Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 50
Chapter 50
Jiang Yao didn’t forbid her from being angry. She wanted to explain and tell the little fairy sobbing softly in her arms not to cry, as her crying made Jiang Yao’s heart and head ache.
But she didn’t know how to explain, so she could only blankly pat the little fairy’s back and hold her tightly, her voice revealing her helplessness, “Don’t cry, don’t cry. I didn’t forbid you from eating; if you like it, eat it. I didn’t forbid you from being angry or ignore you.”
Jiang Yao was comforting her, feeling inept at consoling girls. No matter what she tried, she couldn’t make Song Muyun happy, and she felt increasingly anxious.
Song Muyun cried very softly, her tears gentle and delicate like a kitten’s, as if crying louder might upset Jiang Yao.
“Really, stop crying. Didn’t you say you liked it? Then eat quickly before it cools down.”
She softly coaxed Song Muyun.
Song Muyun then lifted her tear-stained eyes to look at Jiang Yao, her red lips tightly bitten, leaving deep marks, quite eye-catching.
Jiang Yao frowned, her hand touching Song Muyun’s pale, delicate chin, prying it open, “Let go, don’t bite. Doesn’t it hurt?”
Song Muyun wasn’t in pain; she just felt wronged but didn’t know why. It was her own anger that started it. She had been too quick-tempered, upsetting Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao was just not paying attention to her, just like she was ignoring others. But she felt aggrieved.
Thinking of this, the young girl’s eyes became teary again, and Jiang Yao, fearing she would cry again, became tense.
“Don’t cry, it’s my fault, don’t cry.”
She raised her hand to wipe the tears from Song Muyun’s eyes. The young girl let her do it, even rubbing her face against Jiang Yao’s hand.
Then, with a choked voice, Song Muyun said, “No, it’s not your fault. It’s mine. I always rely on your kindness, wanting you to comfort me. Don’t be angry.”
Jiang Yao wasn’t really angry; all her anger dissipated the moment Song Muyun cried. Now, she just wanted her to stop crying.
“I’m not angry, just stop crying.”
Holding Song Muyun’s slender shoulders, Jiang Yao felt a softening in her heart seeing her tearful, pitiful look.
“Really, I’m not angry. Stop crying. You said you loved it, right? If you love it, eat it. It will taste bad when it gets cold.”
Song Muyun looked at her pitifully, timidly nodding her head, but didn’t move back to her seat, still clinging to Jiang Yao, nibbling the fish in small bites.
The fish was very tender, except for a slightly burnt part. Her cooking was good, made to appeal to her taste.
As Song Muyun thought about this, her eyes welled up again, tears falling like crystal beads.
Jiang Yao felt numb, wanting to comfort her but not knowing how to start, especially as Song Muyun seemed hard to console.
After hesitating for a while, she took out a handkerchief from her embrace, and gently wiped Song Muyun’s moist eyes.
Song Muyun cried for a long time, drenching Jiang Yao’s handkerchief before finally stopping.
A roasted fish was also eaten amidst her tears.
Jiang Yao sighed with relief, “Let’s wash our hands and go back.”
Song Muyun nodded lightly, now calm and looking obediently at Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao took the handkerchief to the stream, wet it carefully, and then cleaned the stains off Song Muyun’s hands.
Song Muyun watched her with clear, washed eyes.
“Let’s go, it’s time to return.”
Jiang Yao mounted the horse and extended her hand to Song Muyun, who obediently placed her hand in Jiang Yao’s palm and was pulled up onto the horse.
The two, one in front of the other, appeared as close as when they arrived. However, Song Muyun still felt a bit uneasy, “Why… are you not speaking?”
She asked softly, looking very nervous.
Jiang Yao paused and then honestly said, “I’m afraid if I speak, I’ll make you angry.”
Not speaking was better than speaking and making someone angry. Better not to speak at all.
Song Muyun pursed her lips, unconsciously moving back and leaning softly against Jiang Yao, her voice carrying a mix of complaints and coyness, “How could I get angry so easily? I wouldn’t. I like hearing you talk.”
She liked listening to Jiang Yao, anything she said, even if it was just to listen quietly.
She was always happy.
Song Muyun’s hand, which was holding the horse’s mane, slowly moved to Jiang Yao’s hand holding the reins. She thought, as friends, what’s wrong with holding hands?
Jiang Yao tensed for a moment but didn’t see anything wrong, silently allowing her to hold her hand.
The girl in her arms was acting spoiled, “Speak, don’t ignore me. Are you still angry?”
Jiang Yao had no choice but to free one hand that wasn’t being held and wrapped it around Song Muyun’s waist to prevent her from moving and losing balance.
With a helpless smile, she said, “I’m not angry. What do you want me to say?”
“Anything, I just want you to talk.”
Jiang Yao remained silent, and Song Muyun worried more, fearing Jiang Yao was still angry and thus didn’t want to talk to her.
“Hmm.” Jiang Yao replied softly, and began speaking, “Do you prefer the taste of wild rabbit or pheasant meat?”
Song Muyun hesitated for a moment before replying in a low voice, “I haven’t tried either, I want to try both.”
“Alright, I’ll hunt for you tomorrow.”
She promised effortlessly, without hesitation. This was Jiang Yao’s confidence; whatever game her little girl wanted to eat, she could hunt.
“Then it’s settled, you can’t deceive me.”
“Hmm, I won’t deceive you.”
When the two returned to the courtyard, Jiang Ru had not yet returned. They brewed tea in the courtyard, drinking several cups before they saw Jiang Ru and the Eighth Prince approaching.
Jiang Ru, rarely seen around the capital, was unrecognized by many. To avoid any mishaps and following Jiang Yao’s advice, Murong Ci personally escorted her back to the courtyard.
The two stood at the courtyard gate, bidding farewell.
“Thank you for today, Your Highness. I had a great time.”
“As long as you’re happy, I consider my mission accomplished.”
After a few more polite exchanges, Murong Ci left.
Jiang Yao and Song Muyun sat in the courtyard, watching the polite greetings, until Jiang Ru noticed them with surprise, “Sister, Sister Muyun.”
She walked over quickly, sitting beside them, “Why did you come back so early?”
Jiang Yao pointed to the sky, “It’s not early; it’s already dark.”
Jiang Ru laughed, “Then I must have played too late with the Eighth Prince.”
“What did you two do to come back so late?”
Jiang Yao thought her sister, usually a stickler for rules and fond of her books, had just taken a brief walk to clear her mind. She didn’t expect her to return even later than they did.
Jiang Ru honestly replied, “The Eighth Prince accompanied me in reading. He brought many books I haven’t seen before, so we ended up reading late.”
Jiang Yao: …
True to her bookish nature.
She couldn’t imagine anyone else loving books so much. To her, those books were like cryptic texts, with each character recognizable but incomprehensible when combined.
“Then ask him to lend you some tomorrow.”
“Can I borrow them?”
Jiang Ru’s eyes brightened with anticipation.
Jiang Yao nodded, “Of course, why not? You’re a shy girl; I’ll ask for you.”
She always doted on her younger sister.
Hearing this, Jiang Ru beamed with joy, “Sister is so good to Ru’er, thank you.”
Watching the sisters interact, Song Muyun realized that Jiang Yao might be treating her like a sister too.
Her lips reddened as she bit them lightly, feeling displeased…
She didn’t want to be seen as just a sister.
“Muyun’s tea has gotten sweeter,” Jiang Yao complimented as she sipped her tea.
Most teas are slightly bitter, but Jiang Yao disliked bitterness, so Song Muyun found a tea with a slightly sweet aftertaste, always bringing some wherever she went.
Fortunately, Jiang Yao enjoyed it.
“Then drink more of it.”
Jiang Yao waved her hand, “It’s time for dinner; if I drink more now, I won’t have room for it.”
“Okay, let’s have dinner then.”
Elsewhere…
In Murong Qing’s courtyard, several men dressed in black stood.
Murong Qing, with his back to them, lightly tapped his fingertips on a ring, creating a crisp sound, “Have you all remembered what this prince said?”
The men in black bowed in unison, their tone firm, “Yes!”
“Make sure it appears as if the Eighth Prince fell off a cliff accidentally. Now go.”
In an instant, the shadow guards vanished without a trace.
Murong Qing’s face was sinister. The case involving the Song family was about to be exposed, and he wasn’t sure if his men could be protected. It was time to use them for one last purpose.
Murong Ci, how can you compete with me?
Traditionally, emperors favor the eldest legitimate son. The eldest prince is still confined in the capital, but the legitimate prince is gradually gaining prominence in court. Does he intend to align the Jiang family with him?
No way!
Eighth Brother, don’t blame your elder brother. Who asked you to be so impatient?
The battle for the throne always involves bloodshed. He had been too soft-hearted and indecisive in the past, missing many opportunities. Now, he would use his own brother to set a good precedent.
Murong Qing’s smile grew colder.
Unbeknownst to others…
The next day, Jiang Yao woke up with a white, delicate arm wrapped around her neck and Song Muyun lying in her arms.
Song Muyun was unusually clingy last night, continuously asking if Jiang Yao was still angry and if she
could stop being angry.
Jiang Yao reassured her she wasn’t angry, but Song Muyun didn’t believe her. She kept rubbing her head against Jiang Yao’s chest, her voice soft and tender, making Jiang Yao’s heart ache.
After comforting her for a while, they fell asleep intertwined.
Intimately close, when one woke up, the other was inadvertently pulled along.
Jiang Yao had to go hunting early today, and since Song Muyun couldn’t ride or shoot, she had to wait in the courtyard.
But she was full of worry, constantly reminding Jiang Yao during breakfast, “If you encounter any large beasts, don’t approach them. Your safety is important, do you hear me?”
“Hmm, I know, I know. You’ve been nagging from yesterday to today; my ears are well aware.”
Jiang Yao sounded helpless.
Song Muyun continued with a frown, “Don’t take it lightly. Be careful of others’ arrows in the hunting forest. Don’t get hurt.”
She feared that others might shoot arrows recklessly, missing the game and accidentally injuring Jiang Yao instead. Jiang Yao became increasingly resigned, smiling, “Do you really have so little faith in me? They can’t hurt me, don’t worry, okay?”
She was soothing her.
Song Muyun’s lips tightened slightly. Although worried, she didn’t want to pass these emotions to Jiang Yao, who was about to go hunting. It was better to keep her mind at ease to avoid distractions.
Jiang Yao and the other hunters stood in line, waiting for the emperor to deliver an inspiring speech. After his lengthy address, they were allowed into the forest to hunt. Jiang Yao casually picked up a bow and arrows distributed there. As others scattered, she too, mounted her horse and headed into the woods.
The hunting forest was vast, harboring many wild animals, but as it was nearing winter, most were hibernating and rarely emerged. One needed keen eyes to spot them clearly.
Jiang Yao had excellent vision, but she wasn’t interested in small birds and animals, nor did she want to show off. She remembered Song Muyun’s desire to taste wild rabbit and pheasant, and was specifically searching for these.
Many warriors roamed the forest, and Jiang Yao occasionally greeted acquaintances before they went their separate ways in search of game.
Ambling along, Jiang Yao shot a rabbit’s leg and tossed it into the basket on her horse. Riding lazily, she soon encountered Murong Ci.
Surprised to see her, Murong Ci asked, “Jiang Yao, didn’t you venture deeper into the forest?”
She assumed a skilled warrior like Jiang Yao would prefer the depths, where larger game could be found.
Jiang Yao waved lazily, greeting Murong Ci, “Eighth Prince, I wanted to, but Muyun is worried about my safety and forbade me from going. If I return injured, she’ll be angry.”
Loving battle was natural for a martial artist, but it wasn’t necessary. Song Muyun didn’t like her going, so she wouldn’t. A fight with a large beast might leave some injuries, and seeing them might make Song Muyun cry.
“So it is. You actually listen to Miss Song like this,” Murong Ci remarked, having seen Jiang Yao’s impulsive behavior before. It was hard to imagine her being so obedient.
“Tch, it’s not about obedience. Don’t talk nonsense. I’m just afraid of her crying,” Jiang Yao retorted. At home, there was a crybaby, unlike her dreams where she wasn’t so tearful. If not for her face matching, she might have doubted if she had identified the wrong female lead.
Complaining in her mind and mouth, her eyes still held a hint of amusement, showing more joy than displeasure.
Murong Ci raised an eyebrow but didn’t point out her inconsistency. Looking around, she suggested, “Since we’ve met, why don’t we go together? It’s nice to have company.”
Jiang Yao, finding herself a bit bored alone, agreed but with a condition, “If we come across a pheasant, don’t compete with me for it.”
That was what Muyun specifically wanted to eat.
Murong Ci chuckled, shaking her head, “How could I compete with you for something you want?”
Her archery had improved, but it was still no match for Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao continued, “Just saying, in case you think I’m competing for your game. How has your hunting been? Why are you alone?”
Jiang Yao, confident in her martial skills and fond of horse riding, didn’t have attendants. But typically, someone of Murong Ci’s status would have servants around.
Murong Ci showed Jiang Yao the basket on her horse, containing a few game animals. They were simple catches but represented significant progress for her.
“Earlier, I met the legitimate daughter of the Chengguo Duke who wandered here by mistake. She was terrified, so I had my men escort her back,” Murong Ci explained.
“That’s kind of you,” Jiang Yao said, finding something odd. Why would the Chengguo Duke’s daughter mistakenly enter the hunting area? And why would Murong Ci, a prince, dare to be alone without fear of rumors?
But this was someone else’s business, and Jiang Yao didn’t want to dwell on it. As Murong Ci started to speak, Jiang Yao prepared to listen attentively when she heard a strange sound. Her ears twitched at the noise of someone stepping on a dry branch. The sound was light and stealthy, not like the confident steps of ordinary people.
Her eyes narrowed sharply, and in the next moment, a whistling sound approached. Jiang Yao, grounding herself, quickly grabbed a black arrow that had been shot at her.
Murong Ci, who had been chattering, was stunned until she heard Jiang Yao hiss softly. She quickly rode closer, “Jiang Yao, are you alright? Is there poison on that arrow?”
Jiang
Yao, holding her shoulder, shook off a few drops of blood. The shooter had strong force, almost knocking her off.
“It’s fine. His strength was great; the feather end scratched me. Be careful.”
Jiang Yao controlled her horse, looking around for the shooter. Instead, she saw another arrow shot from the bushes, aiming straight for Murong Ci’s face.
Frozen in shock, Murong Ci couldn’t react. Jiang Yao, with sharp eyes, watched the arrow, then quickly drew her sword from her waist. As the arrow neared Murong Ci, she swung her sword, chopping the arrow in half. She also kicked Murong Ci to the ground, rolling away from danger. Quickly grabbing an arrow from her basket, Jiang Yao threw it without a bow, colliding with a third incoming arrow, neutralizing both.
After three failed shots, the shooter in the bushes made a move to leave.
Without hesitation, Jiang Yao drew her bow and fired an arrow without aiming. A muffled groan was heard; she hit the target, likely in the arm, since he could still move.
Jiang Yao turned to Murong Ci, who had rolled behind a tree, “Eighth Prince, get up. He’s gone.”
Murong Ci, overwhelmed with shock, sat against the tree, barely standing up to ask Jiang Yao, “Is he really gone?”
“Yes. Who have you offended? He was trying to kill you.”
Murong Ci’s crown was nearly falling off. Biting her teeth, she said, “It must be one of my brothers. They all can’t wait for me to die.”
She pondered who she had recently offended, quickly recalling her verbal dispute with Murong Qing.
Could it really be him?
Her spat with Murong Qing was just a few taunts. Did he really want her dead for that? His pettiness knew no bounds, then.
Murong Ci’s expression darkened.
Jiang Yao asked, “Do you know who might be more likely?”
With no certainty, Murong Ci shook her head, “I don’t know. I’ll report to the emperor and investigate upon returning.”
Jiang Yao nodded, thinking the evidence would be long gone by then. “Let’s go over and see if anything was left behind.”
Jiang Yao suggested this and rode towards the location. She had already determined the direction of the assailant, but the scene was nearly clean, except for the three arrows and some distant bloodstains.
“We should wait for people to come and investigate. This area isn’t safe anymore. Shall I escort you back?”
Murong Ci looked at the few game animals on her horse – not much, but enough for the young lady. Deciding that her life was more important, she agreed to leave.
“Thank you for today. Without you…”
She could already imagine her tragic fate. She wouldn’t have been able to dodge those swift and fierce arrows.
“It’s a small matter. As a citizen of the Great Jin, it’s my duty,” Jiang Yao replied.
As Jiang Yao and Murong Ci prepared to leave, Jiang Yao suddenly realized that the area had become deserted since those three arrows were shot. It seemed as if someone had deliberately lured the nearby hunters away, leaving only them.
Jiang Yao sighed, “Eighth Prince, this time I’ve been dragged into trouble because of you.”
It was evident that the attackers were targeting Murong Ci, and Jiang Yao had inadvertently become involved.
Murong Ci apologized, “If we make it back, I will surely compensate you.”
Jiang Yao waved her hand, “No need for that. Just help with the Song family’s case. After it’s settled, talk to the emperor about bringing back the exiled Song family members, okay?”
Murong Ci was taken aback, then nodded, remembering Jiang Yao’s care for Song Muyun. “Of course, if I can make it back alive, I’ll do it. If not…”
“Don’t talk about bad luck. I want to go back. My little lady is waiting for me at home,” Jiang Yao interrupted.
She couldn’t afford to die now. She thought about Song Muyun, who would be left unprotected. Without Jiang Yao, who would shield Song Muyun from the likes of Murong Qing?
Jiang Yao’s eyes flashed with determination. She wouldn’t let that happen. She couldn’t die.
Murong Ci also realized the gravity of the situation, “Yes, you’re right. My mother is also waiting for me at the palace.”
They both needed to survive.
As the silence deepened, Jiang Yao suddenly spurred her horse into a gallop, followed closely by Murong Ci. Soon, assassins dressed in black emerged from the forest. Jiang Yao swiftly threw something, killing the front line of attackers with remarkable precision.
Murong Ci was astounded by Jiang Yao’s skills and silently vowed to practice martial arts if she survived.
Jiang Yao made a path through the attackers, continuously guarding Murong Ci while fending off those who targeted her. These black-clad men were likely Murong Qing’s men.
Soon, their path was blocked.
Jiang Yao inhaled deeply, “This is really bad luck.”
“I’ll hold them off here, you run,” she told Murong Ci.
Murong Ci was shocked by Jiang Yao’s willingness to risk herself. “I’ll remember your kindness today and send someone to rescue you!”
As the signal was given, the assassins attacked. Jiang Yao didn’t bother with Murong Ci’s words. She leaped from her horse, sword in hand, blocking the attackers targeting Murong Ci and smacking Murong Ci’s horse to make it run.
Murong Ci’s horse bolted away, and as the assassins chased, Jiang Yao held them off. Her swordplay was fierce but couldn’t last against so many. As she felt her strength waning, she grabbed an assassin to shield herself, buying time to mount her horse and flee.
“Go on, chase after Murong Ci. I’m done here,” Jiang Yao said as she rode away in a different direction.
As she rode off, some assassins wanted to follow, but they were stopped by a hoarse voice, “Our target is the Eighth Prince. Leave her.”
Jiang Yao rode for a while, relieved that no one followed. She lay back on the horse, thinking, “Eighth Prince, I’ve helped as much as I can. I can’t risk my life for you, sorry.”
After catching her breath, she sat up and headed towards the palace to alert someone about Murong Ci’s situation.
Arriving somewhat disheveled and bloodied, Jiang Yao nearly aroused the suspicion of the guards. She showed her family’s token and asked for General Longhu.
Exhausted, Jiang Yao felt pain in her arms from the fight, barely able to walk.
Jiang Zhi, on patrol duty, came upon hearing someone with a Jiang family token was looking for him. He saw Jiang Yao surrounded by a group of noble ladies from the capital. The noble ladies initially didn’t plan to approach the disheveled, bloodied woman sitting there, until someone recognized her as Miss Jiang, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. Suddenly, many of them rushed over, bombarding her with questions about her injuries, whether something had happened at the hunting ground, and if she was the only one who returned. They were concerned and suggested calling a doctor.
The incessant chatter was giving Jiang Yao a headache. She ignored everyone, resting with her eyes closed and hands supporting her on the ground.
When Jiang Zhi, clad in armor, arrived, he commanded the crowd to disperse, his authoritative voice scattering the noble ladies. Seeing his niece sitting on the ground, he was shocked and about to inquire about the situation when Jiang Yao stood up. Speaking so loudly that everyone present could hear, she informed him, “Uncle, someone attempted to assassinate the Eighth Prince at the hunting ground. I helped him escape in the opposite direction, and many are still chasing him.”
Jiang Zhi was alarmed by this news and quickly organized a team to investigate. After Jiang Yao pointed out the direction, he dispatched his men and then led her to report the incident to the emperor.
The surrounding noble ladies, upon hearing Jiang Yao’s words, were stunned. Assassination at the royal hunting ground? Who would dare such a thing?
Suddenly, Princess Heyi, known for her beauty, rushed to Jiang Yao, asking about her seventh brother, the Seventh Prince, who was also in the woods. Jiang Yao, cold and injured, didn’t have the energy to respond.
Jiang Zhi quickly gave her some medicine for her injuries and led her to the emperor. Her disheveled appearance caused the emperor to frown, but after hearing about the assassination attempt, he immediately ordered a search and protection for the Eighth Prince. Despite not being particularly fond of the Eighth Prince, he couldn’t allow a direct son to be harmed.
Jiang Yao then mentioned injuring one of the assassins’ arms. Jiang Zhi promptly ordered the palace gates to be sealed for a thorough investigation. The rest was out of Jiang Yao’s hands. She needed to return home and reassure Song Muyun.
Song Muyun was about to go out to meet Jiang Yao when she saw her return in such a state, covered in blood and disarray. She was nearly overwhelmed with worry and fear, barely staying conscious. Jiang Yao quickly reassured her that the blood wasn’t hers and that they should talk inside.
Song Muyun, dressed in white, looked even more ethereal and concerned. She supported Jiang Yao inside, trembling as if she felt the pain herself.
Jiang Yao, finding it hard to explain, simply said, “It’s nothing serious. I just helped the Eighth Prince. I’ll be fine after applying some medicine. Don’t worry or cry. I’m not in pain.”
Song Muyun, hearing this, was stunned and clung to Jiang Yao’s arm, her voice laced with a mix of tremble and anger, “Why did you have to shield the Eighth Prince? I told you to be careful. Why did you ignore my words for him!”
Her eyes, brimming with tears, revealed her deep pain and jealousy. Did Jiang Yao like the Eighth Prince so much? Song Muyun realized she wanted Jiang Yao’s affection for herself and decided that if Jiang Yao liked her, they could always be together.
Song Muyun’s realization cleared her mind. She determined to make Jiang Yao like her, justifying her possessive and dark thoughts as acceptable if they were reciprocated.
Jiang Yao, taken aback by Song Muyun’s sudden embrace and emotional outburst, instinctively hugged her back. Song Muyun’s soft, trembling body and the sincere concern in her tearful eyes made it impossible for Jiang Yao to be upset with her.
Song Muyun apologized through her sobs, “I’m sorry for speaking like that when you’re hurt. I’m just scared. If something happened to you, what would I do? I’m so afraid…”
As she looked up at Jiang Yao with her bright, tearful eyes, her vulnerability melted any irritation Jiang Yao might have felt.