The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 26:

“No matter what, the eldest lady is still the third lady’s sister. How could the third lady really blame you?” Shui Xinting said with a smile, then added, “I heard from the servants that you went out early this morning with two maids. I wonder why the eldest lady left the house?”

Finally, she revealed her real purpose.

Murong Qing sneered inwardly.

As an aunt, Shui Xinting had no right to question the eldest daughter about anything.

But now that she held control of the household affairs, and since Murong Qing’s trip wasn’t directly related to household matters, Shui Xinting dared to ask under the pretense of concern. On the surface, it sounded like she was just being responsible.

Of course, if any servant had gossiped about this, it was probably because Shui Xinting had pushed them to.

Murong Qing cast her a cold glance.

So, she had rushed over just to find out where she’d gone this morning.

For Shui Xinting to ask so openly, she must have thought she had the upper hand.

“It’s nothing,” Murong Qing said calmly. “I just went out to relax a bit. Staying inside all day gets dull.”

Shui Xinting frowned slightly, pretending to look concerned. “If you’re bored, the eldest lady can always do some embroidery or reading. After all, you’re still unmarried—it’s not proper for a young lady to be seen outside too often.”

Her tone was full of false kindness, as if she were truly thinking of Murong Qing’s reputation.

Murong Qing watched her, her patience wearing thin. Shui Xinting was getting bolder and bolder, speaking as if she were some elder giving moral lessons.

“Of course,” Shui Xinting went on smoothly, “our country’s customs are open, and it’s fine for young ladies to go out once in a while. But you, eldest lady, represent the General’s Mansion. You’re not like those girls from small families.”

Murong Qing’s hand paused as she lifted her teacup. Her eyes turned cold.

Small families?

So, she was talking about Yun Wan—her mother.

And since Murong Qing had gone out this morning, Shui Xinting was clearly implying that she was no different from her mother, who came from a humble background.

She could let others insult her, but not Yun Wan.

Setting her teacup down, Murong Qing said coolly, “I went to Father’s study last night. He already knew I’d be leaving the house early this morning. It was just too late to inform Second Aunt. I didn’t realize you’d be so anxious. I’d just finished lunch and was about to rest when I heard you’d come.”

Her tone was light but sharp.

So what if Shui Xinting held authority over household affairs?

Even if she wanted to meddle, who would dare take her side against the eldest daughter of the General’s Mansion?

Besides, she was the general’s only legitimate daughter—she didn’t need to report her whereabouts to a concubine.

The general himself didn’t interfere in her daily matters. What right did Shui Xinting have to?

Even when Murong Qing explained herself, it was already more courtesy than Shui Xinting deserved.

The only reason she’d asked so urgently was to pry into her movements.

Shui Xinting heard the words but couldn’t help feeling that Murong Qing’s tone had a mocking edge.

Murong Qing had always spoken in ways that seemed innocent on the surface but were full of hidden barbs. It was no wonder Shui Xinting felt uneasy now.

“The concubine didn’t mean anything by it,” Shui Xinting said quickly. “I’m just the general’s aunt, and this responsibility was given to me by the eldest lady herself. I wouldn’t dare ask her to report every detail to me. The concubine spoke only out of genuine concern—I hope the eldest lady won’t misunderstand.”

Murong Qing smiled faintly. “Of course I won’t misunderstand you.”

Of course not—because she already knew Shui Xinting had poisoned Yun Wan.

She used to be too young and naive to see through her schemes.

Not anymore.

The “misunderstanding” between them had long since been erased.

What remained now was hatred.

“In the coming days, I’ll still be going out like today,” Murong Qing said casually. “I’ve hardly ever gone beyond the gates before. This morning’s trip was quite refreshing. I’ll mention it to Father again later.”

She looked at Shui Xinting and added with a light smile, “Now that I’ve informed Second Aunt, I’ll finally get some rest. I was out early, came home tired, and before I could even lie down, I heard that Second Aunt had come again.”

Her tone was half playful, half pointed.

Shui Xinting forced a smile. “The master already knows, then that’s fine. I only came because I was worried about the eldest lady’s safety.”

After exchanging a few more meaningless pleasantries, both women had had enough.

Shui Xinting rose to leave, supported by her maid, Peach Blossom.

Their relationship had never been good to begin with. Everything they said was just polite pretense. Now that both had achieved what they came for, there was no reason to linger.

“Qinglian, help me inside to rest. I really am tired,” Murong Qing said softly.

She no longer forced herself to stay composed. Reaching for Qinglian’s hand, she stood up and walked toward the inner room.

“Miss, you’ve really worn yourself out,” Qinglian said gently. “You left early this morning, went to the jewelry shop, then all the way to the south of the city before coming back. A young lady as delicate as you shouldn’t tire yourself like this.”

Murong Qing chuckled faintly. “You’ve only been with me a few days, and you already dare tease your mistress? You’re getting bold.”

Still, she was truly exhausted.

As soon as she reached the bed, she lay down, closed her eyes, and before Qinglian could even leave, her breathing had already turned steady and deep.

She was fast asleep.

Qinglian looked at her and couldn’t help smiling.

Her mistress was unlike any master she’d ever served—calm and kind to those close to her, even if she kept up a cold, distant front before others.

She gently tucked in the quilt around Murong Qing, then quietly slipped out of the room.