The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 2

“Housekeeper, bring out all the ice from the cold cellar and stack it beside Madam. Make sure her body stays intact. Then send someone to inform Father immediately—don’t waste even a moment.”

Murong Qing gave her orders clearly and calmly. The housekeeper, who had already seen her firm methods earlier, dared not delay. He bowed quickly and went to make the arrangements.

“Elder Sister, what are you doing?”

In her past life, because everything was rushed, Murong Jie hadn’t even gotten the chance to see Yun Wan one last time before she was buried. This time, Murong Qing was determined to let her parents see each other once more.

At that moment, Murong Jie was on his way home from a victorious campaign. But Shui Xinting had deliberately hidden the news, and when he finally returned, he only managed to scold a few people before it was too late.

Murong Qing cast a cold glance at Murong Xue and said quietly, “I want Father and Mother to see each other one last time.”

“Eldest Miss, isn’t this improper?” Shui Xinting spoke up quickly. “The master is still away at war, and Madam hasn’t been gone long—it would be unreasonable to delay the burial!”

The flash of panic in Shui Xinting’s eyes didn’t escape Murong Qing’s notice. Vicious woman, she thought.

Clearly, Shui Xinting hadn’t told Murong Xue everything she had done, still trying to act kind and proper.

So eager to have Yun Wan buried, wasn’t it just to keep Murong Jie from discovering the truth when he returned? In that case, Murong Qing certainly wouldn’t let her have her way.

“The backyard was always managed by my mother,” Murong Qing said coldly. “Now that she’s gone, I’ll naturally take charge. Or does Second Aunt have a problem with that?”

“N-no, I didn’t mean it that way, it’s just that—”

Murong Qing raised a hand and cut her off. “Then it’s settled. The housekeeper is already making the arrangements. You can all leave now—I want to stay and keep her company.”

“Elder Sister, I’ll stay too.”

“Can’t my sister understand plain words?” Murong Qing’s tone turned frosty, her eyes sharp as ice. Murong Xue shrank back and, under Shui Xinting’s pull, finally left the room.

Heart Pavilion.

“Auntie, why did you drag me out?” Murong Xue snapped once they were back in her own courtyard. Gone was her polite act; she angrily pulled her hand away.

“If I hadn’t stopped you, what else would you have said in there?” Shui Xinting sighed. Looking at her already grown daughter, she said earnestly, “Murong Qing isn’t the same as before. Maybe Yun Wan’s death struck her too hard.”

“So what if it did?” Murong Xue said irritably. “Does that give her the right to ignore us and do whatever she wants?”

Taking her daughter’s hand, Shui Xinting said in a soothing tone, “This won’t last. Give it some time—she’ll go back to being the same weak Murong Qing as before. When that happens, won’t she still be at our mercy?”

Murong Xue frowned but said nothing more. After a pause, she asked, “Then what should we do now?”

Shui Xinting’s eyes darkened. Yun Wan’s matter must never be discovered by Murong Jie.

Murong Xue was her only daughter. She hadn’t told her the truth before, and she wouldn’t now. But she’d have to find a way to handle this herself.

“Auntie?”

Seeing her daughter’s dissatisfied expression, Shui Xinting quickly forced a smile. “Stay quietly in your Snow Garden for now. We’ll wait until your father returns before acting.”

On the main road, a line of soldiers rode back in triumph, singing joyfully as they celebrated their victory.

Suddenly, a lone horse galloped toward them at full speed. When it neared, the rider pulled hard on the reins, dismounted, and knelt on one knee before the man leading the troops.

“General!”

Murong Jie recognized him at once as one of his household guards. Seeing his urgency, Murong Jie frowned and asked, “What’s the matter?”

The guard didn’t speak. He stood and handed over a letter. As Murong Jie read it carefully, the joy on his face faded into grief.

He turned to his adjutant and said, “Something’s happened at home. You lead the troops back. I’ll go ahead with this man.”

“But General—”

“Don’t worry. Once you and the men return safely, I’ll enter the palace with you to report to His Majesty.”

The adjutant nodded reluctantly.

Once everything was arranged, Murong Jie spurred his horse and raced toward the General’s Mansion.

Wan Pavilion.

Murong Qing gently lifted Yun Wan’s hand, studying the darkened fingertips that had marred her once-beautiful jade-like hands.

Leaning close, she whispered, “Mother, your daughter will avenge you.”

Early the next morning, Shui Xinting came with her maids, smiling as she entered. “Greetings, Eldest Miss.”

Murong Qing looked at her coldly and said nothing.

Unbothered, Shui Xinting straightened and continued with a soft voice, “The Eldest Miss’s filial devotion is truly touching, but you must take care of your own health too. Don’t exhaust yourself. Why don’t you let me stay here and keep vigil in your place for a while?”

Murong Qing smiled faintly. “It’s rare for Second Aunt to show such thoughtfulness. Last night, I seemed to hear Mother whispering that she wanted to see you alone. I didn’t expect you to come so early this morning—how considerate.”

Shui Xinting’s face immediately stiffened. Murong Qing’s smile deepened as she continued, “In that case, I won’t disturb you and Mother while you talk privately. Everyone, stand guard outside. No one is to enter the room or disturb Madam and Second Aunt. Understood?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“I’ll return to my garden to rest for now. I’ll come back later to accompany Mother.”

Without sparing Shui Xinting another glance, Murong Qing walked past her. Ignoring her pale face and trembling hands, she left the room and ordered the servants to close all the doors and windows.

She couldn’t punish Shui Xinting just yet—but frightening her was a good start.

“Elder Sister!”

As she walked halfway through the corridor, a voice called from behind. Murong Qing stopped and turned to see who it was.

“Third Sister,” she greeted flatly.

Murong Qing never liked Murong Yao, her third sister. The girl was nothing more than Murong Xue’s lapdog.

“Why isn’t Eldest Sister keeping vigil for Mother? Why are you out here instead?” Murong Yao asked accusingly.

Amused, Murong Qing replied, “And since when is it your place to question me, Third Sister?”

“I…” Murong Yao lowered her head, jealousy flashing in her eyes before she whispered meekly, “You’re right, Elder Sister. I spoke out of turn.”

Murong Qing looked at her with faint disdain. She didn’t want to waste time arguing. “It’s good you understand. Mother is with Second Aunt right now. You can return to your courtyard first. If you really wish to see her, you may visit Wan Pavilion later.”

“Yes, Elder Sister. I understand.”

As Murong Qing walked away, Murong Yao watched her back with eyes full of resentment. Then, turning sharply, she headed straight for Snow Garden.