Chapter 9: Returning to the Manor

By the end of the shen hour, Bai Nuoli arrived at the Bai family manor in the capital. Surprisingly, the gatekeeper didn’t make things difficult for her and let her in without trouble. Looks like the family is too busy dealing with their stolen fortune to bother picking on me.

Just as she stepped inside, the sound of carriage wheels echoed from the entrance. Bai Nuoli turned around—it was her third sister, Bai Qingran, who had also been sent (kicked) out of the manor for “recovery.”

Interesting. It must really be something big if they’re calling everyone back.

Before she could greet her, a servant rushed over, announcing that the prime minister and his wife were waiting in the central hall for questioning. They were instructed to freshen up in their courtyard first before heading over. Meanwhile, the maids Xiao Cui and Xiao Lan were sent ahead to the hall.

Hah, could they be more obvious? Bai Nuoli scoffed inwardly. Sending their spies ahead to report before confronting her—so predictable. She wondered if the beggar she had recruited last night had managed to complete the task she had assigned.

Both she and Bai Qingran were led to Furong Courtyard. Seriously? How poor is this prime minister’s household? Two young ladies forced to share a courtyard—how humiliating!

Bai Qingran, though, was quite pitiful. Her mother heavily favored sons, and ever since she had given birth to a boy, she had completely neglected Bai Qingran. Because she had once helped the original host of this body, the other sisters shunned her. She was, indeed, miserable.

Fifteen minutes later, they headed to the central hall together.

Upon entering, Bai Nuoli had no intention of kneeling to greet anyone. She simply gave a slight bow. Bai Qingran followed her lead, which, of course, resulted in both of them getting scolded.

No need to worry, though. Bai Nuoli smirked. Their kind stepmother and gentle white-lotus sister would surely plead on their behalf. It was their first day back—they wouldn’t be punished today.

After a few routine questions, they moved on to the main issue.

The materialistic grandmother scanned the room before speaking:
“Our household has encountered some minor difficulties, so this is a time for us all to come together. Luorou, as the eldest legitimate daughter of our Prime Minister’s household, is to marry the Crown Prince as his official wife—an honor beyond compare. Today, we must all contribute. The wealth and prosperity you will enjoy in the future… well, I don’t need to elaborate.”

The benevolent stepmother chimed in next:
“Yes, this is an unfortunate situation. Who would have thought that our home would be invaded by unclean forces, attracting thieves? Now, about Rou’er’s dowry… sigh, as her mother, I feel utterly ashamed. sniffle.”

Bai Nuoli nearly laughed out loud. Unclean forces? What nonsense. If anyone’s unclean, it’s you.

Her so-called mother, Wang Wanqun, was clearly swallowing her rage. The household’s wealth had completely vanished overnight. Yet, they couldn’t announce it to the public—if people found out that even the eldest daughter’s dowry couldn’t be put together, they would become a laughingstock.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be speaking so gently to the other concubines competing for her husband’s favor. At least she wasn’t insulting them for once.

Bai Luorou shed delicate tears—if one ignored the calculating glint in her eyes, she would have seemed like a frail beauty, evoking pity.

The charade continued. Concubine Sun and Concubine Bai, who had no children, chimed in, but given the situation, even if they had private savings, they wouldn’t dare speak up now.

In the end, it turned into a competition of who was the most pitiful. Bai Nuoli simply slouched and let them do as they pleased.

At that moment, she noticed Bai Luorou glancing at her repeatedly. Huh? Could the beggar have really accomplished his task so quickly? Bai Nuoli sat up straight. Looks like my part in this play is coming up.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Bai Luorou, seeing that Bai Nuoli had yet to react, spoke up directly:

“Nuoli, I heard that your grandfather has returned to the capital. Surely, if he has returned, he must have some savings, right?”

The moment those words left her mouth, every gaze in the room locked onto Bai Nuoli.

Oh wow. Look at them. Like a pack of dogs eyeing a bone.

You want to play games with me? Heh, let’s see who wins this round!