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Chapter 22: The Exile Journey Begins
Taking advantage of the commotion, Su Nuoli quietly moved to the side and softly called over an officer, saying, “Officer, the cell is very dark and damp, and many of my family members are elderly. I don’t need much, but could you please bring two quilts and some food? The leftover money is for you as a token of appreciation.”
Su Nuoli handed the officer five taels of silver, hoping to get some more food.
Half an hour later, the officer returned with two thick quilts and a large bundle. He said, “You won’t leave until noon tomorrow, so I’ve prepared plenty of food for you.”
Su Nuoli handed the officer another five taels of silver, saying, “Officer, I know you’re a good person, but if you give us so much, the others might not be happy. Please take this money and go drink with the other officers outside.”
With that, she returned to her place. She felt the officer had a kind heart, and in other circumstances, even if he accepted the money, he wouldn’t have given her so many supplies. She couldn’t let him get into trouble because of her.
The officer, meanwhile, was thinking to himself: “Miss, please don’t get me into trouble. I’ve accepted five taels, and I hope the master won’t find out about this!”
It turned out the officer had been sent by Mo Yunzi.
Su Nuoli secretly slipped a water bag filled with diluted spiritual spring water into the bundle.
She walked over to her grandfather and handed him a quilt, then gave one to her mother. They could all huddle together for warmth. The weather was getting cooler now that it was October, and she didn’t want them to catch a cold.
Opening the bundle, there were buns and eggs. She quickly divided them: two for each person, with one left for Xue’s family and the eggs saved for breakfast the next day.
“You…you little… Nuo Li, we’ve known each other for so long! Why are you giving food to the Xue family and not to us? Hand over the bundle, we’re starving!” Wang Wanqing angrily shouted.
“Why don’t you starve then!” Su Nuoli shot back. “Don’t forget our miserable situation; we’re only in this mess because of your Prime Minister’s family.”
“You…you little bitch, how dare you talk to my mother like that! You’re just a concubine’s family; how can you be so rude? I’m a—”
Su Nuoli didn’t even bother to argue with Bai Luoxue. “The farther you think, the further you should go. The faster time passes, the faster you should leave!”
“You…you dare to—”
“What? What are you going to do? If you can’t speak clearly, then don’t speak. Oh, oh, it’s really beneath me! And by the way, we’re not familiar. Don’t shamelessly try to talk to me.”
Seeing the prisoners in the cell starting to cast resentful glances at the Prime Minister’s family, Su Nuoli couldn’t help but smile inwardly. This move was a masterpiece! Everyone hated them now, and they would become targets. Their journey ahead would be difficult.
The old lady quickly intervened, saying, “Xue’er, come back, don’t provoke people who shouldn’t be messed with.”
“Hmph,” both of her older brothers coldly remarked.
The next morning, Su Nuoli purposely sat in the spot closest to the next cell and ate eggs and buns.
At noon, people arrived to call for them to prepare for the journey. So far, she still hadn’t seen any of the male members of the Prime Minister’s family.
Exiled criminals with serious offenses had to have their crimes branded on their faces. Those with lighter offenses, and those over 14 years old, were required to wear shackles and leg irons, while women only wore leg irons.
Those demoted to commoners for exile only needed to tie 10 to 15 people aged 14 or older together with a rope.
Coincidentally, Su Nuoli was 12, her second brother was 14, Xue Yu was 13, and the rest of the group added up to 15, making them a perfect fit for the rope.
As they walked out, they saw the male members of the Prime Minister’s family—what a miserable sight! Su Nuoli felt pleased.
Ten miles outside the city gates, there was a designated area for family members and friends to send off the exiled. It was a place where they could receive some last tokens of affection and gifts.
To her surprise, Su Nuoli saw that man again. He only gave a look to someone beside him before walking away. Ah, so he had someone send him things.
“Nuo Li, this is a bundle from the master. He asked me to deliver it and said: ‘You little fox, make sure you stay alive until you reach your destination!'”
Su Nuoli had initially planned to scold him but, after a glance in his direction, realized it was better to respond with something more interesting than anger. So, she thought for a moment and said, “Please help me pass on a message: Your skin is still quite soft, and the touch is nice. Thank you for the bundle!”
The officer, a bit intimidated, didn’t dare pass the message but had no choice but to walk to his master, prepared to face whatever came next.
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