In recent days, little Ting-jie had also seemed to sense her mother's nervousness. She clung to Sun Juanfang, not leaving her side even for a moment.
Even during rest breaks, when her younger half-sister Qian Lanyue came to find her, she refused to go.
Ting-jie couldn't quite explain how she felt—just that this sister was strange, always looking at her with an odd expression.
Ting-jie didn't like that feeling. As young as she was, she instinctively rejected this so-called sister.
Sun Juanfang, noticing her daughter's attitude toward the illegitimate girl, didn't try to correct her. On the contrary, she wholeheartedly approved of keeping her distance.
In her eyes, a petty, jealous illegitimate girl wasn't worth her daughter's time or risk.
That day, though the morning had been bright and sunny, by noon, dark clouds had rolled in. Thunder rumbled in the distance, lightning flashing in the skies—a clear sign that a storm was approaching fast.
Seeing this, the officers escorting the exiles wanted to find shelter. Unfortunately, they were in the middle of the wilderness, and there wasn't anywhere suitable to take cover.
The officers had raincoats issued by the court, but the prisoners didn't—unless they had bought their own. The rest could only watch helplessly as the rain loomed.
Sun Juanfang had bought a raincoat using money from her natal family. It was a man's size, large enough to cover both herself and her daughter.
Just as she finished putting it on, two unwelcome visitors arrived.
It was her so-called father-in-law and husband, coming together—and by the look on their faces, it was obvious they were up to no good.
"Second daughter-in-law," said Qian Shouzheng, "your father-in-law has never mistreated you. Couldn't you show some old affection and lend this raincoat to your mother-in-law? Don't worry, I'll make sure to discipline Mingwu properly from now on. He'll mend his ways and won't let your kindness to the Qian family go unappreciated."
What a joke. This old man could sure talk pretty. So he did know how shameful his son had been. Yet now he said this, as if it would change anything.
"Father-in-law, this raincoat was bought with silver from my own family—my personal allowance. I believe you wouldn't go so far as to rob your daughter-in-law, would you?"
That accusation was heavy, and it made Qian Shouzheng's face go pale, then dark. He hadn't expected that the daughter-in-law who used to be so easy to manipulate would now be so impervious. And worse, he couldn't do anything about it.
So Qian Shouzheng angrily flung his sleeve and stormed off, leaving Qian Mingwu standing there awkwardly.
Qian Mingwu: Dad, don't leave me here alone! Didn't we agree I was just tagging along and wouldn't actually confront her? This woman's too scary—I don't want to face her alone!
Seeing Qian Mingwu trembling like a coward, Sun Juanfang was filled with disdain. She said coolly, "Husband, doesn't your favorite concubine—Aunt Liu—have a raincoat? I'm sure if you ask her, she won't refuse."
That remark hit Qian Mingwu hard. His chest tightened, and his head buzzed like it might explode. This wretched woman was doing it on purpose. She knew Aunt Liu had already left him for another man!
No, she was doing this to humiliate him, to make a fool of him in front of everyone.
Usually good at lashing out at his own family, Qian Mingwu now forgot all about Sun Juanfang's recent changes. He just wanted to vent his frustration.
He couldn't hit the tall, burly officers, but his lawfully wedded wife? Surely venting his anger on her would be satisfying.
Just as he raised his hand to strike, he found his wrist gripped tightly by Sun Juanfang, so hard it hurt. Her cold gaze made his spine tingle with fear.
At that moment, Qian Mingwu finally snapped out of it.
Sun Juanfang, seeing him falter, flung his arm away with a jerk, making him fall flat on his rear.
She leaned in and whispered by his ear, "Think of that persistent headache you've had."
Then she turned away, ignoring his terrified expression.
Lying on the ground, Qian Mingwu felt that headache return with a vengeance—splitting pain shooting through his skull.
He really shouldn't have forgotten… This woman—this woman knows dark magic.
Little Ting-jie, who had watched everything from start to finish, thought her mother was simply amazing. She decided that she, too, would become strong like her mother—so no one could ever bully her.
As for that father of hers lying on the ground—she had long known he didn't like her. At family banquets, she only saw him from afar, and he always stayed in his concubines' courtyards.
The onlookers thought Qian Mingwu was just weak. Only a few realized that Sun Juanfang was someone not to be underestimated.
Then, the downpour finally began, just as expected.
Seeing this, Lord Wu understood that traveling through the rain would only be more dangerous. He ordered everyone to stay put and wait out the storm.
Those without rain gear huddled together to avoid the worst of the rain.
Some even tried to hide under trees, but Lord Wu kindly warned, "It's dangerous to take shelter under trees in a storm!"
But one man ignored the advice. He believed the official was up to no good—hoping he'd get soaked and die like those who had perished before.
Unfortunately, accidents always happen that way.
Just as the man settled beneath a large tree, lightning struck—right on that very tree.
In stunned silence, the crowd watched as the man was electrocuted, his body blackened and smoking.
His family rushed over to help him, and one nearly got shocked too. Thankfully, they let go just in time and narrowly avoided injury.
Everyone who had considered following his example immediately backed away from the trees.
Meanwhile, with everyone distracted, Sun Juanfang discreetly handed herself and her daughter each a pill—one she had made herself, to prevent colds.
The rain was too heavy, and she didn't trust the old-style raincoat to do the job alone. Of course she needed to take extra precautions.
Ting-jie, nestled in her mother's arms, obediently took the pill. Even though it wasn't sweet like candy, she still listened.
Eventually, the rain lessened. Lord Wu sent two officers to scout for shelter, and after an hour, they found a cave.