The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 10

Shui Xinting’s knees throbbed with pain, but after witnessing Murong Qing’s newfound authority, she didn’t dare make a single mistake. Especially now that Murong Jie was clearly standing on Murong Qing’s side all she could do was bow her head and submit.

Murong Qing’s voice was calm but cutting. “Mother has only just been laid to rest. Even if Second Aunt is eager to take the position of the General’s wife, isn’t that a little too fast?”

At that, Shui Xinting’s face paled. Only a fool wouldn’t understand the meaning behind those words.

Before, when she had been addressed like that in front of Murong Jie, neither he nor Murong Qing had objected. But now, Murong Qing was not only refusing to show her face, she was directly bringing up the matter in public.

The times had changed. She realized now how careless she had been. Ever since Murong Jie’s return, she had grown overconfident, but she hadn’t expected Murong Qing to become such a formidable person.

Filled with regret but unable to retreat, Shui Xinting hurriedly said, “Miss, please don’t be angry. I just spoke without thinking. I didn’t mean it.”

“Spoke without thinking?” Murong Qing’s tone turned cold. “I warned you the day my mother passed away, didn’t I? But ever since Father came back, you’ve completely ignored my words! When my mother was alive, she tolerated your behavior, that was her kindness. But now that she’s gone, you still dare act this way. What exactly are you planning?”

“It’s not like that… I… I’ve been wronged…” Shui Xinting stammered.

“Wronged?” Murong Qing’s eyes flashed. “If you had even a shred of grief for my mother, you would never have dared call yourself that again! You’re an aunt of the General’s Mansion, yet you don’t even follow the proper rules!”

Murong Qing’s voice grew sharper. She couldn’t avenge Yun Wan yet, but she could at least crush Shui Xinting’s ambitions — make sure she never dreamed of taking Yun Wan’s place.

“You’re just a concubine of the General’s Mansion, and already your heart is so restless. If outsiders heard you calling yourself that, wouldn’t they laugh at our family? How would Father hold his head high? And today of all days — the day Mother entered her coffin — how could you show such disrespect?”

Her words were flawless. No one could argue against them. Shui Xinting knew she was cornered. Grinding her teeth, she lowered her head and said, “I was wrong. I’ll remember my place and follow the rules from now on.”

The situation couldn’t be reversed now; she had no choice but to yield.

Murong Qing remembered, the day after she came of age, the Emperor had already issued an edict about her future. There was no changing her fate; she would have to leave the General’s Mansion sooner or later.

But sometimes, a bit of honey after the slap was more effective than endless scolding. She couldn’t have everyone in the household resenting her except Murong Jie.

If she wanted to play the fisherman, she needed two clams to fight first. Only when they bit each other could she reap the reward.

Now that Shui Xinting’s resentment was at its peak, Murong Qing decided to change her tone.

“Second Aunt, please get up,” she said softly, even reaching out to help her. Shui Xinting blinked, startled by the sudden kindness, unable to guess what Murong Qing was planning.

“The Third Sister said something right before,” Murong Qing continued, her tone light. “I’m still young. Although Mother is gone, we still have you, Second Aunt. It’s not really appropriate for me to handle the household affairs alone. It would be better if you took over managing the household, after all, you were close to my mother, and you surely know how to handle things better than I do.”

Shui Xinting was stunned. The offer sounded too good to be true. Part of her was overjoyed, but another part feared a trap. The current Murong Qing was nothing like the naive girl she once was.

She exchanged a quick glance with Murong Xue. Neither could read what Murong Qing was thinking.

“Miss,” Shui Xinting said carefully, “I’m just a humble concubine. How could I be qualified to oversee the household? Now that there’s no mistress in charge, naturally, it should be you.”

Murong Qing smiled faintly. How amusing. When she truly offered power, Shui Xinting didn’t dare to take it. People who had done too many wrongs really did fear ghosts knocking on their doors.

“Second Aunt, don’t refuse,” she said gently. “I’m serious. Just as you said — there’s no mistress in the mansion now. When Father remarries one day, you can hand the responsibility back to her.”

Her words were so reasonable, and with Murong Jie still sitting nearby, it didn’t sound like a trap at all. After a moment’s hesitation, Shui Xinting finally said, “Then I will obey rather than decline. Thank you, Eldest Lady.”

Murong Qing nodded with a soft smile. She hadn’t yet reached adulthood, and even when she did, no one would be discussing marriage for her so soon — at least, not openly. Shui Xinting couldn’t have guessed that Murong Qing already knew about the imperial decree that would soon send her away from the mansion. Giving up the household authority was simply part of a larger plan.

With the management of the household now in her hands, Shui Xinting was elated. Her earlier humiliation faded, replaced with satisfaction. Even Murong Xue’s mood brightened — both mother and daughter silently shifted all their anger onto Murong Yao instead.

Poor Murong Yao, not only had she been beaten, but now she was the target of Shui Xinting and Murong Xue’s resentment. Truly, she had lost more than anyone.

Murong Qing smiled faintly. “Second Aunt, no need to be so formal. As long as you manage the General’s Mansion well, that will be the best way to repay Father and me.”

Seeing Murong Qing’s expression soften again, Shui Xinting finally relaxed. She thought Murong Qing’s behavior was only due to grief over Yun Wan’s death. Now that the funeral was over, perhaps the girl’s temper would settle.

If not for Murong Yao’s reckless words earlier, Shui Xinting might have had a real chance at becoming the General’s wife today. Still, with the household authority in her hands, it was a good consolation prize.

As she and Murong Xue left together, both women tried to hide their smiles  but Murong Qing saw it all.