.. "10 minutes... Your family members can bring something for you.. it's the last favor the emperor can do for your family... After that, we take off and none of them can help you anymore."
He announed as Aunt Fu face brightened. She then grabbed Bai Ming by the arm, "Your parents will come bring you something right?"
Bai Ming's face turned prideful, "Yes of course mother... They will be here in any minute with lots of delicious pastries for us.."
"Wonderful, wonderful!" Aunt fu smiled as I just stared at them In utter disgust.
The mother and daughter in law combo... Because of their new trenches lifestyle, the once problematic mother in law is all loving... Sigh greed.
As I turned around I was shocked to see My family members staring at me, some with pitiful faces.
Fu sheng just stood, his face lacking emotions as usual as he held the hands of his sons who both avoided my gaze.
It was as though Madam Fu wanted to tell me some thing but she kept it back in.
Then it dawned on me... I was now THE su long. She was a villain but also the spoilt daughter of Marchrent Su.
He was extremely rich and she was extremely loved so obviously her family would come and give her more than enough things to keep her all through the journey.
Before leaving the Fu mansion, just like the original su long had did, I had sent a letter to my family on where to meet me while telling them things that I would want.... So now all I had to do was wait.
Meanwhile, Standing at a corner staring at me was Aunt Fu and Fu Fong.
Fu Fong stared at me like he was trying to solve a math problem.
"Why is she acting different.. she hasn't left Fu Sheng's side all morning... Fong'er did you two fight?" Aunt fu asked her son, who frowned almost immediately he heard her words.
"Fight? Mother you know well I never fight with that bit*h .. I treat her like the princess she thinks she is.. I don't know why she's acting strange." He responded.
"Well I don't care.. treat her like a princess or a Queen, whatever... Just make sure she gives us the provisions that her family would bring for her, we need as much as we can get if we want to eat well for the next two weeks.. "
Saying that, she scoffs and angrily walks away while Fu Fong just rolled his eye.
While I stood beside, Fu Fei and Fu Li... I found them both arguing as Fu Fei tried her best to cover Fu Li's mouth but Fu Li but her slightly freeing herself.
"Let me talk!" She blurted out, capturing the attention of the other family members including the guards who stood nearby.
"Hay! You witch!" She pointed at me.. as I looked left or right to know if I truly was the one.
"I don't know the reason your acting so different this morning but if you still have a little bit of respect for this family then at Least share the provisions you will get with the children..."
She pointed at Little Fu Jin and Fu Jun who stared at me with their big round eyes... They were a complete replica of their father.
"Fu Li.. enough!" Fu Sheng called out to her as I met his gaze.. but he didn't say anything else as he carried little Fu Jin while he held Fu Jun.
"If we get hungry then I'll hunt.. there's no need to bother her..."
I just stared at him.. a slight grin visible on my lips.
Fu Li continued mumuring as her mother scolded her.
Bai Ming's family arrived first.
A small but tidy carriage stopped at the gate. Two servants climbed down and began unloading items one after another. Two very large bundles of dried food and pastries… then piles of folded towels.
There were at least fifty towels.
For exile.
I almost laughed.
Aunt Fu hurried forward with a bright, satisfied smile.
"Oh, how blessed we are to have such wonderful in-laws! Truly the best. Even in hard times, they still send so much."
Bai Ming lifted her chin proudly.
"My parents said that even if life becomes bitter, we must still live with dignity."
Her voice was sweet, but she looked toward Master Fu's family as if to say:
Unlike you.
Uncle Fu, stood there with a faint sigh... Already used to his wife's unnecessary drama but he wasn't complaining either.
"Ai… some families aren't so fortunate. They can't even send a single thing to help."
Grandma Fu clicked her tongue loudly.
"If only Heng'er had chosen better. Look at his wife's daughter-in-law completely useless. When trouble came, not a single thing was prepared. Now they can only rely on Tian to hold the family together."
Her words were sharp and cold.
Master Fu lowered his gaze slightly but naive to argue back.
Fu Teng took a step forward, anger burning in his eyes, but his mother caught his sleeve, stopping him.
"Not here," she whispered.
Fu Tong muttered under his breath, "If not here then where mother? When we are suffering in that terrible forest."
Meanwhile, Bai Ming turned to comfort Grandma Fu.
"Grandmother, don't worry. As long as I'm here, our family will live well on this journey. My parents prepared enough for all of us."
She spoke softly, but the pride in her eyes was obvious.
Fu Li couldn't stand it anymore.
"At least our family doesn't think towels are food."
Bai Ming narrowed her eyes.
"At least my family cares enough to send things. Some people's families… either don't care or their daughter-in-law has such a bad reputation that no one bothers."
Her gaze moved directly to me.
Aunt Fu added gently, pretending concern,
"And besides… even if someone receives anything, she'll probably just keep it all for herself. She's always been like that."
Grandma Fu nodded sharply.
"Exactly. A daughter-in-law who brings shame and trouble. If we must survive, it's better to rely on Tian and his house."
The blame landed squarely on Fu Heng and our side of the family.
I smiled faintly.
"Is that so?"
They turned toward me.
And at that exact moment the sound of horses thundered from the road.
Not one, not two but an entire escort approaching.
A grand, beautifully decorated carriage rolled into view. Silver-thread curtains swayed gently. Behind it followed eight maids, each carrying large wrapped bundles filled to the brim.
The entire fu family were in shock.. Even the guards straightened in respect.
A herald stepped forward, bowed deeply, and announced:
"Announcing the arrival of Master Su and Madame Su."