"They really caught fish… h-h-how did they do it?" Fu Jia asked, her mouth wide open as Fu Sheng and I walked past them with our basket of fish.
We had successfully gotten ten fish, thanks to my amazing plan, It was more than enough to fill our bellies.
"What are you waiting for, Fu Fong? You and your wife should go catch some fish as well. Go now! We can't survive on those dry buns the guards handed out. They can't even fill the bellies of the children, talk less of us adults,"
Uncle Fu whined as he pushed his son toward the stream, insisting he go to the same place I and Fu Sheng had just left.
Meanwhile, Fu Li looked at us, frowning slightly.
"What's so special about a bunch of fish? Why is she smiling like she just won a prize?" she scoffed, then sat near a rock beside Fu Jia.
Fu Jia looked at her and clicked her tongue.
"Cousin, why are you here anyway? Aren't you going to join your family and eat?"
Fu Li flashed her an angry glare.
"Family? If they were really my family, they wouldn't treat me so badly. I don't want to have anything to do with any of them. They've annoyed me to the brim."
Fu Jia leaned a little closer to Fu Li, her voice dropping into a whisper that she clearly didn't want others to hear.
"You know… this is actually the perfect time to open your eyes," she said, glancing around before continuing. "Haven't you noticed? The only reason your family treats Su Long with so much respect is because she has all those supplies with her."
Fu Li stiffened slightly, her brows tightening.
"What are you talking about? My family doesn't respect her, they just treat her well because she is married to my brother and for now, she is helping everyone with her supplies."
Fu Jia scoffed.
"Helps everyone? Please. Open your eyes, cousin. Think carefully. If Su Long didn't have all that food, herbs, blankets, and other things she brought from her home, do you really think your parents would treat her like some precious guest? After all, have you forgotten how she used to mistreat you and your siblings"
Fu Li didn't answer. She looked down at her hands, confused.
Fu Jia smirked a little, seeing she had gotten into her cousin's head.
"In fact, if something were to happen to all those resources… if they suddenly disappear or get ruined… then your parents and your brother will finally return to their senses. They might even realize how unfair they've been to you."
Fu Li's head snapped up, her eyes widening.
She stared at Fu Jia like she had grown two heads.
"What are you even saying?" she whispered. "Why would you suggest something like that?"
Fu Jia shrugged casually, pretending it was nothing.
"I'm just telling you the truth. As long as Su Long has all those things, your family will keep treating her better than you. But once those things are gone… everything goes back to normal."
Fu Li stared at her, disturbed.
Her heart raced as she tried to understand why her cousin would suggest something so extreme.
"What on earth do you want me to do?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling just a little.
Fu Jia didn't answer immediately.
She only sat there smiling faintly, as if she knew something Fu Li didn't.
Meanwhile,
Fu Sheng and I arrived with the basket of fish, Madam Fu being the first to welcome us, her face full of smiles.
"You guys really caught fishes?" she asked.
Master Fu also stared in surprise.
"We were never fishermen. How did you two go about it, at night too?"
I only smiled at their words, afraid that once I opened my mouth I would start praising myself over and over again.
Fu Sheng stepped forward and placed the basket on the ground, near the fire Fu Tong and Fu Teng had made.
"These are enough to feed all of us," Fu Sheng announced, and everyone smiled in relief.
Just then, my eyes scanned the surroundings.
Just like I had instructed, they had spread the thick blankets everywhere, enough for everyone to sleep.
As for Master Fu, his wagon was big enough for him to sleep inside, so they only laid one blanket there for him to rest.
"I've laid the last blanket," I suddenly heard a female voice say.
It was Li Manman as she came forward smiling and dusting her hands.
As soon as her eyes met mine, she almost froze.
"You?" I asked, confused. "What are you doing here?"
Madam Fu exchanged glances with Fu Fei as she gave an awkward smile.
"H-Huh, Su Long, while we were arranging, I suddenly had waist pain so Li Manman came to assist.
She doesn't have anywhere to sleep for the night. I'm sure you won't mind her staying here."
As I heard her words, I didn't even know how to express my annoyance at that moment.
Before I could say anything to Madam Fu, Fu Sheng stepped forward.
"Mother, I already made it clear that she will have nothing to do with our family.
She came here of her own accord. I don't understand why she didn't think of where she would stay before coming here."
Fu Sheng said, glaring at her.
"You will have to find somewhere else to stay."
He turned back and began sorting the fishes as Fu Tong and Fu Teng joined along.
Li Manman, on the other hand, wore a heartbreaking expression but it only made me want to laugh.
If I'm not wrong, the original scene would have her staying alone with the Fu family and helping along while Su Long just lazed around.
When it turned dark, Su Long sneaked out to meet with Fu Fong, Li Manman notified Fu Sheng and everyone else, and they caught the both of them right there.
That was the day Fu Sheng finally realized Su Long would never be a good wife to him, nor a good mother to his children.
My eyes scanned the place again before I spoke.
"Mother, Father, let's get cooking started," I said as I walked toward the wagon.
I brought out some spices like salt, pepper, and three different seasonings, handing them over to Madam Fu.
"And as for this maid, she can stay. One night won't hurt," I said with a grin.
I wanted to have a little fun with her. It wouldn't hurt, would it?