Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 42
Chapter 42: Jiang Yao’s Shocking Encounter
Jiang Yao watched as Murong Qing left, rolling her eyes fiercely at his departing figure. She turned and lightly took Song Muyun’s slightly cool jade-like fingers, saying, “Let’s go; I’ll take you out for a stroll. Don’t let a small person ruin your mood, hmm?”
Song Muyun nodded gently. “Hmm, I’m not angry.”
Then a slight smile curled her lips, and her eyes were bright.
Murong Qing’s words were meant to provoke her, nothing more. There was no reason for her to be angry.
“You take me out.”
Song Muyun repeated softly.
Jiang Yao took Song Muyun out, but instead of heading straight to the streets, she took her back to the Jiang residence. Clearly unaware of Jiang Yao’s intention to bring her home, Song Muyun was visibly surprised when she saw the words “Jiang Residence,” instinctively taking a step back and whispering to Jiang Yao, “Why have you brought me to your home? This isn’t appropriate. Whatever you need to do, I’ll wait for you outside.”
She knew she was now a woman from the Pleasure Pavilion, shunned by former friends, afraid that her association might tarnish their reputations. But Jiang Yao had directly brought her home.
Jiang Yao held Song Muyun’s hand, pulling her close and embracing her shoulder. “I need to change clothes and fix my hair; it’ll take a while. What are you waiting for outside?”
Ignoring Song Muyun’s slight struggle, she led her on.
Encountering servants from the Jiang residence along the way, Jiang Yao casually pointed them out to Song Muyun. “Those are my family’s guards. All of them wear the same clothes. They often move around outside. If you need to find me, just tell them directly.”
As Song Muyun entered the Jiang residence, she dared not raise her head, merely glancing briefly at the guards before burying herself in Jiang Yao’s embrace. “I understand. I understand. Hurry, let’s leave; it’s not good if someone sees us.”
Jiang Yao paid no attention, holding his slender waist and striding proudly. “What’s wrong with that? Let them see. The whole city knows I’ve fallen for you and visits the Pleasure Pavilion daily. Do you still want to deny it?”
Song Muyun also held onto the belt around Jiang Yao’s waist, retorting, “I’m not denying it. I’m just worried about your reputation; I’m thinking of you!”
Jiang Yao snorted. “Thinking of me means listening to me. What’s reputation? Before I met you, wasn’t my reputation just fine?”
Her reputation was already quite bad; she fought with those wealthy sons every day, cursed by them. They spread rumors about her at parties she didn’t attend. Her reputation had already been tarnished long before; a few more scratches didn’t bother her.
Song Muyun carefully recalled the rumors she had heard about Jiang Yao before. Indeed, she disregarded rules, acted when dissatisfied, and even killed. She was an extremely ruthless woman.
If she hadn’t encountered her in the Pleasure Pavilion and been sheltered under her wing, she might have never known who the real Jiang Yao was.
Suddenly, Song Muyun grabbed Jiang Yao’s hand, squeezing her fingers as if this closeness would bring them even closer.
Her fingers were slender, strong, and slightly calloused at the tips; they were not excessively soft to touch, but she liked them. Looking up at Jiang Yao, she appeared somewhat concerned. “Don’t mind what they say; they just don’t understand you. You’re good; those who know you understand.”
And she knew it too.
Jiang Yao didn’t care about what others said. She just softly replied, shaking the hands they held together with a faint smile on her lips.
They returned to Hengwu Courtyard together. They didn’t encounter any of Jiang Yao’s elders on the way, finally allowing Song Muyun to relax.
Inside, the window beside the soft couch was wide open, and the room was brightly lit. Jiang Ru sat on the couch, reading, with Cui Zhu serving by her side. Seeing Jiang Yao and Song Muyun return, she immediately showed a surprised expression on her face. “Sister, Sister Muyun, why have you come back?”
Jiang Yao said, “I’m changing clothes. Take care of Muyun for me.”
“Alright, Sister, go ahead. Sister Muyun, please come and sit. Have a cup of tea to soothe your throat.”
Saying this, she put down the rolled-up book in her hand and stood up to pour tea. The wind blew in through the window, causing the woman’s light green sleeves to sway, creating a picturesque scene.
Jiang Ru was Jiang Yao’s relative. Song Muyun didn’t want to be disrespectful, so she glanced at Jiang Yao, who nudged her forward, prompting her to offer a courteous smile and a slight bow. “Thank you, Sister Ru.”
Jiang Ru, a bit old-fashioned, returned the gesture and then motioned for her to sit.
Song Muyun and Jiang Ru sat on the soft couch, sipping tea in small sips. Jiang Yao changed into a red dress, her long hair cascading down as she sat in front of the dressing table. Cui Zhu skillfully started to comb her hair.
As she combed, she asked, “What does Miss want to do today?”
“Go shopping. Give me a simple hairdo, and don’t bring too much stuff.”
“Shopping suits a flying bun. Anyone who sees it will be so enchanted they won’t be able to move.”
Cui Zhu smiled.
Jiang Yao declined, “Don’t bother with those useless things. Just keep it simple. I’m only going to the bookstore to buy a couple of books. Who am I trying to enchant?”
She didn’t fancy any of the delicate men in the capital; there was no need to exert energy for them. It seems like a piece of a story or a novel.
Cui Zhu felt a bit sad; ever since she was assigned to serve the young lady, she hadn’t styled any intricate hairstyles. The young lady practiced martial arts and was wary of loosening her hair while training, preferring simpler styles. Ah, she could only wait for the day of a palace banquet to showcase her skills.
Being adept with her fingers, she quickly fashioned a simple yet beautiful hairstyle for Jiang Yao, adorning it with a blood-jade hairpin as an embellishment.
Seeing Cui Zhu step back, Jiang Yao knew the hairstyle was done. She stood up and gestured to Song Muyun, “Come, I’ll take you shopping.”
Song Muyun’s eyes brightened. Maintaining her dignity, she swiftly moved to Jiang Yao’s side, hands folded in front of her abdomen. Jiang Yao could reach out and hold her hand.
“Ruer, I’m taking Muyun to browse the bookstore. Will you join us?” Jiang Ru usually stayed in her room reading, so she naturally didn’t refuse the rare opportunity to join someone.
Her round eyes sparkled.
Jiang Yao, accompanied by her two companions, appeared on the street. They first went to the bookstore to purchase some light novels and serious books
. When they finished, they wandered around the market.
The capital’s marketplace was always bustling, full of various goods, and Jiang Yao and the others were no exception to the gazes of the crowd. They caught everyone’s attention, but their expressions remained indifferent, as if everything around them was completely unrelated to their interests.
Walking aimlessly, they encountered some peddlers selling accessories, some with exquisite jade pendants, beautiful beads, and precious stones. Song Muyun’s eyes sparkled with joy when she saw the beautiful jade.
“Miss, would you like a look?”
Cui Zhu kindly offered.
Song Muyun glanced at Jiang Yao, who shrugged indifferently. “If you like it, pick a few.”
Jiang Yao was not interested in these trivial items. If Song Muyun liked them, it was no trouble for her to buy a few pieces.
“Thank you, Miss Yao. I’ll choose a few and show them to you.” Song Muyun’s smile was gentle and pleasing, as if a blooming peony had just encountered the morning dew.
She then walked to the stall and began picking out some accessories.
Jiang Yao turned around, leaning against the side of the stall, observing the pedestrians passing by with a faint smile on her lips. Suddenly, her gaze stopped on a certain point, and her expression changed slightly. She reached out and grabbed Song Muyun’s hand, her voice low and stern. “Muyun, don’t turn around.”
Song Muyun was slightly taken aback by Jiang Yao’s sudden seriousness. Without any hesitation, she immediately obeyed and didn’t turn around.
“What happened?” Song Muyun asked softly.
“Someone familiar is here.” Jiang Yao’s voice was serious, her eyes fixed on a certain figure not far away.
Song Muyun didn’t dare to look back. She could feel the tension in Jiang Yao’s grip on her hand, a sign that she didn’t want to provoke the person behind them.
The person Jiang Yao noticed was someone she hadn’t expected to see in the capital. It was none other than the cold and merciless Murong Qing.
Murong Qing was walking leisurely, seemingly browsing the stalls like any other ordinary person. However, the closer he got to Jiang Yao’s group, the more his gaze seemed to linger on them, especially on Jiang Yao.
He didn’t expect to encounter Jiang Yao here. After their last encounter, he was aware that Jiang Yao wouldn’t easily let things slide. But he didn’t expect to stumble upon her while she was out casually strolling.
Deciding not to cause any unnecessary trouble, Murong Qing diverted his attention and casually strolled past Jiang Yao’s group. However, just as he passed them, he deliberately bumped into Jiang Yao’s shoulder.
Jiang Yao’s expression remained unchanged, and she didn’t move an inch, as if she hadn’t noticed the bump at all. But her grip on Song Muyun’s hand tightened.
Song Muyun bit her lip, suppressing the urge to turn around and confront Murong Qing. She understood Jiang Yao’s intentions and knew that provoking him further could lead to trouble.
Murong Qing, satisfied with his little act, continued walking away, disappearing into the crowd.
Jiang Yao loosened her grip on Song Muyun’s hand and let out a soft sigh of relief. “He’s gone.”
Song Muyun finally turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Murong Qing’s figure fading into the distance. She then looked at Jiang Yao, concern evident in her eyes. “Are you okay? That man seems… not very friendly.”
“He’s just an annoyance.” Jiang Yao waved her hand, dismissing Murong Qing as if he were insignificant. “Let’s not linger here. I’ll take you to another place.”
They left the stall behind and continued their stroll through the marketplace, with Jiang Yao leading the way.
As they walked, Song Muyun couldn’t help but worry about the encounter with Murong Qing. She knew Jiang Yao was strong and capable, but she also sensed an underlying tension and potential danger in that brief moment.
“Sister Yao, are you sure it’s okay?” Jiang Ru’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
Jiang Yao turned to her sister and nodded reassuringly. “Don’t worry; it’s nothing. Let’s enjoy our outing.”
Though she said so, Jiang Yao remained alert, keeping an eye out for any potential trouble while leading her companions through the bustling streets.