Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 33
Chapter 33
She furrowed her brows, worry evident as she held the person tightly with one hand while gently patting Song Muyun’s back with the other. “What’s wrong? Did Rong Qing come to see you again yesterday?!”
Song Muyun was too preoccupied burrowing into her embrace, holding onto her tightly. It took a while before she spoke, her voice carrying a tone of grievance, “No, he didn’t come, but I had another nightmare. I dreamt all night long, Jiang Yao, I’m so scared…”
She always dreamt of being with Rong Qing, and then he would insult and berate her. Any slight displeasure from her would result in his verbal abuse. In her dreams, she searched and searched but could never find Jiang Yao’s presence.
Almost every time, she woke up in a fright.
Jiang Yao held onto Song Muyun’s waist, feeling the sadness in her voice. Her heart ached for her and, bending down, noticed she was only wearing thin inner clothes. She picked her up like a child and carried her into the room, closing the door with her foot.
They sat together on the bed, Jiang Yao perched on the edge while Song Muyun sat in her embrace, holding onto her tightly.
Jiang Yao could see how pale and exhausted Song Muyun looked, probably having endured a difficult night.
“Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”
Holding Song Muyun close, Jiang Yao gently patted her back, trying to calm her emotions.
Song Muyun still felt frightened, her fuzzy head nuzzling against Jiang Yao’s chest.
After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Yao asked her, “What did you dream about? Is it always the same thing?”
Song Muyun seemed to sniffle a little before softly saying while holding onto Jiang Yao, “Yes, it’s often the same. I dreamt of Rong Qing hitting me, and you weren’t there. I was so scared.”
Jiang Yao: !!!
Damn, it was indeed Rong Qing scaring her like that.
Rong Qing’s shadow loomed large in her heart. Deep down, she must be both fearful and unable to forget these incidents, leading to recurring dreams. It was all because of Rong Qing, that lunatic.
While patting her gently, Jiang Yao comforted her, “Don’t be afraid. Such things won’t happen again. With me here, Rong Qing won’t dare to lay a finger on you.”
It seemed she’d have to teach Rong Qing a lesson the hard way. Perhaps Song Muyun would have to take matters into her own hands to put an end to this.
Song Muyun knew Jiang Yao wouldn’t allow Rong Qing to bully her again, but the scenes in her dreams, most of which she hadn’t experienced, where she was bullied in unfamiliar places, still frightened her.
She was afraid of the pitch-black dreams, afraid of Rong Qing’s sinister face in royal attire, afraid of never being able to find Jiang Yao, and afraid that every time she woke from these nightmares, her body would tremble uncontrollably.
“Jiang Yao, could you, could you stay with me today?”
With misty eyes, Song Muyun looked at Jiang Yao pleadingly, her expression pitiful. Jiang Yao couldn’t resist her and had long forgotten about her promise to the Eighth Prince. She just hugged Song Muyun, comforting her and promising to stay with her that day.
Song Muyun’s eyes were red, and there were suspicious dark marks on her clothes, indicating she had secretly cried. But Jiang Yao didn’t mention it, simply comforting her.
Until Song Muyun’s emotions gradually settled down, she suddenly realized she was sitting in Jiang Yao’s embrace. Feeling a bit flustered, she moved away, releasing Jiang Yao’s hand, blushing and hugging her own knees. Her phoenix-like eyes were watery and captivating as she looked at Jiang Yao’s direction, her voice carrying a hint of moisture as she softly said, “I’m sorry, I dirtied your clothes. Can I wash them for you?”
Jiang Yao wanted to save her some face, afraid she might feel embarrassed and hide under the covers. Unexpectedly, Song Muyun admitted it herself, visibly embarrassed and blushing from her neck to her cheeks, burying her face in her knees, her voice muffled as she complained, “I was talking nicely to you, and you, you’re touching me randomly.”
Song Muyun was truly embarrassed, unable to look at Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao, feeling a little awkward in hindsight, glanced around nervously, fidgeting and touching here and there. She stumbled upon an oil-paper package she had placed aside earlier and suddenly remembered she had bought pastries for Song Muyun on her way. Feeling delighted, she coughed lightly and then slipped the oil-paper package under Song Muyun’s bent knee, ensuring she could see the pastries even with her head buried. Then she coaxed, “It was my fault for being improper just now. No more touching. Also, you don’t need to wash my clothes. I brought you pastries, try them?”
Song Muyun’s hand reached between her legs, retrieving the package, surprised by Jiang Yao’s offer. While Jiang Yao hadn’t yet realized the issue, Song Muyun had already taken the pastries. Despite her persistent blush, she sat at the edge of the bed, opening the package to find the golden-yellow pastries inside.
Apparently, Jiang Yao knew she liked mung bean cakes. While she had received other treats from her, mung bean cakes were the most frequent.
“Are they still warm?”
Song Muyun, unable to find her voice amidst Jiang Yao’s carefree attitude, quietly ate the pastries, while Jiang Yao couldn’t help herself and pinched Song Muyun’s arm. She felt soft and tender, albeit a little lacking in flesh.
Hmm, it felt really good, just a bit lean.
Unable to resist, she looked at the parts where there was more flesh, and without hesitation, pinched a bit. Song Muyun’s face blushed instantaneously, expecting not to leave any marks this time, but unexpectedly, her face quickly turned crimson. She buried her head in her knees, her voice muffled and slightly complaining, “I was talking to you nicely, and you, you’re touching me randomly.”
Song Muyun was truly shy and dared not look at Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao, realizing the situation belatedly, felt a bit embarrassed herself, darting her eyes nervously, fidgeting with her hands. She stumbled upon an oil-paper package she had placed aside earlier and suddenly remembered she had bought pastries for Song Muyun on her way. Feeling delighted, she coughed lightly and then slipped the oil-paper package under Song Muyun’s bent knee, ensuring she could see the pastries even with her head buried. Then she coaxed, “It was my fault for being improper just now. No more touching. Also, you don’t need to wash my clothes. I brought you pastries, try them?”
In between Song Muyun’s legs, Jiang Yao’s hand stealthily slid in, grabbing the package. She invited Song Muyun to eat, causing her to sit up abruptly, her charming eyes staring
at Jiang Yao, still retaining the blush from earlier. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she opened the package to find the golden pastries.
Probably knowing she liked mung bean cakes, Jiang Yao frequently brought her these treats among others.
“Are they still warm?”
As Song Muyun found it difficult to speak, Jiang Yao quietly ate the pastries, occasionally pinching her hand. Blushing, Song Muyun faced Jiang Yao and, after a moment’s hesitation, nodded slightly, “Yes, a bit tired.”
“Mm, then eat first. After you’re done, you can sleep. I’ll stay with you.”
Saying this, Jiang Yao got up, poured a cup of tea from the table, and handed it to Song Muyun. “Have some, it’ll soothe your throat.”
Accepting the tea, Song Muyun finished the remaining pastries along with the tea. Looking up, her clear eyes focused on Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao chuckled, reaching out to rub Song Muyun’s head, “I’m here, don’t worry. Lie down and rest.”
Having spent a sleepless night and not sleeping well the day before, Song Muyun was indeed tired. She squinted but struggled to stretch her hand toward Jiang Yao, looking obedient, “Would you like to sleep together?”
Jiang Yao paused; her initial intention was to sit by her side and watch Song Muyun sleep. However, Song Muyun’s invitation to sleep together… even if she couldn’t sleep, holding her soft body would feel extremely comforting.
Jiang Yao had to admit she was slightly tempted. After a moment’s thought, she decisively removed her outer garment, leaving only her peach-colored chest wrap.
Witnessing Song Muyun’s bewildered expression, Jiang Yao slipped under the early-cooled blankets and gestured to her, “Come, let me hold you while we sleep. You won’t be scared then.”
That’s how it was yesterday. When she held Song Muyun while sleeping, there were no nightmares. Perhaps even nightmares were intimidated by strength. With someone by her side, they wouldn’t dare to come. Being alone made her an easy target for them.
Jiang Yao rambled in her mind but didn’t show any of it to Song Muyun. She just smiled reassuringly at her.
Song Muyun felt a flutter in her heart, kneeling on the bed, hesitating to place her hand in Jiang Yao’s palm, which was soon grasped by Jiang Yao. With a gentle tug, she fell into Jiang Yao’s embrace.
Jiang Yao hugged her, and Song Muyun, with both hands on Jiang Yao’s shoulders, sat in her lap, easily tucked into the covers.
“Alright, let’s sleep. I’ll be with you today. You look very pale.”
Jiang Yao found it odd. She would usually laugh at those injured during martial practice, claiming they lacked skill. Yet, while Song Muyun hadn’t slept for a night, she didn’t have any injuries. Jiang Yao felt an intense pang of concern for her, as if a sleepless night was a severe ordeal for her.
This was probably the difference between men and women.
I can help with the translation! The text seems to be in Chinese. Here’s a translation:
“The differences of the sexes are quite distinct. Most women are soft and pretty, making it easier for people to feel pity for them, while men, rough in speech and behavior, are crude.
Jiang Yao didn’t want to dwell on it any further, otherwise, the more she thought, the more repulsed she felt.
She held the woman in her arms tightly and instinctively patted her back to lull her to sleep.
Song Muyun hadn’t fallen asleep yet, hiding in her embrace, thinking, ‘Why is she trying to soothe me like a child?’
Jiang Yao didn’t intend to treat her like a child deliberately; she had just seen others soothing children to sleep like that, and she thought gentle patting on the back might help her fall asleep more easily.
Now faced with Song Muyun, who hadn’t slept well due to nightmares, she naturally used this technique.
She wasn’t very tired yet, her ears attuned to the movements of the person in her arms.
Initially, Song Muyun snuggled against her chest, then found the most comfortable position and obediently closed her eyes to sleep. Soon, the person in her embrace breathed evenly and deeply; she had fallen asleep.
Jiang Yao cautiously moved away a bit and saw Song Muyun’s slightly flushed cheeks, rosy lips, closed eyes, long and thick eyelashes occasionally quivering; it felt as if time had stopped.
Once again, she couldn’t believe that such a beautiful woman like Song Muyun was hurt by Murong Qing.
This stunning beauty would feel heartbroken even if she lost a strand of hair!
That scoundrel, Murong Qing.
Jiang Yao cursed Murong Qing in her heart, and as she cursed, she also drifted off to sleep. After all, she had woken up very early; before meeting Song Muyun, she had never been up this early.
The two slept embraced, and this time, for some reason, they slept for an unusually long time. When they woke up, it was already noon.
Jiang Yao blinked, climbing out of bed and retracting her hand from the person. There were imprints of hair strands on her face, giving her a half-awake, half-asleep look.
The moment her hand let go, Song Muyun woke up. The beautiful eyes that opened were filled with mist, as if tears would fall the next moment.
Jiang Yao twisted her neck, trying to wake herself up a bit, but as she looked at Song Muyun beside her, she was almost startled and nearly fell off the bed. She immediately became fully awake but was unsure whether to cup Song Muyun’s face. Her fingers hovered in midair, not knowing what to do, and nervously and eagerly asked, ‘Wh-what happened? Had a nightmare? Why crying?!’
Before Song Muyun could speak, she quickly comforted, ‘Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. It’s all a dream; I’m here, no one can bully you.’
She thought Song Muyun had dreamed of those dreadful things again.
Looking at her anxiousness, even though Song Muyun’s mind was still foggy from waking up, she could feel the genuine concern in her words, which warmed her entire being.
Suddenly, she felt that Jiang Yao really cared about her and was the only person in the world who treated her so well.
‘I should behave better and not make her angry.’
It had been a long time since anyone had treated Song Muyun kindly like this.
She rubbed her drowsy eyes, removing all traces of sleepiness, leaving only a pair of bright eyes that seemed to have been washed by clear river water.
Probably because she had just woken up, Song Muyun’s voice lacked any hint of coldness; it was all gentle. She said, ‘Hmm, I’m not scared.’
She emphasized, ‘I’m not scared when you’re here.’
She explained again, ‘I didn’t have a nightmare; I was just too tired. When you’re with me, I don’t have bad dreams.’
Jiang Yao became even more softened by her words, seeing her as someone she needed to protect.
‘She’s so beautiful, so obedient, so well-behaved, so reliant on me. I can’t let anyone bully her.’
‘Really, no bad dreams? You scared me; I thought you had a nightmare and were crying.’
She reached out to rub Song Muyun’s face.
Song Muyun didn’t know what had made her change her mind; although her ears were still red, she took the initiative to rub her face against Jiang Yao’s palm.
Jiang Yao’s mind shook, rubbing Song Muyun even more vigorously.
It turned the originally fair face red.
Song Muyun bit her lip, her watery eyes staring at her with neither light nor heaviness. She didn’t say anything but slightly lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.
This way, she looked even cuter. Compared to the past, today’s Song Muyun, who occasionally glared at her, had a bit more of the anger and beauty expected of a woman her age.
Jiang Yao liked it very much.
It was a bit unreasonable to stay in bed for so long now. Both of them got up, changed clothes, Song Muyun typically preferring elegant colors, and Jiang Yao’s dress today also leaned toward plain hues. They sat facing each other on the soft couch, watching the acacia tree outside shedding its flowers and leaves.
A small table was placed in the middle of the soft couch, with a chessboard on it, halfway through the game, with black and white pieces competing fiercely against each other.
Looking at the chessboard, Jiang Yao furrowed her brows for a while without relaxing. After a good while, unable to bear it any longer, she asked, ‘Who are you playing chess with?’
How come she didn’t know Song Muyun had other friends?
Song Muyun hadn’t introduced them! She secretly played chess with others!
She felt she was being let down, thinking that she was the only one who mattered to her.
Facing Jiang Yao’s accusatory gaze, even though Song Muyun hadn’t really hidden anything from her, she still felt a moment of panic. But immediately, she steadied herself and looked at Jiang Yao with a pair of beautiful, innocent phoenix eyes. She explained, ‘I’m not playing with anyone; I’m playing by myself.’
Jiang Yao didn’t understand much about arts and culture, but she felt she knew how to play games!
So, the young lady felt deceived at this moment, glaring angrily at Song Muyun. ‘But there are clearly two kinds of chess pieces!’
Song Muyun was slightly stunned; there seemed to be a movement at the corner of her lips, a hint of a smile trying to break through, but she forcibly suppressed it. She cleared her throat and tried to justify herself in a gentle tone, ‘I hold the black pieces in my left hand and the white ones in my right, playing against myself.’
Jiang Yao: …
She hadn’t expected such a thing.
‘Isn’t that all you?’
What’s the point of playing against yourself?
Jiang Yao was utterly confused.
Song Muyun lowered her head, revealing only her snowy
, slender neck. She said, ‘Without anyone to play with me, playing by myself is also good. When you’re not around, I need something to pass the time.’
Jiang Yao paused at her words, then realized her shameful soft spot.
She couldn’t be hard-hearted toward Song Muyun; whenever this person showed the slightest hint of desolation, she couldn’t help but soften.”
“Oh, what should I do?”
“Alright, in the future, wherever I go, I’ll take you with me?”
Most of the time, she would accompany Song Muyun, but there were days when she had matters at home and had to leave Song Muyun alone in the Moon Palace while she attended to things elsewhere.
She had a temperament that could entertain herself without anyone, so she hadn’t expected Song Muyun to feel bored or need to pass the time. But now that she saw her look crestfallen, she surprisingly felt a twinge of guilt in her heart and wanted to keep her company to prevent her from feeling so bored.
Song Muyun lightly pursed her lips, raised her eyes, seeming hesitant for a moment, then shook her head. “You’re busy with your own matters. It’s fine. I can pass the time by playing chess, reading books; a day will go by. I’m afraid I might disturb you if I’m there.”
“You being quiet wouldn’t disturb me. It’s not like Jiang Huai’s lively nature.”
Jiang Yao firmly decided to take Song Muyun along wherever she went, as long as she was willing and didn’t find it troublesome.
However, Song Muyun didn’t actually want to stay in the Moon Palace. All her pain had happened there. Being able to go out with Jiang Yao was good for her. Even if she had to accompany her busily, it was better than staying in the Moon Palace. So, she didn’t find it troublesome and, after hearing Jiang Yao’s words, even felt a bit of anticipation.
The two sat for a while, and by noon, Jiang Yao began to feel hungry. She went out, found a servant boy, ordered some dishes, instructed him to deliver them to the room, and handed him some silver, more than what others paid for errands. The servant boy was more than happy to run this errand.
After giving instructions, Jiang Yao turned around and saw Song Muyun sitting on the soft couch, her beautiful, moist eyes fixed on her, full of gentle smiles.
For some unknown reason, Jiang Yao’s mood also opened up a bit more. She quickly walked back and sat beside Song Muyun.
With someone to accompany her, the chessboard had been put away. Song Muyun raised her hand and poured a steaming cup of tea for Jiang Yao. “Are you thirsty? Want some tea to refresh yourself?”
Jiang Yao wasn’t thirsty, but she still drank the tea that Song Muyun poured. Then, her gaze fell on Song Muyun’s simple hair without the hairpin. Suddenly, she asked, “What about the hairpin I gave you yesterday? Why aren’t you wearing it?”
Song Muyun’s voice carried a hint of helplessness as she earnestly said, “That hairpin is too valuable; I can’t accept it.”
Jiang Yao immediately frowned. “What’s so valuable about it? If it’s given to you, you should use it.”
She liked dressing up Song Muyun, making her look exquisite and beautiful; it was pleasing to her eyes.
Song Muyun lowered her gaze, looking somewhat hesitant. “But that hairpin… is indeed too precious.”
It kept coming back to its value. Jiang Yao didn’t care. “What’s so precious? Someone gave it to me, and I immediately felt it suited you, so I’m giving it to you. Don’t overthink it; it didn’t cost me anything.”
Jiang Yao took Song Muyun’s hand and insisted she find the hairpin to wear it. Song Muyun, somewhat reluctantly, followed her, searching through the vanity table and retrieving the hairpin.
The things Jiang Yao gave her were always treasured and kept in the most prominent place, even locked up. The hairpin’s jade material was exceptional, paired with exquisite carving; it was flawless. Song Muyun, being from an affluent family, naturally understood the pin’s considerable value.
However, she couldn’t resist Jiang Yao’s insistence. Since she didn’t want the hairpin, she carefully placed it in her hair.
With her black, smooth hair styled into a simple bun and now adorned with the high-quality jade hairpin, it gave her an elegant appearance.
As she was adjusting the hairpin, there was suddenly a voice from the courtyard, “Is this the room?”
“Yes, yes, Miss Jiang always calls for Miss Muyun whenever she returns. Miss Muyun lives in this room.”
Song Muyun raised her head, grabbed Jiang Yao’s sleeve, and softly said, “They’ve come to see you.”
Jiang Yao glanced toward the courtyard through the window and met the gaze of someone who had been led here.
The person had a bamboo hairpin on her head, her hair styled into a bun, her slightly round face giving her a playful look. As soon as she saw Jiang Yao, she vigorously waved her hand through the window and called out, “Miss!”
Jiang Yao fell silent, walked a few steps to the window, and helplessly asked her, “Why are you here?”
The person pouted, clearly displeased. “It’s all because of you! Engrossed in your own world, you probably forgot that the Eighth Prince is coming today?”
Jiang Yao: ???
Oops, indeed, forgot.
“The Eighth Prince called for you?”
Quite awkward, to arrange a meeting and then forget about it, needing someone else to come and remind her.
“If you have something to do, then go back first. Don’t keep the Eighth Prince waiting.”
Song Muyun had unknowingly come up behind her.
With a slight curl of her lips and a gentle tone, even a hint of a smile in her voice, she spoke to her. However, for some reason, Jiang Yao felt her smile was somewhat forced.
Though she was saying it’s fine if she leaves, her eyes seemed pitiful, as if asking her not to go and stay back.
Jiang Yao took a deep breath. If she had to choose to be a little harsh on someone…
“Outside, feeling utterly despondent and seeing that Jiang Yao didn’t even glance back at her, Cui Zhu couldn’t help but speak out in distress, ‘Miss, does this servant really have to say this to the Eighth Prince? Will he get angry?’
It’s fine if the Miss gets angry, but she’ll have to face the Eighth Prince’s wrath!
Jiang Yao then turned around, waved her hand dismissively at Cui Zhu, and said nonchalantly, ‘The Eighth Prince has a good temper. He’s known me for some time, and despite my impertinence, I’ve never seen him angry. Don’t worry about it; say what needs to be said. If he doesn’t want to come, I’ll teach him when I have time.’
Cui Zhu wore a bitter expression but couldn’t delay further and went back to deliver the message.
Only then did Song Muyun gently tug at Jiang Yao’s hand. When Jiang Yao turned around, Song Muyun appeared a bit worried. ‘By responding like that, what if you offend the Eighth Prince?’
Jiang Yao thought, ‘Why didn’t you say anything earlier when Cui Zhu was here? Now you’re asking?’ Hmph, is it because you don’t want me to leave?
‘What’s there to fear? The Eighth Prince isn’t like that little brat Murong Qing; he has a good temper. He won’t bother with us.’
She always refused to address Murong Qing properly. Song Muyun couldn’t stand hearing this. She reached out to cover Jiang Yao’s mouth, looking helpless. ‘Stop scolding people; it’s not good.’
Accustomed to the refined ways of the little fairy, not only did she follow strict rules herself, she also tried to enforce them on Jiang Yao. If others tried to do the same, Jiang Yao wouldn’t care, but she had to comply when it came to Song Muyun. Jiang Yao lifted her hand, which was covering her mouth, and shook her head in resignation. ‘Fine, fine, fine. I won’t scold anyone. I’ll listen to you and won’t scold anyone.’
She wouldn’t even let Jiang Yao scold those who had mistreated her. If Jiang Yao secretly gave Murong Qing a hard time, would Song Muyun not be able to bring herself to punish him?
Jiang Yao felt somewhat worried but had no choice. That’s just how different the personalities of the female lead and the male lead were in this story—one gentle and kind, the other cold and ruthless.”