Chapter 18: Only Loyal Ones Remain

As soon as the words were spoken, no one dared to move at first. But when the housekeeper took out the contract of sale, everyone began to act. A few people, however, were quicker to act and took the pills.

When only one pill was left, Su Nuoli took it and kept it for herself. In the yard, apart from those who had taken the pill, there were only four others left. The rest had already taken the money and left.

“Young Miss, why did you take the last pill? I want to stay as well.”

“I won’t leave any of you. You’re not worthy of taking this pill. You want to stay—it’s true, but you’re also plotting. You want to stall, wait until there are no pills left, and stay without taking one.

But I want to say you’re overthinking. Don’t think you can fool everyone just because you have a bit of cleverness! Uncle Zhangui, give them their contracts of sale, and don’t give them any money. If they don’t leave, sell them to the brokers.”

“Miss, I haven’t taken the pill yet. Can I have it? I must stay with the master.”

“This one is for you. After I’ve sent the others away, lock the door and bring those who took the pill to the central hall.”

After saying this, she left. Not a speck of dust was taken with her!

The central hall was more crowded than ever before, with the grandfather, as the head of the family, stepping forward to speak.

“The pills I gave you earlier will not affect your thoughts, nor are they poisonous. They are simply a secret that cannot be spoken. They are called ‘Silence Pills.’

I have an informant in the palace, and we expect the family to be raided and exiled in five days. There’s no escaping or hiding. It’s because of the Prime Minister’s house.

However, since my daughter is only a concubine, we will likely not be exiled as criminals. At worst, we will be demoted to commoners and sent into exile for thousands of miles before gaining our freedom. Is there anyone among you who doesn’t want to go with us?”

“We swear to protect the master with our lives!” Ten servants said in unison.

“Alright, Nuoli, it’s your turn to speak. I’m tired!”

“Yes, Grandfather! Everyone knows that exile is no small matter. Although we are not criminals, the journey will not be comfortable. That’s why only loyal people will remain with us.

The fact that you all took the pill without hesitation proves your loyalty. I will not mistreat you. I’ve already made arrangements for food along the way, so you just need to focus on the journey.

I’ll assign each of you a task. Mammy Du and Mammy Cai will handle the meals. Uncle Zhangui, Zhao Gang, and Yun Long will collect firewood. The remaining four of you are responsible for protecting Grandfather and are skilled in martial arts.

So, Su Yi and Su Er will protect Grandfather, while Su San and Su Si will protect Father and Mother. My brothers and I know some martial arts, so we don’t need protection.

Finally, Xia Zhu, you can help with mending clothes and the like. I’ve already made arrangements, so don’t worry. This is just to give everyone a mental preparation, so no one will panic like quails when the time comes. Alright, everyone, you can go now!”

“Grandfather, everything has been arranged. Don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll prepare some fine wine for you, and you can go drink with Old Man Xue next door.”

“Hahahaha, that sounds really good! I’ll go to bed early tonight and then head straight to find him for a drink after the morning court.”

“Nuoli, what about our family’s finances? Everything has been changed into cash, but if they raid the house, we won’t be able to take it with us! Maybe we should spend it all in these five days.” Mother, always carefree, said.

“Mother, don’t worry. I was about to tell you this. My senior brother will help with the food on the road, but we can only take the money ourselves. When Master passed away, he gave me two mustard seed spaces. They can’t store living things; only items placed in ten designated boxes can be stored.

So, you need to stack your gold, silver, and ornaments with paper, or they won’t fit.

The mustard seed space can only be used for two years once activated. But since our exile shouldn’t last that long, it should be enough.

You and Father can both drop blood on it, but I have to warn you: this item should not be here, so be careful when taking things out. If someone finds out, it won’t be easy to explain.

Of course, you won’t be able to explain anything, because after taking the Silence Pills, you won’t be able to say a word about things that shouldn’t be here.

Also, be aware that once opened, if the items in the ring are not taken out by today two years from now, they will disappear along with the ring.”