Chapter 17: Bai Luorou Demoted to a Side Consort

“Master, please don’t blame Luorou,” Bai Peisheng said, trying to calm the situation. “No one could have predicted that the treasure in the box would turn into stones. Luorou only wanted to take advantage of the opportunity before entering the gates, but who could have expected this… sniff.”

The Prime Minister, a man of deep strategy, quickly regained his composure. “This is truly a difficult situation. I will go to the Crown Prince’s residence tomorrow to inquire about it. What about Luoxue? How could she still be out wandering when such a big issue has arisen in the family?”

“Father, father, are you looking for me? I was at Yixiu Pavilion,” Bai Luoxue’s voice came from behind.

Slap!

“Out shopping when the family is in turmoil? You really drive me mad!”

Bai Luoxue, still stunned from the slap, could hardly even protest. She could only cry, unable to speak a word.

Twenty minutes later, news arrived from the palace.

“Greetings, Your Excellency. What is the matter?”

“The members of the Prime Minister’s family are to receive the decree. The Emperor, by the Grace of Heaven, has issued a proclamation: Bai Luorou, the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister, acted recklessly on her wedding day. However, in consideration of her past merits, she is demoted to a side consort of the Crown Prince. She will enter the residence five days from now at an auspicious time.”

Bai Peisheng, though enraged in his heart, had no choice but to accept the decree. Disobedience could lead to severe consequences.

“Minister Bai accepts the decree! I thank the Emperor for his great grace!”

Upon receiving the decree, Bai Luorou fainted from shock, causing a chaotic scene in the house.

Meanwhile, things were calm on Su Nuoli’s side. She had gone to Zhenxiu Pavilion and found a stunning purple-red cloak that was priced at 100 taels of silver.

Su Nuoli purchased it without hesitation and even picked up some delicious pastries on her way home for her mother.

When she returned home, her mother was so happy that she teared up, saying, “I always knew that a daughter is a thoughtful and considerate companion! I also bought a few pieces of jewelry for you when your father and I were out shopping. Though they’re not as valuable as yours, they’re still very beautiful. Come, let’s go take a look.”

“Ah, ah, daughter, didn’t you get me a gift as well?”

At dinner time, the family enjoyed a peaceful meal, but soon the news came that Bai Luorou’s wedding had been a disaster—she hadn’t even entered the Crown Prince’s residence and was demoted to a side consort, scheduled to enter the residence in five days.

Su Nuoli speculated that it was likely due to her own involvement, coupled with Bai Luorou’s reckless behavior, which had drawn the Emperor’s attention and made him suspicious of the Crown Prince. Otherwise, this would not have been the outcome. Her family’s downfall seemed imminent.

“Most likely, in five days, the Emperor will have had enough of the Crown Prince, especially with the Prime Minister consistently backing him. The best time to strike will be when Bai Luorou enters the residence,” Su Nuoli thought.

She realized it was time for her family’s servants to start making their plans as well.

“Grandfather, since we’ve finished dinner, we should take care of things now. Some matters are best dealt with early, in case of unexpected changes.”

“My wise granddaughter is right,” said the old man. “Changgui, go and gather all the servants in the main hall, including those who signed the death contracts. Let’s go there together.”

“Yes!” The family of five responded in unison.

“Master, they’re all here. There are forty-eight of them in total, including eight who signed death contracts.”

“Good. Now, granddaughter, you take over,” Bai Peisheng instructed.

“Okay, Grandpa!”

“Hello, everyone. Though we’ve crossed paths before, this is the first time we’re meeting in such a formal setting. I won’t waste time with unnecessary words.

“I’ve gathered you here today to give you an opportunity to control your own destiny. We no longer need so many people to serve us, so just as I’ve done before, I’m giving you a choice.

“No matter who you are or whether you’ve signed a death contract, if you wish to leave, I’ll give you either a slave contract or a death contract and send you off with thirty taels of silver. You can take the money to return home or start a small business.

“Alternatively, you can choose to stay. On my right, there are ten small plates, each containing a pill. If you wish to stay, take a pill and swallow it.

“Now is the time to make your decision.”