Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Upon hearing the news that the First Prince and the Seventh Prince were to be released from the Ministry of Justice, Song Muyun’s expression soured. Seeing this, Jiang Yao took the initiative to go to her father’s study without needing to be asked.

She quickly returned with the good news Song Muyun wanted to hear.

“The two princes are likely to die. Even if they don’t, the best outcome would be the stripping of their prince status and lifetime confinement. Taking them out of the Ministry of Justice is just to allow them one last visit with their relatives and to make arrangements for their affairs after death.”

Song Muyun was shocked. It was the first time she learned that death row inmates could go home to see their relatives before dying.

What was this?

The emperor’s final act of tenderness?

Song Muyun’s mouth twitched slightly, but she finally let go of the worry that they might not die.

Jiang Yao wrapped her arms around her and asked, “Do you have any unfulfilled wishes? I can help you fulfill them, alright?”

The young girl, held in her embrace, pressed against her heaving chest, obediently shook her head, “No more.”

No more. It turned out that all her obsessions were just to see Murong Qing dead.

But Jiang Huai had also hurt her.

Such a kind-hearted young girl, she forgave Jiang Huai and the Jiang family as well.

Jiang Yao turned her head, her lips brushing randomly against the woman’s tender cheek. Song Muyun breathed lightly, staying still while Jiang Yao rubbed against her.

“Tomorrow is the palace’s Hundred Flowers Banquet. Shall I take you there?” She whispered huskily into her ear, her voice resonating deeply as she kissed the jade-like earlobe.

Song Muyun was thrilled at the thought of entering the palace tomorrow, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

She softly agreed, “Okay, let’s go to the palace together.”

She wondered if she could arrange to meet Murong Qing once inside the palace.

“Jiang Yao, teach me a few more moves.”

The young girl suddenly requested.

“Alright, wait here. I’ll get the sword.”

For Song Muyun’s safety, she had always taught her using a wooden sword.

But this time, she didn’t let her use a wooden sword. Instead, she carefully asked her, “Can I learn how to use a dagger? It’s more unexpected and easier to hide.”

“Using a dagger?”

The young girl looked down, shyly nodding her head.

Jiang Yao found it strange, but she rarely refused Little Yun’er.

“Alright, a dagger it is. It’s indeed more suitable for self-defense.” You’re so delicate and beautiful, most people wouldn’t even think you could suddenly pull out a dagger.

Jiang Yao said this as she drew her specially made dagger from her brocade boots, sharp enough to cut through iron like mud. She twirled it elegantly around her fingers and handed it to Song Muyun, “Hold this, I’ll teach you.”

…

Song Muyun was exceptionally diligent this time, practicing until Jiang Yao herself felt a bit tired before saying they should rest.

They practiced from day to night, their bodies covered in sticky sweat. Jiang Yao ordered hot water, cleaned their bodies, and then both lay exhausted in bed together.

Jiang Yao, who practiced swordplay every day, fell asleep quickly after lying down.

Half an hour later, the person who seemed to have fallen asleep suddenly opened her eyes.

She looked at Jiang Yao with a tender gaze, then got up and went to a corner of the courtyard outside. She clapped her hands, and a female guard appeared quietly, soundless.

She looked at the guard and asked, “Did you get the item?”

The guard didn’t speak, handing over a piece of paper filled with lewd poems and verses written by Murong Chun, along with a luxurious dagger.

Song Muyun’s lips curled up slightly, the shy demeanor she usually had around Jiang Yao completely gone. She took out a clean piece of paper, leaned over a stone table, and under the night sky, imitated Murong Chun’s handwriting to write a note for a meeting at the cold palace during the Hundred Flowers Banquet.

The emperor was known for his lust and couldn’t bear to send any beauty to the cold palace, so it was the quietest and most deserted place in the palace.

Thinking it over, Song Muyun, fearing Murong Qing wouldn’t come, signed her own name.

She handed the note to the guard, “Deliver this note to Murong Qing tomorrow. Make sure he doesn’t see you, and don’t tell Jiang Yao about this.”

The guard hesitated, but Song Muyun’s eyes narrowed, suddenly emitting a chilling aura, “Jiang Yao said my commands are above hers!”

With those words, the guard straightened up and knelt, “Yes!”

“Go on, don’t forget to carry out the task.”

The guard quickly disappeared, and Song Muyun called another guard, “Tomorrow at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, after I leave, find a way to bring Murong Chun to the cold palace.”

She had a plan, not sure if it would work, but she wanted to try.

After everything was arranged, Song Muyun returned with a chill in her body.

Perhaps because she was tired, Jiang Yao didn’t notice her leaving until she returned and the bed dipped again. Jiang Yao then slightly opened her eyes, rolled over to the inside, and hugged her tightly, burying her face in her neck and taking a deep breath before asking in a muffled voice, “Why are you so cold?”

Song Muyun’s heart raced, and after a moment, she whispered, “I, I just went out to the toilet.”

“Oh.”

Jiang Yao responded and held her tightly in her arms.

“My body is warm, don’t wander off.”

Struggling to stay awake, Jiang Yao spoke again.

Song Muyun had arranged everything and was now extremely obedient.

She nodded obediently, nestling in Jiang Yao’s embrace.

Her gentle gaze slowly swept over Jiang Yao’s features, feeling an attachment for the first time.

But she… would not stay forever.

She had a feeling that ever since the Song family’s case was overturned, she often received sympathetic and kind looks from others. Sometimes even the vendors refused her money, saying she had suffered enough and the Song family had suffered, telling her to save her money and take good care of herself.

Her hatred was gradually disappearing, and at the same time, her control over this body seemed to be weakening bit by bit.

She might not be able to always watch over Jiang Yao, to be with Jiang Yao.

If in her previous life, she hadn’t listened to Murong Qing and tried to kill Jiang Huai, how good it would have been.

Then the Jiang family wouldn’t have died, and she would have been alive, able to discover that there are such good people in this world.

If she had sought Jiang Yao’s help earlier, would everything have been different?

It must be. Jiang Yao is so kind, she wouldn’t let her be bullied.

With all these fantasies in her heart, Song Muyun fell asleep in Jiang Yao’s embrace.

As dawn broke, she had a dreamless night, and Jiang Yao woke up earlier. When she woke up,

her little ancestor was still sleeping in her embrace, pressing down on one of her arms, her cheeks soft and rosy, breathing evenly, sleeping sweetly.

For a moment, Jiang Yao’s heart softened uncontrollably. She didn’t get up but instead moved a bit closer, enveloping Song Muyun entirely in her embrace. Without saying a word, her actions were incredibly gentle.

Bit by bit, she embraced Song Muyun properly, gently licking and kissing her long and beautiful neck. When the person being licked became aware and softly moaned, Jiang Yao stopped.

She lay beside her for a while until someone from the main courtyard came to urge them, only then did she reluctantly wake up Song Muyun.

The young girl, having practiced with the dagger all day yesterday, was extremely tired. When Jiang Yao woke her up, she was reluctant to get out of bed.

Until Jiang Yao mentioned the Hundred Flowers Banquet was about to start.

Hearing the words “Hundred Flowers Banquet,” she suddenly opened her eyes, remembering what she had to do today.

The young girl, clutching the blanket, her eyes misty with tears, obediently sat up and was carried by Jiang Yao behind the screen to change clothes.

At her request, Jiang Yao picked out a deep cyan long dress for her.

Touching the soft fabric of the dress, she suddenly smiled, “You used to say this color seemed a bit old-fashioned.”

Song Muyun also smiled while touching the dress, her voice gentle as water, “Did I? But now it looks alright, don’t I look good in it?”

She lifted her sparkling eyes to Jiang Yao.

The emotion in her eyes was captivating, almost making Jiang Yao unable to resist.

After a long while, she came back to her senses, coughing lightly and looking away, her voice tinged with helplessness, “Beautiful, anything you wear naturally looks good.”

Perhaps it was love, but Jiang Yao thought Song Muyun was the most beautiful girl she had ever seen in her life, even more beautiful than her favorite cousin from before.

Song Muyun’s face flushed with shyness, but she loved hearing Jiang Yao’s sweet nothings. Every time she heard them, her mood lifted immensely.

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao raised her hand and ruffled her hair, “My Yun’er is indeed a great beauty.”

She took the opportunity to touch Song Muyun’s smooth and soft hair before it was styled, knowing she wouldn’t be able to touch it later without being scolded.

The maidservant styled Song Muyun’s hair in a simple updo, and Jiang Yao picked out a magnolia hairpin for her, “Wear this today?”

Song Muyun shook her head, choosing the most inconspicuous wooden hairpin to wear on her head instead.

Jiang Yao frowned, “You’re being too modest.”

Song Muyun replied, “I don’t want to wear anything too valuable today, just something simple.”

“Then, how about the earrings I gave you?”

Jiang Yao picked up the pair of delicate pearl earrings, thinking they were quite modest, but was again refused, “No need, it’s just a visit to the palace, casual wear is fine.”

Choosing not to wear the earrings, she appeared at the Jiang family’s door in a simple attire, politely greeting Lady Jiang.

Lady Jiang scrutinized her from head to toe several times, eventually pulling Jiang Yao aside to quietly ask if they were running out of money.

Jiang Yao was puzzled, “No, the shop you gave me is doing well.”

Lady Jiang didn’t believe it and asked again, “Really?”

“Of course, why would I lie to you? Don’t you know me? If I needed money, I would have asked you long ago.”

Thinking it over, Lady Jiang realized it was true. If her daughter needed money, she would have asked for it long ago, not waiting for her to bring it up.

But…

“Why is your wife dressed so simply? Didn’t you buy her jewelry?”

Looking at the plain attire, even the servants’ jewelry seemed more abundant.

Lady Jiang glanced around, not noticing that her reference to Song Muyun had changed along with Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao: “I did buy her some, but she doesn’t like to wear them. She looks good even in simplicity.”

She genuinely thought Song Muyun looked good, no matter what. She turned to see Song Muyun’s sparkling eyes and smiled foolishly.

Lady Jiang couldn’t bear to watch, patting Jiang Yao’s back with an exasperated tone, “Fine, fine, do as you please, hurry back.”

She then joined Jiang Heng, and the two shared a smile, as loving as they were many years ago.

The Jiang family’s carriage slowly headed towards the palace. Song Muyun’s demeanor changed from initially cheerful to somewhat silent, her expression growing cold, softening only when Jiang Yao looked down at her.

Jiang Yao noticed the change in her companion’s mood but thought Song Muyun was just averse to the palace, as it held no good memories for her.

Unable to persuade Song Muyun to be happier, she could only hold her, using the warmth of her palm to assure her that she was there.

The Hundred Flowers Banquet was hosted by the Empress Dowager.

Since Jiang Yao discovered that Murong Ci was a woman, she had become somewhat acquainted with the Empress Dowager.

This was evident when the Empress Dowager immediately called Jiang Yao over for a chat upon her arrival, warmly praising her, much to the astonishment of the noble ladies of the capital. They hadn’t realized Jiang Yao had so many admirable qualities.

Wasn’t she known to be fierce and lacking the demeanor of a lady of a noble house?

Jiang Yao, still dizzy from the praise, returned to her seat, only for Song Muyun to be summoned next.

The Empress Dowager dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, her face full of sympathy, “Poor thing, to be born so beautiful, and for the First and Seventh Princes to commit such sins.”

She then expressed much sympathy for Song Muyun, who responded with neither humility nor arrogance, simply bowing her head in silence.

Thinking to herself, in her previous life, the Empress Dowager was discovered poisoning Murong Qing and was sent to the cold palace by the emperor, eventually dying from an accidental fall into a well…

In this life, with Murong Ci alive and herself not dead, she realized the true nature of the Empress Dowager.

Despite receiving much praise, Song Muyun remained modest, maintaining her composure even after kneeling and rising again to return to Jiang Yao’s side.

Jiang Yao looked at her tenderly, reaching out her hand to welcome her back even before she arrived.

Song Muyun smiled and placed her hand in Jiang Yao’s firm grasp.

Lastly, it was the turn of the Jiang family members.

Jiang Ru walked with meticulous grace, neither too fast nor too slow, her movements calm and her smile timely. Approaching the center, she greeted, “This servant greets the Empress Dowager.”

“Is this Ru’er?” the Empress Dowager asked, her smile becoming even warmer. She couldn’t help but beckon, “Come, come closer for me to see. Such a beautiful girl

, and so well-mannered. Ci’er mentioned you love reading?”

Jiang Ru thought she would be praised and sent back like her sisters, but the Empress Dowager unexpectedly invited her for a closer chat.

She managed to calm her initial nervousness and approached, replying softly after bowing, “This servant enjoys reading in my free time, embarrassing the Empress Dowager.”

The Empress Dowager shook her head, her smile full of kindness, “Not at all, your love for reading is commendable. Ci’er also enjoys reading. If you wish, you might even study together in the academy.”

“It would be my honor.”

The Empress Dowager further inquired about Jiang Ru’s current reading material, pleased to hear it was the same book Ci’er was reading.

Jiang Yao noticed the Empress Dowager’s fondness for Jiang Ru and felt reassured. However, she then saw her father and uncle, both looking rather displeased.

Her mother seemed okay, even offering tea to her aunt, who appeared worried and didn’t drink.

Jiang Yao, puzzled, leaned in to ask, “Father, why do you seem upset?”

Indeed, her father was upset, glaring at Jiang Yao, “Should I be happy?”

“Why shouldn’t you be? Cousin being favored by the Empress Dowager is a good thing.”

“Hmph, if it were merely favor, it would be fine. I’m afraid the Empress Dowager wants your cousin as the Eighth Prince’s consort!”

Jiang Yao was stunned, taking a while to comprehend before instinctively objecting, “How could that be? You must be mistaken; Ru’er and the Eighth Prince are just ordinary friends!”

The Eighth Prince was a woman.

If she hadn’t known the Eighth Prince was a woman, she wouldn’t have been so relaxed about her cousin’s frequent interactions with him.

“You’re talking nonsense. If they were merely ordinary friends, why would the Eighth Prince often mention Ru’er to the Empress Dowager? Didn’t you hear the Empress Dowager knows everything?”

Jiang Yao thought about it and realized something was amiss.

But Murong Ci is a woman.

She shouldn’t… like women, right?

At that moment, Jiang Yao didn’t consider her own well-known preference for women, only feeling that others probably didn’t share it. It didn’t seem like Murong Ci was interested in women.

Anxiously, she questioned, “Could you be mistaken? The Eighth Prince doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

The Prime Minister, tired of the conversation, glared at her, “You should know better than to judge a book by its cover. How many times must I explain this to you?”

“Oh, oh.”

Jiang Yao shrank back, not daring to speak further, and turned to cling to Song Muyun, feeling “wronged.”

Song Muyun softly consoled her, gradually soothing Jiang Yao’s “wounded” spirit. Soon, Jiang Yao leaned in to kiss Song Muyun, then held her cold hands as usual to warm them.

As the banquet continued, the palace, being the wealthiest place in the Great Jin Nation, showcased many rare and valuable flowers, fascinating even someone like Jiang Yao, who typically had no interest in flora.

Song Muyun accompanied her in viewing the flowers, though her thoughts were elsewhere, contemplating how to excuse herself when Murong Ci, the Eighth Prince, approached unnoticed.

Chatting with Jiang Ru with a smile, Song Muyun noticed and tugged at Jiang Yao, hinting, “Jiang Yao, the Eighth Prince is here. Is he looking for you?”

Jiang Yao looked over and saw Murong Ci talking with Ru’er. Previously, she wouldn’t have found this concerning, but after her father and uncle expressed their worries, Jiang Yao began to feel uneasy.

With Jiang Zhi’s eyes nearly shooting fire, she called over to Murong Ci. “Eighth Highness, are you here looking for me?”

Murong Ci looked up, offering a warm smile and a nod to Jiang Ru before approaching Jiang Yao. “Have you been enjoying these past few days?” hinting at the confinement of Murong Qing and Murong Chun.

Despite the somewhat imprudent nature of the question, Jiang Yao nodded honestly. With those who might threaten her family’s future downfall, how could she not feel relieved?

“And you? Have you been well?”

“Of course. By the way, isn’t your sister’s birthday approaching? Will the Jiang family host a birthday banquet for her?”

Jiang Yao was about to respond when she remembered her father mentioning that the Empress Dowager intended for Ru’er to become the Eighth Prince’s consort, and how Murong Ci often mentioned Ru’er to the Empress Dowager.

Jiang Yao stiffened, frowning. “Yes, but why do you ask?”

Murong Ci smiled gently. “I’ve known Ru’er for quite some time. May I be bold and ask for an invitation?”

Jiang Yao was stunned. This was indeed a bold request. Who ever asks for an invitation directly? And why would a man want to attend a young girl’s birthday party?

Jiang Heng, who appeared to be seriously admiring the flowers, was actually listening intently for Jiang Yao’s response. The Jiang family valued their daughters’ marriages highly, given the scarcity of heirs, and both Jiang Heng and Jiang Zhi paid special attention to their children’s matrimonial matters.

Without a deeper conversation with Murong Ci, Jiang Yao couldn’t be sure of her intentions and reluctantly refused, “The invitation isn’t with me; it’s with my aunt. Even I have to ask her for it.”

This reply satisfied Jiang Heng.

Murong Ci’s smile faded slightly. Her mother, not favored by the emperor, had taught her from a young age to read people and situations. She sensed Jiang Yao’s sudden wariness. Did she say something wrong?

Meanwhile, Song Muyun saw it was time to act, with her plan already set in motion. Holding Jiang Yao’s hand, she spoke softly, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness, “Jiang Yao.”

Jiang Yao immediately looked down, understandingly leaning in to hear Song Muyun whisper, “I need to use the restroom. You stay here and chat with the Eighth Prince. I’ll be right back, okay?”

Jiang Yao frowned, instinctively refusing, “No, you’re not familiar with the palace. I’ll go with you.”

“There’s no need. I can go by myself. You stay and chat with the Eighth Prince.”

Such courtesy towards the Eighth Prince was unusual for her, leaving him somewhat flattered. Hurriedly, he waved off the concern, “No need, no need. If you’re busy, don’t mind me.”

Song Muyun, seizing the opportunity, insisted with a firmer voice, “How could that be? It’s no big deal. Just continue chatting. I’m not a child; I won’t get lost in the palace. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back soon.”

After repeatedly making her point clear, Jiang Yao, though puzzled, agreed. She gently caressed Song Muyun’s hand, asking softly, “Do you have your people with you?”

Referring to the highly skilled guards.

Song Muyun nodded affirmatively, “Yes, they’re with me. Don’t worry about me. Keep the Eighth Prince company. I’ll be back soon.”

With that, Song Muyun lifted the hem of her deep cyan dress and left. She had already thought of an excuse in case she returned late, planning to tell Jiang Yao she got lost and took a while to find her way back. Jiang Yao surely wouldn’t blame her.

Song Muyun’s eyes softened for a moment as she walked away from the flower viewing banquet, then quickly turned cold again, her aura faintly murderous. She avoided palace servants and headed alone to the cold palace…

Murong Ci, somewhat taken aback by the boldness of asking for an invitation and the ensuing conversation, nevertheless engaged in a chat with Jiang Yao once Song Muyun was out of sight.

They discussed potential warfare at the frontier, with barbarian tribes making provocative incursions. The court was still deciding whether to engage in open warfare.

“If war breaks out, will you go?” Murong Ci asked.

“Yes, I’ll go. I need to earn some military merits to provide for my family.”

Thinking of her delicate loved ones at home, Jiang Yao couldn’t help but smile softly, then listened as Murong Ci inquired about Song Muyun’s well-being should she depart for the frontier.

“Of course, she’ll stay in the capital. It’s prosperous and has a pleasant climate, perfect for raising young ladies. I’ll come back for her once the war is over.”

She seemed genuinely content with this plan, her face softening when mentioning Song Muyun.

“Have you discussed this with her?”

“No need to discuss such things.”

Jiang Yao believed this was common sense; who would bring their wife to war? She wouldn’t want Song Muyun to worry.

Murong Ci initially wanted to ask if Song Muyun would mind staying alone in the capital, but seeing Jiang Yao’s confidence, she held back. Let her discuss it with Song Muyun; whether she agrees or not is their matter.

After a while, Jiang Yao, feeling relieved to have steered the conversation away from Jiang Ru, reached out for Song Muyun, only to find her missing. She startled, “Why hasn’t Muyun returned?”

Murong Ci also noted the delay, “Did she get lost in the palace? Should I send someone to look for her?”

“No need, I’ll go. Excuse me.”

Knowing Jiang Yao was deeply concerned for Song Muyun, always treating her preciously, Murong Ci nodded, “Alright, hurry back. If you need help, call for me.”

Jiang Yao didn’t reply but informed Jiang Heng and Lady Jiang before leaving.

In the cold palace, Murong Qing finally met the person he had longed for. He struggled to accept that Song Muyun would belong to someone else. Unexpectedly, when he thought he could never have her, she invited him to meet.

Initially unsure if the note was genuinely from Song Muyun, as he admired her beauty and intelligence but seldom saw her handwriting, he didn’t want to miss the chance. What if it was real?

Murong Qing, standing by a dry well in the cold palace, couldn’t contain his joy, “I never expected you would invite me to meet.”

As he eagerly approached Song Muyun, his words were abruptly cut short by intense pain. Staring in disbelief at the dagger piercing his chest, he followed the trembling hand holding it to meet Song Muyun’s eyes filled with hatred.

So, she had summoned him to kill him.