The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 16

Shui Xinting naturally had no idea about this matter. If she did, she would have definitely made a scene by now.

But it was time to return that shop.

Having made up her mind, Murong Qing went alone to her father’s study.

The study was an important place in the general’s mansion. After being announced, she stepped inside.

“Father,” Murong Qing greeted respectfully.

It was her first time entering the study.

The general’s study wasn’t as grand as the imperial study in the palace, but it was still solemn and dignified. On the left wall hung many scrolls of calligraphy and paintings — not cluttered, but carefully arranged with balance and meaning.

On the right wall hung three guqin, each distinct in shape and tone, echoing the elegance of the calligraphy opposite them.

A sword hung prominently on the front wall. Beneath it sat Murong Jie in his chair, his presence adding to the room’s commanding atmosphere.

Seeing her cautious gaze, Murong Jie smiled slightly and said, “Sit wherever you like. There are no outsiders here; you don’t need to be nervous.”

“What brings you to your father’s study so late?”

Murong Qing stood up again and said, “Father, your daughter wishes to ask that Mother’s shop be handed over to her care.”

“Wan’er’s shop?”

Wan’er — Yun Wan’s maiden name — made Murong Jie’s brow furrow slightly. Murong Qing’s heart tightened. She wasn’t sure how he would respond, and she was already thinking of how to persuade him if he refused.

“Why do you suddenly want to manage your mother’s shop?”

“My daughter will be of age and ready to marry next year. I have nothing much to do in the garden these days, so I thought I’d learn to manage it.”

Once a girl reached adulthood, she was expected to act with maturity and restraint. She could no longer hide behind “childish words” when she made mistakes.

Murong Jie thought for a moment and then nodded. “That’s fine. The shop was originally your mother’s, and I’ve been managing it for her all these years. It’s only right that I return it to you now.”

He sounded a bit emotional — perhaps relieved.

Yun Wan had always been the woman he cherished most, though her fate had been unfortunate. Murong Qing was now his last connection to Yun Wan. Lately, no matter what she asked for, if it was within his power, he would grant it.

It was both expected and surprising that he agreed so easily.

“When you have time, go see the shop. I’ll tell the shopkeeper you’ll be in charge from now on. I won’t interfere any further.”

Murong Qing smiled softly. “Thank you, Father. I’ll go have a look tomorrow.”

“Why the rush?” Murong Jie frowned.

“There’s nothing urgent for me to do here, and since it was Mother’s shop, I’m eager to see it with my own eyes,” she said.

Even if Shui Xinting didn’t know about the shop now, it didn’t mean she wouldn’t find out later — and Murong Qing didn’t want any trouble to arise when that happened.

Lately, Shui Xinting and her daughter Murong Xue had tried repeatedly to test her, though they never gained any advantage in the end. Still, she couldn’t let her guard down. Even though she came secretly to ask her father for the shop tonight, who could guarantee that no one else would find out?

The backyard of the general’s mansion was never a peaceful place.

“It’s up to you,” Murong Jie said, smiling in understanding. “But if it’s too much for you to handle, tell me. Don’t push yourself.”

After all, she was still a young lady and would eventually marry. Murong Jie didn’t want her to be too involved in public matters — it was enough for appearances.

Although society was becoming more open under the current emperor, it still wasn’t considered proper for women to frequently visit or manage businesses, especially in such a bustling trade district.

“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll be careful and keep my behavior appropriate.”

Murong Jie nodded and gave her a few instructions about managing the shop. Murong Qing listened closely and remembered every word.

It was somewhat amusing — a battle-hardened general personally managing a shop for the woman he loved. But Murong Jie had indeed done just that.

For the sake of his dignity, he had kept it a secret. Even Murong Qing’s grandmother had never known about it. Otherwise, Yun Wan’s days in the mansion would have been even harder, and the existence of the shop might have been exposed.

Murong Qing knew better than anyone what kind of person Shui Xinting was — greedy, ambitious, never satisfied, but not clever enough to hide it.

And yet, despite her foolishness, Yun Wan had still died by her hands.

When Murong Qing returned to her courtyard, Qinglian and Qingbi were already waiting at the gate. As soon as they saw her, they hurried to greet her.

“You’re back, my lady.”

Seeing the sincerity in their eyes, Murong Qing felt a bit of warmth. “This is my own home,” she teased. “Are you afraid I’d get lost?”

“Please don’t tease us, my lady,” Qinglian said with a smile. “It’s so hot out — let’s go inside, it’s cooler there.”

Qinglian, a year older than Qingbi, was calm and steady, while Qingbi was more lively and cheerful. The two complemented each other perfectly, which made them a good pair of attendants.

“You’re right — it really is hot today,” Murong Qing said, waving her fan lightly as they walked inside.

“Tomorrow morning, both of you will come out of the house with me,” she said casually.

“Go out of the house?” Qinglian and Qingbi asked together in surprise.

They had never imagined they’d get the chance to leave the mansion. In noble families, the young ladies rarely went out except for special occasions, and only trusted, long-serving maids were allowed to accompany them. They had only been here a few months — how could they not be astonished?

Murong Qing smiled faintly. “What’s this? You don’t want to go out with me? In that case, I’ll just find someone else.”

“Miss…” The two looked up at her with anxious faces.

Murong Qing laughed. “I’m teasing you. Go and pack your things. We’ll leave together tomorrow morning.”

The next day, after she dressed and had breakfast, Murong Qing took Qinglian and Qingbi straight to the front gate of the general’s mansion.

“Miss, your veil,” Qinglian reminded gently, holding it out.

Yun Wan’s family background hadn’t been impressive. Even though her parents had spent nearly everything they owned to buy that small shop, it wasn’t much — just fortunate to be in a good location.

But after years under Murong Jie’s management, the once modest store had grown into a jewelry shop. Jewelry was an expensive trade — Yun Wan’s family could never have afforded such a business on their own.