Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 67
Chapter 67
The second and third ladies recalled what Song Muyun had said and exchanged glances before looking at Jiang Yao. “Are you the daughter of the Prime Minister, Miss Jiang, mentioned by Yun’er?”
Despite her illness, Song’s mother couldn’t help but raise her eyes to look.
Jiang Yao smiled modestly, “Hello to the three aunts, just calling me Jiang Yao is fine.”
Her polite and respectful attitude was nothing like the arrogant person others described, making her quite likable.
The third lady was the first to address her, “Jiang Yao, did you bring Yun’er here?”
“Yes, Yun’er heard about aunt’s condition and was very worried, wanting to come see for herself, so I accompanied her here.”
A frail and elderly voice sounded, belonging to Song’s mother, “Thank you, Miss Jiang, for bringing Yun’er. It must have troubled you.”
Jiang Yao responded with even more respect, wishing she could dismount to speak, but if she did, Song’s mother wouldn’t be able to see her.
“You’re too kind. Yun’er and I are close friends; it’s a small matter, not worth your thanks.”
Inside the carriage, Song Muyun whispered to her mother, “Someone tried to bully me in the capital, and thanks to Jiang Yao, she protected me. She even took me into the Jiang family and her father helped our family overturn the case. She is very kind, and I like her a lot.”
The conservative Song’s mother didn’t pick up on the additional emotion in Song Muyun’s liking, simply feeling more grateful towards Jiang Yao, praising her and her father as good people, embodying the true nobility of a prestigious family.
“Miss Jiang, it’s hot outside. If you don’t mind the smell of medicine in the carriage, please come inside.”
The overturning of the Song family’s case and Jiang Yao’s doting on the former Miss Song of the Song family were well known throughout the capital.
The leader of the guards who came to pick up the Song family members also knew this and didn’t dare to neglect them. The carriage chosen was very spacious, able to fit a dozen people without feeling crowded.
Jiang Yao naturally wouldn’t refuse the future mother-in-law’s attempt to get closer, quickly dismounting and sliding into the carriage. “I don’t mind at all. Aunt, how are you feeling today? We’re about to reach the next town; I can find a doctor to look at you then.”
Song’s mother shook her head with a bitter smile, “I appreciate your kindness, Miss Jiang, but there’s no need. I understand my own body; it’s beyond help now. Please don’t trouble yourself.”
Jiang Yao’s smile faded, and she looked at Song Muyun silently.
Song Muyun, already struggling to cry, wore a pained expression and remained silent.
Song’s mother reached out to touch Song Muyun’s face, “I’ve told you before, there’s no banquet that doesn’t end in this world. What’s there to be sad about? As long as you’re well, my spirit in heaven will be happy too.”
Song Muyun couldn’t accept her mother’s death. Even with her mother’s comforting words, she couldn’t help but bury her face in Jiang Yao’s embrace, as if escaping reality.
Without crying, just escaping.
Jiang Yao hurriedly comforted her softly, assuring her it was okay, she was there for her.
Song’s mother frowned, calling Song Muyun to stand up in a gentle yet stern voice, not to be so unruly.
Song Muyun stiffened slightly and silently left Jiang Yao’s embrace.
Jiang Yao steadied Song Muyun while saying to Song’s mother, “It’s alright; Muyun is staying at my place now, and we are like family.”
But not truly family.
Now that Jiang Yao and Yun’er have become close, willing to protect and help her, that’s wonderful. But if Yun’er frequently behaves without manners, provoking Jiang Yao’s displeasure, for people of their status, turning their backs is a matter of moments.
They used to hold high positions, naturally being aloof and proud, but now…
Having fallen from a high place, she had seen too many changes in fortunes. Knowing she wouldn’t live much longer, she was very worried about who would bully Yun’er after her death.
What to do?
Song’s mother looked at Jiang Yao, who was still softly comforting Yun’er, even better than she had.
Perhaps, she should trust the character of the Jiang family.
“Miss Jiang.”
Jiang Yao, hearing the weak voice, quickly turned her head, kindly saying, “Just call me Jiang Yao.”
The other nodded, smiling along, “Jiang Yao, I heard from Yun’er… you’ve helped her a lot in the capital.”
Jiang Yao: “It was just a small effort, not worth mentioning.”
“Regardless, Yun’er is my only daughter. Thank you for being willing to help her. I don’t have much now, but this was left by her father; please don’t disdain it.”
With that, Song’s mother took out a half-moon-shaped jade pendant, its polished surface showing it had been frequently handled.
Jiang Yao couldn’t possibly accept it, refusing repeatedly, “No, no, no, what I did was my duty, how could I accept your item? And since it was left by Lord Song, I definitely cannot accept it.”
Seeking help from Song Muyun, if it were someone else, she would have directly refused. But facing Song’s mother, who was seriously ill, she couldn’t possibly take her item, and her words had to be respectful and tactful.
Song Muyun also frowned, saying, “Mother, that’s what father left for you; please keep it.”
Song’s mother gave Song Muyun a light glance, still sick but making Song Muyun duck her head in submission.
“I’ve taught you, for a drop of kindness, return a spring of gratitude. Jiang Yao has helped you so much, and now it’s just a jade pendant; I still feel I owe her.”
Jiang Yao quickly interjected, “Not at all, not at all. I helped Yun’er willingly; there’s no debt to speak of. I truly cannot take this pendant.”
How could she dare to take someone’s father’s keepsake? Was she out of her mind?
Song’s mother shook her head, “You said you and Yun’er are like family. This jade pendant is then a gift for her family. She will have one too. This is mine, and her father and I each had one. We also planned to make one for Yun’er, but unfortunately…”
Unfortunately, the Song family had faced disaster, and now there were only two left. She was about to die anyway, so it might as well go to Jiang Yao, to ensure a good future for Yun’er and maybe protect her after her death.
Jiang Yao was somewhat moved by her words. One for Yun’er and one for her?
Wasn’t that a token of love?
Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She wanted it, really wanted it, but was too shy to accept it, her eyes glued to the jade pendant while her mouth still said, “I… I really can’t take it.”
Seeing her interest, Song’s mother glanced at her second and third sisters-in-law, who joined in persuading. Finally, Jiang Yao reluctantly but happily accepted the jade pendant with a troubled expression.
Song’s mother gave her own piece to Song Muyun and then rested.
Jiang Yao and Song Muyun exchanged glances, sitting quietly beside each other.
Song Muyun tucked in her mother’s blanket corner while the two wives of the Song family softly inquired about the current situation in the capital and the case.
They all knew the Song family was framed, so they didn’t blame Song Yunqian. Someone wanted to frame him, and they were unaware, unable to avoid it.
The Song family now hoped for vindication, allowing the remaining men to return to officialdom. Not just them, but several children as well. The sons and daughters of the second and third ladies were well-raised, possibly all entering officialdom.
Only by holding high positions could they better protect their family and make those who framed them pay.
“Currently, the prefect of Luzhou is missing. Perhaps once he’s found, the truth will be revealed.”
Jiang Yao said.
But now, not only were they looking for the prefect of Luzhou, Meng Xia, but also several other groups in the capital.
Whether they could find him was another matter.
The second lady nodded, lowering her voice but still indignant, “Who knows who’s so malicious, wanting all of us Song family to fall into the mire!”
The third lady looked worried. If Meng Xia couldn’t be found, the Song family’s reputation would be tarnished, a major blow to all Song family members.
Upon reaching the next town, Jiang Yao saw Song’s mother struggling to walk and immediately dismounted from the carriage, bending down to offer a back, loudly calling, “Aunt, you’re ill; let me carry you down.”
Song’s mother hesitated, just thinking about Jiang Yao going ahead, but now heard her offering to carry her in…
Naturally, she was reluctant. It was improper to trouble a young person unrelated by blood to carry her. However, despite her refusal, Jiang Yao insisted, blocking the carriage’s exit, wanting to carry her down, worrying she might fall. Such meticulous care, as if she wasn’t just a friend’s mother but her own.
To this, Madam Jiang remarked, she had never received such treatment from Jiang Yao.
Left with no choice and persuaded by Song Muyun, Song’s mother agreed to be supported onto Jiang Yao’s back.
She worried that Jiang Yao’s feminine physique wouldn’t be able to support her, but Yun’er, as if knowing her concerns, immediately stepped forward to say, “Jiang Yao practices martial arts; she’s very strong and stable, don’t worry.”
Carrying a woman not yet forty and frail, Jiang Yao found it surprisingly easy, even managing to look up and give Song Muyun an approving glance.
The more she got to know her, the more she realized her strength and stability. Hmm.
Why does receiving a compliment from her future wife make her so happy~
Song’s mother was settled in an inn. As it was already dark and many doctors had closed for the day, Jiang Yao had to pay extra to have them come, but each doctor who checked Song’s mother said there was nothing more to be done.
Song Muyun was devastated, her eyes devoid of any sparkle, unable to force a smile even in front of her mother.
Song’s mother, however, appeared calm and accepting of her fate.
She patted Song Muyun’s hand, “Don’t look so downcast. Mother hopes to see you happy in her last days.”
Song Muyun tried hard to slowly curve her lips into a smile.
“I know, mother.”
“Mother doesn’t have much time left. My biggest concern has always been you and your siblings.”
Her siblings referred to Song Muyun’s cousins, who were waiting outside.
Compared to their previous scholarly pride, their faces now bore evident fatigue, their postures no longer as upright as before… it had only been half a year.
“Mother, I know. I will take care of the siblings.”
Song Muyun’s voice still carried a fragile tone, prompting the second wife to immediately say, “It’s not the time for you to take care of them; they should be taking care of you.”
Compared to them, Song Muyun was in a worse situation, having lost both parents at once, leaving her alone in the world. It was their duty to take care of her.
“Where is this young doctor that Little Five went to fetch?”
The third wife looked towards the door.
Little Five was her daughter, the youngest girl in the Song family, named Song Yusheng.
As they were speaking, Song Yusheng returned, silently standing beside the third wife, her eyelashes lowered.
Song Muyun remembered Yusheng used to be lively, always clinging to her, but now…
The Song family, all changed beyond recognition.
By comparison, she was actually faring the best.
Guilt welled up in her, preventing her from looking at them any longer.
Song’s mother, perceptive like her daughter, noticed Song Muyun’s mood and guessed the reason, patting her hand and assuring her, “Don’t blame yourself, our situation is not because of you.”
It was someone else trying to frame them, and even if they blamed the upright Song Yunqian for making too many enemies, they couldn’t blame Song Muyun, a woman kept away from the world.
Song Muyun lowered her head, sobbing, unable to be comforted by Jiang Yao.
“I should have come to find you sooner. If I had, maybe you wouldn’t have gotten sick.”
The harsh conditions of their exile, coupled with Song’s mother’s weakened health from giving birth to Song Muyun and her inability to withstand the cold, led to her current state.
Song Muyun couldn’t help thinking, if she had come sooner or asked Jiang Yao for help instead of assuming Jiang Yao wouldn’t assist her, could she have saved her mother?
It was her fault…
Seeing her daughter still blaming herself and crying, Song’s mother suddenly became stern, “Yun’er! When have you become so fragile? Who allowed you to take on blame that’s not yours?”
Her sudden scolding startled Song Muyun, causing Jiang Yao to quickly support Song Muyun’s trembling, slender body, gently patting her shoulder.
“This is the fate of the Song family, and my fate. Don’t overthink it. Having given birth to you with your father is already worth it. Your father was a good man, and I have no regrets marrying him.”
She had been unable to conceive again after giving birth to Muyun, but Song Yunqian never considered taking concubines, sticking to their promise of a lifetime together.
“Mother…”
“Now, I only have one request of you.”
Song’s mother’s voice softened again.
Song Muyun, with teary eyes, looked up to hear her mother say, “I want you to find out who framed your father and avenge him. The Song family’s honor cannot be tarnished!”
“Yes, mother, I know, I’ll find out the truth. Please, don’t be angry…”
Jiang Yao joined in comforting, “Yes, aunt, getting angry is bad for your health. Please, calm down and rest for a while.”
Song’s mother shook her head, “I don’t have much time left. I need to say what I want quickly, or I might never get the chance.”
She spoke with a hoarse voice, her face increasingly weary.
Jiang Yao remained silent, not wanting to disturb Song’s mother.
“Miss Jiang, Yun’er is lucky to have you looking after her.”
Apparently, because she was asking a favor, she reverted to calling her “Miss Jiang.”
Jiang Yao looked down at her, softly saying, “Yun’er is great. The ladies in the capital all think I’m too rough to associate with, only Yun’er doesn’t mind me.”
Song’s mother shook her head, “How could Miss Jiang be rough? You’re careful and steady in your actions. With you by Yun’er’s side, I’m at ease.”
Sensing the implication of entrusting her daughter, Jiang Yao stiffened slightly, agreeing, “Yes, I’ll definitely take good care of Yun’er.”
“I don’t ask for much, just hope that when Yun’er is bullied, you can offer her some protection. Then, I can die in peace.”
“Mother!”
“Don’t speak.”
“Miss Jiang, I know I’m being somewhat presumptuous, cough, but I still hope…”
“No!”
Jiang Yao didn’t let Song’s mother finish, interrupting, “I don’t think you’re being presumptuous at all. I’ll take good care of Muyun. She’ll stay with me from now on. Don’t worry, I have shops in the capital, the income is decent, and she won’t suffer.”
Song’s mother was taken aback, not expecting Jiang Yao to say such a thing, “That’s not necessary, Yun’er is still a member of the Song family, she can’t always trouble you at the Jiang family.”
Jiang Yao felt a sense of crisis, as if they were trying to take her wife away!
“No, no, no, it’s not trouble at all. I’ve gotten used to being with Yun’er, and my parents also particularly like her. If Yun’er left, our family would miss her.”
Jiang Yao earnestly looked at Song’s mother with her sincere, bright eyes.
Song’s mother was surprised… did the Jiang family really like Yun’er so much?
The second and third wives felt dazed. Yun’er hadn’t had much to do with the Jiang family before, so why did they suddenly get along so well?
“Yun’er, what do you think?”
Song’s mother had to turn to Song Muyun, asking for her opinion.
Song Muyun hesitated. Even without looking up, she could feel the burning, pleading gaze beside her.
If she chose to stay with the Song family, Jiang Yao would be furious.
The young girl clenched her fists, overcoming her shyness, and said as usual, “Mother, I want to stay with the Jiang family. I’ve… already gotten used to being with Jiang Yao.”
She almost told her mother about her grinding mirrors, but since Song’s mother had never been exposed to that, she didn’t catch on at all, simply saying that since she was willing, they should listen to her.
After all, she couldn’t manage much now. Having Miss Jiang to protect Yun’er meant that Yun’er would at least have a better life.
She was well aware of the hardships an ordinary person with such looks would face.
Being with Jiang Yao made Song Muyun happy, and likewise, being with Song Muyun made Jiang Yao even happier, especially since this was openly acknowledged with each of them receiving a jade pendant from a Song family elder.
What was this? It was a token of engagement between the two families!
Jiang Yao was convinced of this.
Song’s mother then mustered her strength to arrange some affairs, distributing the properties returned by the emperor to the Song family, essentially dividing the family assets. The younger generation was admonished to strive for official positions in the court to serve the people and ensure that upright officials were no longer framed.
The four younger members respectfully agreed before being sent away.
The second wife said, “Your great-aunt is tired, let her rest. Big sister, you should rest too. We still need to prepare a ceremonial tomb for our brother when we return.”
Thinking of Song Yunqian, the first wife managed a nod despite her fatigue.
Everyone left.
Outside, Jiang Yao saw two serious-looking middle-aged men and only realized who they were when the four younger members called them father.
She approached respectfully, “I have long admired the two Lord Songs.”
Song Yunshi and Song Yunshang were startled, quickly stepping back, “We have already been stripped of our titles by the court, Miss Jiang, we no longer deserve such a title.”
Jiang Yao shook her head, “Now that the Song family’s name has been cleared, the emperor will surely restore your titles. I haven’t called you wrongly.”
This statement surprised them, and the eyes of the second and third wives lit up, “The emperor will restore the Song family’s official positions?”
Jiang Yao said, “Since the properties and money can be returned, the official positions should be recoverable too. I will have my father press the emperor on this.”
The two wives and the two Lord Songs all showed joy, getting their positions back was the best outcome, as surviving in the capital without them would be difficult.
“Thank you, Miss Jiang. You are truly kind. We entrust Yun’er to you.”
“Just call me Jiang Yao.”
Jiang Yao remained polite until she and Song Muyun were back in their room, where she then playfully pinned her on the bed, asking up close, “Did I perform well today? Is your mother satisfied with me?”
Song Muyun had eyes, and she gently nodded, “Yes, mother, she likes you very much.”
“Ha, I knew I was likable.”
Jiang Yao then held Song Muyun’s hand, pressing her onto the bed, “Alright, you’ve had a tough day. I’ll have some dishes sent up, eat well and rest, okay?”
Song Muyun would have preferred not to eat if Jiang Yao wasn’t there.
But with Jiang Yao present, refusing to eat would only result in Jiang Yao forcefully making her eat. She didn’t try to refuse, simply nodding.
The sound of Jiang Yao ordering dishes filled her ears, all of which were her favorites.
The heaviness in her heart from her mother’s illness finally lifted slightly.
She looked up at Jiang Yao’s figure, her lips curling into a light smile.
Jiang Yao was good, she had guessed her mother would like her.
The dishes were served, but Song Muyun had little appetite, eating only a little under Jiang Yao’s coercion.
As Song’s mother’s condition worsened, she hung on by a thread, wanting to return to the capital, to the Song family, to die at home, fulfilling her final wish.
By the time they reached the capital, Song’s mother was barely hanging on, spending more time asleep than awake.
Jiang Yao called for the imperial physician, but they could only keep her barely alive. Song Muyun was despondent, crying herself to sleep every night, her eyes swollen from long periods of crying.
Then one day, Song’s mother, in a rare moment of lucidity, called Song Muyun into her room alone to speak with her. When she came out, her tears were gone, and she seemed like her old self again, gently pulling Jiang Yao, “Mother wants to see you.”
Jiang Yao, who had been waiting, couldn’t believe it and pointed to herself, “Me?”
Recently, Song’s mother had been deteriorating, and the Song household was preparing her burial clothes. She should be seeing her beloved grandchildren, why call for her?
Entering the room with a heart full of questions, Jiang Yao saw Song’s mother on the bed, her appearance frail, and respectfully approached, calling, “Aunt.”
Song’s mother weakly opened her eyes, her first words being, “Miss Jiang, if I had more time, I would never approve of you and Yun’er being together.”
Jiang Yao: !!!
Author’s note:
Today, I wrote a total of 9,000 words, so proud.