Then he reached out and tugged at Su Hanchu’s sleeve.
“Don’t take it to heart with Siyu either. If you don’t like her, just pretend she doesn’t exist from now on. We were married by imperial decree, so don’t mention divorce again in the future.”
Upon hearing this, Su Hanchu fell silent and said nothing more. The journey continued without further issues, aside from a few malicious glances from the crowd.
After walking for three hours, they finally left the imperial city and arrived at the farewell pavilion ten miles outside the city. Here, friends and family of the exiled could come to say goodbye, bringing money, food, clothing, and other necessities.
The guards would turn a blind eye to this, as most of the money along the exile journey would end up in their own pockets.
“Rest here for half an hour, then continue on.”
From a distance, Su Hanchu spotted her parents under a tree, along with members of the Su Family’s second and third branches. Since she now occupied the original owner’s body, it was only right to fulfill her filial duties. She hoped to get along better with the Su parents.
“Jun Moye, I’m going to see my parents.”
Without waiting for Jun Moye’s response, she hurried toward the Su Family.
The Su Family was in the midst of an argument.
Su Yangshi, the wife of the second branch, was complaining angrily.
“I must have done something terrible in my past life to marry into the Su Family. Not only have I never enjoyed any blessings, but now I’m being dragged into exile. Why should we suffer for the mistakes of the eldest brother?”
Su Lichuan’s face darkened, but he couldn’t bring himself to argue with a woman. Besides, he was still recovering from the beating, having applied herbal medicine, and was leaning against a tree.
Su Hanchu’s mother, Wei Furong, spoke coldly, “Sister-in-law, we are family and should share both honor and disgrace. What you’re saying now is hurtful.”
Su Yangshi sneered, showing none of the respect she once had for the Su Family’s eldest lady.
“Oh, sister-in-law, I can’t agree with that. What do you mean by sharing honor and disgrace? When the Su Family was prosperous, all the glory and honor went to the eldest brother. What did our second branch ever get? We never enjoyed any blessings but suffered plenty of hardships!”
Su Hanchu felt a chill hearing these words. According to the original owner’s memories, the second branch’s wife had often taken advantage of her mother, always addressing her respectfully as “sister-in-law.” Yet now, at the first sign of trouble, she was already turning against them.
“Auntie, aren’t you afraid of tripping over your own words? Search your conscience—did you really not benefit at all? The clothes you’re wearing were made from fine fabric you took from my mother, weren’t they?
And the clothes on Su Qianrong and Su Yuanfu were also arranged by my mother. Didn’t Second Uncle’s official position come from my father’s influence? Now that the family is in trouble, you’re ready to turn your back? To say such shameless things so matter-of-factly—your face must be as thick as the imperial city walls!”
Su Yangshi hadn’t expected Su Hanchu to speak so sharply upon arriving. She was both furious and embarrassed.
“What right does a child have to interrupt when elders are speaking? No wonder you’re so crude, having grown up on the border…”
Oh, for heaven’s sake, if even an uncle could tolerate this, an aunt certainly couldn’t. Su Hanchu chuckled softly, her temper flaring.
"Hah! From what Second Aunt-in-law means, it seems you look down on the soldiers guarding the border. Without those soldiers stationed at the frontier, where would you have gotten the chance to eat, drink, and enjoy yourself in the imperial city for so many years?"
Su Yangshi still wanted to say more!
Su Yanshi of the third branch of the Su Family reached out and pulled her back. "Alright, Second Sister-in-law, we still have to continue the journey soon. Let's rest for now!"
Wei Furong stepped forward and took Su Hanchu's hand. "Chuchu, Mother has finally seen you. Are you alright, child?"
Su Hanchu felt a warmth in her heart from her mother's concern.
"Mother, I'm fine. Don't worry, your daughter is well. How are you, Father, Second Brother, Younger Brother, and Grandmother?"
Wei Furong pulled her aside.
"We're all fine. It's just that your father was beaten with a board. He has a strong constitution, so I secretly picked some anti-inflammatory herbs along the way, crushed them, and applied them to his wounds. He should recover soon."
Su Hanchu felt a little relieved. Both her parents had been on the battlefield and knew a thing or two about treating wounds.
"That's good."
She then took out a bottle of Golden Sore Ointment and pressed it into Wei Furong's hand.
"Mother, this is Golden Sore Ointment. Keep it. I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of you for now, so you must take good care of yourselves."
Wei Furong, in turn, took out two silver notes and a few pieces of broken silver, stuffing them into Su Hanchu's sleeve as she whispered,
"Chuchu, this was sent by your uncle. Take it. You're married now and must stay with the Jun Family. Take good care of your husband. He's injured now, so be more considerate and look after your in-laws. Don't worry about us here. We weren't afraid of going to war, so how could we fear exile?"
Su Hanchu quickly took out several silver notes and two silver ingots from her Spatial Dimension, stuffing them into Wei Furong's sleeve along with two steamed buns. She didn't dare to give more.
"Mother, I have plenty of silver. Keep it safe. There isn't much time, so I must go now. When we stop to rest tonight, I'll come find you." Then she stood up and hurried away.
Wei Furong reached out but only brushed against her sleeve. She had no choice but to keep the items, thinking she would find a way to return them to her that night.
Su Hanchu looked toward Jun Moye's location. He was with the Chen Family, and she didn't really want to go over, but she felt it would be inappropriate not to, so she reluctantly walked over.
As soon as she arrived, she heard Chen Siyu's mocking voice.
"Oh my! Has Miss Su gone to the Su Family to feast alone and come back full? Abandoning your husband, father-in-law, and mother-in-law, I wonder how you have the nerve."
Su Hanchu then saw Chen Siyu looking smug, with a girl of similar height beside her—Chen Siting. She gave the two a cold glance.
"Where did this stray dog come from, biting at anyone it sees?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Siyu rushed over and raised her hand to strike Su Hanchu.
"You little wretch, how dare you insult me?"
Su Hanchu grabbed her wrist and flung it away forcefully.
"Chen Siyu, I've warned you before—don't provoke me, or I won't hold back!"
Chen Siyu fell to the ground, her hand scraped and bleeding. Chen Siting beside her hurried to help her up.
"Elder Sister, are you alright?"
She then turned to Su Hanchu.
"Miss Su, it was just a verbal spat between young ladies. To resort to such violence is rather cruel."
Su Hanchu took out a handkerchief and wiped her hands, looking disdainful.
"I was born with a kind heart, and for those who come looking for a beating, I always prioritize fulfilling their wishes. So, please stay away from me, Miss Chen and Miss Chen, lest you get hurt and dirty my hands."
Chen Siyu and her sister watched her wiping her hands, their faces turning ashen with rage, their eyes blazing with fury.
"Su Hanchu, you wretched…"