Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Jiang Yao tried to explain for a long time, but they still couldn’t accept her not being at home at night and having things to attend to. They seemed bewildered. Jiang Yao glared at her useless brother several times.
Her brother rubbed his head and ended up provokingly grinning, looking even more foolish.
“Then, Sister, where will you sleep at night?”
Jiang Ru looked at Jiang Yao in a daze.
Jiang Yao hesitated for a moment and didn’t conceal it, “Um… I might sleep at Moon Pavilion.”
The name was unfamiliar to her cousin, a girl who had only loved studying since she was young. Frowning, she asked, “Where is Moon Pavilion?”
Jiang Yao finally felt a bit embarrassed, not knowing how to describe it to her cousin. Fortunately, her father stood in the hall and called them, “Come in quickly, don’t play outside.”
“Okay, coming.”
Jiang Yao rarely responded eagerly and brought her siblings into the hall, each sitting on one side.
Jiang Ru returned to the capital city with little understanding. Her mother instructed her to get familiar with things by following Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao sat beside her own mother, and Jiang Ru hurriedly squeezed next to Jiang Yao, leaving Jiang Huai nowhere to stand.
Second Madam Jiang Yi’s eyes were sharp and immediately noticed, smiling and waving to Jiang Huai. “Huai’er, come over and let your aunt take a good look at you. You’re all grown up now.”
Jiang Huai had a respectful attitude towards senior elders he rarely met but heard were quite formidable. He obediently went over and was seated, then was looked over from left to right, being praised for his handsome appearance until he felt embarrassed.
Jiang Huai discreetly glanced at Jiang Yao, feeling somewhat smug.
Jiang Yao rolled her eyes. She couldn’t be bothered to compete for compliments like a child in front of adults.
Sitting at the head, Jiang Heng asked Second Madam if anything interesting happened at the border. He inquired indirectly, knowing his second brother hadn’t caused any trouble outside, avoiding tarnishing the Jiang family’s reputation.
After several rounds of tea, the servant finally led Second Uncle Jiang back.
Jiang Heng naturally had fair skin, just like Jiang Zhi before, but after years stationed at the border, exposed to wind and sun every day, even the best complexion inevitably darkened.
Fortunately, before he got sunburnt, he had married, otherwise with his current appearance, it might have been difficult for him to find a wife.
Thinking to himself, Jiang Heng smiled and went to greet his younger brother.
Jiang Zhi’s physique had grown significantly from training at the border, and a respectful salute made Jiang Huai jump.
“Big Brother!”
Jiang Heng nodded, looking at him with a sigh, “These years have been tough on you.”
“Protecting the country and returning alive, I can’t complain about being tough.”
Jiang Heng patted Jiang Zhi’s broad shoulder. “Let’s not talk about this. Come in and rest.”
The two went inside, but Jiang Zhi’s gaze landed on Jiang Yao and Jiang Ru, noticing how they seemed at ease chatting together, nodding in satisfaction.
Jiang Yao had behaved relatively well in front of the elders, not causing much disturbance. But it wasn’t until Jiang Zhi finished narrating all the major events that occurred during his over ten years at the border that his attention turned back to Jiang Yao.
He spoke cheerfully, “I haven’t seen Yao’er in many years. How’s your recent martial arts training? Have you been slack?”
As soon as Jiang Heng heard his younger brother mention Jiang Yao, he immediately coldly snorted, “She’s been fooling around outside every day, not practicing martial arts at all. Not only did she dare to teach the Eighth Prince archery but also stood him up. He’s a prince, and she dares stand him up?!”
Jiang Yao shrunk her neck. Though timid, she still tried to defend herself, “I’ve been practicing! I practice almost every day.”
Except yesterday. No one could remember to get up and practice swordsmanship in the Land of Nod!
It was normal not to get up. Even others couldn’t get up!
Jiang Zhi was interested. “Did you teach the Eighth Prince archery? Is his archery really that bad?”
Jiang Yao coughed. “Well, it’s… not bad. He’s second to last among the princes.”
Jiang Zhi: …
“Well, that’s really bad. No wonder you had to teach him. But don’t just teach others; don’t neglect your own martial arts.”
“I know, I know. Don’t worry; I’m still waiting to protect the country like you.”
The girl spoke lightly and humorously, voicing such lofty ambitions.
Jiang Zhi shook his head. The battlefield wasn’t a good place to go, but it had always been Jiang Yao’s dream. Even his elder brother couldn’t dissuade her; he decided not to try.
“Let me see your progress over the past few years.”
He stood up, and nearby lay his large sword. Jiang Yao originally thought of demonstrating with her soft sword tied to her waist. However, it seemed like her uncle wanted to spar with her and had someone bring a heavier sword.
A soft sword against a large sword. Her uncle would break her sword!
Jiang Huai had long felt annoyed by his sister’s attitude. Hearing she wanted to compete against the former Martial Arts Champion and current General, he stood at the back, unable to control his laughter.
Jiang Yao: …
Having such a brother was truly embarrassing.
The servant cleared an open space. Jiang Yao and Second Uncle each took their weapon stance. When they were both in a ready-to-attack posture, their gazes turned sharp. Just as Jiang Huai had anticipated a fun time seeing his sister get beaten up, he gradually found it hard to laugh.
There had always been legends about his Second Uncle in the capital city.
Rumors spread about Second Uncle’s incredible martial skills, being among the most formidable among martial officers.
But could someone please explain why his sister and Second Uncle were exchanging blows?!
Was his sister’s martial skill really this high?! Even Second Uncle couldn’t handle her?!
Thinking of how his sister regularly fought without anyone stopping her, Jiang Huai almost fainted.
Jiang Heng had been dissatisfied with his daughter’s actions during this period. Although the Song family girl was pitiable, he had his ways to help her family clear their name. There was no need for Jiang Yao to keep running around, neglecting her proper duties. But it turned out she hadn’t really neglected them. Despite fighting, she wasn’t injured. This lessened Jiang Heng’s dissatisfaction a bit.
Jiang Zhi also nodded in agreement. Seeing Jiang Yao somewhat exhausted, he took back his sword, went up, and patted Jiang Yao’s shoulder like a fan, nearly making her stagger and almost fall. He loudly praised her, “You’ve done well in your training. Keep at it for a few more years, and perhaps I won’t be your match anymore.”
Sweat glistened on Jiang Yao’s forehead. Breathing heavily, she wiped the sweat off her brow, chuckling, “Uncle, don’t praise me too much; I’ll get conceited.”
“Hahaha, your martial arts are outstanding among your peers. You have every right to be proud.”
“What’s the use of excellent martial arts without a bit of brains?”
Jiang Heng seemed particularly displeased with his eldest daughter today and scolded her again.
Jiang Yao twitched her mouth, as if she hadn’t heard him, put away her sword, and stepped aside, keeping silent.
Seeing his father inviting his uncle for a drink, Jiang Ru whispered to Jiang Yao, “Why is Uncle so angry today?”
She had been away for many years and didn’t know much about this cultured uncle she had only heard rumors about.
“Your impression, it’s just that Father always said of the two men in the Jiang family, he has the most irritable temper, while Granduncle is the most gentle and easygoing. Whenever he bullies someone, Granduncle is the one who goes to apologize politely. But today, why does it seem…”
“Perhaps because I slept at Moon Pavilion yesterday,” Jiang Yao whispered.
Jiang Ru frowned, trying to figure out what Moon Pavilion was. Was it an inn? Did Granduncle disagree with Sister staying at the inn, hence the anger? Then why would Sister not stay at her own home and prefer to stay at an inn? Jiang Ru felt like her brain was tying itself into knots.
Sure enough, it was because of her overnight stay at Moon Pavilion that Jiang Heng was upset. After settling Jiang Zhi and his wife, Jiang Yao was taken to the study.
“You tell me, have you been acting properly these past two days? You’re not out bullying people, but instead, you’re idling around all day? Do you know what people outside are saying about you?” Jiang Heng slammed the table, devoid of the refined and gentle demeanor he showed outside. He was truly furious. It wasn’t good for sons to idly waste time, but when it became a daughter, it was even more disgraceful!
At this moment, Jiang Yao stood straight, looking somewhat serious, and replied with determination, “What others say about me has nothing to do with me. I stand upright and behave appropriately. I’m not afraid of rumors. Besides, was I really bullying people before? Clearly, I was upholding justice and chivalry. They bullied first. As the daughter of a prime minister, how can I turn a blind eye to it? You don’t even know how well-regarded you are among the people!”
The group of people who were used to bullying the weak often got beaten by her. After repeated beatings, the people gradually understood her identity. Now, they praised her father’s uprightness in addition to raising a daughter who abhorred evil; she was a blessing to the Great Jin country.
Yet, her father always belittled her.
“Hmph, the capital has its laws, the Ministry of Justice, and the Chief Judicial Officer. What authority do you have over them?”
“Those officials protect each other. As the children of high-ranking officials, they won’t get severe punishments. You know this well. It’s better for me to give them a beating as a form of punishment.”
Jiang Yao sneered, ready to argue with Jiang Heng.
Jiang Heng, standing behind the desk, took a deep breath several times before controlling the urge to stuff his daughter back into her mother’s womb. He glared at her and added, “Besides hitting people, openly frequenting the Pleasure Quarter every day, do you know how the censors talk about you in the court every day?”
Jiang Yao didn’t care, adopting an indifferent expression. “They’re just saying I’m flirtatious and fickle, with an eye for beauty. What of it? When have the censors ever said anything good about me? Father, aren’t you used to it?”
Her father remained silent. He was always afraid that Jiang Yao would become arrogant and never told her that the censors had actually spoken well of her. When she beat up those bullies on the street, she was praised by the censors in court for almost half an hour. Consequently, despite the parents of those bullies coming to him seeking justice, he easily persuaded them to leave, and there was no major punishment for Jiang Yao. He had always been lenient with her.
Jiang Heng’s expression became somewhat unnatural. He coughed lightly, pretending nonchalance as he sat down and opened a document on the table, avoiding continuing the argument with Jiang Yao. Instead, he said, “Your reputation has become a problem. For these few days, you should refrain from going to Moon Pavilion. I will personally ask the emperor to reinvestigate the Song family’s case, so you don’t need to worry about it.”
His voice was calm. Although a loyal minister like Song Yunqian had died wrongfully, it didn’t concern him much. However, Song Yunqian’s daughter was not related to him. He refused to sacrifice his daughter’s reputation to protect her, despite her being his own daughter.
Jiang Yao’s reaction to his words was strong. She instinctively refused, “No, I don’t agree.”
Jiang Heng glared at her, “It’s just a few days. What’s the problem with agreeing? If you don’t stay by her side daily, could she not be harmed?”
Jiang Yao thought she probably would be, but she knew her father was stubborn. She didn’t dare to act tough again and quickly went to cling to her father’s arm, acting coquettish, “Dad, how can we be sure about such things? You don’t know, Murong Qing always goes to find Song Muyun whenever your daughter isn’t there, bullying and hurting her. How can Song Muyun, a girl, resist him when she’s trapped in the Pleasure Quarter? Your daughter isn’t around her, and it’s worrying.”
Despite her father’s arm being swung around, his expression remained serious, showing no softness. Without showing any tenderness, he said, “What’s your relationship with her? Why are you so worried? You’ve only met casually; you’re not long-time friends. You don’t need to take it to heart.”
At first, he thought it was good for his daughter to play with the Song family’s girl. But he didn’t expect her to visit the Pleasure Quarter all day, disappearing early in the morning and staying there all day. He often didn’t see her when he returned from the court, sometimes not seeing her at all throughout the day. Her frequent visits weren’t a good thing.
Unable to understand her father’s thoughts, Jiang Yao felt displeased when he said not to take it to heart. Loosening her hold on her father’s hand, she didn’t care about her surroundings. Boldly, she sat directly on the ground, looking up at her father, “Haven’t you heard of kindred spirits? Though we aren’t long-term friends, she’s someone I value among my current friends. Dad, if you don’t want me to go to the Pleasure Quarter often, worrying about losing face, just bring her to our home.”
This was actually Jiang Yao’s intention. Song Muyun’s stay at the Pleasure Quarter was inconvenient, and there were events like the autumn hunt approaching soon. It would be safer for her to stay with them.
Jiang Heng’s mouth twitched. He couldn’t understand how his astute self had raised such an emotionally driven daughter. “Are you planning to bring her into our house?”
“Yes, she’s not safe in the Pleasure Quarter. She’s just a young girl, in such a place, it’s difficult for her to protect herself.”
Jiang Yao stood up again, went behind Jiang Heng, and began to massage his shoulders, trying to be more attentive and pleasing. Jiang Heng’s temples throbbed, wondering how his usually shrewd daughter had grown into someone who acted based on emotions. He coughed lightly
, pretending indifference, and sat down, flipping through the documents on the table without continuing the topic. He only said, “If her reputation is at stake, for the next few days, you won’t go to Moon Pavilion. I’ll take care of the Song family’s matters with the emperor. You don’t need to worry about it.”
His voice remained calm. Although a loyal minister like Song Yunqian had died wrongfully, it didn’t concern him much. However, Song Yunqian’s daughter was not related to him. He refused to sacrifice his daughter’s reputation to protect her, despite her being his own daughter.
Jiang Yao’s reaction to his words was strong. She instinctively refused, “No, I don’t agree.”
Jiang Heng glared at her, “It’s just a few days. What’s the problem with agreeing? If you don’t stay by her side daily, could she not be harmed?”
Jiang Yao thought she probably would be, but she knew her father was stubborn. She didn’t dare to act tough again and quickly went to cling to her father’s arm, acting coquettish, “Dad, how can we be sure about such things? You don’t know, Murong Qing always goes to find Song Muyun whenever your daughter isn’t there, bullying and hurting her. How can Song Muyun, a girl, resist him when she’s trapped in the Pleasure Quarter? Your daughter isn’t around her, and it’s worrying.”
Despite her father’s arm being swung around, his expression remained serious, showing no softness. Without showing any tenderness, he said, “What’s your relationship with her? Why are you so worried? You’ve only met casually; you’re not long-time friends. You don’t need to take it to heart.”
At first, he thought it was good for his daughter to play with the Song family’s girl. But he didn’t expect her to visit the Pleasure Quarter all day,
“If you don’t want to care, don’t ask. Ruer just arrived, I’ll go accompany her.” Jiang Yao turned and left, leaving Jiang Heng alone in the study, unable to understand why his own daughter, who had always been indifferent, would treat Song Muyun so well. What exceptional qualities did she possess?
Inside the Hengwu Courtyard, Jiang Ru had someone help move one box after another for herself. She didn’t like others arranging her belongings, so she started unpacking and organizing things by herself after the boxes were placed.
Jiang Yao came in from the door and saw Jiang Ru’s busy figure. She hurried over, “Ruer, not done yet? Let me help you.”
Facing her gentle and sensible cousin, she had always been a good elder sister. The two of them tidied up together, and in no time, the room was neat and tidy.
Jiang Ru was invited by Jiang Yao to sit at the table and have tea. After taking a few sips to soothe her throat, she looked up and smiled, “I saw Sister and Father sparring in the courtyard earlier. Sister’s martial arts seem to have improved again.”
Praised by her cousin, Jiang Yao lifted her chin proudly, “Naturally. Your sister here is a dominant figure in the capital. Except for a few generals, no one is my match.”
Seeing Jiang Ru’s admiration, she felt even prouder and poured her sister another cup of tea more fervently.
After Jiang Ru elegantly finished her tea, she gently said, “It’s been a while since I last visited the capital. Sister, could you take me to Moon Pavilion? I want to know where Sister rests at night.”
Jiang Yao: …
Although she didn’t discriminate against places like Moon Pavilion, given her sister’s studious and rule-abiding nature, she might not like it…
“Ahem, it’s just a place to sleep, nothing interesting.”
“If Sister would give up the mansion’s courtyard and stay with me there, it must be a good place. Sister just wants to take a look and gain some experience.”
Jiang Ru looked at Jiang Yao with watery eyes, leaving Jiang Yao speechless.
Unable to refuse, she reluctantly said, “There’s nothing much to see. If you really want to go, promise me you won’t tell anyone that I took you there.”
If she went by herself, it would be one thing, but if her father found out she took her most well-behaved and obedient sister to such a place, he’d surely be furious.
Although Jiang Ru didn’t understand why she couldn’t tell anyone, since her sister brought it up, she would listen. She nodded her petite chin and promised, “Okay, I won’t tell.”
Lunchtime was approaching, following her father’s arrangement, the whole family had to dine together. Jiang Yao planned to visit Moon Pavilion after lunch, but unexpectedly forgot about the Eighth Prince, who came to practice archery. Just as she reached the doorstep, she bumped into him.
The Eighth Prince, with a polite attitude, bowed slightly and smiled, “Miss Jiang, are you here to pick me up?”
…
“Heh, yeah, to pick you up.”
Seeing Murong Ci, Jiang Yao remembered she had promised to teach him archery in the afternoons. It seemed she’d have to delay visiting Song Muyun again.
Although they had only been apart for a few hours, she strangely missed her. Quite peculiar.
Jiang Ru tilted her head and looked at the man slightly taller than her. His clothing was luxurious and didn’t seem ordinary, so she instinctively tugged at Jiang Yao’s clothes for help.
Jiang Yao turned and introduced, “This is the Eighth Prince, Murong Ci. Eighth Brother, this is my sister, Jiang Ru.”
Murong Ci was very polite. He smiled at Jiang Ru and bowed, “So it’s Second Miss’s return.”
Jiang Ru quickly returned the courtesy, “This maiden pays respects to the Eighth Prince.”
“I heard Second Miss grew up on the border?”
Jiang Yao didn’t like it when royal family members paid too much attention to her sister, so she interrupted, not keen on hearing more. She hurriedly stepped forward, linked arms with Murong Ci, and led him inside. She shouted, “We’re going to shoot arrows. My Second Uncle is resting at home. I can ask him to come and give you some guidance later.”
Jiang Yao’s sudden arm linking caught Murong Ci by surprise. For a moment, his pupils contracted, his body stiffened, and he even seemed a bit nervous. But before he could say anything, he was half-dragged inside.
Jiang Ru cautiously lifted her skirt’s hem over the doorstep, then placed her hands in front of her abdomen, following beside the two. After Jiang Yao set up the target for Murong Ci, she proactively suggested, “Shall I go call my father over?”
She remembered Jiang Yao saying that she’d have her father guide the Eighth Prince.
As soon as Jiang Yao nodded, she went off.
The little girl walked gracefully towards her father’s residence, incredibly obedient.
Jiang Yao, in a daze, thought of Song Muyun. When she was around, she was always obedient, just occasionally stubborn, like a little kitten, not intimidating at all.
Uncle Jiang arrived promptly. Even before he arrived, his hearty laughter preceded him.
“Hahaha, the Eighth Prince is here. I’ve been impolite for not welcoming you. Please forgive me. According to Ruer, you’re here to practice archery?”
He was holding a simple bow and arrow, quite large, it seemed to be his usual.
Looking at the resolute face and strong arms in front of him, Murong Ci inexplicably swallowed nervously.
Then he bowed, “Yes, with the autumn hunt approaching, I’m fortunate that Jiang Yao is willing to teach me archery.”
Uncle Jiang nodded, picking up, “Back then, my archery was also…”
“Only lost to your father emperor, conveniently today I have time. Yao’er, aren’t you taking Ru’er out to play? Hurry, the little girl needs to go out more. I’ll stay here to instruct His Highness.”
Claimed to have only lost to the current emperor, but the actual situation was… various pressures were applied to prevent him from winning, to boost the current emperor’s image, to make the court and the people praise the emperor’s excellence in both literature and martial arts. Hmph, it’s ridiculous. This time, his son was actually practicing archery at his place, huh.
Jiang Yao didn’t expect her second uncle to have ulterior motives. She just felt that her second uncle was understanding and very considerate, arriving like timely rain. Looking at her second uncle, her eyes lit up, “Thank you, Second Uncle. I’ll take good care of Ru’er. Eighth Prince, my second uncle is one of the best martial artists among the generals. You’ve gained a lot.”
At this moment, the inexperienced Murong Ci also felt that he gained something.
Being personally guided by the General Longhu, he was probably the first among the princes. He would definitely progress by leaps and bounds!
Jiang Yao took Jiang Ru away from the Jiang Mansion, calling for the mansion’s carriage to take them to Moon Pavilion.
If it were just Jiang Yao alone, walking wouldn’t matter, but her sister was delicate. After a few steps, her legs would ache and she couldn’t continue. Also, if she tired out her cousin, her father would be troublesome.
Jiang Yao was a frequent visitor to Moon Pavilion. The proprietress greeted her with a smile upon seeing her but only noticed the unfamiliar young lady beside her. The young lady seemed to be there for the first time and looked curious.
“Miss Jiang, as usual?”
Jiang Yao nodded, skillfully handed a silver coin to the proprietress, and led Jiang Ru inside.
With growing curiosity in her eyes, Jiang Ru stuck close to Jiang Yao out of habit in unfamiliar places. “Sister, do you often come here? The owner seems to know you very well.”
Jiang Yao coughed lightly, “Well, not really. I have been coming more frequently recently.”
Jiang Ru inadvertently glanced around and saw people coming and going, mostly oily and powdered men, many of whom were holding onto women or men, behaving in a lascivious manner that was unbearable to look at.
She was taken aback, reaching out to grab Jiang Yao’s sleeve, her eyebrows furrowing slightly, “Sister, why are these men and women so shameless?”
Publicly hugging and touching like this, what kind of decency was that?!
As a young lady who was taught etiquette and manners since childhood, Jiang Ru felt uncomfortable.
Jiang Yao felt increasingly awkward and whispered, “This is the Pleasure Pavilion, for enjoying music. But some people, because they have money, engage in improper activities. You don’t have to mind them.”
Jiang Ru seemed to understand but raised her head to ask Jiang Yao if she liked listening to music.
Jiang Yao was already speaking softly with her head slightly lowered, and when she raised her head again, she saw that they were almost face to face.
Song Muyun went to fetch tea leaves bought from the pavilion. Seeing this scene from a distance, she froze at the end of the corridor, disbelief filling her eyes. Intense pain surged from her chest, spreading through her limbs. The package of tea leaves was almost crushed by her slender fingers. Courage and anger seemed to emanate from nowhere. Cold-faced, Song Muyun quickly approached and grabbed Jiang Yao’s arm, pulling her away from Jiang Ru. As Jiang Ru was holding onto Jiang Yao’s sleeve, a strong force pulled her along. She was caught off guard, stumbled a few steps, and was then supported by Jiang Yao on instinct.
Seeing this scene, Song Muyun’s eyes reddened even more, looking helpless and aggrieved. She gripped Jiang Yao’s arm harder, wishing to squeeze into her flesh.
But Jiang Yao, tough-skinned, despite Song Muyun’s efforts, still felt as if she was being scratched by a little kitten, not hurting at all. She was just a bit bewildered and turned to the person who suddenly rushed to pull her away, “Muyun? What’s wro… what happened to you??”
Just as she was about to ask what happened, she saw a figure clad in a floor-length pale dress, with an exquisite updo adorned with fluttering butterflies. This person looked more like a little fairy, her eyes red, tears seemingly on the brink of falling, as if grievously wronged.
Jiang Yao felt worried.
Song Muyun pursed her lips, turned her head, and dissipated the force she used to separate them moments ago. She didn’t speak, just showing a face of being wronged and bullied.
Jiang Yao was more puzzled, and Jiang Ru, cautiously holding Jiang Yao’s sleeve, asked, “Sister, what… what’s happening? Who is she?”
Noticing her slightly disheveled collar, Jiang Ru didn’t wait for Jiang Yao’s reply and hurriedly lowered her head to tidy up, being very concerned about her unexpected appearance.
Song Muyun felt a stabbing pain in her heart, the kind that came in waves. When did these two meet? Did Jiang Yao find someone she liked better? Was that why she came so late, not wanting to worry about her anymore?
A mist of tears gathered into a large, sparkling tear that trembled on her eyelashes, suddenly falling to the ground.
Seeing her cry, Jiang Yao felt her heartache and almost bit her tongue. She quickly grabbed Song Muyun’s hand with one hand and hugged her with the other, coaxing her, “What’s wrong? If there’s anything, just tell me. Don’t cry, don’t cry. Who bullied you? Is it Murong Qing?”
Song Muyun’s snowy hand pressed against Jiang Yao’s chest, rejecting her comfort, trying to push her away. Drops of tears fell one by one, hitting Jiang Yao’s heart, causing her to feel that stinging pain.