The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 14
They all knew deep down that if they did a good job, Shui Xinting wouldn’t reward them, but Murong Qing might kill them. And if they didn’t do well, who knew where Shui Xinting would sell them off?
If Shui Xinting really handed over their deeds of sale to Murong Qing today, they would follow Murong Qing obediently and have no other thoughts.
After all, which maid doesn’t wish to live peacefully under a fair master?
“Look at what the eldest lady said! It’s this concubine who forgot about it. I hope the eldest lady won’t blame me.”
Shui Xinting tried to save face for herself. Murong Qing didn’t press further, only said mildly, “It’s understandable that Second Aunt forgot. After all, my mother used to manage the household, and Second Aunt only recently took over. I don’t blame you for handling some matters poorly. But I must remind Second Aunt — don’t let this happen again. If Father hears about it, your privileges might be taken away.”
Although Shui Xinting was unwilling, Murong Qing’s tone didn’t sound like a threat — it was a statement. She had no choice but to swallow her anger.
That household management privilege had taken her a long time to secure. How could she allow it to be taken back so easily? Murong Qing was clearly warning her: if she could grant it, she could take it back.
Suppressing her urge to slap Murong Qing, Shui Xinting forced a flattering smile. “The eldest lady is right. It won’t happen again in the future.”
Seeing Shui Xinting’s unwilling expression — as if she wanted to swallow her whole — Murong Qing felt a burst of satisfaction. This feeling, of being hated yet untouchable, pleased her the most.
She had only spoken a few words, and Shui Xinting was already fuming. But Murong Qing had never forgotten that Shui Xinting was responsible for Yun Wan’s death. Her hatred for Shui Xinting ran bone-deep, in her past life and this one.
“The concubine came out in a hurry today and didn’t bring the deeds of sale. Why don’t I go back and have someone deliver them to you tomorrow?” Shui Xinting said with a look of forced compromise, as though she were the one being wronged.
Murong Qing sneered inwardly. Murong Jie wasn’t even present — who was Shui Xinting trying to impress with her pitiful act? It wasn’t even lunchtime yet, but she wanted to delay until tomorrow to hand over the deeds. Clearly, she planned to whisper something into Murong Jie’s ear tonight.
She still hadn’t given up and was trying to play tricks.
Murong Qing’s voice turned cold. “It seems Second Aunt didn’t understand what I said earlier. After your earlier suggestion, I think I should tidy up my garden properly , just in case something gets misplaced. But if Second Aunt refuses to hand over the deeds and those two maids end up caught in between, I’m afraid it won’t look good for you.”
Shui Xinting’s face stiffened. If she still couldn’t see that Murong Qing had changed, then all her years of scheming had been for nothing. Murong Qing was openly confronting her now, showing no mercy.
Thinking about it, she realized Murong Qing was no longer under her control. Could it be that Murong Qing suspected her of killing Yun Wan?
But that shouldn’t be possible. She had already pinned the blame on Yue Shang through careful lies and false evidence. Murong Qing had no reason to suspect her anymore.
Then why was she still acting this way?
What Shui Xinting didn’t realize was that Murong Qing had never trusted her — not in the past, and certainly not now.
“Don’t worry too much, Second Aunt. I was only reminding you,” Murong Qing said lightly.
Shui Xinting stared at her. The young woman who had spoken so coldly a moment ago was now calm and polite again, as if nothing had happened.
Looking at Murong Qing, who was growing more composed and confident by the day, Shui Xinting finally understood how deeply Yun Wan’s death had affected her. If she had known it would come to this, she wouldn’t have gotten rid of Yun Wan so soon.
Since Murong Qing had turned against her, Shui Xinting thought viciously, it would be best to get rid of her too — just like Yun Wan.
After all, Yun Wan was lonely underground. Why not let her daughter join her?
Once Murong Qing was gone, her own daughter, Murong Xue, would finally have a chance to rise.
A concubine’s daughter could never truly stand out while the legitimate daughter was still around. Murong Xue was her only child, her precious treasure — how could Murong Qing remain above her?
In the past, Murong Qing was easy to manipulate. But now, she had to be eliminated.
After thinking it over, Shui Xinting put on a gentle smile and said, “Then I’ll return now and have someone deliver the deeds for the two maids right away.”
Murong Qing watched her closely, noticing every change in expression. It was clear Shui Xinting was plotting something — but whatever it was, Murong Qing would never let her succeed again.
Having been reborn, Murong Qing no longer hid her brilliance. She carried herself with the full dignity of the general’s legitimate daughter.
At first, she had thought about staying low-key. But the moment she saw Yun Wan’s peaceful face lying in death, she changed her mind. She no longer wanted to hide. She wanted everyone to know that she, Murong Qing, was no soft persimmon.
It was a dangerous path, but she didn’t regret it. Since heaven had given her a second life, she would live it differently this time.
Though Shui Xinting was fuming inside, she maintained a graceful smile as she left, leaving the two maids still kneeling on the floor.
Murong Qing looked at them. “You two, with those sharp eyes — are you new here?”
The maids quickly replied, “Yes, eldest lady. Aunt Shui bought us just two days ago.”
After watching everything that had just happened, the two maids didn’t dare to be careless. They could tell Murong Qing was far more powerful than Shui Xinting.
After all, Shui Xinting was only a concubine, while Murong Qing was the legitimate eldest daughter. And once Shui Xinting handed over their deeds of sale, they would truly belong to Murong Qing — and no longer have to fear anyone else.