The moment the visitor arrived, his eyes welled up with tears. “My poor child… I’ve finally seen you. Your cold-hearted father wouldn’t let us meet you. These past years, your uncle tried countless times to come to your house but was always turned away…” His voice choked with emotion.
“Uncle, thank you… for still thinking of me!” Su Niyue had never witnessed such a scene before. She was caught off guard, overwhelmed by the raw sincerity.
“Don’t be silly, child. You don’t need to be formal with your uncle. These years, I haven’t been able to take care of you. I don’t even have the face to meet your mother,” Lou Qing’an said, trying to comfort her.
He had been pleased when he first learned that Prime Minister Su had married his niece to the Nangong family, intending to visit them soon with gifts in hand. But then he learned of the disaster that had befallen the Nangong family and that his niece had been exiled. He quickly rode hard to arrive in time for the farewell.
Su Niyue felt a wave of emotion at this genuine family affection. With her father avoiding her, this generous uncle had risked everything to reach her—it was hard not to be moved.
“Child, don’t cry. Seeing you even once is enough to put me at ease. Your uncle isn’t capable of saving you from this predicament, so I’ve prepared some food for the journey. Use it carefully. The Nangong family are good people; they won’t mistreat you. But this road is long—it’s hard on women like you.” Lou Qing’an noticed the shackles on Su Niyue’s wrist and felt even more sorrowful.
“Uncle, don’t worry. It’s alright!”
“Oh… Grandmother, madam, pardon my boldness. I am Niyue’s maternal uncle,” Lou Qing’an said hastily, embarrassed that he had forgotten to formally greet the old madam.
“You are family! No offense taken,” the old madam replied kindly.
“My sister passed away early. The child grew up alone in the Prime Minister’s backyard. She wasn’t taught proper manners, so if there was any offense, I hope grandmother and madam can forgive her.”
“Niyue has always been sensible, taking care of us all along. Family, it’s we who feel guilty—so soon after the marriage, she suffers exile with us. I feel ashamed!”
“Alas, who could have predicted this misfortune? But it’s better she’s with you than left alone in the Prime Minister’s house. Though far away, please take good care of her.” He bowed deeply. “Whatever happens in the future, I thank the Nangong family on my sister’s behalf.”
Tears streamed down Su Niyue’s face. She hadn’t expected her generous uncle to go to such lengths. The storybook hadn’t mentioned this—what a wonderful surprise!
“Uncle!” she cried like a child, as though pouring out all the grievances of the past years.
“Child, once you settle in Lingnan, write to your uncle. He, along with your aunt and cousins, will come find you. Starting tomorrow, I’ll transfer my business from the capital to the south. After all, our family has no one else. Being together will make caring for you easier.”
“Uncle… if you promise, I’ll wait for you!” Su Niyue had worried about persuading her uncle’s family to leave the capital, as the coming years of famine would be harsh. She hadn’t expected him to willingly abandon his birthplace just to protect her. She was deeply touched. In her previous life, she only had her grandfather; with her mother gone and parents deceased, she had lived solely under his care. This life, thanks to the original owner, she had so many who cared for her. Even if she was in a storybook world, she was truly happy.
“Seeing you once is enough to ease my mind. Don’t worry—my family will come soon. Take care of yourself. I’ll return for now.” Though he spoke of leaving, his feet were reluctant. After bidding farewell to the two ladies of the Nangong family, he finally prepared to leave.
Lowering her voice as he departed, Su Niyue whispered, “Uncle, please leave the capital as soon as possible. The weather is off—already June, no rain yet, and it’s hotter than usual. You must make proper plans!”
Lou Qing’an’s expression turned serious. He nodded. “Don’t worry, Niyue. Your uncle understands.”
“Yes, Uncle, you must come find me!”
“Yes, I will!” Hearing her words strengthened his resolve to move south.
“Bring my regards to Aunt and cousins!” Su Niyue had already accepted this uncle as a true family ally. She urged them to go south, planning to protect them in the years ahead.
“Take care!” he said as he left.
Su Niyue eagerly opened the large bundle left by her uncle. She quickly retrieved two water pouches filled with spiritual spring water from her space. With this, she could conveniently access items from the bundle without carrying everything.
Her uncle had been thoughtful—he brought plenty of snacks and buns, two roast chickens, coins and silver notes, and even quality medicine, likely having heard of Nangong Yunteng’s injuries. All of these she stored in her space.
“Grandmother, drink some water!” Su Niyue offered a pouch. The spiritual spring water was beneficial to everyone, and since it came from her uncle’s gift, she needn’t worry about being discovered. She also handed out warm buns to a few others, then took a pouch to feed Nangong Yunteng. Though still drowsy, as long as he could drink, he wouldn’t die—and he would recover soon.
The old madam felt refreshed after drinking the water. Her fatigue faded.
Ruan Mingyu also regained some color in her face, and the oppressive heat became more bearable.
Su Niyue, already 28 in her previous life, saw Nangong Yunqi, only fifteen, exhausted from pushing the cart. Drinking the water gradually restored his energy.
They thought only that it was due to fatigue and thirst, without overthinking it.
Meanwhile, Lady Xu of the second branch, having heard that the Prime Minister had sent a severance letter, initially wanted to mock Su Niyue. But seeing the large bundle her uncle brought, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy.
Su Niyue wrapped the lotus-leaf roast chicken and shared it with Liu Quan, the head officer in charge of escorting exiles. He frequently traveled this route, so a small reward would benefit her journey.
The old madam and Ruan Mingyu approved of Su Niyue’s actions. Despite her young age, she showed good sense and propriety.
The family shared the second roast chicken. Though far from the luxuries of the mansion, it was their first decent meal on the exile road. They savored it, knowing hunger would be frequent. Even picky little Yunran finished her portion completely.
Su Niyue quietly admired the Nangong family’s values and upbringing. Both the old madam and Ruan Mingyu clearly possessed great wisdom.