Chapter 10: Cutting Ties Completely

Bai Nuoli timidly replied, “E-Elder Sister, I… I don’t know. How did you hear about this? Is it true? If my grandfather really returned and has savings, then why was I starving at the manor? I had to survive on three bowls of thin porridge a day, and I couldn’t even afford a stick of candied hawthorn.”

Bai Luorou: “…”

Her virtuous stepmother’s expression twisted as if someone had just peeled off her facade. She was about to lash out when Bai Ruoxue interrupted.

“Are you questioning us? You’re just a concubine-born girl, no different from a servant! You should be grateful we’re even talking to you. Just look at yourself—you have no class at all!”

Grandmother’s face darkened. Oh? Bai Nuoli smirked inwardly. Did she just remember that she herself was born as a concubine’s daughter?

Bai Nuoli didn’t need to say a word—Grandmother would take care of it.

As expected, Bai Ruoxue immediately knelt down and pleaded for forgiveness. The household matriarch wasn’t foolish—she knew that at this moment, nothing was more important than securing Luorou’s dowry. The wedding was only five days away.

At a time like this, all other concerns could be ignored. Nothing could stand in the way of their family’s bright future.

Grandmother waved a hand dismissively. “Nuoli, even if you are concubine-born, your grandfather must have some wealth if he has returned to the capital. And besides, helping your elder sister is also helping yourself. The better your family’s standing, the better your future will be.

“This applies to all of you. Aside from Concubine Sun and Concubine Bai, you all have maternal families—offer what help you can, even if you can’t explain why.”

Wow. What a masterclass in manipulation. Truly impressive.

“Yes, Grandmother,” Bai Nuoli responded sweetly. “Then I’ll go visit my grandfather tomorrow and ask him. But… I don’t know where he lives.”

“I’ll send someone to take you there,” Grandmother replied immediately. “Enough of this—I’m tired. Everyone, go back.”

—

The next morning, at chen hour, Bai Nuoli was dragged off to her grandfather’s residence. Naturally, she entered the courtyard alone.

The moment she saw her grandfather, she felt a genuine sense of warmth and familiarity.

After they officially recognized each other, they had lunch together, and Bai Nuoli explained her plan.

First, she had a beggar accidentally let slip to one of the Bai family’s servants that “Bai Nuoli’s grandfather has returned to the capital with several large chests—possibly filled with gold and jewels.”

This would prompt the Bai family to demand those riches for Luorou’s dowry.

But of course, Bai Nuoli wouldn’t hand over the money so easily.

Instead, she would propose an exchange.

She would demand that the Bai family host a funeral—for her.

They would announce that “the second concubine-born daughter passed away from illness while living on the estate.”

Why not go through official channels to sever ties? Because that would never truly cut her off. They would always find ways to pull her back in.

But a funeral? Once they publicly declared her dead and held a ceremony attended by the Bai clan elders, all of the capital would know: Bai Manor’s second daughter no longer existed.

It would be impossible for them to acknowledge her in the future.

At the same time, Bai Nuoli would be officially entered into the Su family’s ancestral records as her grandfather’s granddaughter.

Under normal circumstances, the Bai family would never agree to such a thing.

But right now? When the opportunity to marry into the Eastern Palace was right before them? When riches and power were within their grasp?

Trading an unwanted concubine-born daughter for wealth?

Absolutely worth it.

As for Grandfather’s adopted sons, there were two of them—Su Ning and Su Bei. Neither had been formally added to the Su family’s lineage yet, as they were still under evaluation.

Su Bei seemed untrustworthy—ambitious and power-hungry. But Su Ning… he seemed promising.

Perhaps she would meet him soon. If he proved reliable, she could arrange to be placed under his name. After all, she would need a strong gege to support her.

But that was for later.

For now, Bai Nuoli returned to the Bai family and relayed her grandfather’s conditions.

The moment she finished speaking, Grandmother slammed her palm against the table.

The room instantly fell silent.