Chapter 231 -

The morning sun flooded the room, casting a warm golden light over a scene of bustling activity.

The space was alive with energy. Zhao Yin and Zhao Yue were helping Su Yueqing dress, smoothing down her simple, dignified robes to ensure she looked elegant without seeming flashy or out of touch with the common folk of Unit Fifty.

“You look wonderful, Sister Su,” Zhao Yue said, giving her shoulders an affectionate squeeze, while Zhao Yin straightened the edge of her collar with a nodding smile.

Nearby, Fufei sat at the table carefully folding extra cloth, while Fuli helped adjust the hem of Su Yueqing’s sleeves. Madame Fu stood close by, watching her daughter-in-law with a warm, proud smile.

The wooden door swung open, and Bai Ming stepped inside carrying a large wooden tray loaded with cups of steaming tea. Fuli quickly rushed over to assist her, taking half the cups off the tray to help distribute them around the room.

“Everyone take some hot tea before we head out,” Bai Ming said with a bright, encouraging smile, handing a cup directly to Su Yueqing. “Drink up. You have worked so hard for this day. The whole town is already gathering, and I know you are going to amaze every single one of them.”

“Just speak from your heart,” Madame Fu said gently, resting a supportive hand on Su Yueqing’s back. “You carry the hopes of these people, and we are all behind you.”

Feeling the warmth of their encouragement, the nervous flutter in Su Yueqing’s chest settled into pure resolve. She took a quick sip of tea, tucked her speech into her sleeve, and gave everyone a confident nod.

When Su Yueqing walked downstairs, the main hall was just as active. Fu Sheng was already dressed and waiting by the front door, looking sharp and ready. Standing right beside him was Anli, her dark hair neatly tied up as she adjusted her waist belt with a focused, steady look.

Hearing her footsteps, Fu Tong stepped forward, crossing his arms. “I’m coming along too,” he declared firmly. “I want to be there in the crowd when you deliver that speech.”

Master Fu smiled, giving Su Yueqing a wave from the side. “Go on ahead with the men and An Li! The rest of us will be right behind you as soon as we finish getting ready.”

Su Yueqing nodded, her eyes shining as she looked at her family. With Fu Sheng, Anli, and Fu Tong stepping out into the sunlight beside her, she set off toward the main square, ready to change the fate of Unit Fifty.

When they arrived at the huge square, a gathering of Unit Fifty residents crowded the grounds. People from neighboring units had even come to witness the election. Unit Fifty was one of the few remaining units without strong leadership, making it a constant target for bullying and harassment from outsiders. Curiosity ran high among the onlookers, everyone eager to see who would ultimately claim the leadership post.

Sue Yueqing wore a simple green robe paired with a single silver hairpin, making her look delicate and elegant. She was guided to the candidates’ seating area alongside the others who had entered the race.

There were not many people running for the position. Scanning her competition, she spotted two men, one fat, the other slim and an older woman. Then, someone else immediately caught her gaze: Li Mianmian.

Standing amidst the crowd next to Fu Sheng, Hanfuji and Fu Tong also spotted her.

“Isn’t that Li Mianmian? What is she doing here?” Fu Tong asked.

Fu Sheng frowned instantly. “It’s that maid of yours who married Fu Fong. Bai Ming said she had already left Fu Fong, but who knew she would run for the leadership post?”

Li Mianmian walked into the square escorted by a bunch of tough-looking men. The crowd quickly backed away, clearing a wide path for them while whispering nervously to one another.

At the center of the group walked their leader, a tall man with a fierce presence. He attentively helped Li Mianmian to her seat, treating her like royalty before standing guard nearby. Li Mianmian sat proudly, holding her head high. She flashed a smug, arrogant look at Su Long, expecting a reaction. But Su Long couldn’t care less about her presence. She just sat there quietly with her arms crossed, looking entirely bored, which made Li Mianmian’s proud smile twitch with annoyance.

Leaning in close, Han Fuji nudged a Unit Fifty resident sitting right next to them. “Hey,” Han Fuji whispered under his breath, keeping his eyes on the group. “Who are those men escorting her?”

The villager swallowed hard, his voice shaking as he leaned in toward the three of them. “You don’t know who they are? Keep your voice down! Those are the Black Scar Bandits, one of the most ruthless gang roaming these Barren Lands. They raid settlements and take whatever they want, and the man leading them is Boss Lu.”

The villager stole a fearful look at Li Mianmian before adding, “She’s Boss Lu’s current woman. That’s why those cutthroats obey her every whim. Anyone who tries to cross her today won’t just be dealing with an arrogant girl, they’ll have to face the entire bandit gang.”

Han Fuji raised an eyebrow and muttered under his breath, “Doesn’t he already have a wife with kids? I heard his wife is crazy… how did he manage to make her his concubine?”

“I don’t know the whole story, but from what I’ve heard passed around, she’s definitely not his concubine,” the villager whispered, leaning in and lowering his voice. “His main wife’s family was exiled out here to the Barren Lands years ago. Even in exile, her clan holds a ton of power and influence, no one dares cross them, not even Boss Lu. He’s terrified of his wife finding out.”

He stole a quick glance at Boss Lu, who was standing beside Li Mianmian’s seat like a protective guard dog.

“Word is, Boss Lu just lied to her,” the villager added, shaking his head. “He told Li Mianmian she was his ‘secret second wife’ and promised to introduce her to his family later. But out here, away from his main territory? He just lets her act like a queen to keep her happy.”

Han Fuji let out a quiet chuckle, exchanging a glance with Su Long. Su Long merely crossed her arms and let out a light, unimpressed huff.

There sat Li Mianmian, holding her head high and looking like she owned the place, completely unaware that she was just a hidden side piece to a bandit boss who was scared of his exiled wife’s family.

Han Fuji turned toward Fu Sheng and Fu Tong, leaning in close so the surrounding crowd couldn’t overhear. “We need to find a way to get rid of Li Mianmian from this election.”