Just as Su Nuan was filled with suspicion, Ling Yun suddenly grinned, revealing teeth stained red by berries. He looked as foolish as one could possibly appear.
Su Nuan breathed a sigh of relief—she had been overthinking. If he weren’t simple-minded, she wouldn’t be able to casually retrieve items from her Space, and that would leave her constrained.
She placed the snake in a basket at the back of the carriage, as there was no time to make soup at noon.
When she glanced back at the procession, she noticed five covered donkey carts at the rear. The soldiers driving them were dozing off on the shafts.
These carts were likely prepared for the wealthy in the group, but it was unclear how much they cost.
Dong’er’s carriage followed at a distance from the procession. During the day, she didn’t dare get too close; only at night could she find an opportunity to communicate.
Su Nuan took out some dried meat and ate hastily. Turning around, she saw Ling Yun clutching a piece of dried meat, gazing at her with pleading eyes.
He resembled an abandoned puppy, pitifully watching its departing owner.
Su Nuan felt goosebumps rise under his gaze. Quickly using the basket as cover, she retrieved a packet of candied fruit from her Space and handed it to Ling Yun.
“Take it, and eat it quietly.”
Ling Yun accepted the paper packet, tore it open slightly, and saw the honey-coated pastries inside. He giggled and crouched on the ground to eat.
Su Nuan sighed. “If you behave, there will be more delicious treats in the future.”
Ling Yun nodded vigorously. “Mm-hmm, Little Yun will listen to sister-in-law.”
His expression was so innocent that Su Nuan couldn’t help but reach out and ruffle his hair, smiling. “Good. From now on, your task is to keep Tuan Tuan company, and mine is to make sure you both are fed and warm.”
Then, she muttered to herself, “We need some oilcloth to cover the carriage. What will we do if it rains heavily?”
There were no large pieces of oilcloth in her Space, only a few three-foot square ones.
Just as Su Nuan was pondering how to deal with a heavy rain, Ling Juan appeared again to stir up trouble.
She sneered sarcastically, “Some people only know crooked tricks. Who would believe they can get meat just by sneaking into a grove?”
Su Nuan turned to look at Ling Juan, who was viciously gnawing on a piece of black bread cornbread.
These black bread cornbreads were distributed twice in the morning, meant to last the whole day. Most people ate them right away, so hers were probably given by her father or brothers.
Su Nuan chuckled. “When the gods showered wisdom, someone must have held an umbrella over you.”
Ling Juan didn’t understand the meaning, but she sensed it was an insult. Furious, she cursed, “You little wretch, you’re just as low-class as them.”
Su Nuan followed her pointing finger and saw several people returning from the bushes—soldiers and a few women. Their disheveled clothing made it clear what they had been doing.
The soldiers escorted the women to the donkey carts at the back and left, laughing.
Anyone could see why these women were qualified to ride in the carts. But to give in to the hardship of walking so soon, on only the second day of exile—they deserved no sympathy.
Su Nuan withdrew her gaze and stared coldly at Ling Juan. “Watch your mouth, or I won’t mind silencing you for good.”
Indeed, when dealing with someone not too bright, blunt threats worked best. Ling Juan shrank back, her eyes darting away, and she didn’t dare say another word.
The rest period ended, and the soldiers urged everyone to continue the journey.
By evening, the procession arrived at a small river. Soldiers galloped past on horseback along the line.
“Rest by the river. We depart at dawn tomorrow. Anyone attempting to cross the river will be considered escaping and executed on the spot.”
The soldier’s voice faded gradually yet struck everyone’s heartstrings like a heavy hammer.
After the others had moved off the official road, Su Nuan approached Dong’er.
Dong’er turned and pulled an oil-paper package from the carriage. “Cousin, eat quickly.”
Su Nuan opened the package with suspicion, finding inside an Osmanthus Duck with tender meat and an enticing aroma.
She laughed, “Most exiled people live like refugees, barely surviving. If you keep feeding me like this, I’ll become the plumpest one among them.”
Dong’er scratched her head and grinned foolishly, “I don’t care. I just can’t bear to see you suffer.”
Using her sleeve as cover, Su Nuan retrieved a stack of banknotes from her Space and pressed them into Dong’er’s hands.
“Take this. If we pass through any towns, buy more provisions to store in the carriage.”
“Also, there might be heavy rain soon. Cover the carriage canopy with oilcloth to prevent leaks.”
Seeing the banknotes, Dong’er refused, “You should keep this silver. You might need it for bribes to make things easier.”
Su Nuan shook her head, “Just take it. I have more, and it’s not safe with me anyway.”
Hearing this, Dong’er put away the banknotes. She pulled a burlap sack from the carriage, straining as she said, “Cousin, could you help me?”
Su Nuan suspiciously tugged out the sack, finding it quite heavy.
Dong’er exhaled and smiled, “These are things I bought in town. Please take them back, miss.”
Without checking the contents, Su Nuan asked, “Did you buy blankets? It’s early autumn now, and nights will be cold. You need to take good care of yourself.”
Dong’er nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes. You gave me so much jewelry and silver notes. It’s a pity I had to sell the jewelry cheaply in a hurry.”
Su Nuan fell silent. This silly girl – the jewelry and silver combined were worth over ten thousand taels, enough for her to live comfortably for life. Yet she foolishly insisted on following her.
Seeing her silence, Dong’er thought she was angry and asked timidly, “Cousin, are you angry?”
Su Nuan gave an affectionate smile and pulled a dagger from her robe. “Take this for self-defense.”
Dong’er shook her head, reaching into a gap in the carriage shaft to pull out a butcher’s knife. “I have this. Don’t worry.”
Su Nuan, “…” This girl was quite resourceful, knowing to buy weapons for protection.
She put away the dagger and advised, “I think it will rain by tomorrow at the latest. We need to prepare for traveling in the rain.”
Dong’er’s expression changed, “We have to travel in the rain? Won’t we catch cold? We don’t have enough clothes to change into either.”
Looking at Dong’er’s naive face, Su Nuan pinched her cheek. “Silly girl, we’re exiled criminals. We have to keep moving even if it’s raining knives, let alone rain.”
Upon hearing this, Dong’er immediately teared up, looking at Su Nuan with heartbroken eyes.
Su Nuan felt a pang in her heart under that gaze and quickly hoisted the sack. “I’m going back. Stay alert when you sleep tonight.”
“Yes…” Dong’er replied with a sob.
Her mistress was too kind, still remembering to remind her about safety in such difficult circumstances. She must find a way to ensure her mistress reached the northern lands safely.
Unaware of the young girl’s thoughts, Su Nuan carried the sack back to the carriage.
Ling Yun grinned upon seeing her return, “Sister-in-law, mother is over there.”
Su Nuan nodded, following the direction he pointed.
The elevated official road stood about a dozen feet above the grassy slope below, offering a clear view of the area where the exiled individuals were confined.
She set down the hemp sack, untied the horse, and led it down the slope. With abundant water and grass here, the horse could eat its fill.
When she reached the riverside and saw Xue Shi boiling water, she frowned. Could it be river water? Her Space contained everything she needed—she hadn’t come here to drink from the river.