Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 45
Chapter 45
News that the Hengwu Court had sought the services of the imperial physician quickly reached Lady Jiang’s ears. At that moment, she was carrying a bowl of soup to give to her husband. Hearing this, she worried that Jiang Yao might be injured and hurriedly carried the soup to Hengwu Court.
There, she found Jiang Yao wiping blood from Song Muyun’s face. Lady Jiang rushed in, calling out, “Yao’er!” She looked up, meeting her mother’s anxious gaze squarely. Lady Jiang approached, examining her from head to toe before sighing in relief and asking, “Didn’t you call for the imperial physician? Who’s injured?”
Jiang Yao silently shook her head, moved aside to reveal Song Muyun lying on the bed, and said weakly, “It’s not me, it’s Muyun. I’ve found her, and she’s injured.”
Lady Jiang was stunned, seeing the pale, extremely weak woman on the bed. “How did you find her so quickly?” Jiang Yao resumed wiping Muyun’s neck, which was somewhat feverish, and her powerless, delicate hands. She meticulously cleaned each finger, then replied to her mother, “The Crown Prince wasn’t careful enough, and I found her.”
“That’s good, but what do you plan to do now?”
Jiang Yao suddenly held Song Muyun’s hand, looking up earnestly, “Mother, can Muyun stay with us? Yue Shangfang is too dangerous, I don’t want her to go back.”
Lady Jiang hesitated, then offered her long-simmered soup, “Look how pale you are. Drink this soup first. I need to ask your father about this matter; he should be back soon.”
Jiang Yao agreed, and Lady Jiang left hurriedly with the soup. Jiang Ru then entered, suggesting she move to another room so Jiang Yao and Muyun could stay together. Jiang Yao was touched and agreed, urging her to drink the soup her mother had made for her.
Lady Jiang had barely left when she returned with Jiang Heng. Heng, not wanting to intrude on a room full of women, waited outside and sent for Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao, looking softer than usual, emerged and immediately discussed Muyun’s living arrangements with her father. Heng was angry that Jiang Yao had found Muyun without informing him. Jiang Yao argued that there was no time to waste given Muyun’s injuries.
Heng revealed that he had already presented evidence of the Song family’s innocence at court and that the Emperor had ordered a city-wide search for Muyun. He was frustrated that Jiang Yao had brought her home privately, potentially implicating their family.
Jiang Yao defended her actions, stating that she found Muyun at a residence owned by Murong Chun and that Murong Qing had tortured her. Heng, worried about evidence and the involvement of the Eighth Prince, expressed his concerns about the political implications and the prince’s intentions.
Jiang Yao awkwardly defended the Eighth Prince, insisting he was not as devious as her father suspected. Heng, however, remained skeptical and instructed her to inquire about any evidence the prince might have against the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince.
Assuring her father she understood, Jiang Yao returned to Muyun’s side, where Cuizhu was about to administer medicine. Jiang Yao took over, asking everyone else to rest, wanting to be the first person Muyun saw upon waking.
“Okay, I’ll go prepare some clean clothes for Sister Muyun.”
Since it was Song Muyun’s first visit to the Jiang residence, they naturally didn’t have any personal clothing for her. Jiang Ru, thoughtful and considerate, was the first to think of preparing some for her.
With her sister’s help, Jiang Yao felt a sudden ease amidst her exhaustion. “Thank you, Ru’er.”
“There’s no need for thanks between sisters.”
Jiang Ru went to prepare intimate clothing for Song Muyun, with Cuizhu following her. Now only Jiang Yao and Song Muyun were left in the room.
Jiang Yao gently lifted the beautiful, unconscious person on the bed and cautiously held the still-warm medicine bowl. She gently blew on it and whispered near Muyun’s ear, as if she was awake, with a tone that was slightly coaxing. “Muyun, it’s time for your medicine. Open your mouth.”
And then, those pale, bloodless lips obediently parted slightly.
So obedient, even in unconsciousness.
Jiang Yao felt a sudden urge to pinch Song Muyun’s soft cheeks but decided to feed her the medicine first.
Song Muyun was extremely cooperative while taking the medicine. Despite frowning as if she could kill mosquitoes with her eyebrows, she didn’t refuse and didn’t close her mouth tightly.
Feeding her the medicine was unexpectedly easy, to Jiang Yao’s own surprise. She had always hated taking medicine as a child, refusing even a sip and finding it bitter. She would feed the medicine to the flowers, grass, or trees, thinking everyone must hate medicine. This was the first time she encountered someone so cooperative.
After finishing the medicine, Jiang Yao set the empty bowl aside. She didn’t want to put the person in her arms down immediately. Instead, she gently rubbed Song Muyun’s cheeks.
She had wanted to do this for a long time.
Muyun was really cute, adorable and charming, always acting spoiled. This was her true nature. The cold and determined character she showed in dreams must have been forced upon her by others.
Ever since her relationship with Song Muyun improved, Jiang Yao could no longer recall the scenes from her dreams. Each recollection brought her so much pain she could hardly breathe. Without her, Song Muyun had been bullied by so many, including the Seventh Prince, Jiang Huai, and even the servants in the residence.
Holding Song Muyun, Jiang Yao pressed her face against hers, gently rubbing and whispering that she would protect her now, and it would be alright.
Song Muyun shifted uncomfortably in her sleep until her head rested in the most comfortable spot in Jiang Yao’s embrace and then fell into a deep sleep.
Jiang Yao watched her, unknowingly smiling a tender and doting smile that lingered for a long time.
…
After an unknown period, Murong Qing was finally found unconscious in his room, leading to chaos in the Seventh Prince’s residence. When he woke up and saw his bruised face, he furiously punished all his guards for their negligence. Murong Qing suspected Jiang Yao was behind it. After being warned by Jiang Zhi today, he was sure Jiang Yao had said something to them. If it was Jiang Yao this time, then it must have been her the last time too!
Furious, Murong Qing realized he couldn’t leave Jiang Yao be. In his eyes, a sinister plan was forming.
“Ouch, be gentle! Do you want to die?” he snapped at a servant treating his wounds.
After being treated and changing clothes, Murong Qing headed to Murong Chun’s estate. There, everything was in order, but Murong Qing’s face darkened as he stood at the open door of the dungeon.
The lock was broken, and Song Muyun was gone. Was it Jiang Yao or someone else?
This estate, secretly bought by Murong Chun, was known only to them. A sense of panic rose in Murong Qing’s heart, feeling like something that should have belonged to him was slipping away. Song Muyun shouldn’t have been rescued; he could have used her as a bargaining chip with the Jiang family. But now, without her, even his last resort was gone.
If the Song family were exonerated and Song Muyun revealed his kidnapping, he would inevitably lose the people’s support.
Murong Qing clenched his fists, his face dark. He and the Jiang family were irreconcilable enemies.
But perhaps there was still a chance. They had no solid evidence that he was the one who captured Song Muyun. The person disappeared from Murong Chun’s property, and it was Murong Chun who captured her. The blame for conspiring against a loyal official would fall on Murong Chun.
With this thought, Murong Qing finally relaxed, regaining his usual composure, and walked out confidently.
Back at the Jiang residence, Song Muyun finally
woke up around the hour of Shen, in severe pain. Her eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling. She sat up instinctively, looking around at the simple and elegant female bedroom.
Where was this?
Recalling the warm embrace she felt before losing consciousness, she had a guess but wasn’t certain. Her pale lips pursed slightly.
Then, she heard footsteps and Jiang Yao’s clear voice outside,
“Wait here, she might not be awake yet. I’ll go check on her.”
Hearing Jiang Yao’s voice, Song Muyun’s restless heart suddenly settled down.
She sat on the bed, looking expectantly towards the screen, watching Jiang Yao approach.
Jiang Yao had just returned with officials from Jingzhao Mansion and settled them outside, intending to check if Song Muyun was awake. If not, they would have to wait.
To her surprise, as soon as she entered, she met Song Muyun’s moist eyes.
Song Muyun sat on the bed, lifting her pale, delicate face to look at her. After a moment, she softly called out, “Jiang Yao,” her voice slightly hoarse but not unpleasant, almost as if caressing Jiang Yao’s heart.
Jiang Yao was happy to see her awake but didn’t show it outwardly. She stepped forward, crouched down, and looked up, asking, “Yes, what is it?”
Song Muyun looked down at her intently and after a while, with a voice choked with emotion, asked, “Jiang Yao, can you hug me?” She felt immense pain, but she believed that Jiang Yao’s embrace might lessen it.
With tearful eyes, she looked pitifully at Jiang Yao, who couldn’t bear to refuse. How could she let the little fairy cry?
Jiang Yao immediately stood up and embraced Song Muyun, carefully avoiding her wounds. She gently patted her back, soothing her with comforting words, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid, I’m here. No one will bully you anymore, okay?”
Jiang Yao comforted her as Song Muyun sniffled and cuddled closer, “Yes, I know. With you here, I’m not afraid.”
Song Muyun had been terrified of Murong Qing’s torture and worried about what would happen if Jiang Yao couldn’t find her. She had even thought of giving up. Thankfully, Jiang Yao had found and saved her.
No one cared for her more than Jiang Yao, and she knew it. With this thought, Song Muyun snuggled deeper into Jiang Yao’s embrace, reassured by her promises, the last being, “From now on, you’ll stay at the Jiang residence, where no one dares to bully you.”
Song Muyun looked up, surprised and worried, quickly shaking her head, “No, I can’t stay here.” Her long black hair cascaded down her back, accentuating her slender face, making Jiang Yao’s heart ache.
Knowing her well enough, Jiang Yao understood her concerns. The young girl was always worried about tarnishing Jiang Yao’s reputation, but what did reputation matter compared to a person’s well-being, especially for someone like Jiang Yao, who was considered a prodigal?
Jiang Yao gently stroked Song Muyun’s back, comforting her as Muyun spoke softly, “I’ll be fine at Yue Shangfang. You often visit me anyway. After this incident, Murong Qing won’t dare touch me again. Staying at the Jiang residence isn’t right.”
She only mentioned it wasn’t right, without elaborating.
Both understood the unspoken reasons.
Jiang Yao suddenly flicked Song Muyun’s forehead, leaving a red mark. Muyun, dazed and adorable, just stared at Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao hugged her and whispered, “Silly, evidence against your father’s framing was presented in court today. He will be exonerated soon. You’re no longer a traitor’s daughter, staying at my house isn’t a problem.”
Song Muyun froze, gripping Jiang Yao’s wrist and looking up with trembling eyes and voice, “What did you say?”
Jiang Yao touched her hand tenderly, her voice even softer, “I said, your father will be exonerated. You’re no longer a traitor’s daughter. Don’t be afraid, you’ll be known as a loyal minister’s daughter. The Emperor will compensate you, and Murong Qing can’t bully you anymore.”
The tears Song Muyun had been holding back since seeing Jiang Yao finally fell, streaming down her face.
Jiang Yao, understanding her emotional turmoil, just held her gently, patting her back as Song Muyun wept and nuzzled her neck.
Jiang Yao remained silent until Song Muyun’s crying subsided. She looked up, her eyes watery and nose red, pitifully looking at Jiang Yao, the woman who changed her life. After a long time, she spoke softly, “Jiang Yao, thank you…”
Without Jiang Yao, the Song family wouldn’t have been exonerated, and she would have had no protector.
Song Muyun had felt a strong sense since meeting Jiang Yao, believing she had been put on a different path, a path of salvation.
“There’s no need to thank me. Just recover well at my home, and don’t worry about anything else,” Jiang Yao said tenderly, gently caressing Song Muyun’s soft face.
Song Muyun’s face was still pale, but
her beautiful eyes looked at Jiang Yao with brightness and dependence. She hadn’t worried about anything; Jiang Yao had taken care of it all.
If not for Jiang Yao, why would the Jiang family’s minister care about her?
As they looked at each other, Jiang Ru entered, surprised and delighted, “Sister Muyun, you’re awake?”
Song Muyun, a bit startled, glanced at Jiang Yao before sitting up straight and responding, “Sister Ru’er.”
“I’m glad you’re awake. I’ll bring you some porridge from the kitchen.”
“I can get it myself. Don’t trouble yourself, Sister Ru’er.”
Feeling awkward and not wanting to impose, Song Muyun hesitated, but Jiang Yao, with a wave of her arm, hugged her again, insisting, “You’re in no shape to go anywhere. If Ru’er doesn’t go, then I will. Are you still in pain? Do you need any ointment?”
Song Muyun, somewhat subdued by Jiang Yao, didn’t argue about who would get the porridge, shaking her head, “It doesn’t hurt anymore, don’t worry.”
“It doesn’t hurt now, but if it does, you must tell me, okay?”
Song Muyun nodded obediently, her eyes sparkling.
Jiang Ru reminded Jiang Yao, “Sister, the officials outside are waiting.”
Jiang Yao then remembered the officials from Jingzhao Mansion waiting for her.
She looked at Song Muyun, asking, “Can you walk? The officials need your testimony.”
Song Muyun clutched Jiang Yao’s sleeve nervously, her eyebrows furrowing, “What should I say?”
“Just tell the truth.”
Suddenly, a man’s robust and cheerful voice rang out in the courtyard, “Ah, the officials are all here.”
“I’m here to see my daughter.”
“It’s my father,” Jiang Ru whispered.
Jiang Yao nodded, “Go out first. I’ll help Sister Muyun change.”
“Okay, I’ll go entertain them.”
Jiang Ru, adept at handling both family and outsiders, made the officials comfortable, chatting and laughing effortlessly.
Song Muyun, her cheeks flushed, wanted to say she could change herself, but lacking strength, she let Jiang Yao help her dress.
The clothes, bought by Jiang Ru and measured by Jiang Yao, fit almost perfectly.
After dressing, Jiang Yao gently pressed on Song Muyun’s legs, looking earnestly at her, “Do you have no strength? Shall I carry you out?”
As she spoke, she was ready to lift Song Muyun.
Song Muyun was visibly panicked, retreating hastily but inadvertently aggravating her wound, causing her eyes to redden with pain.
Jiang Yao’s heart raced with concern, but before she could speak, Song Muyun softly declined, “No, it’s not necessary. There are so many people outside; I can walk on my own. The wound doesn’t hurt anymore.”
In reality, she was still in pain, but with Jiang Ru’s father and so many adults present, how could she let Jiang Yao carry her?
Jiang Yao was somewhat bewildered, scratching her head, “We’re both women, and you’re in pain. What’s wrong with me carrying you?”
Song Muyun understood they were both women, but still… She bit her lip, looking at Jiang Yao, and stubbornly shook her head, preferring to limp out on her own despite the pain.
Jiang Yao, exasperated by her stubbornness, finally caught up and carefully supported her. Song Muyun’s long, black, silky hair swayed with her movements, with no adornments in her hair or makeup on her face, her frail appearance making her seem even more vulnerable.
Jiang Yao complained about her neglecting her health, not realizing Song Muyun had her own complex, unspoken thoughts. She felt joy at Jiang Yao’s presence and lost without it, increasingly enjoying her touch.
Feeling confused and knowing it wasn’t right, Song Muyun didn’t want to push Jiang Yao away, deciding to take things one step at a time.
Jiang Yao, seeing a crowd outside, finally kept quiet and had someone bring a cushioned seat for Song Muyun to sit on.
Song Muyun kept pushing Jiang Yao’s hand away, not wanting to sit. Jiang Yao was about to ask why when Song Muyun respectfully greeted her uncle, “Greetings, General.”
Jiang Zhi waved his hand casually, “You’re injured; no need for formalities.”
Song Muyun, with her gentle and polite manner, was the type elders adored. She insisted, “It’s a matter of respect.”
Jiang Yao almost rolled her eyes. Was Song Muyun standing up just to greet her uncle? As a military man, he didn’t care for such formalities.
Finally, Song Muyun sat down, and the Jingzhao Mansion officials stood up to question her.
Jiang Yao signaled for a shawl as the wind picked up, covering Song Muyun’s legs.
Song Muyun answered their questions, identifying the Crown Prince as her captor and implicating the Seventh Prince in her abuse.
Jiang Zhi stepped in, asserting his authority and suggesting the officials question the princes themselves. He offered his assistance if they faced any non-cooperation.
After the officials left, Song Muyun quickly stood up in respect but leaned on Jiang Yao for support.
Jiang Yao chided her for standing unnecessarily with her injury. Song Muyun rubbed against her shoulder, silencing her.
Jiang Zhi, seeing the situation, advised them to get along well and left, trusting Jiang Yao to handle things.
Once everyone was gone, Jiang Ru resumed drinking her tea. Jiang Yao teased Song Muyun for being overly polite with her family, suggesting she relax around them.
Song Muyun gently smiled at Jiang Ru, acknowledging her advice. She then explained to Jiang Yao that she wanted to make a good impression on her family since she’d be staying with them for a while.
Jiang Yao reassured her, saying her family would like her regardless, especially her grandfather, who favored well-behaved girls.