At that time, Marquis Zhenyuan was still just a minor vanguard general, naturally not within the selection scope for the Grand Preceptor’s son-in-law.
Thus, Xiao Yunyan’s mother voluntarily left the Grand Preceptor’s residence, exchanging three symbolic palm strikes with the old Grand Preceptor to sever their relationship.
The old Grand Preceptor was heartbroken and retired early to return to his hometown.
Xiao Yunyan had never even met this maternal grandfather of his, and the man no longer resided in the capital.
“Finished.” She felt like crying too.
Why was she so unlucky? Who in the world had it worse when crossing into another world?
Even those who directly transmigrated to farm in the countryside as widows were better off than her current situation!
She knew it—she never had the luck for wealth. If she hadn’t been greedy for those rewards and had run away instead, where would all these troubles be now?
Moreover, widows in the countryside had land and property. She had none, and on top of that, she was a convicted criminal. Her sister-in-law couldn’t carry anything on her shoulders or lift anything with her hands, and five children were crying out for food.
Forget it, just let everything end!
But even if she wanted to die, the prison wouldn’t allow it!
Later, after some thought, since the old emperor had exiled them, surely he wouldn’t actually let them all die on the way, right?
Over the next few days, with just one dry, hard bun per day, someone came to take them on their journey.
It was even faster than Xiao Yunyan had anticipated!
“Leaving now?” Xie Mingzhu scrambled up in panic. Although she hadn’t washed or groomed for seven or eight days, hadn’t eaten or drunk enough these days, and had been trapped in such a depressing environment, making her somewhat thinner, her beauty still remained.
“Stop wasting words, hurry up!” The jailer didn’t answer her but instead raised his whip to drive them forward.
Xie Mingzhu trembled with fear but quickly bent down, grabbing a handful of mud near the urine bucket. She smeared it not only on her own body and face but also on her sister-in-law Xiao Mo’er’s body and face.
The pungent smell of urine made Xiao Mo’er instinctively try to dodge, but the clever Xiao Yunyan had already realized what was happening. As they passed the cell door, he also grabbed handfuls of mud and smeared it on his second sister and the others.
Seeing this, the jailer was momentarily stunned. Perhaps he still had some conscience left, as he didn’t stop them from doing this.
Thus, when this group emerged from the dark dungeon into the warm spring sunlight, the smell of urine on their bodies immediately began to evaporate perfectly. Even from ten meters away, people couldn’t help but cover their noses in disgust.
It had been many days since they last saw the sun, but to Xie Mingzhu, it felt like a century had passed. She looked up at the golden sunlight in the sky, taking deep breaths of the fresh air outside the dungeon.
Alright, the current goal was to strive to breathe this fresh air for a few more days.
At the same time, she noticed that it seemed their family wasn’t the only one being exiled.
However, when her family appeared—filthy, with hair like bird’s nests, and reeking of urine—even though everyone wore the same prisoner uniforms, the other exiled criminals appeared clean and elegant. The ladies, young misses, and young masters still maintained their graceful composure.
Frankly, Xie Mingzhu envied them for managing to maintain such dignity even in exile.
She even began to wonder: Could this world be less dark than she had thought? Were the Escorts transporting the exiles actually conscientious?
Unfortunately, based on her thorough knowledge of history combined with the original body’s memories, she still didn’t dare to hold out any hope. Better to just stay dirty.
What was dignity compared to staying alive?
Xiao Mo’er clearly noticed the young women from other families and saw the mockery and disdain in their eyes directed at her own group, feeling a pang of grievance.
Originally, she hadn’t been this filthy, and her hair hadn’t been so disheveled.
But when leaving the prison cell, her sister-in-law had inexplicably gone mad, suddenly smearing mud reeking of urine all over her, and even tugging her hair into a mess.
She had wanted to resist, but unexpectedly, even her usually clever nephew acted the same way.
So she had no choice but to relent.
Her eldest nephew was intelligent—there must be a reason for his actions.
Moreover, her sister-in-law had been somewhat harsh these past few days, which was understandable. After such a major upheaval, who could keep their composure? Besides, she could rely on her sister-in-law, but her sister-in-law had no one to lean on.
So she tried to convince herself to listen more to her sister-in-law and avoid adding to her troubles.
Yet, being stared at with such contemptuous eyes, she still felt somewhat wronged. They could have set off clean and tidy.
Soon, the exiled convicts were gathered together. The Escorts in charge of escorting them took a headcount, and the strong, able-bodied men were immediately shackled with cangues, while the elderly, weak, women, and children were fitted with leg irons.
Xie Mingzhu led her family, dragging their clanking leg irons, and joined the exiled procession as it set off.
She discreetly observed that almost no one carried bundles, indicating that, like her family, their relatives and friends had likely all perished.
Thus, the court must have some arrangements for these exiles—they certainly wouldn’t let them all die on the journey.
Otherwise, what would become of the emperor’s reputation?
Thinking this, she couldn’t help but glance up at the sun in the sky, realizing they might live a while longer.
The bloodstains on the streets had long been washed away, yet a faint scent of blood still lingered in the air. Very few pedestrians were about, and stalls were scarce.
It was evident that the slaughter of that night had truly been a living hell, leaving countless common folk still reeling from immense fear.
But unlike the other exiles, who hung their heads like walking corpses, Xie Mingzhu gazed around eagerly, even with the sparse crowd. The vibrant scene filled her with curiosity.
She had come to terms with it—no matter how she might eventually die, since she was still alive, she shouldn’t be too negative.
Besides, this was ancient times! Though it never appeared in the history of her world, these streets and people were real—how could any so-called ancient city compare?
She treated it as a trip, an experience of life.
Though the journey might be fraught with hardships, what path in life is ever entirely smooth?
The streets were vast and empty, and the long procession of exiles soon passed through the southern gate, heading toward Lingnan.
Two-year-old Xiaoshi had long been unable to walk, and Xiao Yunyan had, at some point, hoisted him onto his back. The small figure trudged slowly behind.
Their group, reeking of urine, was shunned by other exiled families and thus walked at the very back.
Now, with Xiaoshi unable to keep up and slowing down the procession, it naturally irritated the Escorts overseeing them. One raised his whip, ready to strike.
Startled, Xie Mingzhu hurried over, dragging her heavy leg irons with a clatter, and took her young daughter from Xiao Yunyan’s back.
The original owner of this body had poor health, but Xie Mingzhu had proven during these days in prison that with regular good food and drink, there were no major issues—it was clearly just a lack of exercise. In truth, the foundation was still sound.
So during these days in the dungeon, she often exercised, while the children and Xiao Mo’er looked at her as if she were a fool.
Although the exercise sessions weren’t long, they were still better than the previous state of being frail and delicate.
Now, she could even carry her young daughter for a short distance.
As their pace picked up, the escort riding on horseback put away his whip. “Walk faster, or you’ll regret it,” he said, then spurred his horse forward a few steps.
He couldn’t stand the stench of urine from this family anymore.
Anyway, he had a horse. If these people dared to escape, he could immediately turn around and whip one to death.
Xiao Mo’er was startled. Seeing the escort move ahead, she finally let out a sigh of relief.
After all, she was a delicate young lady and couldn’t endure much. All she wanted now was a brief rest.
But as soon as she stopped, she heard Xie Mingzhu urging, “We’re still slower than those dead oxen and broken-down horses. Hurry up, or if we don’t satisfy them, who knows how we’ll die.”
Xiao Yunyan had also noticed it, especially when he saw the escorts’ eyes glued to the madam and young ladies of the Lu family up ahead, their gazes lingering obscenely.
Secretly, he felt a newfound respect for this stern stepmother.
This layer of filth and urine might actually save their lives.
So he quickly advised, “Aunt, Mother isn’t deceiving us. If we want to live, we must listen to her.”
Xiao Mo’er wasn’t familiar with this sister-in-law, even though they lived under the same roof.
In contrast, she knew this nephew was clever and shrewd for his age.
Though she didn’t know when he had been won over by Xie Mingzhu, his words made her fear for her life. Dragging her heavy legs, she hurried to keep up.
Compared to Xiao Mo’er, Xiao Yunqing and her two sisters supported each other, requiring no extra concern from Xie Mingzhu.
Thus, they walked through the afternoon without any food or water. Not just them, but even those ahead who had held their heads high now looked drained.
A few couldn’t bear it. After all, they had once been high-ranking officials in the imperial court, and now they were being driven like cattle by lowly escorts. Unable to hold back, they demanded water.
But the escorts showed no mercy, lashing out with long whips directly at their faces. An old man immediately stumbled and collapsed, while cries and screams erupted.
Xie Mingzhu quickly hugged the newly awakened Xiaoshi, afraid she would be frightened again.
Xiao Mo’er also hurried closer to her, trembling all over.
Clearly, Xiao Mo’er hadn’t expected the escorts to actually resort to violence.
Though they were exiled criminals, they hadn’t truly rebelled—they were merely implicated.
What if the emperor had a change of heart one day, pardoned them, and restored their titles and properties? Wouldn’t these escorts fear retaliation?
So, from the start, she hadn’t taken these escorts seriously.
Now, she was terrified to the point of tears.
Xiao Yunyan had anticipated this scene, but seeing once-glorious, high-ranking officials reduced to street strays still evoked a sense of shared sorrow.
They had only asked for water.
Instinctively, he and his three sisters gathered around Xie Mingzhu.
It seemed that staying close to her brought a sense of safety.
The old man collapsed, and no one knew which family’s patriarch he was. Now his family was unwilling to let it go, and his descendants rushed over, attempting to tackle the one who had struck him.
Instantly, chaos erupted on the scene.
Xie Mingzhu considered seizing the chance to escape, but after glancing at the dense forests on either side of the mountains and realizing she had no travel permit on her, she gave up the idea.
Moreover, she couldn’t abandon these children.
So she had no choice but to stay put.
Little did she know that in just that short while, the ruthless Escorts had drawn their blades.
The dry ground was immediately stained with a large pool of blood, and cries and shouts filled the air.
Xiao Mo’er’s lips trembled, but for a long moment, not a single word escaped her. Her face, however, was terrifyingly pale.
Worried about this delicate young lady, Xie Mingzhu slapped her cheeks twice, calling out, “Mo’er, Mo’er?”
Only after being called twice did Xiao Mo’er seem to snap back to reality. Covering her mouth with both hands, she dared not let out a sob, but tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
It was likely at this moment that she truly realized how their lives were now worth less than weeds.
Xie Mingzhu was also afraid, but seeing Xiao Mo’er in such a state—even weaker than the eldest among them—she dared not let herself collapse.
Summoning her courage, she stammered reassurances to each of them, “It’s alright, it’s alright. As long as we stay obedient and don’t cause trouble, and you all follow my arrangements, nothing will happen. Nothing will.”
Although blood had been shed, no lives were actually lost, and the procession continued on its way.
As for the injured young man—who seemed to be some family’s spoiled heir—the Escorts naturally wouldn’t provide him with medical treatment. He was simply dragged along.
When he could no longer walk, a rope was tied to his hands and fastened to the horse’s rear.
Fortunately, dusk was gradually settling in, and the ground was no longer clearly visible.
Yet even without the visual impact, Xie Mingzhu could distinctly smell the scent of blood along the way. At times, she stepped on something soft, and she feared it might be rotting flesh that had fallen from the young man’s body.
The entire procession trudged on like this for about an hour in the deepening darkness before finally arriving at the relay station.
Of course, the Escorts had supplies along the way, so they could all remain alert and energetic at all times.
Now that they had reached the station, they were treated to lavish feasts with fish and meat.
As for the exiled convicts, they were all herded into the backyard.
Xie Mingzhu’s family reeked of urine, and no one wanted to get close to them. Now in the backyard, everyone tried to find clean spots to sit on the ground.
But Xie Mingzhu’s eyes immediately locked onto the empty stable against the wall.
It was unclean and emitted a foul stench, but at least it had a roof.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Xie Mingzhu lifted her chin and pointed, “Let’s go over there.”
However, as they crossed through the crowd in the yard, the others expressed disgust. Xie Mingzhu even heard a young woman with a clear voice curse, “Truly from a lowly family—filthy and stinking.”
Many seemed to agree with this sentiment.
Xie Mingzhu paid no attention. What did pride matter now?
But Xiao Mo’er hesitated, her voice tearful, “Sister-in-law, are we really going there?” They were already smelly enough; if they stayed there, who knew how much worse they would stink tomorrow?
Before Xie Mingzhu could respond, Xiao Mo’er, who had remained standing still, was kicked by someone: “You reek! Get lost to the stables and don’t stink up the place here!”
Xiao Mo’er could no longer hold back and had to follow in Xie Mingzhu’s footsteps.
By now, Xie Mingzhu had already settled down in the stable with a group of children.
As Xiao Mo’er approached, though inwardly dissatisfied with Xie Mingzhu’s arrangements, she was covered in filth and they were all family—she couldn’t possibly separate from them.
Not long after everyone had sat down to rest, amidst the chorus of complaints and muffled sobs, the backyard door suddenly swung open. A post station attendant appeared carrying two buckets, announcing, “Food’s here! Food’s here!”
Back in the dungeon, they had received at least one hard, dry steamed bun each day, but it was clean.
Now, these two buckets of food were as filthy as if they had been dug out of a cesspit.
No one made a move to take any.
The attendant didn’t care either; his job was to deliver the food, and now it was time for his own meal. He would collect the buckets tomorrow.
By the dim yellow light of the two lanterns hanging on the backyard door, Xiao Yunyan could see that the buckets contained nothing but scraps and leftovers. Though hungry, he couldn’t bring himself to swallow any of it.
It was worse than dog food.
But Xie Mingzhu stood up at that moment, placing Xiaoshi in front of him. “Keep an eye on your sister.”
For exiled convicts like them, being fed at all was considered an act of mercy—how could they expect to eat their fill or have decent food?
If they were full and had energy, wouldn’t that make it easier for them to escape?
And these people—they forgot the pain once the wound healed. Had they already forgotten the man who was injured during the day, dragged behind a horse until he died in agony?
While everyone else scorned the food, the contents of the buckets remained untouched when Xie Mingzhu walked over.
So she rummaged through them directly, managing to find half an intact steamed bun, a chicken skeleton that hadn’t been fully gnawed clean, and some half-raw vegetable scraps.
Dirty? Undoubtedly. But at least most of it was fresh and hadn’t started to ferment or rot.
Even though she herself found it repulsive, she still gathered a bundle and brought it back.
Surprisingly, once the food was taken out of the buckets and distributed individually, it seemed easier for everyone to accept.
Xiao Mo’er watched as her nieces and nephews began eating, and even Xie Mingzhu took a bite without hesitation. After a moment’s hesitation, she steeled herself and ate as well.
Unexpectedly, after days of dry steamed buns in the dungeon and nearly starving all day, she found these scraps surprisingly delicious and couldn’t stop eating.
Those who had initially looked down on Xie Mingzhu and her family, upon hearing the sounds of them eating, felt their empty stomachs growling incessantly. Finally, they could resist no longer.
A young man stood up and went to rummage through the buckets. “To hell with it! If I don’t eat, I’ll starve to death!”
Soon, more and more people joined in.
With more people, chaos and scrambling ensued.
Fortunately, by then, Xie Mingzhu’s family had almost finished eating, and she had secretly stashed away some easily stored vegetables and broken bean cakes.
She suspected they would probably only get one meal a day.
Right now, most people were still unwilling to swallow their pride, but once they were truly starving, it would be harder to secure food.
So, whenever there was a chance to save some, it was wise to do so.
There were about seventy or eighty exiled convicts in total, but the attendant had only brought two half-filled buckets—nowhere near enough to feed everyone.
In the end, some still went hungry.
Of course, some would rather die than yield.
So, as Xie Mingzhu’s family rested against the wall, they could still hear occasional growling sounds from the courtyard.
Through the back courtyard gate, the faint sounds of over a dozen Escorts eating meat, drinking, and playing finger-guessing games could still be heard from the post station.
Under such circumstances, those people now felt even more unbearably hungry in their stomachs.
Having eaten her fill, Xiao Mo’er was gradually getting used to the stench in the stables and began quietly explaining to Xie Mingzhu the identities of these exiled convicts.
She had attended some flower parties and poetry gatherings before and recognized some people.
However, she only knew a portion of them.
Apart from the families of Official Lu and Official Su, the rest were either minor officials of low rank or eighth-grade compilers from the Hanlin Academy.
Those people prided themselves as scholars, considering themselves superior and emphasizing moral integrity.
Among the hungry crowd today, they made up the vast majority.
As for Official Lu and Official Su, both were high-ranking court officials of the third and fourth grades. The one who had been knocked unconscious earlier today was the elderly master of Official Lu’s family.
Just as they were speaking, the sounds of the finger-guessing games suddenly softened, followed by approaching footsteps. The back courtyard gate was then opened.
Several Escorts with flushed faces from drinking entered carrying lanterns.
At first, everyone thought they were checking headcount, afraid that someone might have escaped.
Even Xie Mingzhu thought so.
But soon, Xie Mingzhu noticed these Escorts were holding their lanterns specifically to shine on people’s faces.
So they were looking for someone?
Just as she began to wonder, she heard a soft, panicked voice cry out, “What are you doing?”
“What are we doing? We’re here to take you over for some fine food and drink,” said the Escort, his face full of brutish flesh that looked even more terrifying when he smiled, his eyes glued to the young woman’s body.