Next was Shen Mingjiao. In addition to shoes and shorts, Mu Wanting also bought her some clothes for each season, as well as a few cloth suspenders.

Mu Wanting also bought some food and clothing for the several unmarried sons and daughters of the third wife.

The 19-year-old illegitimate son Shen Shurong, the 16-year-old illegitimate son Shen Guangping, and the 14-year-old illegitimate daughter Shen Yiran were all born to Concubine Qin and were brought up by Shen's mother's dowry maids.

15-year-old Shen Haipei, 13-year-old Shen Yanchen, and 10-year-old Shen Yuru were all born to Aunt Liu and are now the illegitimate daughters of the Liu family who are in exile.

They were already quite inconspicuous, and knowing they were born out of wedlock and therefore not well-liked, they behaved themselves well throughout the journey.

The two aunts were well-behaved, and Mu Wanting was very satisfied with her well-behaved family.

They looked at Mu Wanting with deep affection, and when they received things, they used both hands, but their voices were very loud.

"Thank you, Second Sister-in-law."

Mu Wanting patted Shen Yuru and Shen Yiran on the head.

"If you need anything, remember to tell your second sister-in-law."

Then she looked at Aunt Liu and Aunt Qin with gentle eyes.

"Ladies, there's no need for you to stand on ceremony with me. From now on, we're family."

Aunt Qin said, "Wanting, if you ever need my help in the future, just let me know. I know quite a lot."

Mu Wanting smiled and agreed.

Aunt Liu simply held onto the items in her hands, thanked her politely but coldly.

Not long after I got back, someone from a distant branch of the family came and bought me shoes, and then it was time to rest.

The next day, he woke up to the sound of the officials' whips.

The third family members put on new shoes, which relieved their pain in their feet. Every step they took was much easier than before, and their mood improved considerably.

Unbeknownst to Mu Wanting, a group of people had gathered around her, including members of the third branch of the family and members of the collateral branches.

She was teaching everyone about several herbs so that they could pick them during breaks or while traveling.

That way, if anyone gets injured or falls ill, it can be used in an emergency.

The weather was rather cool today, and even the sun felt quite pleasant, but Mu Wanting was not optimistic.

She even suggested that the officials arrive half an hour earlier for lunch.

Ma Dazhuang asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's probably going to rain."

Ma Dazhuang had a similar premonition, and upon hearing Mu Wanting mention it, he immediately agreed.

"Make the food twice as much as usual."

Then he had Su Yu take out a few umbrellas to sell, diligently trying to earn some extra money.

For lunch, we had sweet and sour pork ribs, white rice, and a pot of vegetables.

People who smelled the aroma had already lined up in long queues. Sweet and sour pork ribs cost thirty taels a bowl, white rice cost five taels a bowl, and vegetables cost three taels a bowl.

This is clearly robbery.

However, many prisoners arrived and rushed to buy food, and even though a large quantity had been prepared, many still couldn't buy any.

Even if you're eager to get robbed, you won't have a chance.

Food had already been reserved for the officials and the three households.

The third family members ate with great relish. With Mu Wanting working as a part-time cook, their lives had become much more comfortable.

Although it couldn't compare to being in the Prince's mansion, compared to the past and to other prisoners, they were already quite content.

The flesh that was lost during the exile is now slowly being regenerated.

More importantly, ever since Mu Wanting became close to the officials...

The officials were not as strict with the third branch of the family as before. Even if they were a little slow, they would not be whipped, but would only be urged to hurry up.

The other families were in a difficult situation; the officials could deal with them however they pleased.

The second branch of the family only managed to buy five bowls of sweet and sour pork ribs this time. Coincidentally, Madam Shen also ate some from the second branch, so they had to save one bowl for her.

With over thirty people sharing four bowls, each person couldn't even get a piece of soup; they could only taste the broth. Seeing that almost everyone in the third family had a bowl, I felt envious.

Since the Song family had bought a lot, Song Yuning had some ideas and picked up a bowl of sweet and sour pork ribs.

“I noticed that Xinglan hasn’t eaten yet, so I’ll take it to him to try.”

The Song family originally supported Song Yuning's feelings for Shen Xinglan, but now that Shen Xinglan is disabled, they don't want their daughter to suffer like that.

"Yu Ning, how about we just forget about it?"

Song Yuning argued with her family and stubbornly carried away a bowl of sweet and sour pork ribs.

Shen Xinglan lay in the carriage, her face still the same face that made one's heart race at first glance, but unfortunately, she couldn't move her lower body.

She called out softly.

"Brother Xinglan, I've brought you sweet and sour pork ribs."

Shen Xinglan slowly stood up and shook her head.

"No need, Mu Wanting has already given me some."

Song Yuning looked somewhat dejected.

"Brother Xinglan, have you really accepted Mu Wanting? Didn't you hate her the most back then? And now she's gone to great lengths to marry you."

Shen Xinglan's tone turned cold: "She is now my wife."

Song Yuning said urgently, "Brother Xinglan, I can be your wife too. I love you, and you don't dislike me. We can..."

Shen Xinglan said coldly, "I will not marry you. Don't come again."

Song Yuning was hurt by Shen Xinglan's resolute attitude and left with red eyes.

Turning around, I saw Mu Wanting leaning against a tree trunk with great interest, watching for who knows how long.

Song Yuning blushed. Being caught stealing someone else's boyfriend by the person in question was truly embarrassing.

Not wanting to appear too weak, she glared at Mu Wanting.

"You're just lucky; you used a trick to marry Xinglan."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!