Chapter 11: The Funeral

Bai Peisheng frowned and said, “This is clearly adding insult to injury! If it weren’t for our current troubles, I wouldn’t even bother dealing with such petty people.”

Grandmother remained silent, and Mother said nothing either. Bai Luorou, however, grew anxious and spoke up, “Sister, are we really going to part ways so soon after being reunited? Just for my position as the Crown Princess? I can’t bear it. Even if you are just a concubine-born daughter, we are still family!”

Her words were layered with meaning—she deliberately highlighted that Bai Nuoli was merely a concubine’s daughter while simultaneously emphasizing her own status as the future Crown Princess. The difference in importance was obvious.

Sure enough, their disgraceful father spoke up.

“There’s no other choice now, even if I hate to do this! Your father is powerless, and it has been difficult to face court these past few days. But don’t worry, everyone remembers the sacrifice you’re making for the family. Now, Nuoli, how much silver did your grandfather agree to give?”

Internally, Bai Nuoli felt her worldview shattering, but she kept her composure and responded respectfully, “Father, Grandfather said he is willing to give as much as he can, but you must understand—he only made a small fortune through business. He is not a wealthy man. He will sell everything he owns and should be able to come up with around 30,000 taels.”

Thirty thousand taels—while not a massive sum, it was still substantial. Given that their household had been completely raided and was now struggling to afford meals, this amount was significant.

Bai Luorou felt uneasy. In the past, she would have thought little of a 30,000-tael dowry, but now… Sigh!

In truth, Bai Luorou had started feeling resentful ever since her mother returned to her natal family to ask for money. She believed that her grandfather was reluctant to give them any more funds and that her mother, prioritizing the male members of the family, refused to provide her with silver. She was the future Crown Princess—one day, the Empress! How could they be so blind?

In the end, there was no choice. They agreed to the arrangement—first, 10,000 taels were sent in silver notes, with another 20,000 to be delivered after the funeral.

While they were busy preparing for the funeral, Bai Nuoli was meeting with her grandfather’s adopted son and his family, assessing their character. If they proved untrustworthy, she would have to find another powerful supporter.

“Greetings. I am Su Nuoli, Grandfather’s granddaughter,” she introduced herself.

To her surprise, the family of four responded in unison, “Greetings! We should have greeted you first—we do not dare presume otherwise!”

The three men met her gaze with upright and forthright expressions before lowering their heads slightly. Only the woman—her soon-to-be stepmother—kept her eyes down, never looking at her. Perhaps she was shy. It didn’t matter.

Their humble attitude was commendable. The eldest of the men, a middle-aged man, noticed her surprise and quickly explained, “I am but an adopted son. When I was taken in, it was made clear that our duty was to protect and care for you. So…”

“I don’t need servants,” Su Nuoli interrupted. “I need family who will genuinely stand by me. Right now, you have a choice. As you can see, aside from Grandfather and myself, only your family remains in this household. So I’ll be direct.

Our family is about to face some major difficulties. I can only keep those who are truly loyal to us. You have two options: take the share of wealth I will give you and leave the Su family, or swallow the pill on this table and stand with us. But understand—choosing to stay may put your lives in danger.

Think carefully. This is your one chance to take control of your fate.”

Without hesitation, the three men immediately took the pill and swallowed it. The woman hesitated, reaching for the pill before pulling back. After a few seconds of deliberation, she, too, swallowed it.

Su Nuoli remained indifferent—taking the pill meant they were temporarily trustworthy. She said, “It seems our family has no cowards. Congratulations, you’ve passed the test. From now on, we are family. That pill is a Silent Oath Pill. Its only effect is preventing you from revealing my secrets—nothing more.”

“Time is short, so we’ll talk more later. For now, we must take care of two urgent matters. First, you will be officially recorded in the family registry. Second, we must attend a funeral… for the living.”

She sighed, exasperated. “This is peak absurdity.”

Her new uncle hesitated. “Nuoli, we…”

“If you have questions, ask later. There’s no time!” With that, Su Nuoli followed her grandfather out the door.