The Reborn Legitimate Daughter is Frivolous - Chapter 9

Murong Qing looked at Murong Xue. Every time she tried to act kind and generous, why did it always end up making her angry instead?

Murong Xue knew Murong Qing wasn’t easy to deal with, and now that she had provoked her, she was starting to regret it. But since she had already spoken up, there was no way to take it back. So she forced a smile and said, “Big Sister, it’s all just a misunderstanding.”

Murong Qing replied calmly, “It’s no misunderstanding. I am angry. But aren’t you angry too, Second Sister?”

Before Murong Xue could respond, Murong Qing continued, “The third sister spoke rudely and acted without respect. I was truly disappointed. Yet she doesn’t even show the slightest remorse. As her elder sister, how could I not be angry?”

She could easily say all the right things — she just usually didn’t bother to. But now, she realized that silence only gave others a chance to twist her intentions.

Seeing Murong Qing’s unrelenting attitude, Murong Xue could only smile awkwardly and agree, “It’s my fault for being confused. I was just worried that after Eldest Sister punished Third Sister today, she might hold a grudge. I only hope that our family can stay peaceful.”

Murong Qing couldn’t help but admire her. Murong Xue truly knew how to perform, always trying to act virtuous in front of others.

But Murong Qing wasn’t in the mood to play along. She snorted coldly and said, “If that’s the case, then Murong Yao isn’t worthy of being the Third Young Lady of the General’s Mansion. She clearly doesn’t understand her place.”

Then, she turned her sharp gaze toward Murong Xue and said, “And you, Second Sister — your words make it clear you disapprove of me punishing her, don’t you?”

Murong Xue’s face stiffened. “Big Sister, why would you say that?”

Murong Qing’s tone hardened. “When Third Sister complained to Father, you didn’t stop her. You knew Father was tired today, but you still let her make a scene. She’s young and ignorant — but what about you, Second Sister? You didn’t stop her; instead, you added fuel to the fire!”

Murong Qing didn’t hold back at all. “You know what each of us is like, yet you still chose to fan the flames. I didn’t want to argue with you because I thought you were wiser than Third Sister. But clearly, I was wrong. You’re just as unrepentant — and now you even question my decision to discipline her. How disappointing.”

Murong Xue bit her lip. She had known Murong Qing had become sharper, but she didn’t expect her to be this quick-witted — leaving her speechless.

She had wanted to impress Murong Jie today, but it had completely backfired.

She was furious. In the past, she had always been the one on top, but ever since Yun Wan’s death, everything had changed.

Her eyes flicked toward Shui Xinting, who was still kneeling on the floor — all because of Murong Yao’s loose tongue.

Murong Yao had already been punished, yet Murong Qing still wouldn’t let her go.

“Big Sister…” Murong Xue began, but Murong Qing cut her off.

“The Third Sister has already been punished,” she said coldly, “but your behavior today, Second Sister, truly chills my heart. You should stay home and reflect.”

Murong Xue’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Big Sister, are you… grounding me?”

“You can take it that way,” Murong Qing replied coolly.

“Father…” Murong Xue turned desperately to Murong Jie. Her situation was different from Murong Yao’s — surely, he would take her side. After all, she had always been the obedient one.

But to her shock, Murong Jie didn’t even look at her. Instead, he sided with Murong Qing. “Qing’er is right. Xue’er, I’ve spoiled you for too long. You’ve disappointed me today. Reflect on your actions in Snow Garden — you’re not to leave for ten days.”

“Master…” Shui Xinting finally spoke, hoping to draw Murong Jie’s attention. Her legs were numb from kneeling for so long. Though everything had started because of Murong Yao, she was even angrier that Murong Qing had just let her kneel there.

Murong Jie glanced at her. “You may get up.”

She stood shakily, and Murong Xue quickly helped her, calling out with concern, “Auntie!”

“Thank you, Second Lady. I’m fine,” Shui Xinting said softly, still addressing Murong Jie respectfully. Before him, both mother and daughter had to behave carefully.

But this was the very day Yun Wan was being laid to rest. To cause such a scene today — Murong Qing would never forgive it.

Especially since she already suspected Shui Xinting of poisoning Yun Wan. Without evidence, she couldn’t act yet, but she knew the woman was hiding behind lies and excuses.

Murong Qing’s lips curved in a cold smile. “Second Aunt, have you already forgotten what I told you earlier?”

Shui Xinting blinked. “Miss…?”

Murong Qing sneered. “Playing dumb now? No wonder Third Sister said you were ambitious. It seems she wasn’t wrong — you are coveting the position of the General’s wife.”

“The Eldest Lady wrongs me! I would never—” Shui Xinting cried, dropping to her knees again.

Murong Xue, already burdened with guilt and punishment, didn’t dare to say another word. She could only watch in silence as Shui Xinting knelt once more.