I walked toward the mountain of supplies my family brought and let out a long sigh.
"Ma… Pa… what is all this?" I asked helplessly. "I didn't ask for so much. How am I supposed to carry everything?"
Master Su frowned lightly.
"You're going into exile, not on a picnic. Of course we will over-prepare."
Madam Su grabbed my hand tightly.
"You've never suffered a day in your life. If we don't prepare enough, how will I sleep at night?"
My brothers nodded seriously.
"Take it," one said.
"Use it," the other added.
They meant well, and they loved me.
The original Su Long really was spoiled like this.
Behind me, the Fu family watched in silence, jealousy obvious on most of their faces.
Grandma Fu clicked her tongue.
"Look at that. Even with everything, she would still keep it to herself… hmph. If only our family had such a capable daughter-in-law," she said loudly on purpose. "Instead, Fu Heng ended up with one who can only depend on others! Without her family's support she's completely nothing."
Fu Heng frowned slightly. "Mother please don't say that… Su Long has lived in luxury most of her life… we were peasants from birth before she climbed the hierarchy and became nobles… Su Long's case is different. She won't be able to survive this journey without the help of her family… please be understanding."
But Grandma Fu just scoffed as she gave me a death glare before turning and walking away. Not too far, but not close to any of the family members.
As she walked she murmured under her breath, "Just wait and see how she causes trouble for you all… hmph!"
Aunt Fu laughed sweetly and turned to Grandma Fu.
"Mother is right. Luckily we still have Tian-ge to rely on. Otherwise, we'd all starve."
Fu Tian lifted his chin proudly.
Bai Ming smiled and added gently,
"Grandmother, don't worry. With my family's support, I will take good care of everyone on this journey. You won't feel wronged."
Fu Fong rolled his eyes at her words but said nothing.
Fu Li scoffed loudly.
"Take care of everyone? Didn't you already say that earlier? Why repeat yourself? Afraid we didn't hear?"
Bai Ming's smile hardened.
"At least I can help," she replied sweetly. "Unlike some people who only think of themselves."
Her eyes drifted toward me as Fu Fei leaned toward her twin.
"She means sister-in-law."
Fu Li smirked.
"As if we didn't know."
Even Fu Sheng's expression darkened slightly… but he stayed silent.
Everyone already believed one thing:
Su Long would keep everything for herself.
Because that's what she always did.
I folded my arms and tilted my head.
"So," I said slowly, staring at Bai Ming, "you think I won't help anyone?"
She froze.
Everyone turned toward me, including Fu Sheng and Grandma Fu who had walked back.
"W-what do you mean, sister-in-law?" Fu Teng asked, completely curious.
Smirking, I walked toward the maids who had brought different bundles… apart from the other unnecessary things my parents had brought.
I counted the bundles. There were eight, with three basket-bags… the kind farmers used when they harvested.
"Good… they are all complete," I nodded, satisfied after checking everything inside.
"What do you think she brought? So many bags… I'm sure there's lots of good food in there," Fu Jia whispered to her brother, who nodded.
"Of course. But don't worry, all those things belong to us… we won't have to struggle for food for the next two weeks," Fu Fong said proudly.
"Thank goodness, because I knew well that the things your wife brought wouldn't be enough… she claims she would feed our whole family but look at what she brought. She must be crazy," Fu Jia gossiped along with her brother as they laughed like two hyenas.
Meanwhile, Bai Ming stared at the things I had brought with complete disdain and jealousy. With a slick move, she slipped past the distracted family members and sneakily placed a small dagger into one of my bundles.
I pretended not to see as I kept talking to my parents.
I remembered this scheme quite well. In order to get half of Su Long's goods confiscated and sent back, Bai Ming placed a weapon in them.
When the guards started checking the bundles, they ended up finding it, and Su Long lost most of her goods, getting insulted by Grandma Fu and the other Fu family members for being a complete fool.
The few goods she had left, Fu Fong and his family made sure they sucked her dry, leaving her with nothing just five days into the journey.
Despite everything she had done, Fu Sheng still gave her food he got from hunting — and yet she was still a fool and hated him.
Sigh! If I had the chance to meet face-to-face with the real Su Long, I would beat her hard till she bleeds.
After Bai Ming had snuck the dagger into one of my bundles, I gave a quick glance at one of the maids who had brought the provisions.
She nodded and walked slowly toward the pile of provisions Bai Ming's family had brought as well… sneakily placing two different harmful substances into two bundles.
I would take my revenge, and I would make sure not a single provision was left in her hands.
She claims that she would feed everyone — let's see if she can even feed herself.