Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 25
Chapter 25
The next day, Jiang Yao carried her usual bow and arrows and headed to the Eighth Prince’s mansion. At the door, she ran into the Seventh Prince who had also come over.
The Seventh Prince had returned to his refined appearance, wearing a layer of false politeness on his face. He greeted Jiang Yao politely, “Miss Jiang, you’re up so early.”
Jiang Yao rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking, “Of course, you paid, so naturally, I get up early. Can’t afford to waste money, right?”
“Your Highness, please go inside. I have some matters to attend to, so let’s make this quick,” she said, gesturing politely. While Murong Qing walked inside, he inquired, “What’s the matter? Are you going to see Song Muyun again?”
Upon hearing Song Muyun’s name from his mouth, Jiang Yao couldn’t help but pay extra attention, casting a glance at him but not saying anything.
The attendants at the door led them inside. She heard Murong Qing pretend to chuckle and say, “Do you really like Song Muyun? But I remember, you once said you hated the delicate appearance of men.”
Jiang Yao, standing tall and looking ahead, replied calmly, “Your Highness also said you disliked delicate men.”
Song Muyun was a woman, so she didn’t dislike her. Not only did she not dislike her, she even somewhat liked her.
Although her father was a literary scholar, she, a bookworm, was not keen on playing with girls like that since childhood. She actually liked these kinds of women, who spoke softly and appeared delicate, evoking a protective instinct.
Murong Qing suddenly said, “So, do you hate me and oppose me for this reason?”
Jiang Yao paused for a moment, looking slightly surprised. She thought, “Why is Murong Qing so self-important? He doesn’t have the temperament of a literary man at all.”
She sized up Murong Qing but found nothing except a facade.
“No need for Your Highness to worry about what I dislike,” she lazily replied, noticing Murong Ci standing not far away. Without saying much to Murong Qing, she quickly walked over and greeted, “Eighth Prince, did you sleep well last night?”
Murong Ci smiled and nodded, “Thank you for your concern, Jiang Yao.”
He spoke as if they were close.
Jiang Yao nodded and was taken to the martial arts field.
“In archery, the most important thing is to focus on applying force,” she explained. Demonstrating slowly in front of them, she shot an arrow that hit the bullseye.
Murong Ci was watching attentively, but despite his efforts, when he shot the arrow, there was a hint of confusion on his face.
Embarrassed, he asked Jiang Yao to demonstrate again.
Jiang Yao repeated the demonstration several times before letting them try shooting arrows. Murong Ci was better than Murong Qing, who found it challenging to hit the bullseye. Though Murong Ci didn’t hit the center, after repeated practice, he at least stopped missing the target.
Jiang Yao reclined in a rocking chair, holding a long leaf she found somewhere, observing their archery skills like an elderly man. Occasionally, she offered some comments.
Seeing the difference between himself and Murong Ci, Murong Qing’s face darkened.
Ignoring him, Jiang Yao leisurely asked Murong Ci, “I’ve heard that the Eighth Prince excels in martial arts, but in archery…”
Murong Ci looked somewhat embarrassed and said, “It’s just for their sake. It’s some basic skills. If you have time, I’d like you to give me some guidance.”
Jiang Yao pretended not to hear. She didn’t want to get herself involved unnecessarily. “Your Highness should continue practicing. When you can hit the bullseye with five out of ten arrows, then you can try shooting at moving targets.”
Moving targets were more challenging than fixed ones. Murong Ci’s forehead started to bead with sweat.
With his slender figure, after practicing seriously for a whole morning, his sweat-soaked clothes clung to him, outlining his graceful form.
Jiang Yao glanced at him and had a thought but scolded herself for using an idiom that was clearly meant for women; how could she use it for a man? She lacked refinement.
The sun was rising rapidly, making Jiang Yao anxious.
“Eighth Prince, I have some matters in the afternoon. If you don’t mind, could you practice by yourself this afternoon, and I’ll come back tomorrow?”
She had to spend the afternoon at Yue Shang Fang to keep Song Muyun company. She was worried the girl might feel lonely without anyone to treat her well, especially considering how easily Murong Qing could deceive people.
“Do you need help with anything?” Perhaps because Jiang Yao was teaching them earnestly, Murong Ci’s attitude toward her was quite good, and he extended an olive branch.
Murong Qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly laughed, “Eighth Brother, you spend your free time at home reading. Maybe you’re unaware that Miss Jiang has set her sights on Yue Shang Fang’s, ahem, establishment. She runs there every day and doesn’t miss a day.”
As he spoke, Murong Ci’s surprise grew, and Jiang Yao coldly chuckled, “Speaking of Yue Shang Fang, hasn’t the Seventh Prince been there often? Didn’t you just go a few days ago?”
Murong Ci looked at Murong Qing, his expression now not just surprise but also a hint of disbelief, as if saying, “I never expected this from my elder brother.” After a moment, he patted Murong Qing’s shoulder, “Elder brother, if you want women, just take some concubines. Brothels like that are not suitable for us princes; it’s too easy to be compromised.”
It seemed like he was considering his welfare, but Murong Qing thought to himself, “I’ve already compromised!”
Jiang Yao didn’t want to be involved in the veiled competition between the two princes. She shot a disdainful glance at Murong Qing, exchanged greetings, and then turned to leave.
Passing by Baiyu Fang, she bought some pastries for Song Muyun, including mung bean cakes and milk cakes, the favorite snacks of most girls.
She guessed Song Muyun might also like them. If not, she’d eat them herself.
A woman in a green dress walked into Yue Shang Fang. The madam approached her, not surprised to see her, and smiled in a somewhat flattering manner, “Oh, Miss Jiang is here. Do you want your usual spot?”
“No need to arrange a private room. I’ll go to Muyun’s room. Don’t let anyone disturb us,” Jiang Yao said and tossed a silver coin.
The madam caught it, happily saying, “Alright, alright, I won’t let anyone disturb Miss Jiang’s good deeds.”
Clearly, someone who had been accustomed to the brothel life had a certain air about them, and their words were somewhat jarring.
What good deeds? As if she and Song Muyun were going to do something. They were just going to chat.
The main
thing was companionship.
She remembered in her dream, Song Muyun said that no one in the world loved or cared for her. Even though Murong Qing always scolded her, he became the only person who cared for her.
Perhaps that was why she stayed with Murong Qing.
Hmph, she had to care more for Song Muyun to ensure that nobody’s scant concern would deceive her.
Author’s Note:
On time for a day!