The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 3

Snow Garden

“Second Sister!” Before she even entered, Murong Yao burst into Murong Xue’s room, her face full of emotion.

Murong Xue frowned in annoyance but quickly replaced it with a reproachful yet gentle look. “Why are you in such a rush? It’s a good thing you came straight to me. Otherwise, people might gossip and say that the third lady of the General’s Mansion has no manners.”

“Isn’t it all because of Murong Qing!”

“Third Sister!” Murong Xue’s eyes flashed with impatience. She waved for the servants in the room to leave, then said, “How could you call your eldest sister by name? Speaking so carelessly in front of servants—really!”

Although Murong Xue’s tone sounded scolding, there was clear affection behind it—meaning Murong Yao could speak freely when they were alone.

Murong Yao was straightforward and outspoken by nature, but after spending so much time around Murong Xue, she’d learned to be more patient. Still, this time, she didn’t feel like holding back.

She had always resented her own birth status. If her mother, Yueshang, hadn’t been of low rank, people wouldn’t gossip about her so often.

Every time she thought of Yun Wan, who wasn’t born noble either, yet still won Murong Jie’s favor and became the official wife Murong Yao felt bitterness in her heart. If not for that, Murong Qing’s status wouldn’t be higher than hers!

“Second Sister, you’re just too kind and gentle! You didn’t see Murong Qing’s arrogant attitude just now—it was so infuriating!”

Murong Xue sighed lightly. “You can’t do anything about it. She’s the legitimate daughter of the General’s Mansion. That’s something neither of us can compare to.”

“Hmph! So what if she’s the legitimate daughter? Now that my mother’s gone, shouldn’t Second Aunt take her place? When that happens, you’ll be the legitimate daughter of the mansion!”

That remark hit Murong Xue’s heart, but she didn’t show it on her face. Instead, she said reproachfully, “Mother just passed away—how can you say such rebellious things? If your eldest sister hears that, she won’t let you off easily.”

“Second Sister, why are you so afraid of Murong Qing? She used to be weak and timid, but today she’s acting all high and mighty like some proper lady!” Murong Yao complained angrily.

“Ah, I saw it too,” Murong Xue replied softly. “Maybe our mother’s death hit her too hard. Don’t let Father hear you two are arguing—he hates seeing sisters fight. For now, just stay close to your eldest sister.”

Looking worried, Murong Xue patted her arm to calm her down. When Murong Yao still looked dissatisfied, she added quickly, “Enough. Go back to your own garden for now. Father should be returning soon.”

Watching her leave, Murong Xue knew Murong Yao wouldn’t give up so easily. When Murong Jie came back, her younger sister would likely try to frame Murong Qing again.

But that didn’t concern her. She only needed to sit back and watch.

After all, Murong Xue was still the gentle and quiet second lady of the General’s Mansion—and no one could change that.

In the past two days, Murong Qing had handled all the mansion affairs in an orderly and decisive manner, leaving no room for doubt or challenge.

That night, Murong Jie arrived in a hurry, dismounted, and went straight to Wan Pavilion.

“Father.”

Hearing the familiar voice behind her, Murong Qing turned and saw her father—covered in dust, eyes full of grief and worry. The sight made her heart ache.

Nodding slightly, Murong Jie said hoarsely, “Let me see your mother.”

Yun Wan hadn’t come from a prestigious family. She was just the daughter of a small household, but she met Murong Jie by chance, and they fell deeply in love.

On the day she entered the mansion, another woman, Shui Xinting—the concubine of a high-ranking official’s family—was also brought in. From then on, Yun Wan never gained the favor of the old madam and lived a difficult life.

Years later, when the old madam passed away, Yun Wan finally became the true mistress of the household—but happiness didn’t last long. Now, things had ended like this.

Murong Jie approached Yun Wan’s body, guilt clouding his face. The proud general couldn’t hold back his tears as he whispered, “Wan’er, I’ve failed you.”

Murong Qing quietly stepped aside, unwilling to interrupt the moment. But not everyone could bear to watch. As soon as Shui Xinting entered, she raised her voice and said, “Master, you’re back. The eldest lady insisted on keeping Madam’s body this way so you could see her one last time. Now that you’ve returned, we should quickly put her in the coffin.”

“Father just came back,” Murong Qing said sharply. “He hasn’t even spoken to Mother yet, and Aunt is already urging us to seal her in the coffin? People who don’t know better might think Aunt has something to hide.”

Her words hit home. Murong Qing had seen through far too much in her previous life. She was no longer the naive girl she once was—and as the eldest lady of the General’s Mansion, no one would trample over her again.

“The eldest lady misunderstands…” Shui Xinting began.

“Enough,” Murong Jie interrupted. “I’ll stay here with Wan’er tonight. We’ll hold the burial early tomorrow.”

Once the general had spoken, no one dared object. Even if Shui Xinting wanted to, she could only grit her teeth and agree.

As Murong Jie turned, he caught a glimpse of Yun Wan’s fingertips—and his expression suddenly darkened.

“She… died of illness?” he asked, his voice cold.

“Father, that’s what Second Aunt said,” Murong Qing replied calmly.

“Is that so?” Murong Jie’s gaze fixed on Shui Xinting, his tone sharp and full of suspicion.

Inwardly cursing Murong Qing a thousand times, Shui Xinting realized she’d trapped herself. The claim that Yun Wan died of illness had indeed come from her lips—there was no denying it.

Murong Jie’s voice grew colder. “Speak!”

Terrified, Shui Xinting trembled. “Y-yes… yes, the doctor told me so…”

Murong Qing’s eyes flashed with irritation at the woman’s self-righteous tone, but she kept quiet—for now. The lesson she’d given Shui Xinting two days ago clearly hadn’t been enough.

“Which doctor?” Murong Jie demanded.

“Dr. Li from the west side of the city,” Shui Xinting answered truthfully.

At that, Murong Jie immediately ordered the housekeeper, “Go to the west of the city and bring Dr. Li here at once!”

Sensing the tension in the room, the housekeeper didn’t dare delay. He turned and ran out without another word.

Murong Jie said nothing more. He only held Yun Wan’s hand and stared at it closely—and the longer he looked, the deeper his fury grew.

No one in the room dared to breathe too loudly.