Midway, Pei Shu’er came out once and saw the four men including Zhang Chao kneeling properly at the door. She felt that these people could still be saved. She called them into the kitchen. "You want to follow me, that’s fine, but you must stop bullying the weak. Also, since you’re following me, you must be loyal to me and not be swayed by others’ interests." The four were already kneeling, so such a small request was hardly anything. Besides, the previous treatment of Pei Shu’er was simply because they were not familiar with her. Now that they got to know her, they discovered that Pei Shu’er was actually a very competent leader. Since they made the choice, they wouldn’t act in a way that keeps changing their master. They nodded repeatedly. Pei Shu’er let out a long sigh of relief and pointed to the side. This was food made by Pei Shu’er herself. Besides making plain buns, she also made some scallion pancakes and sauce pancakes, which tasted exceptionally good. On the table, there was still some hot braised pork and radish ribs. Though there wasn’t much left, they were moved to tears. At the same time, Pei Shu’er also made other foods that were easy to preserve. For example, plain steamed buns, where she also used the remaining pickled vegetables. When there’s no time to cook, they could eat steamed buns or pancakes with pickled vegetables, which tasted good too. After finishing, Pei Shu’er tidied up the kitchen. "Take away anything you can carry." Everyone nodded and started moving things from the kitchen, taking pots, spatulas, and knives, but they dared not put them out in the open, fearing the officials’ search. Later, Pei Shu’er took them for a walk around the mountain village. There wasn’t much food here, but there were plenty of things to keep warm. With them, they moved every portable item they could. Mrs. Li and Aunt Lin, seeing others doing this, felt anxious and quickly got up to run over there, fearing that a moment’s delay would result in missing out. But they were stopped by the government officer. "Where are you rushing off to?" Mrs. Li showed a flattering smile. "We’re just looking to see if there’s anything left in the village." As she spoke, she slipped two coins worth of broken silver to the government officer: "Lord, just a little favor." The officer examined Mrs. Li up and down and then sneered without accepting the silver. "You’ll stay right here." Seeing this, others also got up to offer silver to the officer, all five taels each, who glanced at it. And then said: "You’re only allowed to move within ten meters. Cross that line, and don’t blame us for taking action." Those people nodded repeatedly, but within those ten meters, the things available were just what Pei Shu’er and her group left behind, like smelly shoes and torn socks. But it’s better than nothing. Li Fugui felt indignant; he believed it’s because Pei Shu’er was the cook and made delicious braised pork that the officer gave Pei Shu’er special privileges. But if he were allowed into the kitchen, he could let his mother make braised pork, not only to eat but also to curry favor with the officer. Then he could search the whole village. He looked towards Pei Shu’er’s group: "Lord, Pei Shu’er and her group are walking throughout the village, aren’t you worried they might escape?" The officer sneered, naturally understanding Li Fugui’s insinuations. "If you establish such a distinguished achievement, our leader will let you roam freely as well. Anyone might escape, but Pei Shu’er and Tang Zan won’t. Otherwise, why would they expend such effort to eradicate this village?" Li Fugui was left speechless, knowing very well that Pei Shu’er’s contributions resulted in everyone acknowledging them, leaving no room to deny. He saw the surrounding people mock him and felt ashamed and angry, thus growing hatred towards Pei Shu’er. He thought the fundamental reason was that Pei Shu’er snatched the kitchen duties, making the officers protect her. She, a young lady of noble birth, had no worries about food or clothing. Could her cooking be better than what his mother makes? It’s simply squandering their livelihood. He searched around for anything and only found some socks and ragged clothes. Seeing Pei Shu’er and her group return with such bounty, his jealousy deepened. Others were also envious, looking at those many items, mainly bedding and garments. Even pots were included. Li Fugui glared at Pei Shu’er and them, grumbling. "Mother, these things should have been ours." Mrs. Li nodded, then sighed: "But she is the Heir’s wife, after all." Li Fugui started spreading rumors in the group, inciting the others’ dissatisfaction against Pei Shu’er. The envy towards Pei Shu’er’s harvest had already grown among everyone, and now, with Li Fugui’s instigation, they began conspiring mischievous plans. Planning to secretly steal from Pei Shu’er in the night. Pei Shu’er naturally noticed the looks from everyone; these things were so decrepit, she didn’t want to hog them all. Rather than being eyed, it would be better to exchange them for something. She took a few bedding items and walked to a somewhat honest exiled person on regular days. This man was named Tang Zheng, who looked rather reputable. Moreover, his group had not seen any quarrels or disputes, very united indeed. Tang Zheng was stunned, and Pei Shu’er spoke with a smile. "Do you need blankets? I see your children are quite young." Tang Zheng nodded, then asked: "How much?" Pei Shu’er replied: "Five taels of silver for each blanket, how many do you want?" She was already selling them very reasonably, as she noticed Zhang Chao sold each blanket for ten taels. Tang Zheng nodded and took out twenty taels to buy four blankets, his family now had twenty people, four blankets barely sufficed. Actually, Pei Shu’er selling blankets to Tang Zheng was primarily to befriend him; on the road of exile, having a good relationship with a reputable person was never a loss. Additionally, she also wanted to signal to everyone that her items could be sold. So that others wouldn’t think up strange ideas but instead come straightforwardly to buy. After all, who among them didn’t have something they could exchange with others? With Pei Shu’er’s quick action and the concealment of the space, she soon sold seven or eight blankets. Moreover, when selling blankets, she tailored her prices; the ones she disliked were priced at ten or twenty taels, while those she favored were priced at five taels. But no one dared to complain as others sold at even higher prices. And Pei Shu’er had more blankets, and their quality was better than elsewhere. While selling blankets, Pei Shu’er also sold water bags. Bamboo buckets were actually not very convenient, and not very insulating, and prone to spilling, requiring upright storage. Unlike water bags, which can be carried in various ways. These water bags were all used by the bandits; she didn’t want to use second-hand ones. Given the bandits’ messy lifestyles and lack of hygiene, who knows if there were strange diseases? However, these exiles were so thirsty, naturally disregarded cleanliness or health. They bought all as listed. Pei Shu’er also priced the water bags at five taels. For the iron pots and clay pots, Pei Shu’er let Ma take them since these items were mainly collected with the help of Tang Family, with the majority given to them. She only took what they needed. Once most of the personal items were dealt with, Pei Shu’er still held onto some new ones, as these were taken from her space. This also served as a legitimate passage. She then put them back into that big bag. Everyone grew increasingly curious about Pei Shu’er’s bundle. Several groups even set their sights on the large bundle. Their eyes bespoke wild animal-like glints...