Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 36
Chapter 36
A night of silence. On the second day, Jiang Yao woke up in bed, still holding the soft body of the woman.
She immediately looked down and saw the other person sleeping soundly in her arms, a faint smile at the corner of her lips, relaxed brows and eyes. Unlike yesterday’s anxious and fearful expression, Jiang Yao finally relaxed, realizing that there had been no nightmares.
Jiang Yao held the person in her arms tighter, considering yesterday when she looked so haggard; perhaps it was better to sleep a bit more with her.
The sky was much brighter than when she used to get up, as she typically enjoyed sleeping until almost noon.
But lately, she started waking up early to watch over Song Muyun. Unexpectedly, she’d gotten used to it, automatically waking up early in the morning.
Sigh.
She tightened her grip on Song Muyun’s hand and began to rest with her eyes closed.
After a while, there was finally movement in her embrace.
The young girl let out a soft hum, her furry head involuntarily nuzzling against Jiang Yao’s chest.
Jiang Yao gently patted her back, comforting her until Song Muyun opened her eyes, still drowsy, and stared blankly at her.
Song Muyun had slept extremely well that night, undisturbed by nightmares. Her usually slightly cool body now felt warm, as if basking in the warmth of a spring day, waking up naturally after a full night’s sleep.
At first sight of Jiang Yao, she was a bit slow to react, a moment of confusion until Jiang Yao hugged her tightly again, pressing her into her embrace, lazily asking her if she wanted breakfast. It was then that she realized Jiang Yao had stayed over last night.
“She worried that I’d have nightmares and stayed to accompany me. And with her around, I slept peacefully all night.”
As the morning mist dissipated, Song Muyun’s bright eyes regained their clarity. She struggled a bit from Jiang Yao’s grasp on her arm, looked at her, and said with excitement, “I didn’t have nightmares last night!”
She seemed delighted, eager to share this news with her friend.
Jiang Yao’s speculation confirmed, and she indulgently smiled. “I know. Only when you don’t have nightmares can you be this happy. Shall we have breakfast?”
She asked again.
Perhaps just waking up, Song Muyun’s voice unintentionally carried a soft tone, sounding delicate as she leaned against Jiang Yao, sounding coquettish as she said, “Yes, let’s go eat. Will you come with me?”
Then, she tilted her head, her eyes glistening.
Jiang Yao rubbed the nape of her neck, anticipating it might be sore, and agreed, “Sure, let’s go get some steamed buns outside.”
The life of the wealthy was simple; they loved to eat steamed buns.
Song Muyun didn’t have strong opinions on what to eat. Obediently, she nodded, “Let’s go, I’ll go with you.”
Huh, why was she so well-behaved today? Speaking so softly? It’s not quite like her.
Jiang Yao lowered her head and scrutinized her carefully. Song Muyun, seemingly unaware, reached under the blanket to touch Jiang Yao’s hand secretly, then lowered her head again, blushing, pulling on Jiang Yao’s inner clothes, reminding her, “Didn’t you mention breakfast? Should we go now?”
There was a softness in her voice, making one feel a bit melted upon hearing it.
Jiang Yao snapped out of it and pretended nonchalance, patting her shoulder before walking out.
Caught off guard by her reaction, Song Muyun was momentarily stunned but quickly chased after her, taking Jiang Yao’s hand and walking beside her. With an anxious tone, she said, “What’s wrong? Who said you couldn’t hug me? And… why are you so petty? Besides, didn’t I let you hug me last night?”
As she heard the word ‘hug’, she couldn’t help but recall yesterday when she had been likened to a child, liking to cuddle and hug. She couldn’t believe that even now she was still upset. Her temper was really too much!
Song Muyun lightly bit her lip, feeling somewhat regretful. If she had known Jiang Yao’s temper was this strong, why provoke her? Now, she was angry, and she was difficult to placate.
Jiang Yao suddenly stopped in her tracks, turned to face her in the sunlight, raised her chin, and demanded, “Then next time, don’t make fun of me for liking to hug and cuddle!”
Jiang Yao emphasized, probably due to growing up without many girls around, making her rarely get the chance to play with them. She was eager to get close to someone, hugging or holding hands would make her happy. Suddenly being ridiculed for acting childish was impossible to not get upset about. Although she wasn’t extremely mad, she just wanted the right to cuddle.
Song Muyun, holding her hand, helpless, hurriedly walked alongside her. “I didn’t make fun of you. I won’t say it again in the future.”
She agreed with the first half of the sentence but completely avoided the second half. However, the meaning of trying to placate was evident.
Jiang Yao, ignoring her, continued to hum, “If you really don’t want me to hug you, then I can hug someone else, like Miss Yanjin from your neighborhood, she’s also very beautiful. Next time, I’ll hug her.”
She deliberately tried to provoke Song Muyun but didn’t expect Song Muyun’s face to suddenly turn cold. She tightened her grip on Jiang Yao’s hand, “I don’t not want you to hug me. You misunderstood.”
“Then why did you say I’m like a child?”
The feeling that she couldn’t afford to appear like a child in Jiang Yao’s eyes made her uncomfortable. She was a year older than Jiang Yao, after all.
“That was just a slip of the tongue. But you’re overly sensitive.”
Jiang Yao didn’t care much; however, she didn’t reason with her, “You shouldn’t say I’m like a child. I’m older than you; you should call me sister.”
Song Muyun only agreed to the first part, “Okay, I won’t say it again.”
But she completely ignored the second part, trying to soothe Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao, taking advantage of her concession, continued to hum, “So, do you like it when I hug you or not? If you don’t like it, I won’t do it again.”
Apart from in bed, every time she got close to this person, she’d be commented on. After repeated comments, Jiang Yao couldn’t help but worry if she really didn’t like it.
This girl had always been straightforward, her words too direct. Song Muyun stood there, unable to say she didn’t like it. After all, friendships between
decent people should be calm, even if they were both women, they shouldn’t be so intimate.
If someone saw, she was afraid it would tarnish her reputation as a lady of the Music Pavilion.
Song Muyun, being a lady of the Music Pavilion, had no use for reputation, but Jiang Yao was different.
She’s the young lady of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, with a promising future, and her reputation is very important to her.
In front of her, a woman with a clear and elegant temperament, her beauty resembling jade, seemed preoccupied. Jiang Yao immediately stopped her, “Don’t mind others, I’m asking you, do you like it when I hug you? If you don’t, I won’t do it again.”
Her voice sounded a bit stuffy, showing some displeasure.
Song Muyun’s heart tightened slightly, a hint of bitterness in her heart. She was upset, which made her ache a bit.
And that line about not hugging her again made her feel uncomfortable, her hand gripping the other person’s hand slightly tighter, her thin lips forming a straight line, subconsciously showing some resistance.
Jiang Yao was urging her for an answer, saying if she didn’t like it, she would refrain from touching her in the future and even tried to pull her hand away that was held by Song Muyun.
Feeling anxious, Song Muyun suddenly exerted force with her hand, catching Jiang Yao off guard, pulling her in front of her.
With a flushed face, shy and stuttering, she said, “I… I don’t dislike it, I’m just not used to it. You doing these things, I’ve never disliked.”
Whatever others couldn’t do to her, Jiang Yao could. And no matter what Jiang Yao did to her, she wouldn’t dislike it.
Originally, Song Muyun had lowered her head, but after thinking for a moment, she looked up again, carefully observing Jiang Yao’s expression. She noticed Jiang Yao’s gradually changing mood from being unhappy to a faint smile, as if not angry anymore, finally breathing a sigh of relief.
Thinking, didn’t they say martial artists have the broadest minds and aren’t picky about trivial matters? Why was this martial artist so difficult to placate, staying angry overnight, which really worried her just now?
Jiang Yao heard her saying she didn’t dislike it, and her mood finally eased a bit. Intentionally wrapping an arm around the beautiful woman, she leaned closer to ask her, “Not disliking means liking, right?”
Song Muyun remained silent, her cheeks growing even redder, like high-quality rouge.
Not countering it meant she was right!
Jiang Yao’s eyes brightened suddenly, smiling as she hugged Song Muyun’s slender shoulders, pulling her into her embrace, issuing the final order, “Then I’ll have to hug you often from now on~”
Blushing, Song Muyun allowed her to hug her, and as the two were about to leave the courtyard, the flower maids and workers of the Moon Pavilion were bustling around. Seeing them hugging like that, they widened their eyes in surprise. Feeling embarrassed, Song Muyun bit her lip and tugged on Jiang Yao’s sleeve, whispering, “Can we go back inside to hug? Many people are watching us.”
She had always been thin-skinned.
Jiang Yao looked puzzled, not quite understanding. “Why go back inside to hug? We haven’t done anything, if they like watching, let them watch. Besides… just for a hug, it’s even stranger to go back inside, isn’t it?”
Jiang Yao scratched her head in embarrassment.
Song Muyun paused for a moment, feeling somewhat strange, and finally stopped talking.
With a face displaying a uniform and beautiful blush, regardless of Jiang Yao’s hugging or holding, she was taken to the steamed bun shop.
“Do you want buns with vegetarian filling or meat filling?”
When they came out, Jiang Yao was hugging her shoulder, and now her unruly hand had moved to her waist. The two were overly intimate, which looked very attractive, and several men and women in coarse clothes in the bun shop glanced at them from time to time.
There were too many people watching them all the way here, and Song Muyun had gotten used to it. She also responded easily to Jiang Yao, “I want vegetarian filling.”
Jiang Yao pinched her slender arms and legs, a bit disdainful. “You love eating vegetarian so much, no wonder you don’t have much flesh on you.”
The embarrassed beauty lightly punched her to make her stop talking.
After queuing for a while, she asked, “Hey, what about eating here at the stall? I want to eat tofu pudding.”
Still a bit upset, Song Muyun threw out a “as you wish” and turned away, not looking at her.
The fair-skinned beauty, with lips as red as cherries, a high and straight nose, and beautiful narrow phoenix eyes even when throwing a tantrum, was charming.
Jiang Yao reached down and held Song Muyun’s hand. Though the other person was displeased, she let Jiang Yao hold her hand, showing real obedience.
“Master, three meat buns, two vegetarian buns, and two bowls of tofu pudding, one spicy and one sweet.”
“Alright!” The master responded promptly and immediately arranged a table for them.
After thanking the master, Song Muyun took out a handkerchief from her pocket and carefully wiped the table, even wanting to wipe the chairs before allowing Jiang Yao to sit.
Beijing’s women loved cleanliness. Jiang Yao noticed that other women who came to eat breakfast also wiped the table and chairs. Unlike her, who was so casual that she was about to sit down directly.
“Why don’t you ask me if I like sweet tofu pudding?”
Jiang Yao took out two pairs of chopsticks, dipped them in hot water, and smiled, “You love eating sweet things, don’t you? Can you even eat spicy food?”
Song Muyun indeed couldn’t eat spicy food. She accepted the chopsticks with a smile and remained silent.
Soon, two neatly arranged plates of big, plump buns were brought out, along with two bowls of tofu pudding. One bowl was bright red with chili oil, making one’s mouth water, while the other bowl was white and sprinkled with sugar, smelling sweet and delightful.
Song Muyun’s gaze fell on the spicy tofu pudding, somewhat surprised. “There’s so much chili in it. Can you really eat that much spicy food?”
Jiang Yao replied, “Hmm, I spent a few years at the border before. It’s cold there all year round, and eating spicy food warms the body.”
“Have you been to the border? Have you been on the battlefield?”
The young girl seemed very interested in new things.
Jiang Yao grinned, teasingly, “I have. I’ve even killed people. Are you scared?”
She intentionally tried to scare her, for some inexplicable reason wanting to playfully tease Song Muyun.
Song Muyun was clearly a delicately raised young woman. Upon hearing about such violent matters, instead of being scared, her eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Jiang Yao, showing respect, “You kill for the sake of protecting the people of Da Jin. As a citizen of Da Jin, why should I fear you? If everyone fears the soldiers returning from the border, wouldn’t it disappoint those soldiers?”
She really didn’t seem scared at all. Jiang Yao laughed and shook her head, “What kind of soldier am I? It’s just that my uncle took me to the battlefield once.”
“That’s still impressive. Your uncle is the General Dragon Tiger, right? Thanks to him guarding the border, we can enjoy the peaceful life we have now.”
Back when she was in her boudoir, she had also heard about the fame of the General Dragon Tiger, a warrior who could single-handedly take on hundreds of enemies.
It was truly admirable.
Song Muyun was clearly complimenting her family, but somehow, a joy surged from her heart, as if she didn’t just like her but also her family.
Jiang Yao reluctantly suppressed her joyful expression, scolding herself inwardly, ‘It’s not about you. Why are you feeling so happy?’
She changed the subject, “Let’s put that aside for now. Eat quickly, and after that, we’ll go buy some books.”
Only then did Song Muyun lower her head, taking small bites of the steaming white bun, the salty and fresh taste lingering between her teeth. Then she took a sip of the tofu pudding, tasting sweet, much better than any tofu pudding she had ever tasted before.
Jiang Yao ate quickly, finishing three large meat buns in a few bites and leisurely enjoying the tofu pudding.
Song Muyun finished one vegetarian bun and looked at the remaining one, her eyebrows slightly furrowing. Biting her rosy lip, she looked somewhat troubled, glancing at Jiang Yao.”
“Jiang Yao noticed and put down the spoon stirring the tofu pudding, asking her, ‘What’s wrong? Feeling unwell?’
Song Muyun shook her head lightly. ‘No, it’s just that the buns are too big, I can’t finish them.’
After saying that, she lowered her head, as if she had done something wrong.
Jiang Yao: …
She looked at the plate left empty after eating three large meat buns herself, then back at Song Muyun with two vegetarian buns left, unable to finish even one.
No wonder she’s so thin!
She wanted to say something to her, but as she lifted her eyes, she saw Song Muyun looking pitiful, as if she knew Jiang Yao was about to comment on her, so she decided against it.
She reached for the remaining vegetarian bun. ‘It’s not a big deal, not being able to finish. If you can’t, I’ll eat it for you.’
She practiced martial arts every day, unlike these delicate ladies, her physical exertion was higher, so naturally, her appetite was bigger.
Song Muyun widened her eyes slightly, somewhat surprised. ‘Can you eat that much?’
Adding that, Jiang Yao was about to eat four buns!
Song Muyun had never seen a woman who could eat so much, yet still maintain such a well-proportioned figure without being fat.
‘Is this a lot? I get hungry after practicing for an hour.’
‘Well, for those practicing martial arts, it’s not much. So, do you find practicing martial arts hard usually?’
She asked softly.
Jiang Yao suddenly sat up straight, speaking, ‘Of course, it’s very tough. I have to wield the sword regularly, at least a hundred or more strokes before stopping. Often, my arms ache from the exercise, that’s why I like it when you massage them for me.’
She then brought up the gentle massage incident from yesterday.
Hearing this, Song Muyun showed signs of heartache, gripping Jiang Yao’s hand. ‘Do you practice for that long? Doesn’t the Prime Minister stop you?’
Jiang Yao, with the other hand holding the bun, gestured, ‘He’d rather I practice martial arts all day long, so I don’t go out causing trouble for him.’
That was true. Jiang Yao wasn’t exactly a well-behaved person, but she detested injustice. If she saw the dandies of the capital bullying someone, a good beating was almost certain. Jiang Heng was often visited by the parents of those kids, complaining about their children and ended up cursing them after they left.
Song Muyun became even more tender, gently massaging Jiang Yao’s forearms, and said, ‘You shouldn’t listen to the Prime Minister. Practicing for an entire day is exhausting. Was the bow from yesterday heavy? Is the sword heavy too?’
Jiang Yao pondered for a moment before saying, ‘Not really. I have several swords, some light, some heavy. The heavy sword is naturally heavier than that bow.’
Seeing her becoming increasingly concerned, Jiang Yao felt surprisingly comfortable. ‘Thinking of it, why is she worrying more about me?’ she wondered.
Just as she was about to say something else, a group of guards appeared not far away. They seemed to be from the Jiang Mansion based on their attire.
Jiang Yao stood up, wanting to get a better look, but one of the guards noticed her from the corner of his eye, his eyes brightened as he shouted loudly, ‘Quick, no need to go to the Moon Pavilion, Miss is here!’
Jiang Yao: …
Shouting so loud, everyone’s looking at us. Isn’t he embarrassed?
She was embarrassed and didn’t want to be recognized by this group of people.
The leader of the guards, along with the others, rushed over and immediately knelt at Jiang Yao’s feet.
Jiang Yao swore she had never been so conspicuous, even in the busy market.
She glanced at Song Muyun. Even she looked puzzled and uneasy, watching Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao remained expressionless, hands behind her back, coldly asking, ‘What’s the matter?’
‘Miss, the Second Master is returning to the capital today. The Master asked me to invite you back.’
Jiang Yao: …
How come she didn’t know her uncle was coming back?
Her father didn’t tell her, otherwise, she would have gone back already!
Jiang Yao felt guilty and pressed her fist against her lips. ‘Understood.’
Then she turned to Song Muyun.
Song Muyun was always considerate. Without waiting for her to speak, she proactively said, ‘The General Dragon Tiger is back? Then, you should go back quickly. Don’t keep your parents waiting.’
Jiang Yao nodded and picked a few familiar guards from the group, instructing them, ‘You make sure to safely escort Miss Song back to the Moon Pavilion. Don’t leave until you see her safely back inside. Understood?’
Those people all acknowledged and followed behind Song Muyun.
Watching Jiang Yao’s departing figure, Song Muyun unexpectedly felt a twinge of reluctance. When they were out of sight, she turned to the guards escorting her back and thanked them, ‘Thank you all for your help.’
The guards were typically reserved and silent, just bowing and saying, ‘Miss Song, please.’
As she wobbled, Song Muyun returned to the Moon Pavilion.
Jiang Yao soon arrived back at the Jiang Mansion but didn’t see her father or her uncle. Only her maid, Cui Zhu, was waiting at the mansion’s gate. The anxious look on her face turned into joy upon seeing Jiang Yao.
Before she could ask, Cui Zhu blurted out, ‘Miss, you finally returned. The Master, Madam, and Young Master have all gone to welcome the Second Master. They told you to change your clothes and wait at home, don’t go out again.’
…
Everyone in the family went to welcome her uncle, except her. What would her uncle think of her?
The corners of Jiang Yao’s mouth twitched.
She hurried back to bathe and change clothes.
Her uncle was a military general. Most likely, he’d check whether she had improved her martial arts. Jiang Yao changed into a neat moon-white martial attire, with a soft sword tied around her waist, standing at the mansion’s gate to wait for her uncle.
After waiting for a while, a grand procession of carriages and horses arrived. The first carriage belonged to her parents, followed by another unfamiliar one, probably her uncle’s.
But she didn’t see her uncle sitting atop a tall horse.
The carriage stopped in front of Jiang Yao, and the first to come out was her father, Jiang Heng.
Jiang Heng stepped down. After the servant set down the stool, he got off the carriage leisurely, shooting Jiang Yao a glance.
Jiang Yao felt guilty for indulging in beauty, causing the delay of the beautiful lady’s return. She shrank her neck and dared not speak.
Following him, Lady Jiang and Jiang Huai came down, and in the carriage behind, there was Lady Jiang Er, wearing a snow-blue long skirt, her expression gentle.
One lady wore a purple dress while the other wore a yellow dress, each with her unique grace.
Lady Jiang Er was named Jiang Yi. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Jiang Yao. She released her own daughter’s hand and reached for Jiang Yao’s wrist, exclaiming, “Oh, it’s Yao’er! It’s been so long, you’ve grown so tall and beautiful.”
Jiang Heng snorted coldly. “Just a little monkey. My sister-in-law is too kind.”
Jiang Yao forced a smile.
Who speaks of their daughter like this in public?
She should blame her father for her bad reputation!
Lady Jiang Er knew Jiang Heng was tough but soft-hearted, so she helped Jiang Yao, saying, “Big Brother is indeed strict. Yao’er is already so well-behaved and sensible, yet he’s still not satisfied.”
She smiled at the elder lady. “Isn’t that right, Qingyin?”
The elder lady, Liang Qingyin, shook her head helplessly. “Don’t mind him. I think Yao’er is fine the way she is.”
Unable to bear the three talking about her in front of her, Jiang Yao quickly spoke up, “Father, Mother, Uncle, Aunt, and little sister, let’s talk inside if you have something to say.”
Jiang Heng glared at her again and walked ahead, followed closely by Lady Jiang and Lady Jiang Er, chatting and smiling at each other while holding arms.
Jiang Yao scratched the back of her head and felt Jiang Huai pat her shoulder. He leaned in and whispered excitedly, “Hey sis, did you sleep at Moon Pavilion last night? You’re bold, not coming back directly. Dad was quite furious.”
Before Jiang Yao could tell him to mind his own business, Jiang Er walked up to both of them. She exuded elegance, gentleness, and a scholarly air that made people naturally behave.
“Cousin, long time no see. Do you still remember me?”
Jiang Yao naturally remembered; she had just called her name a while ago. How could this young girl have such a bad memory?
Facing her uncle’s only daughter, Jiang Yao was obviously kinder compared to her treatment of her brother. “Little cousin, I couldn’t forget you even if I wanted to.”
Jiang Er smiled lightly at Jiang Yao and then turned to Jiang Huai. “Cousin.”
“Cousin.”
Jiang Huai hadn’t interacted with Jiang Er much. He awkwardly smiled after addressing her and didn’t speak further.
Fortunately, Jiang Er didn’t seem interested in talking to him. She walked alongside Jiang Yao, asking about interesting things in the capital, wanting Jiang Yao to show her around.
Jiang Yao felt uncomfortable, not because of Jiang Er but because she had an odd condition where speaking formally and politely made her feel itchy all over.
It had been several years since they met. Jiang Yao wasn’t sure if Jiang Er was used to her rough language and behavior.
Just as Jiang Yao was thinking, she heard Jiang Er’s voice full of smiles. “Cousin, I still prefer the way you used to be.”
Ah, that’s better. Jiang Yao instantly felt relieved at Jiang Er’s words. Her expression naturally softened. “It’s good that you’re used to it. I was afraid all your studying would make you turn into a little prude again.”
…
Jiang Er: … Maybe you shouldn’t go back to how you were before.
“Cousin—”
She was somewhat helpless, elongating the tone in calling her cousin. She didn’t like being called a prude.
Jiang Yao shrugged and didn’t say anything more. Then, she heard Jiang Er asking, “Why didn’t you come to meet us today? My dad kept mentioning you.”
“Oh, just woke up late and missed it.”
Jiang Huai glanced at his sister, his face suggesting, ‘Aren’t you feeling guilty saying this?’
Jiang Yao felt no guilt and Jiang Er believed her, expressing concern, “Next time, wake up earlier. You didn’t have breakfast, did you?”
Not only was she a prude, but she was also becoming naggy.
Jiang Yao didn’t want to keep lying, so she changed the subject, “What about Uncle? Why didn’t I see him?”
“My father went to the palace to report.”
“Oh, so are you staying with your mother?”
They hadn’t been back for many years, so the courtyard was in need of some repairs and reorganization.
Jiang Er shook her head lightly and dropped a bombshell on Jiang Yao’s head. “My mother said for me to stay with you, so we can catch up.”
…
Could they not catch up during the day? Why only at night?
Seeing her sister’s frozen expression and Jiang Huai joking in the background, Jiang Er asked in confusion, “Why? Sister isn’t married yet, why wouldn’t she stay in the mansion?”
Jiang Yao glared at Jiang Huai, silently warning him to shut up or she’d drag him out and beat him. Then she looked at Jiang Er, feeling somewhat helpless as she explained, “I’ll let you stay in my courtyard first. I have some matters to attend to these days, so I might not be in the mansion at night.”
Jiang Er’s eyes widened in shock, and it took her a while before she asked, “Is the city of the capital so open-minded now?”
Author’s note:
Finally caught up! Finished writing by around nine, and even after editing, I didn’t even go play games when my friend called me! Remember to comment!!!