Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 68
Chapter 68
Madam Song stated that a romantic relationship between two women went against the natural order, and such behavior that could bring shame upon the family was absolutely forbidden by the Song family’s principles. However, she was on her deathbed and could no longer concern herself with these matters. Her only wish was for her daughter to live well in the capital city, protected and treated kindly by someone. Jiang Yao’s unique status was well-known to her, and she was aware that if Jiang Yao wished, she could indeed protect Yun’er.
“Will you always, *cough cough*, always treat Yun’er well?”
Despite being numb all over and devoid of sensation, Madam Song still managed to ask this question through the pain of her illness.
Jiang Yao immediately nodded, her expression resolute, “Mother-in-law, please rest assured, I will always treat Yun’er well for my entire life. I won’t let others bully her; I will protect her.”
Madam Song: …
So, she’s already being called mother-in-law.
She neither agreed nor disagreed but simply said, “I know you’re a good child. If one day you no longer love Yun’er, please ensure she has a secure place to live. Don’t let others bully her. At the very least… don’t forget that you once loved her.”
Jiang Yao felt that such a situation would never occur, but she still agreed to make Madam Song feel at ease. She even swore that she would always treat Yun’er well, or she would suffer a terrible fate. This slightly reassured Madam Song, who was devoutly Buddhist. Her face involuntarily twitched, and in a very soft voice, she said, “Call Yun’er in, you two send me off on my final journey.”
She was barely hanging on…
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yao immediately went to call Song Muyun.
Song Muyun hurriedly lifted her skirt and entered, seeing her mother on the bed, smiling. Her eyes reddened, but she held back her tears, as her mother did not wish to see her cry.
“Yun’er, come here…”
Madam Song weakly extended her hand.
Song Muyun immediately went forward to hold it, then looked towards Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao also stepped forward, pressing her lips together as she looked at Madam Song.
Holding Song Muyun’s hand, Madam Song brought it to Jiang Yao, saying, “Miss Jiang, I leave Yun’er in your care. I hope you will treat her well.”
Song Muyun turned her head away, for the first time not blushing but instead secretly shedding a stream of tears. Her mother had agreed to her relationship with Jiang Yao, not out of genuine approval, but out of fear that she would have no one to rely on in the capital city and wanted Jiang Yao to protect her. Earlier, when it was just her and her mother, her mother had said the same: not to be willful, not to anger Jiang Yao, as she no longer had parents to protect her and could not afford to be as aloof as before, or she would be bullied…
Jiang Yao, holding Song Muyun’s hand, looked at Madam Song and solemnly promised, “I will definitely treat Muyun well. Don’t worry, in this lifetime, I would rather die than let anyone bully Muyun.”
Madam Song, who had met many people in her life, could tell whether Jiang Yao’s words were sincere or not. She felt much more at ease about her daughter’s future, finally able to close her eyes…
Just as Song Muyun turned her head back, she saw her mother slowly close her eyes, her expression frozen in shock, but she had been prepared for this moment. She did not cry out loud, but step by step, she moved forward, gripping her mother’s dry hand tightly. The tears that had been hiding in her eyes finally couldn’t be held back any longer and fell in large drops.
“Mother…”
She called out in a hoarse voice, feeling so pained that she could hardly breathe.
Seeing her like this, Jiang Yao also felt distressed but didn’t know what to say, only staying by Song Muyun’s side to at least let her know she was there.
“It’s okay, your mother will watch over you from heaven.”
Seeing her cry so heartbreakingly, it took her a while to muster up these words.
After crying for a long time by the bedside, Song Muyun finally spoke in a hoarse voice, “I know, Jiang Yao, mother told me not to be sad, but I really can’t help it…”
She couldn’t help feeling sad; both her parents had died, leaving her alone in the world…
Jiang Yao stepped forward to gently embrace Song Muyun, patting her back to comfort her, “It’s okay, it’s all right now, I’m here. Your mother wouldn’t want to see you crying, right?”
“Mm, I know, I won’t cry.”
She said she wouldn’t cry, but her eyelashes were completely wet, making anyone who saw them feel tender-hearted.
“Mother told me, life and death are predestined. She was just following her time. I’m not sad. She said she was going to find my father, and she was happy about it.”
Song Muyun turned her head to look at her mother lying on the bed, her eyes closed but her lips still curled in a smile.
Jiang Yao, seeing her recover a bit, immediately nodded in agreement, “Your mother is right. Don’t be sad anymore. I’ll help you find out who’s behind all this, okay?”
Song Muyun gripped Jiang Yao’s hand, her voice for the first time carrying an undispellable deep hatred, “If it wasn’t for someone’s scheme, my parents wouldn’t have died, and the Song family wouldn’t have ended up like this. I must seek revenge for them!”
“Alright, I’ll help you. With me here, there’s nothing to fear.”
Jiang Yao coaxed softly.
Song Muyun stood up straight, her voice hoarse, “Let’s go out. Mother has passed away; we still have to talk to my second and third uncles.”
“Okay, as you wish.”
After Madam Song’s death, Jiang Yao stayed with the Song family, helping with the funeral arrangements and the burial.
Everyone thought that once the Song family returned to the capital, Song Muyun would stay with the Song family. After all, it’s uncommon for one to have elders yet choose to live with someone else.
However, Jiang Yao indeed took her back home, and Jiang Heng didn’t say anything, treating her almost like a daughter of the Jiang family.
Thus, the entire capital knew that Jiang Yao and Song Muyun were likely in an open relationship, even the Prime Minister didn’t intervene, and his wife, who had previously wanted to match Jiang Yao with a suitable gentleman, also remained silent.
Since Madam Song’s death, Song Muyun had been somewhat out of spirits. Jiang Yao comforted her for a long time before slightly easing her sadness.
She was still sad, but the living must look forward. She would try her best to find out who was behind everything and clear the Song family’s name.
…
One day, Jiang Yao returned home and brought news, “The Emperor has decreed
a marriage between Murong Qing and the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Chengguo, Li Xiting.”
Song Muyun paused in her embroidery at the mention of that name, “Li Xiting… Is she the miss who accidentally entered the hunting grounds last time?”
“Mm, it’s her. I felt there was something strange between her and Murong Qing last time. Perhaps, the incident at the hunting grounds could start with her.”
After saying this, Jiang Yao seemed to think of something, her eyes suddenly brightening, and with a slight smirk, she teased, “Murong Qing has always claimed to adore you, yet now he’s marrying someone else without a second thought, which shows he wasn’t sincere.”
In her dreams, little Yun’er ended up with Murong Qing, and although she didn’t say it, she couldn’t help but see Murong Qing as a rival, seizing any opportunity to belittle him.
Song Muyun was startled at first, not understanding, but then she pushed Jiang Yao slightly, “What are you talking about? His feelings for me were never genuine; I knew that.”
“Hmph, just making sure you knew.”
In her dreams, little Yun’er didn’t know and even agreed to be with him, to be his empress. Ugh, just thinking about it annoyed her, and she felt a bit jealous.
It was fine when they weren’t together, but now that they were, she couldn’t accept Yun’er liking Murong Qing in her dreams or in stories. She would be jealous.
Song Muyun put down her embroidery, opened her arms, and silently hugged Jiang Yao’s waist, burying her face in her abdomen, softly saying, “How could I not know? The person who truly cares for me wouldn’t hurt me. I’ve always known.”
Jiang Yao stroked Song Muyun’s head, who had grown accustomed to not dodging her touches, behaving very obediently, no matter how she was touched, never resisting, very well-behaved, “I’ll take you out for a walk today, to clear your mind, okay?”
Since Madam Song’s departure, Muyun might not have gone out much, always staying at home. Whenever Jiang Yao had to go out, she would call Jiang Ru to accompany her.
Jiang Huai also occasionally came over, bringing some novel trinkets from outside for Muyun, gifts meant only for her.
If it weren’t for her brother always being afraid of her, never daring to compete with her for her beloved, she might think her foolish brother had fallen for Muyun, just like in the stories.
But even so, she had planned to beat her brother as a precaution, to make him stop daydreaming. Fortunately, Muyun told her early that those gifts were bribes from Jiang Huai, hoping she would be kinder to him on a daily basis.
“Mm, okay.”
Song Muyun softly agreed, changed into a tender yellow long dress, and was then led out by Jiang Yao.
The streets were still a bit cold. As soon as they got off the carriage, Jiang Yao turned around to adjust Song Muyun’s fluffy cloak, covering her palm-sized face until only her eyes were visible.
She obediently stood still, letting Jiang Yao fuss over her. Once she was ready, they sent the carriage back and stepped into the Zhenbao Pavilion.
Jiang Yao was in a rare mood to buy some jewelry for the young lady. She loved dressing Song Muyun up beautifully.
However, as soon as they entered, they ran into Murong Qing, who was selecting jewelry inside.
All three were taken aback.
Jiang Yao’s expression cooled quickly, holding Song Muyun’s hand, she said loudly enough for some to hear, “Running into bad luck as soon as we step out, let’s go upstairs to buy. We won’t pick from downstairs.”
The items upstairs were more expensive than those downstairs, naturally more exquisite and luxurious.
Murong Qing’s face turned ashen. He had never encountered someone who disregarded a prince like Jiang Yao!
The Jiang family, indeed wielding great power within the court. Once he ascended the throne, he would definitely suppress the Jiang family, making Jiang Yao regret crossing him!
The shop assistant next to Murong Qing was trembling as he introduced the jewelry, not understanding why, but feeling like the Miss Jiang was indirectly referring to their distinguished guest.
Murong Qing’s face darkened for a moment but soon returned to his usual gentle and scholarly demeanor, handing a hairpin to the shop assistant, “Wrap this one up first.”
“Alright, right away.”
The assistant hurriedly took the hairpin.
Jiang Yao was upstairs, arguing with Song Muyun over a jade bracelet worth two hundred taels. Song Muyun refused, insisting she had enough jewelry and didn’t need more.
Jiang Yao disagreed, believing that her little lady deserved to be adorned with the best, no matter how much jewelry she had. A jade bracelet was just a small addition.
Jiang Yao was displeased, her expression showing it.
Song Muyun, however, refused to back down, her voice growing colder, “I don’t lack bracelets, don’t waste the silver.”
“But you’re not wearing anything on your wrist today, how can you say you don’t lack them!”
Jiang Yao was adamant she was lacking!
“I have them at home, just didn’t wear them today.”
“Then why didn’t you wear them? It’s because you don’t have enough!”
Song Muyun: …
“If you really want to buy, then buy that one, it’s also nice.”
Song Muyun pointed to a Hetian jade bracelet with silver filigree among other bracelets. Though beautiful, the jade wasn’t as fine, and it was cheaper at only fifty taels, suitable for personal wear but not for her precious one.
Jiang Yao frowned, “Jade nourishes the body, the better the jade, the more it benefits. I think this one suits you.”
“Who says so? That one suits me too, and I really like it.”
The two stood arguing, drawing some attention, but from a distance, it seemed as if Song Muyun wanted the bracelet and Jiang Yao was refusing to buy it for her.
Only when one got closer could they hear that it was Song Muyun who didn’t want Jiang Yao to spend so much money on her, while Jiang Yao was insistent on spending.
“If you like it, we can just buy both and you can switch between them.”
Jiang Yao usually didn’t spend much, except when buying swords, which were her major expenses. Other than that, she spent on snacks, which were negligible. Her savings were quite substantial, all intended for taking care of her future wife.
Buying just two bracelets was nothing. Buy them!
Song Muyun’s lips twitched. She had mentioned those concerns to make Jiang Yao save some money and not to buy her too expensive gifts. Yet, Jiang Yao was not only intent on buying; she was indifferent to the cost.
The young lady showed a hint of helplessness in her eyes and held Jiang Yao’s hand that was reaching for the bracelets, shaking her head, “I don’t want this one; I want that one.”
She did not want the expensive gold-encrusted bracelet, only the cheaper one with silver threads.
Jiang Yao really didn’t want to argue. Normally, she would have indulged her, but today, she had set her heart on the more expensive one, even imagining how it would look on her.
A supremely graceful lady wearing nothing but a translucent jade bracelet, which would tremble along with her in her vulnerable moments, was a beautiful thought. The silver-threaded bracelet simply didn’t ignite the same excitement in her, feeling less luxurious and unreachable.
Jiang Yao’s eyes carried a hint of disappointment as she looked down, sullen.
Seeing this, Song Muyun felt a pang of regret. It was just a bracelet; was it worth going against her wishes and making her unhappy?
“Let’s buy both, Xiao Yun’er, I want to see~”
Thinking Jiang Yao had given up, which caused her sulkiness, Jiang Yao suddenly perked up again, attempting to coax.
Song Muyun was relieved, misunderstanding the intention but not wanting to upset Jiang Yao further, she agreed, “Then one for each of us?”
“Sure, sure, one for each is great. If only you had agreed sooner, such a good girl.” Jiang Yao’s mood visibly improved with the agreement.
In public, Jiang Yao leaned forward and kissed Song Muyun on the forehead, surprising her until the bracelets were wrapped up. She then came back to her senses.
Her cheeks turned pink, and she glared at Jiang Yao before quickly lowering her head.
Proud of herself, Jiang Yao collected the bracelets, paid for them, and placed them into a fine wooden box before returning.
Song Muyun didn’t dare linger, fearing Jiang Yao would purchase even more items.
“Let’s go back; I’m a bit tired.”
“Tired already? No way, I’ll have the doctor look at you later, just in case you’re sick again.”
She fretted over Song Muyun with concern.
Afraid of genuinely alarming her, Song Muyun quickly shook her head, “No, I’m not sick, just a bit tired, maybe because I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Due to Madam Song’s passing, her sleep hadn’t been great lately.
Jiang Yao immediately believed her, tenderly patting her. Song Muyun, fearing another kiss, instinctively stepped back, embarrassed.
This retreat revealed more jewelry behind them, catching Jiang Yao’s eye, “What’s this?”
She hurried over, picking up something resembling bracelets. The shop assistant quickly introduced them as red gold ankle bracelets with little bells, designed to be worn around the ankles.
Song Muyun had never seen such a thing and looked puzzled, while Jiang Yao, intrigued, asked, “How much for a pair of these ankle bracelets?”
The delicate bells within the intertwined gold threads would chime sweetly with movement, a clear sound especially noticeable in the quiet of the night.
Jiang Yao, barely containing her excitement, found them irresistible.
Song Muyun frowned, puzzled by Jiang Yao’s interest, “We don’t need to buy this.”
“Miss, these are inexpensive, only thirty taels per pair.”
The little ancestor: …
Her understanding of “inexpensive” was being thoroughly revised.
Just as Song Muyun was about to persuade Jiang Yao to leave, Jiang Yao had already briskly asked the shop assistant to wrap them up.
Song Muyun: …
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She often worried Jiang Yao would spend all her money and then get scolded by her uncle and aunt.
At the Song family, this was the norm. If the young cousins didn’t behave, spending their monthly allowance too quickly, their second and third uncles would discipline them, teaching them how hard it was for their parents to earn money and that it shouldn’t be wasted frivolously.
But at the Jiang family… it seemed this never happened.
Her uncle and aunt were very kind and gentle; she had never seen them scold Jiang Yao.
Even when Jiang Yao and she were close, it wasn’t an issue…
On the day her mother was close to passing, the first thing she told her upon calling her in was that she knew about her and Jiang Yao, wishing she had the strength to get up and discipline her with family law.
Then she expressed her relief that Jiang Yao liked her so much, ensuring she wouldn’t be unprotected in the future.
“Alright, we’ve bought everything, let’s go. I’ll take you to buy some pastries.”
This time Jiang Yao didn’t ask if Song Muyun liked the idea; she couldn’t refuse anyway. With three items in hand, they left, only to run into Murong Qing downstairs again.
Why was he everywhere, and not leaving?
Jiang Yao raised an eyebrow, greeting Murong Qing from a higher stance on the stairs with a lazy tone, “Seventh Prince, long time no see. How have you been lately?”
Murong Qing looked up from the flower headdress he was holding.
Dressed in a moon-white robe today, he looked exceptionally gentle and jade-like.
Jiang Yao sneered inwardly, thinking, what an act.
“Miss Jiang, Muyun, it’s been a while.”
Daring to be so familiar!
Jiang Yao immediately felt a surge of anger, pulling Song Muyun away so she wouldn’t look in Murong Qing’s direction.
Song Muyun, playing along, didn’t raise her head even as Murong Qing called her name, gripping Jiang Yao’s hand tighter, unnoticed, her veins standing out.
Jiang Yao, smiling falsely, “Seventh Prince, are you here to pick out jewelry as well?”
Murong Qing didn’t hide his purpose, admitting, “Yes, with the news from the Prime Minister’s residence, you must already know about the marriage decree between Miss Li and me. I came to buy her some jewelry.”
His gaze lingered on Song Muyun behind Jiang Yao.
Hmph, does he think I’m blind?
“So it is. Then why not pick something from upstairs? The items there are more exquisite; Miss Li would surely like them.”
Murong Qing: …
Was it up to me?
His face darkened momentarily before he responded,
“I’ve made my selections. I’m just browsing now.”
“I see. Then take your time, we’ll be leaving first.”
Jiang Yao and Song Muyun left, leaving Murong Qing seething inside.
Not far out, Jiang Yao sternly told Song Muyun, “You’re not to speak or look at Murong Qing. He’s just trying to make you jealous by mentioning Li Xiting!”
Jiang Yao was visibly upset.
Away from Murong Qing, Song Muyun felt more at ease, the headache easing. Surprised by Jiang Yao’s statement, she chuckled, “Why would he want to see me jealous?”
Though Murong Qing professed his admiration, they both knew it was merely a ploy to torment her. How could he truly admire her?
True admiration should be like Jiang Yao’s…
Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao huffed, “Well, I don’t care. From now on, you’re not to speak or look at him.”
Song Muyun laughed, pulling Jiang Yao’s hand, walking together on the street, softly agreeing, “I never did speak to him, nor did I want to see him.”
Then she complained, “But don’t give me such expensive things in the future; I don’t like them.”
Jiang Yao dismissed her concerns, “What expensive things? My money is your money. If you wish, we could marry, with our parents’ blessing and the matchmaker’s words, and you could manage my finances.”
She was utterly serious, startling Song Muyun, who, in her panic, tried to retreat but was instead pulled closer by Jiang Yao, waiting for an answer.
Flustered, Song Muyun disagreed, “Where… Where has there been a marriage between women? You’ll be laughed at.”
“I don’t fear laughter. My father standing there, no one dares to laugh at us. You just need to tell me if you want it or not.”
Jiang Yao was impulsive, seeking only a desire or lack thereof.
Song Muyun paused, her mother had advised her to be sensible, to avoid trouble, and not to burden Jiang Yao. Was this considered causing trouble?
Probably, as a marriage between women would bring immense pressure on Jiang Yao…
Just the thought pained Song Muyun, who quickly declined, “No need, I don’t want it. Don’t trouble yourself.”
Hearing this, Jiang Yao felt a tinge of loss. Muyun didn’t want to marry her. Alright, she had wanted a formal relationship, but if Muyun wasn’t willing, they could discuss it later.
They went to Baiyufang to buy pastries.
Jiang Yao instructed the pastry chef, “Add more pea cakes, and a few chestnut cakes.”
Worried Muyun couldn’t finish them, leading her to eat the leftovers, she usually bought only two types, planning to buy more if needed.
But then, Song Muyun tugged at her sleeve, “Jiang Yao, I want to visit my aunt at the Song residence later.”
“You’re going to the Song residence? Then I’ll buy more for you to take back. Chef, add some water chestnut cakes, poria cakes, and osmanthus cakes. It’s fine to have more; we have many kids at home.”
Jiang Yao sounded like an elder, causing Song Muyun to blush, wondering if she was also considered a child.
She wasn’t a child, always talking nonsense.
Embarrassed, Song Muyun refused to look up, while Jiang Yao, unaware, carried the pastries, leading her to the Song residence.
Following behind Jiang Yao, Song Muyun occasionally looked up at her reliable silhouette.
Her heart thumped faster, catching up to walk alongside Jiang Yao.
The setting sun’s glow on them hinted at their lifetime together.
Jiang Yao, carrying the items, didn’t enter through the main gate but instead jumped over the wall with Song Muyun in her arms.
The Song family’s situation had changed; although the Emperor promised to restore their positions, those were already filled by others. Money had to be conserved, and with no guards hired due to the lack of visitors, Jiang Yao chose to enter this way.
Song Muyun, not used to being carried like this, clung to Jiang Yao’s collar, tense from head to toe.
“We’re down now.”
Jiang Yao half-carried her inside, with Song Muyun softly chiding her recklessness.
Jiang Yao apologized, occasionally kissing her and making her blush, before stopping.
In the garden, they encountered the Song twin brothers.
Having spent time in the capital, they had regained some of their former dignity. Seeing Jiang Yao and Song Muyun, they respectfully greeted, “Miss Jiang, elder sister.”
Song Muyun nodded, handing over the pastries, “These are from Jiang Yao for you, share them with Sheng’er and the others.”
The twins thanked Jiang Yao, who insisted they just call her sister, not Miss Jiang, to avoid seeming distant from the Song family.
“Are you going to see your aunts? I’ll accompany you.”
“Mm.”
Jiang Yao went with Song Muyun to visit the Song elders, chatting briefly before returning to the Jiang residence as night fell.
The Song uncles, though initially worried, felt reassured seeing Jiang Yao by her side, knowing her martial skills could protect Muyun.
After advising them, Song Muyun nodded, and they left the Song residence.
Walking back, Jiang Yao’s little ancestor softly complained, “Look, it’s so dark. If my parents were still alive, they wouldn’t allow me to stay out this late. I’d be punished for returning.”
“They feared for your safety coming home late. But now, with me, you’re safe. Don’t worry.”
Song Muyun blushed again, lowering her head in silence. Jiang Yao took the opportunity to caress her head.
“Have you had any nightmares these days?”
Song Muyun would seek refuge in her arms or look panicked after being startled awake by nightmares, but there had been none recently.
“No, not recently. Just sometimes seeing Murong Qing makes me uncomfortable, gives me a headache.”
Jiang Yao frowned, stopping in the alley to look at her, “Seeing Murong Qing gives you a headache? Did it hurt today?”
“Yes, it hurt. It didn’t at first, but it started when we saw him downstairs.”
“No wonder you were quiet then.”
Jiang Yao, feeling sorry, played with Song Muyun’s hair, promising, “Then we won’t see Murong Qing again. Without him, it won’t hurt. It’s okay; I’ll ask at the temple later.”
Jiang Yao didn’t believe in gods, but with Song Muyun’s strange ailment, unresponsive to medicine, she hoped for divine intervention.
“Mm.”
Song Muyun snuggled closer into Jiang Yao’s embrace.