Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 44
Chapter 44
“Hey, what are you thinking about? Did you hear what I just said?”
Jiang Yao glared at him furiously. “Damn, what kind of person is this? He’s daydreaming while we’re supposed to be doing serious work. Why did the Jingzhao Prefecture send someone like this? Can he really be relied upon?”
The man’s name was Ji Qingyan, the legitimate second son of the Marquis of Yongcheng. The incident of his elder brother being beaten seemed to have just happened, and now, intimidated by Jiang Yao’s fierceness, he quickly said, “I’ve heard it, I’ve heard it. I understand what you said, but may I investigate a bit more to confirm?”
Outside, a crowd had already gathered to watch the excitement. The madam appeared on the porch, and Jiang Yao, impatient, stepped aside. “Alright, alright, go ahead and look. Her father may still be a criminal now, but who knows about tomorrow? Make sure you investigate thoroughly, I want to see the person today!”
Ji Qingyan: …
He felt that Miss Jiang was making things difficult for him. It was already getting dark, and his shift was about to end. How was he supposed to let her see the person today?
If he couldn’t find the person, would Miss Jiang beat him up?
Ji Qingyan, whose brother had been beaten, was quite worried.
When the madam came over, her expression was one of shock. Her willow-shaped eyebrows jumped up in disbelief. “Aren’t the struggles in the officialdom all about psychological tactics? Who directly reports to the officials?”
Jiang Yao had reported to the officials, which would disrupt her business!
“This, this sir, what are you doing?”
Ji Qingyan politely replied, “Someone reported a case of a woman mysteriously disappearing in Moonrise Alley, and I’m here to investigate.”
The madam: …
“This, this, does this really need to be investigated…”
She looked somewhat embarrassed.
Disappearances of women and men in Moonrise Alley were not uncommon. The crown prince, the behind-the-scenes boss of Moonrise Alley, who was lustful and indiscriminate in his tastes, would occasionally take away men and women he fancied, and those people never returned. Yet, they never attracted the attention of the Jingzhao Prefecture officials.
Ji Qingyan seriously said, “If someone has reported it, naturally we must investigate. People don’t just disappear into thin air.”
“So, how long will you investigate?”
Ji Qingyan: “Until we find the person.”
The madam: …
She didn’t want to speak anymore.
“But with you bringing officials here, how can I continue my business!”
“Sorry, we will try not to disturb you.”
Jiang Yao, annoyed by their pointless talk, glared at the madam. “Stop complaining. If the person isn’t found, I’ll smash your shop, and no one will have a good time!”
The madam dared only to mess with those who seemed gentle and polite, not daring to provoke Jiang Yao. As soon as Jiang Yao spoke, she shut her mouth. After watching for a while and seeing that she could not stop anything, she could only leave with a heavy heart.
Ji Qingyan was still looking for slightly more substantial evidence. He sent people to ask the servants, who, intimidated by the presence of officials, immediately spilled everything they knew. Although it wasn’t much use, at least it confirmed that the tea set might indeed have been arranged by Song Muyun. But… did it imply something about the Seventh Prince and the Crown Prince?
How was he supposed to investigate this!
Did he dare to search the residences of the two princes?!
As the sky grew darker and still no substantial evidence was found, Ji Qingyan’s forehead was covered in cold sweat, and he didn’t even dare to look up at Jiang Yao. Fortunately, a group of people suddenly arrived outside, drawing Jiang Yao’s attention.
The leader seemed to be a eunuch, smiling very cunningly, his voice somewhat shrill. “Oh, Miss Jiang, you are indeed here.” Jiang Yao was in a bad mood because they couldn’t find the person. She almost wished she could storm into the prince’s residence right now and beat up Murong Qing, demanding where he took the person. Her face was also extremely unpleasant. Glancing at the eunuch, she said impatiently, “Speak quickly if you have something to say.”
Despite her impatience, the eunuch’s smile remained unchanged. “I’ll speak directly then. Our Eighth Prince is looking for you. He’s very anxious. Please follow me to see him.”
Jiang Yao, thinking about what she had inadvertently witnessed earlier, guessed that Murong Ci must be seeking her for this matter. “Ugh, how annoying. Who wants to know such a secret that could cost them their head!”
“Alright, alright, I’ll go. Lord Ji, I hope there will be a result for this matter soon. Muyun is usually kind-hearted and never offends anyone, except the Seventh Prince. Do you understand?”
Her hints were clearly directed.
Sweat beads the size of beans dripped from Ji Qingyan’s forehead. He couldn’t afford to offend either of them. If this matter really involved the Seventh Prince, and if the charge of abducting a common woman was confirmed, then…
It would probably change the entire situation in the capital.
Considering Jiang Yao’s attitude today, it seemed she was extremely fed up with the Seventh Prince. And what about the Prime Minister?
Recently, the Prime Minister has been trying to reopen the Song family case in the court, directly opposing the Seventh Prince. Jiang Yao’s current attitude might also be influenced by the Prime Minister.
Ji Qingyan also agreed with the reconsideration of the Song family case. He always felt the case was closed too hastily and should be carefully re-examined. The Ministry of Justice should be in charge of the re-examination, and other officials should agree, as it posed no harm to them. If the case was overturned, it could clear the Song family of wrongful charges. But for some reason, there was unanimous opposition in the court, especially from the Seventh Prince.
It was hard not to overthink it.
Jiang Yao followed the person from the Eighth Prince’s side to the prince’s residence. However, she wasn’t led to the main hall but to Murong Ci’s room.
…
Luckily, she knew Murong Ci was a woman; otherwise, she might have thought Murong Ci liked her.
Jiang Yao knocked on the door, and a gentle, androgynous voice from inside said, “Come in.”
Feeling goosebumps, she pushed the door open. Inside, both windows were tightly closed, but several candles were lit, making the room bright. Jiang Yao turned to close the door and called out, “Your Highness, you were looking for me?”
But when she turned around, she saw another person walking out from behind the screen, dressed extravagantly, with a full head of ruby and jade ornaments, dignified and graceful. Jiang Yao was stunned for a moment and instinctively called out, “Empress?”
She had seen the Empress a few times and could barely recognize her.
The Empress looked at her and smiled very kindly. “You are Jiang Heng’s eldest daughter, Yao Yao, right? I remember you. You were held by me when you were little.”
Jiang Yao, feeling awkward, scratched the back of her head, unable to smile, and replied dryly, “Is that so? It’s been a long time, hehe, hehehe.”
Murong Ci quickly came out from behind the screen, standing next to the Empress. She tugged at the Empress’s sleeve. “Mother, let’s speak directly, no need to beat around the bush. She won’t understand.”
Jiang Yao: ??? She felt like Murong Ci was saying she wasn’t smart.
Because the Empress suddenly appeared, she didn’t speak, just stood aside to listen to their conversation.
The Empress smiled gently upon hearing this and invited Jiang Yao, “Then come and sit down first.”
Jiang Yao did as she was told and sat down.
The next second, she heard the Empress begin, “I heard you saw Ci’er’s body?”
Jiang Yao: !!!
Her face stiffened slightly. “I apologize, I was set up. I didn’t know the Eighth Prince was changing clothes. What I saw today, I will not speak of it.” The Empress nodded, “I know you won’t speak of it. You are a good child, and your father is a good official who cares for the people. I don’t doubt your intentions. I just want to ask you, would you be willing to marry Ci’er?”
This question, sudden as a thunderbolt, startled Jiang Yao so much that she nearly fell off her chair, her face turning quite unsightly. “Empress, please don’t joke about this.”
Murong Ci was also startled. “Mother! Why would you say such a thing?”
The Empress held Murong Ci’s hand and looked gently at Jiang Yao. “I know it’s presumptuous of me to ask this, but Ci’er’s secret involves many people. Do you understand?”
Jiang Yao barely understood. The Empress meant she could only rest assured if Jiang Yao married Murong Ci.
For some reason, Jiang Yao’s mind flashed with the image of that elegant, otherworldly face. The young girl was still suffering, waiting for her rescue, while she was here discussing marriage.
This shouldn’t be happening.
“Empress, I understand your intentions, but I am unwilling.”
“Why? Do you have someone else in your heart?”
The Empress gripped Murong Ci’s hand tighter, while Murong Ci was so embarrassed she wished she could disappear.
Jiang Yao didn’t know what to say and chose to remain silent, her dark eyes pleading with Murong Ci to say something that would dissuade the Empress.
Murong Ci quickly tugged at the Empress’s hand. “Mother, please don’t make it difficult for Jiang Yao. Didn’t I tell you she’s close with the legitimate daughter of the Song family?”
The Empress seemed to realize suddenly, “Do you like the Song family’s daughter?”
…
No, why must I like a woman? Oh, because rumors say I’m a lesbian.
Remembering this, Jiang Yao didn’t know how to explain and continued to remain silent. The Empress took her silence as acceptance. Unable to completely win her over, the Empress then made a serious offer, “Alright, if you can keep Ci’er’s secret, I will persuade the Emperor to reopen the Song family case. If the Song family is indeed innocent, I will ensure the Ministry of Revenue returns their family property.”
She thought Jiang Yao was fond of Song Muyun. Since the Jiang family was already prosperous and lacked nothing, she could only tempt Jiang Yao with her loved one. But the Song family case was not her primary concern now. Jiang Yao, feeling a headache, suddenly had an idea. She looked at the Empress with her bright black eyes. “Empress, the Song family matter is not urgent. Song Muyun is missing now. Can you help me find her? As long as she is found, I promise to keep this matter to myself, no matter who asks.”
Murong Ci was preoccupied with the possibility of her daughter’s identity being exposed and hadn’t had time to think deeply about why Jiang Yao had been tricked into coming here.
“What happened to Song Muyun? How did she go missing?”
The matter hadn’t spread yet.
Jiang Yao, frowning deeply, recounted the day’s events, again hinting at Murong Qing.
Hearing that it might have been a trap set by the Seventh Prince, Murong Ci was sweating with fear. “Mother, does Murong Qing know about my identity?”
The Empress’s expression also darkened, but as someone who had been the Empress for many years, she remained composed. She patted Murong Ci’s hand, “What are you afraid of? You are the Emperor’s legitimate child. You must be steady. Even if a knife is held to your neck, you can’t panic.”
Murong Ci’s anxious and fearful emotions strangely calmed down, and then she heard her mother affirm, “Murong Qing doesn’t know. If he did, he would either use this to threaten you or report you to the Emperor. He wouldn’t do nothing. Your request is granted. I will order people to search for her.”
The Empress narrowed her eyes. Regardless of whether the person who set the trap knew Murong Ci’s true identity, they couldn’t be left alone.
Jiang Yao stood up. “Thank you, Empress. I leave this matter in your hands. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Where are you in such a hurry to go? What does your father say about this?”
Murong Ci asked.
“My father told me to report it to the officials, but I’m not reassured. I plan to go to Murong Qing’s residence to look for clues.”
“Wait, don’t go. The Cui family has specially trained operatives working in the shadows. Murong Qing wouldn’t keep the person in his residence. Give me three days, and I can find her for you.” Jiang Yao frowned deeply, “One day, Your Highness. I can’t wait three days. Muyun is frail, and Murong Qing is narrow-minded and cruel. She won’t withstand being in Murong Qing’s hands.”
She could only wait a day at most. If she couldn’t find the person by then, she would sneak into the Prince’s mansion and force Murong Qing to hand her over.
She had no solid evidence, but her intuition told her that it must be Murong Qing’s relentless scheming.
A day was a very short time, and the Empress hesitated, but seeing Jiang Yao’s real urgency, her cold face and eyes, and the suppressed anger in her, the Empress agreed to prevent her from acting rashly. “I can try, but I can’t guarantee finding her.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
If it were anyone else who knew such a secret, the Empress would have silenced them. But since it was Jiang Yao, firstly, she couldn’t harm her because of the need to win over Jiang Heng and Jiang Zhi. Secondly, she trusted the character of the Jiang family. Jiang Yao wouldn’t speak out. Instead, this incident could even bring the Jiang family and Ci’er closer, an unexpected boon.
When Jiang Yao left the Eighth Prince’s mansion, it was already completely dark. She didn’t return to the Jiang residence but climbed over the wall into the backyard of Moonrise Alley.
The yard was quiet, without the soft voices of women, which felt rather unsettling.
She stood outside for a while before walking towards Song Muyun’s room, which was always clean and fragrant.
Not knowing how long she had sat there, amidst the crackling sound of the candles, someone suddenly knocked on the door.
Jiang Yao: ?
If it was the madam bothering her again, she might not be able to stop herself from getting violent.
She opened the door, trying to contain her irritation, and saw a nervous-looking woman in a pink dress standing outside.
The woman, appearing very anxious, quickly whispered after ensuring no one else was around, “Miss Jiang, I have something to tell you. May I come in?”
Before Jiang Yao could respond, the woman quickly added, “It’s about Muyun.”
Jiang Yao’s hand loosened, allowing Yanluo to enter. She quickly shut the door and let out a sigh of relief.
“What do you know, and what do you want?” Jiang Yao asked sharply, her eyes piercing.
Yanluo became nervous again, her body tense, her eyes showing fear. After a while, she spoke, “Miss Jiang, I saw something today.”
Jiang Yao’s brows furrowed deeply, waiting for her to continue.
Yanluo hesitated for a moment, then made her request, “I know who took Muyun away. But I hope that after I tell you, you can buy my freedom and give me a job to support myself. Any job is fine, I just don’t want to stay in Moonrise Alley anymore.”
Life in Moonrise Alley was tough, and pleasing the wealthy clients was even harder. She wanted to leave and live an honest life as a woman, even if it was hard. She didn’t want to be a despised entertainer competing with other women for men.
Jiang Yao agreed without hesitation, “If what you say is true, I will buy your freedom and give you what you want.”
She would even give all her wealth in exchange for Song Muyun now.
Yanluo, seeing her agree so readily, showed a hint of joy and hurriedly narrated everything she saw during the day. The more Jiang Yao heard, the uglier her expression became.
The madam was involved, Murong Chun was involved, and Muyun said it was Murong Qing who sent Murong Chun. He didn’t refute, so Murong Qing was also involved. Good, very good!
Jiang Yao let Yanluo go.
She would endure one more day at most. If she couldn’t find the person, the knife would be on Murong Qing’s neck.
Jiang Heng had already found a way to solve this matter and wanted to tell Jiang Yao not to worry too much. However, she wasn’t in the residence, and he didn’t know where she went. He hoped she wouldn’t cause any trouble.
The next day, a major event occurred in the court. The Prime Minister’s protégé, now the Censor-in-Chief, stepped forward with evidence that Song Yunqian had died wrongfully.
The Emperor, who had been suppressing the re-investigation, had no choice but to order the evidence to be presented when faced with so many officials, not wanting to be a foolish ruler scorned by thousands. He didn’t notice the pale faces of his two sons below.
The atmosphere in the court grew tense as the Emperor looked through the evidence with increasing shock. After a long time, the Emperor finally flipped through the last page of the evidence. He furiously threw the local officials’ testimonies to the ground, still seething with anger. It turned out that it wasn’t Song Yunqian who deliberately concealed the local disaster situation. Instead, those people had been embezzling the court’s disaster relief funds, using the least amount of money to build dams, leading to a catastrophic flood. Fearing their corruption would be discovered, they concealed the disaster and even forbade the locals from fleeing to the capital!
It wasn’t Song Yunqian who concealed the disaster; his subordinates never informed him of it!
The Emperor was enraged. “Investigate thoroughly! Investigate the Song family case! These parasites of Great Jin, who knows how much they’ve embezzled. Not a single one should be spared. Find them all and impose the death penalty!”
To save money for disaster relief, he had even lowered the standards for the imperial selection of consorts, reducing the usual eighty-one dishes to forty-nine. And now, the money he, the Emperor, had saved ended up in someone else’s pockets! How could he tolerate this!
While seizing the opportunity, Jiang Heng stepped forward to report the kidnapping of Song Yunqian’s only legitimate daughter. The Emperor, just realizing he might have wronged her father, couldn’t neglect her now. “Alright then, deploy a team of guards to search every house. I refuse to believe that under the Emperor’s nose, someone could dare to abduct a woman!”
Murong Qing’s forehead was covered in fine sweat, while Murong Chun seemed to have understood something, his face calm.
After the court session, officials left in small groups.
Murong Qing wanted to discuss countermeasures with Murong Chun, but the latter, understanding his intentions, turned and headed for the palace, clearly distancing himself from Murong Qing. Had he gone mad?
Cursing internally, Murong Qing watched as a group of officials led by Jiang Yao’s father, Prime Minister Jiang Heng, passed by. He watched Jiang Heng’s retreating figure with a dark expression, only to be suddenly slapped on the back by a strong hand, causing him to stumble forward. About to get angry, he heard the man’s hearty laughter, “Hahaha, even a prince is so frail. My Yao’er is stronger than you.”
Hearing the voice, Murong Qing quickly put on a smile and turned around. “General Longhu.”
He thought the man slapped him to start a conversation, but as soon as he opened his mouth, the man waved him off. “Seven Prince, come to the Jiang’s to practice martial arts. I’ll teach you. But don’t come these days; Yao’er is in a bad mood. I have to go back and see who’s been bullying her. Humph, if I find out, my fists won’t be merciful.”
Jiang Zhi gestured with his large fists and then left, leaving Murong Qing standing alone, his expression dark and ominous.
This was a warning, clear and straightforward from the Jiang family.
But he couldn’t understand why elders would involve themselves in the younger generation’s disputes. Were the Jiangs really willing to oppose the royal family for Jiang Yao’s sake?
By noon, Jiang Yao had already secretly visited the Seventh Prince’s mansion. She didn’t find anyone, only an hidden passage. In desperation and losing her rationality, she ambushed Murong Qing when he returned to the mansion, put him in a sack, and beat him up.
After the beating, she left the Prince’s mansion quietly, only to be taken away by the Eighth Prince’s people.
The Eighth Prince was brewing tea in the inner chamber, the air filled with the fragrance of tea. He had planned to invite Jiang Yao for tea, but seeing her enter with a furious demeanor, he decided to get straight to the point and let her leave.
So Murong Ci didn’t even pour her tea, but stood up and said, “Murong Chun was careless. My mother’s people found out that Song Muyun is in a private property under Murong Chun’s name. Murong Qing is cautious in his actions. He himself didn’t leave his estate, and if it weren’t for Murong Chun handling this matter, my mother might not have been able to find the person.” Jiang Yao’s expression grew colder. Murong Ci, very kindly, offered, “Would you like me to have someone take you there?”
“Thank you, Eighth Prince.”
The Eighth Prince smiled lightly, “You’ve helped me a lot too. This is nothing.”
Jiang Yao didn’t respond, her mind preoccupied with the thought of the frail young woman.
She must be terrified after a night away from her, surely bullied by Murong Qing.
Jiang Yao couldn’t stop imagining the scene of the young girl hiding in a dark corner, crying, which pained her heart.
She couldn’t think anymore, she needed to hurry over.
The dead soldier sent by Murong Ci was one of her mother’s, moving so fast they almost left afterimages. They soon arrived at the house where Song Muyun was held.
The house looked like an ordinary wealthy person’s residence from the outside, with servants coming and going.
Jiang Yao, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed, urged the dead soldier, “Please take me inside quickly.”
The silent and taciturn soldier led her through a hidden path into the house. To her surprise, the seemingly respectable residence had a secret prison. Walking through the empty cells, Jiang Yao grew anxious, “Is she really here?”
“Yes, in the depths of the prison,” the soldier replied curtly, then fell silent again. Jiang Yao, trying to be patient, continued searching and finally found a girl huddled in a corner, her clothes tattered, at the end of the prison.
Even with her back to her, Jiang Yao recognized her at first glance. It was Song Muyun.
The cell was locked. As Jiang Yao tried to open it, the clashing of the chains made a noise, and the thin figure in the corner trembled with fear, moving further into the corner.
Suddenly, a silver key appeared in front of Jiang Yao. The soldier’s hoarse voice broke the silence, “My master gave me this for you. My task is complete.”
After speaking, the soldier disappeared.
Song Muyun, hearing the unfamiliar sound, turned around abruptly, only to meet the earnest and worried face of Jiang Yao unlocking the door, and froze.
Just moments before, she thought it would be Murong Qing…
She feared it was Murong Qing coming to torment her again. She knew of his pettiness, how she and Jiang Yao had embarrassed him several times, and he had vowed to take revenge.
She had been terrified all night, fearing Murong Qing’s return and that Jiang Yao would never find her.
But now, Jiang Yao had found her.
Tears welled up in Song Muyun’s eyes as she gazed at Jiang Yao, looking like someone who had finally found a protector after being bullied.
With a crisp click, the lock opened, and Jiang Yao hurriedly pushed open the cell door. In the next second, she was embraced tightly.
The girl’s hoarse and weak voice was filled with desperation, “Jiang Yao, you finally came. I was so scared, really scared.”
Her hot tears soaked through Jiang Yao’s clothes, dampening them.
Jiang Yao wanted to hug her tightly to comfort her, but as soon as she wrapped her arms around her, she touched something sticky, and the girl in her arms cried out in pain. Jiang Yao was terrified and dared not hug her recklessly, her hands raised high, concerned, “What’s wrong, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you? Did Murong Qing torture you?”
At the last question, she was gritting her teeth, wishing she could grab Murong Qing right now and smash his head in.
Finally seeing the person she had longed for all night, Song Muyun’s tension relaxed, and she collapsed into Jiang Yao’s embrace, encircling her neck with her arms for support, her voice soft yet filled with grievance, “Jiang Yao, he tortured me, it hurts so much. I don’t want to stay here, can you take me with you? I want to go with you…”
The tear-stained beauty made Jiang Yao’s heart ache. She quickly soothed her, “Okay, okay, I’ll take you back, I’ll take you back right now.” After Jiang Yao had beaten Murong Qing unconscious, she estimated he wouldn’t be awake yet and wouldn’t appear here. She directly took Song Muyun and left through the back door.
Song Muyun’s injuries were severe, with some areas of her clothes torn by the force of the whip.
Did the person intend to kill Song Muyun? The stories were indeed false. How could someone like Murong Qing possibly have affection for Song Muyun! Whoever he fancies is cursed!
Jiang Yao felt extremely heartbroken. Not wanting the beauty to walk back, she carried Song Muyun in her arms as soon as they left the mansion and took a less crowded path back to the Jiang residence.
Song Muyun was drowsy all the way, her face lightly pressed against Jiang Yao’s chest, comforted by the familiar warmth, finally relaxing her furrowed brows.
At the Jiang residence, they always had a house doctor. As soon as she entered the gate, she called a guard and ordered, “Call the house doctor to Hengwu Courtyard immediately. Don’t delay.”
“Yes!”
The guard left to carry out her order, and she hurried to Hengwu Courtyard.
In Hengwu Courtyard, Jiang Ru was drinking tea after finishing her book. Sitting straight, she was fanning her tea with her slender fingers, wondering why she hadn’t seen her sister for a few days. She asked her maid, Cuizhu.
“Cuizhu, do you think my sister doesn’t miss me at all since she’s been staying out these days?”
Cuizhu, not wanting Jiang Ru to worry needlessly, reassured her, “Miss, you’re overthinking. The eldest miss adores you.”
Jiang Ru gazed at her tea, feeling a bit down, “Ah, but I’ve just returned from the border, and she hasn’t slept with me once. She used to love sleeping with me and telling me interesting stories from the army.”
Jiang Ru was a well-behaved child who loved reading and had no interest in martial arts. The military camp was a place she had never been to, but she was always curious about it, thankful her sister would share stories with her.
Cuizhu glanced up and saw Jiang Yao approaching. Surprised, she said, “Look, Miss, you can ask the eldest miss yourself. Here she comes.”
Jiang Ru’s eyes brightened, and she quickly got up and walked out to meet her sister, excited yet composed.
As she reached the entrance, she met Jiang Yao, “Sis—”
About to sweetly call out, she noticed the injured person in Jiang Yao’s arms and turned pale, “Is that Sister Muyun? What happened to her? Who bullied her?”
Jiang Ru, sheltered and innocent, was unaware of the outside world’s affairs, which the Jiang family deliberately kept from her.
Jiang Yao, not wanting to elaborate, simply nodded, “Yes, she was bullied. I’m bringing her here to recover.”
She walked past Jiang Ru, carrying Song Muyun inside, with Jiang Ru following to help.
Seeing Song Muyun, who was fine just a while ago, now covered in wounds and blood, Jiang Ru’s face turned pale, her bright eyes filled with worry.
Cuizhu hurried off to the kitchen to prepare hot water.
Jiang Yao, feeling pained, gently touched Song Muyun’s face, stained with dried blood. Seeing Jiang Ru about to remove her shoes, she stopped her, “No need, I’ll do it.”
She carefully removed Song Muyun’s shoes and tucked her into bed, her clothes thin and fragile.
Song Muyun, who had been tense in Murong Qing’s custody, finally relaxed and fell into a deep sleep. She murmured incoherently, calling out for Jiang Yao.
Author’s note:
Let’s have some sweet moments first. I initially planned to reveal the plot twist secretly, but you all figured out that the Eighth Prince is actually a woman! I thought you’d be surprised, but most of you guessed it from just a few descriptions.