Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 21
Chapter 21
After finishing their meal, Jiang Yao immediately asked the madam for a new room, checked it personally, and only then asked Song Muyun to move in.
They’d only known each other for a few days, but their relationship felt like that of old friends who had known each other for years. Jiang Yao roamed around as if it were her own place. Once done, she casually lounged on the soft couch.
The group of young men had already been sent away by her. Now, there were only her and Song Muyun left.
Song Muyun lightly patted her arm. “Would you like to have some tea?”
She held a Qing Dynasty porcelain teacup in her other hand.
Jiang Yao sat up, took the tea and drank it in one go, then casually pulled Song Muyun to sit beside her.
“Is your injury still hurting?”
Song Muyun sat by her side, looking somewhat reserved. She wasn’t used to being so close to someone, but since it was Jiang Yao, she didn’t mind.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore, your medicine is very effective, thank you.”
“What’s there to thank for? As long as it doesn’t hurt, it’s good. Here, take this.”
Jiang Yao took out the white jade medicine bottle she had used during the day from her bosom, containing high-quality medicinal ointment.
Song Muyun immediately wanted to refuse. “I-I can’t always accept things from you…”
Her face flushed slightly, feeling that she had received too much from Jiang Yao, owing her too much.
Jiang Yao was helpless, poking the smooth and pure forehead of this beauty. “Those women in your circle who are favored by patrons, do you see them refusing gifts from patrons? Since I’ve marked you, in the eyes of others, I am your patron. Giving you things is to treat you well. Which woman in your circle hasn’t received several gifts from patrons? Just take it, not accepting it would displease me.”
Song Muyun often got injured, sometimes when she couldn’t take care of herself properly. Her own ointments weren’t effective, causing the wounds to reopen after a night. This beautiful lady deserved the best medicinal ointments. If the wounds were not properly treated and left scars, Jiang Yao would feel distressed.
Hearing Jiang Yao’s words, Song Muyun looked slightly displeased, but eventually took the bottle of medicine. Her voice became more gentle, “Thank you so much, you’ve helped me a lot. Sometimes I really don’t know how to repay you.”
They weren’t very familiar before. She had only met Jiang Yao a few times and never expected her to be the one to help her when she fell into trouble. She’d rather be enemies with the Seventh Prince than not protect her.
Song Muyun felt warm in her heart.
Jiang Yao didn’t need her to repay anything. As long as she stayed safe and kept her distance from Murong Qing, it would be the best repayment for her.
She did all this just to separate the two. If they stayed together, it would drive her crazy.
Song Muyun’s expression turned slightly cold at the mention of Murong Qing’s name. But quickly remembering who was in front of her, she softened her gaze. “Hmm, I won’t.”
She detested Murong Qing so much that she didn’t even want to look at him. She would definitely comply with Jiang Yao’s wishes.
That’s good.
Jiang Yao felt relieved, reaching out to hold Song Muyun’s arm, asking if she wanted to take a short nap.
Song Muyun wasn’t in the habit of taking naps, but as she looked into Jiang Yao’s eyes, for some unknown reason, she agreed. She was somewhat nostalgic for the warmth she felt in the morning.
Jiang Yao didn’t notice this, just confidently lifted her chin. “I came so early, I’m already sleepy, of course, I want to sleep!”
“Alright, then let’s sleep together.”
Song Muyun’s voice was incredibly soft, and Jiang Yao squinted her eyes, realizing she quite liked listening to Song Muyun’s voice. It sounded pleasant.
Both of them went to bed without their outer garments. Jiang Yao naturally stretched her hand to encircle Song Muyun’s waist, half embracing her, then buried her head in her chest, falling asleep in no time.
The position was a bit odd, and Song Muyun, blushing, didn’t dare to move. After a while, she placed her hand on Jiang Yao’s waist. Both of them nestled against each other and fell into a deep sleep.
Until they woke up again, it was almost dusk.
Jiang Yao had been sleeping all day and estimated she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night, but she couldn’t blame herself for wanting more sleep. Sleeping with Song Muyun felt too comfortable; she felt unexpectedly peaceful.
Both of them looked somewhat dazed in bed. After washing their faces with cold water, they finally became a bit more awake.
Jiang Yao stood at the door of the courtyard and shouted to Song Muyun, “It’s getting late, I’m heading back.”
Hearing this, Song Muyun felt a sudden reluctance, but she also knew that Jiang Yao would always leave, and she would come again tomorrow.
It would be good if she came again.
She stepped forward and walked to Jiang Yao’s side, softly saying, “Let me escort you out.”
Jiang Yao nodded, and the two walked together to the gate of the Moonrise Pavilion, in front of many people.
Jiang Yao always acted casual, disregarding others’ gazes. Since her father hadn’t stopped her from meeting Song Muyun, it meant she could meet her. If that was the case, why worry about others’ opinions?
The Prime Minister’s Mansion indeed had a lot of power in the court. As long as she didn’t fall into Murong Qing’s trap, she could guarantee her safety for this lifetime.
The madam was at the door receiving new customers. Seeing Jiang Yao about to leave, she suddenly smiled as if she remembered something and approached with a flattering and charming smile that made Jiang Yao uncomfortable, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
Seeing that Song Muyun was still under her roof, her attitude was not bad, Jiang Yao lazily said, “Hmm, leaving now, I’ll come back tomorrow.”
This was hinting to the madam that she would return tomorrow and not to mistreat Song Muyun.
The madam had nothing to do and naturally wouldn’t cause trouble with Song Muyun. After all, currently, Song Muyun hadn’t offended any of the people associated with the Moonrise Pavilion.
“Ah, Miss Jiang, have a safe journey. In seven days, it will be Muyun’s performance day. You must come and see.”
The madam smiled with meaning, stating her intention. She thought Jiang Yao would come; since Song Muyun was now part of Moonrise Pavilion, she had to abide by their rules. Newly arrived women from Moonrise Pavilion were to be auctioned on a scheduled day. It was said to be a performance, but in reality, they could do whatever they wanted. The one who bid the highest got the person, and the money went to the madam
and the hidden bosses behind the scenes. By saying this, she hoped Jiang Yao would also get involved.
Jiang Yao was stunned, and Song Muyun’s face turned pale. Both of them hadn’t thought of this issue, but now, they were reminded at this moment.
Song Muyun subconsciously looked at Jiang Yao. Somehow, she had come to consider Jiang Yao as the only person who would protect her. She appeared frightened and anxious.
Jiang Yao slowly furrowed her brows, speaking calmly to the madam, “Understood.”
Then, facing Song Muyun, she softened her expression, taking Song Muyun’s slightly cool hand and walking to the door. Outside was a vast expanse of red sunset, and the night was about to fall. Inside Moonrise Pavilion, the lights were as bright as daylight, night after night of revelry and music.
Seeing Song Muyun’s anxious and helpless appearance, Jiang Yao was the first to stroke her soft and dark hair reassuringly. “I will come, I won’t let anyone bid for you, trust me, I will definitely come.”
In her dreams, it would be Murong Qing who would bid for Song Muyun. However, Murong Qing was just an ordinary prince, receiving a modest salary and belonging to a noble family with no wealth. Others would show some face due to his status, fearing that if he took Song Muyun, it would displease the Emperor. But she wasn’t the same; she wasn’t afraid. Hence, Murong Qing wouldn’t be able to compete with her.
Song Muyun felt unexpectedly relieved by Jiang Yao’s assured words. Her long lashes trembled lightly and then nodded, holding Jiang Yao’s hand. “I trust you.”
“Then, I’ll leave first. Take care of your injury. Murong Qing won’t appear in these few days. If he does, just send someone to find me. Don’t try to handle it secretly by yourself, understand?”
Only when Song Muyun blushed and nodded again did Jiang Yao turn and leave.
Today was a day for the Jiang family to sit together and have a meal.
Jiang Yao went straight to the front hall as soon as she returned. Jiang Heng was already sitting there, sipping tea, and even Jiang Huai was sitting obediently without sneaking out.
When she approached, Jiang Huai suddenly straightened his back, his eyes darting around. He looked extremely guilty.
Jiang Yao sat down leisurely, raised her hand to drink some tea, and overheard Jiang Huai trying to bring up a topic. “Uh, sis, you’re back.”
Jiang Yao glanced at him. He seemed overly dramatic; what he considered a big event might not really be that significant.
Jiang Huai sounded incredulous, “Sis, do you know? Someone actually beat up the Seventh Prince in the capital! They say when he was found, he had a swollen nose and face; people almost didn’t recognize him!”
Jiang Yao paused mid-sip, thinking, “?”