Chapter 121: The Rising Price of Ice

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After Mu Niandie’s reckless words, Mu Ranshuang did not get angry but instead smiled.

“It truly is true that like mother, like daughter,” Mu Ranshuang said with elegant composure, fully suppressing her opponent’s flustered rage.

“You only see others as your equals because that’s all you are,” she smiled faintly at Mu Niandie, the smile dripping with contempt. “I’m not like you—unable to even diagnose my own minor ailments. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ll recover in just a few days. There’s no way I’m dying anytime soon.”

Since Mu Niandie dared to curse her to an early death openly, Mu Ranshuang saw no need to hold back and replied with sharp retorts.

“You!” Mu Niandie was so furious that she stumbled over her words. Her earlier reckless speech had already exhausted her courage, and as soon as the words left her mouth, regret flooded her heart.

Insulting and cursing the eldest legitimate daughter was no small offense. If Mu Ranshuang reported today’s incident to the Qin family, Mu Niandie would surely face a severe reprimand.

Though still angry inside, Mu Niandie dared not act rashly again.

Seeing Mu Niandie at a loss for words, blushing and unable to retort with venom, Mu Ranli standing nearby glanced disdainfully and rolled her eyes at her.

The child born to a concubine had so little ability—unable even to respond after being provoked.

“Big sister, please don’t be angry. Fourth sister is just overwhelmed with worry. It’s because we all care too much about your health that she misspoke. Truly, in our hearts, we all hope you recover soon!” Mu Ranli’s words were honeyed but double-edged.

Though she could fool outsiders with her sweet tongue, everyone in the room knew her true nature. Mu Ranli was fully aware of how others saw her, yet she persisted in this facade as if duplicity ran in her veins.

Mu Ranshuang said nothing, merely watching Mu Ranli’s self-directed performance.

Mu Ranli felt no embarrassment at the lack of response; she could perform the whole drama alone. After casting a glance at Mu Ranshuang, who saw through her flimsy defense, she turned to Mu Niandie.

“Fourth sister, don’t be upset, thinking the eldest is arrogant and looks down on you just because she’s the legitimate wife’s daughter.”

Her words seemed comforting but were laced with provocation: “Big sister is just not good with words but still loves us sisters deep down. We grew up together—do you think she’s the kind to turn her back on us once she marries into the royal family? Rest assured, big sister won’t snub us just because she’s marrying a prince.”

Mu Ranli spoke with subtle barbs and then looked at Mu Ranshuang for confirmation.

“Big sister, what do you say? Am I right?”

Mu Ranshuang’s smile was cold and insincere.

“Third sister, you truly are the worm in my belly. You know exactly what I’m thinking. Yes, that’s precisely what I think.”

Their eyes met, each recognizing the hostile intent in the other.

Mu Ranli’s stance was clear—she sided with Mu Ranmei and thus opposed Mu Ranshuang at every turn.

How narrow-minded, Mu Ranshuang sneered inwardly. Mu Ranli’s judgment was poor—she only focused on the prince’s status and thought royal blood made him untouchable.

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What she failed to realize was that status alone isn’t the sole proof of power; the real measure lies in the authority one wields. Any sensible person would see that Prince Ling Moze’s influence far surpasses that of a mere prince.

Choosing the wrong master meant being trampled like a stray dog.

Mu Ranli didn’t understand the deeper meaning behind Mu Ranshuang’s disdainful gaze—she only saw contempt, which infuriated her. What frustrated her most was knowing Mu Ranshuang had every right to look down on her.

Though what Mu Ranli believed and what Mu Ranshuang truly thought were worlds apart.

Mu Ranli firmly believed that once Mu Ranshuang had a good marriage, she would look down on them all. Apart from marriage, she thought there was nothing she was inferior in.

This was why Mu Ranli flattered Mu Ranmei—she believed that by marrying a man of immense power and noble status, she could stand equal to her sisters, or rather, surpass them all.

Until she found that man who could elevate her at a single step, she grudgingly used Mu Ranmei to counter Mu Ranshuang.

“Our family’s values are like this—every sister is loyal and affectionate,” Mu Ranli shifted focus to Mu Ranmei. “Look at second sister, married into the royal family, yet she still shows such closeness when she visits home. Even with her noble status, she upholds the family principles and cares for her sisters. Big sister will surely do even better.”

Having finished, Mu Ranli provocatively looked at Mu Ranshuang, aiming to highlight that Mu Ranshuang was neither better married nor worthy of managing the family.

Mu Ranshuang found Mu Ranli’s petty schemes almost endearing in their childishness. If all her enemies were as foolish as her, life would be easy.

“Third sister speaks well. Mei’er is right; the family should live in harmony,” Mu Ranshuang put on her usual public mask, a smile lacking warmth.

“But I wonder if you remember the family rule: the eldest sister is like a mother and responsible for disciplining the younger siblings.”

Since Mu Ranli insisted on using rules to suppress her, Mu Ranshuang would remind her who held the family’s reins.

“As the eldest legitimate daughter of the main branch, I am the eldest among the juniors. It is my duty to discipline the unruly younger sisters—that is the rule!”

Her gaze swept over the others, causing several stern yet reserved sisters to nervously avoid eye contact.

“Fourth sister cursed the eldest—this is improper. As her elder sister, I naturally must teach her to observe the rules.”

Her eyes fell on Mu Ranli.

“This is a private matter of the main branch and should not be widely known. Though the main and second branches are one family, each has its own rules. Third sister, as a member of the second branch, it’s best you refrain from meddling.”

This was a clear message: Mu Ranli had no place to boss others around here.

Mu Ranli’s face turned pale with anger, but Mu Ranshuang’s words were sound. If she retorted, she would only admit to having no discipline.

“You are right, big sister. I won’t interfere with your family’s private affairs,” she said through gritted teeth, then stormed out.

Mu Niandie also felt unwelcome. Seeing Mu Ranshuang’s confident, victorious expression only fueled her anger.

“Big sister, if there is nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave so as not to disturb your rest.”

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Having successfully turned the tide, Mu Ranshuang was in a good mood. She did not want to see these unpleasant faces and waved for Mu Niandie to leave quickly.

Once those two with ill intent departed, the room grew much quieter.

Yuan Dou watched as her young lady fought off two opponents and won gracefully, standing straighter and prouder than usual.

She wanted to celebrate but held back, as Mu Xiyue was still present, forcing her to suppress the smile pulling at her lips.

Mu Xiyue had been hiding behind Mu Ranli and Mu Niandie, afraid to act out. Every time, she waited for her elder sisters to speak first, then was content with the leftovers and dared not interrupt.

Now that Mu Ranli and Mu Niandie had left, she relaxed and stepped forward, carefully glancing at Mu Ranshuang’s expression.

“Big sister, your complexion looks pale—you must take better care of yourself,” Mu Xiyue spoke softly and slowly. “Third and fourth sisters are always like this. Don’t get upset with them; it’s not good for your health.”

These few simple words had drained all her courage. She stammered, cheeks flushing.

Mu Ranshuang felt a warmth in her heart. Only when she saw Mu Xiyue did she truly feel she had a real sister. Compared to those troublesome siblings, Mu Xiyue was like a soft, gentle little white rabbit.

“Thank you for coming to see me today. I’m much better now. Just a couple more days of rest, and I’ll be fine,” Mu Ranshuang said, beckoning Mu Xiyue to sit with her and holding her hand for a while.

Seeing Mu Ranshuang’s weakened spirit, Mu Xiyue worried she was forcing herself to chat and dared not stay long. She soon got up to leave.

“Big sister, I’ll leave first today and come again tomorrow,” she said shyly after a moment’s thought. “I’ve made some progress recently. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you some red date and snow fungus soup you like... if that’s okay?”

Red date and snow fungus soup is mild and sweet, known to nourish blood and qi, beneficial during illness. Mu Ranshuang’s pale complexion clearly showed a deficiency in qi and blood. Mu Xiyue’s gift was thoughtful.

“That would be a bother to you,” Mu Ranshuang smiled. “Come to think of it, I haven’t had any yet. Just hearing about it makes me crave it.”

Mu Xiyue’s joy burst forth uncontrollably, nodding vigorously. “Yes! I’ll make it well.”

After she left, Yuan Dou sighed and spoke up in sympathy.

“Fifth young lady is truly pitiful. Though a mistress, she lives worse than some senior maids. I heard the second master often scolds her loudly, while indulging his arrogant precious daughter in everything.”

Though Mu Xiyue and Mu Ranli were half-sisters, outsiders would mistake them for mistress and servant.

As Mu Ranshuang lay back down, reflecting on Mu Xiyue’s situation, she realized it was time to address the family rules properly.