Is It Forbidden to Bully the Heroine of the Novel? - Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Jiang Yao coaxed Muyun for a long time, finally persuading her to put the matter aside for the moment.

After all, the departure time for the campaign had not been set yet. If the two of them started arguing now, they would probably not be able to live peacefully for the time being. There was no need for that; it would be too much of a loss.

Song Muyun had stopped crying by then. Jiang Yao had licked away her tears, but… she was still panic-stricken over Jiang Yao joining the army.

Jiang Yao was going to join the army, and she didn’t want to take her with her. Despite her pleas, Jiang Yao only soothed her by saying they would discuss it later, and still refused to agree.

Song Muyun knew that Jiang Yao probably wouldn’t agree.

She silently clenched the hairpin on the dressing table, eventually choosing a simple jade hairpin and inserting it into her hair.

Jiang Yao walked over, bent down close to Song Muyun’s cheek, and suddenly turned her head to kiss her, smiling, “My lady looks so beautiful.”

Song Muyun paused for a moment, then slowly, a smile appeared on her face as well. Looking at the person in the bronze mirror who she couldn’t bear to part with, she opened her mouth and said softly, “You look good too.”

Jiang Yao was indeed beautiful, radiant even. If it weren’t for her bad temper and penchant for hitting people, people would have worn out the doorstep of the Jiang residence seeking her hand in marriage.

But Jiang Yao was always gentle with her, always pampering and coaxing her, seldom angry.

Song Muyun’s eyes sparkled, thinking of this, her mood brightened.

She took Jiang Yao’s hand, holding it in her palm, and said softly, “Let’s go.”

There was a family banquet in the evening, and it was always Jiang Yao who dragged her feet, unwilling to move, wanting to arrive later. Muyun never wished to delay on this matter, fearing that it would displease the Prime Minister and Lady Jiang.

“Okay, okay, just wait a moment, I’ll change my clothes and be right there.”

The two changed their clothes and strolled towards the front yard like they were taking a leisurely walk.

Jiang Yao usually arrived not too early, as she wasn’t eager, but Song Muyun tugged at Jiang Yao’s hand, saying she didn’t want to arrive as late as they usually did, as it drew too much attention. Jiang Yao had to quicken her pace, and they soon reached the front hall. The elders had not yet arrived, but Jiang Ru had.

Seeing Jiang Yao, Jiang Ru’s eyes lit up, and she stood up to greet her,
“Sister!”

“Um, you’ve come so early, here’s a reward for you, a candied haw,” lazily said Jiang Yao, handing over a candied haw she had picked herself from the target grass.

Jiang Ru, delighted, accepted it, thanking her sister before carefully sucking on it, savoring the sweetness bit by bit.

Sima Jushan, who was usually unbothered by others, saw his chance to interject and immediately came over to ask for his share, “What about mine, what about mine, I went with you to buy it!”

He believed he deserved one as well.

But Jiang Yao glanced at him and merely asked, “Why haven’t you left yet?”

“Leave? Where would I go? I am practically a son to your father; of course, I have to attend the family banquet!”

The young man stood tall and proud.

…

“You’re practically nothing of a son.”

Jiang Yao found a spot, first asking Muyun to sit, then turned to bicker with Sima Jushan.

Jiang Ru also knew Sima Jushan and watched them talk with a gentle face.
Jiang Huai soon arrived, and upon seeing him, Sima Jushan joyously stood up and called out, “Little brother, it’s been a long time, you’ve grown taller.”

Jiang Huai: …

“Why have you returned?”

Jiang Huai’s expression was complex, as if a series of nightmares had returned.

“I’ve returned from the campaign, what, don’t you want to see your big brother?”

Sima Jushan, seeing Jiang Huai, immediately abandoned talking with Jiang Yao and leapt over to hook arms with Jiang Huai, acting like brothers.

He always considered himself the eldest in the Jiang family because he was older than Jiang Yao by a month. Every time he was at the Jiang residence, he acted high and mighty, only to be subdued by either Jiang Yao or Jiang Heng.

Jiang Huai was always on the receiving end of his bullying and teasing, so he was not pleased to see him.

But since he was asked, he couldn’t tell the truth and only showed a reluctant expression, saying, “How could I not, I’ve been longing to see you, dreaming of it.”

Dreaming my foot, I don’t want to, just go away.

Hearing this, Sima Jushan became even more smug. After being snubbed by Jiang Yao, Jiang Huai was tolerating him, and he had already decided to teach Jiang
Huai martial arts later.

A unilateral decision.

Jiang Huai had an expression as if he had swallowed something disgusting. He really didn’t want to practice martial arts, does Sima Jushan have a brain disease?

Annoyed, but unable to say it.

Jiang Yao saw Jiang Huai’s pleading eyes, but she pretended not to see and turned to whisper to Muyun.

The Jiang family elders soon arrived, and upon seeing Sima Jushan cheerfully calling him “Father-in-law,” Jiang Heng’s mouth twitched.

If it weren’t for thinking that this child would be accompanying Jiang Yao to join the army, considering it would be good for them to look after each other, he would never acknowledge this cheap son-in-law.

Dishes with alluring aromas were served one after another. Jiang Zhi had already received news about the unrest in the northwest, but the Emperor had no intention of sending him to lead the troops. He feared he wouldn’t be able to go and had to focus on training Jiang Yao these days, hoping she could earn some military achievements there.

Upon hearing that she had to train with Jiang Zhi every afternoon, Jiang Yao’s face fell. She wanted to refuse, but seeing her father’s stern face, she gave up. It was her due after all.

“Fine, fine, fine, I’ll go, every day.”

She exchanged a glance with Song Muyun, her eyes filled with resignation. But it was Muyun who consoled her, telling her it was okay, promising to make her late-night snacks when she returned.

Her wife was clever, understanding, and virtuous. Jiang Yao was overjoyed at the thought.

Jiang Heng and Liang Qingyin had lived nearly forty years. Although Muyun had been coaxed into stopping her tears, they could still tell something was off from her slightly red eyes. After the banquet, they suddenly called Jiang Yao to the study to ask about it.

Song Yunqian was wronged and died tragically. Although Jiang Heng did not agree with their union, he still felt a bit of pity for his daughter and forbade Jiang Yao from bullying her, hence the inquiry.

Jiang Yao had no choice; how could she bully Muyun and not want her wife anymore?
But she also had to consider her wife’s dignity and didn’t mention that Muyun was crying because she couldn’t follow her into battle. Instead, she said it was just a nightmare during a nap that scared her.

Muyun’s problem with nightmares was known to the entire Jiang family.
Jiang Heng nodded, not dwelling on it further, but brought up the northwest conflict.

“The conflict is critical, but your mother and I don’t care how many achievements you make; we only hope for your safe return. Remember, do not take unnecessary risks and cause grief to your loved ones.”

The sage might not have personal desires, but he, Jiang Heng, did. He did not wish for anything to happen to his children.

The battlefield was dangerous. If Jiang Yao truly lacked a talent for studying, he would not have agreed to her joining the battlefield.

Jiang Heng was worriedly frowning for her, while Jiang Yao seemed not too concerned. “The battlefield is ever-changing; how can there really be no danger? Don’t worry, my wife is still in the capital. I won’t rest easy without her, and
I will surely return safely.”

Jiang Heng: …
A child whose eyes only have their wife.

“Are you not taking your wife with you?”

He was somewhat surprised; the two were always inseparable. He thought Jiang Yao couldn’t bear to be apart from that Miss Song and would have to be tied to her waist wherever she went.

Jiang Yao righteously declared, “Going to war is not child’s play. How can Muyun go in such danger!”

She had always been fearless until she met Song Muyun. After meeting Muyun, she became afraid; afraid of something happening to herself and leaving Muyun unprotected, even more afraid of something happening to Muyun and leaving her alone. What would she do?

Jiang Yao couldn’t imagine.

All she knew was that she wanted to be with Muyun, to have a long future together.

Once she got used to military life and had an official position, she would keep Muyun by her side, but not now.

“Have you… discussed this with Miss Song? Does she agree?”

Jiang Heng, with his years of experience in judging people, knew that Miss Song was very fond of his daughter. She probably couldn’t bear to be separated by even a step. If she knew her daughter was going to war without taking her along, she would likely make a fuss.

The matters of the household were all known to his wife, including the occasional bickering between the two girls in the small courtyard. Mainly, it was his daughter upsetting Miss Song and then tirelessly coaxing her. The maids couldn’t help but laugh when talking about these matters.

With Miss Song’s temperament, she definitely wouldn’t easily allow Jiang Yao to go to war alone.

Jiang Heng felt a headache for Jiang Yao for a moment but then thought, grandchildren have their own fortunes, a little concern is enough, no need to meddle too much.

Hearing her father ask, Jiang Yao’s face twisted momentarily, appearing somewhat unnatural, and guiltily said, “Even if she doesn’t agree, there’s nothing I can do. I can’t let her be in danger…”

“Then you need to talk to her properly, don’t be stubborn, explain well.”

“I know, Dad, I’ve never been stubborn with her.”

She was always agreeable in front of Muyun, never stubborn.

Jiang Yao listlessly agreed and on her return, Muyun was still waiting for her on the path leading to Hengwu Court, standing among a cluster of roses, admiring the flowers. Her slender, fair fingers touched the tender buds, making them appear even more delicate.

Jiang Yao paused for a moment, then hurried over, her voice softening with warmth, “Yun’er, waiting for me?”

Song Muyun glanced at her reproachfully, “Of course, I am. If not for waiting for you, I would have left already.”

“Did you wait long?”

“Not long, just a moment.”

Muyun replied softly.

Jiang Yao reached out to rub the back of her soft head, then heard her ask, “What did Uncle and Aunt talk to you about? Aunt also came to see me just now, saying if you bully me, I shouldn’t bear it silently, I should tell her, and she would take my side.”

After saying this, the young lady seemed to suddenly gain confidence, looking at Jiang Yao with an air of arrogance, “From now on, you are not allowed to bully me, or else I’ll tell Aunt, and let her deal with you.”

Jiang Yao laughed; when had she ever bullied her?

It was clearly she who bullied her.

But wives are always unreasonable, she knew, so she could only go along with her,

“Okay, I know, I will never dare to bully you again, or else you can have my mother punish me.”

Song Muyun smiled joyously, having been coaxed very happily, and continued to inquire about what Jiang Heng had said.

Jiang Yao had no intention of hiding it, straightforwardly saying her parents saw Muyun’s eyes were red, guessing she had cried, so they specifically called her to ask.

Song Muyun was suddenly stunned, the coquettish smile disappearing.

Her eyes widened slightly in disbelief, her voice stuttering, “Uncle and Aunt noticed?”

She had never thought it would be noticed by the elders, let alone by them, the shame suddenly overwhelming her.

Her entire body flushed from her neck to her cheeks, even the toes hidden in her embroidered shoes involuntarily curled up. How embarrassing, how could her crying once be noticed by others…

No wonder Aunt said those words to her; it must have been a misunderstanding.
The young lady was mortified to death.

But while she felt ashamed, Jiang Yao didn’t think much of it, her expression as usual, only carrying a bit of simplicity and gentleness just for her.

Then, when Muyun looked up and saw her unaffected, she suddenly became angry, and with a rush, she threw herself into Jiang Yao’s arms, using her fists to beat Jiang Yao’s chest, furious.

“It’s all your fault, all your fault!”

She was completely unreasonable, blaming Jiang Yao for making her lose face in front of the elders.

Jiang Yao’s face went from gentle to helpless.

“How can you blame me? It’s not like I made you cry. I’ve been comforting you all along, telling you not to cry.”

Jiang Yao tried her best to defend herself.

Song Muyun wouldn’t listen to a word, her eyes turning red with embarrassment, pounding Jiang Yao a few times before burying her face in her arms, unwilling to look up.

Jiang Yao had no choice but to continue coaxing, “It’s okay, it’s okay, my father and mother don’t mind, they even reminded me not to bully you, they won’t laugh at you secretly, why are you embarrassed?”

Song Muyun glared at her, “It’s clearly you who have no shame, making me sad, and now you even have the audacity to argue!”

Jiang Yao: …

“Is this how a lady speaks?”

Jiang Yao touched the dark, fluffy head in her arms, smiling.

Song Muyun refused to face reality, pretending to have died, and stayed in Jiang Yao’s arms without moving.

Until Jiang Yao wrapped one arm around her shoulder and the other around her soft waist, lifting her slightly.

Song Muyun was shocked to find herself being moved!

“You, what are you doing, put me down, I can walk by myself!”

“If you could walk, why didn’t you just now? Later, if this spreads to my mother’s ears, I really fear you would die of embarrassment.”

Jiang Yao teased her.

Song Muyun, fearing she might fall, had no choice but to cling tightly to Jiang Yao, also expressing her dissatisfaction, “But you can’t carry me like this, it’s improper if others see!”

How embarrassing it would be for her.

Jiang Yao knew her little wife was very traditional and cared greatly about her reputation. Hearing this, she nodded, put her down, and then immediately carried her horizontally in her arms.

Song Muyun was startled, her wide sleeves flapping as she quickly wrapped her arms around Jiang Yao’s neck, “You, slow down.”

She complained, but didn’t struggle anymore, obediently staying in Jiang Yao’s arms, allowing her to carry her back.

Since the death of Murong Qing, Song Muyun felt her life had become increasingly peaceful and beautiful.

If she didn’t think about Jiang Yao leaving her alone to go to war.

After all, she wouldn’t let Jiang Yao leave her behind!

Hmph.

Song Muyun hugged Jiang Yao’s neck, resting her chin on her shoulder, and thought.

.

Soon, it was Jiang Ru’s birthday banquet.

Jiang Yao specifically asked Jiang Ru’s mother, Lady Jiang, the second wife of the Jiang family, and learned that the Eighth Prince had not asked her for an invitation, which somewhat reassured her.

Today was Jiang Ru’s seventeenth birthday banquet. Seventeen was the age when a young lady was considered of marriageable age. If Murong Ci insisted on attending, she would really suspect she had misjudged, and her father’s suspicions were correct, that Murong Ci harbored inappropriate feelings towards Ru’er.

Fortunately, that was not the case.

Jiang Yao was somewhat relieved. If the two really got together, she would be infuriated. She hadn’t spared any effort to leave them alone, even trying to prove their innocence when her father suspected them, hoping Murong Ci wouldn’t betray her trust…

As she was thinking, the announcement of the Eighth Prince’s arrival silenced the room, “The Eighth Prince has arrived——”

Jiang Yao: …

The confidently assured Second Lady Jiang: …

The two exchanged a look, both seeing shock in each other’s eyes.

Why would the Eighth Prince come?

She didn’t send an invitation to the Eighth Prince!

Lady Jiang was bewildered, subconsciously looking at her daughter, and then, she saw her daughter, who always maintained proper distance with men, actively going to greet the Eighth Prince upon hearing his name…

She nearly fainted.

She knew her daughter. If Jiang Ru had no interest in Murong Ci, why would she be so close to him, not only chatting leisurely but also secretly visiting the Eighth Prince’s mansion!

These were all things her sister-in-law told her.

Knowing was one thing, but Lady Jiang found it hard to accept. The palace was a place that devoured people. Any parent who cared for their daughter would not willingly let her enter the palace.

This birthday banquet was a gathering for the younger generation, mainly inviting peers of Jiang Ru from the capital, mostly ladies, so neither Jiang Heng nor Jiang Zhi attended. Liang Qingyin helped entertain a few young guests and was soon pulled away by Lady Jiang to discuss Jiang Ru’s matter elsewhere.

Jiang Yao stood by the rockery, frowning and asking Song Muyun standing beside her, “Yun’er, what do you think Murong Ci is up to? He even asked me for Ru’er’s birthday invitation before, but I didn’t give it to him. How did he get it now?”
Song Muyun tugged at Jiang Yao, leaning closer to whisper, “Could the Eighth Prince like Ru’er? He used to talk to you, but now he specifically seeks out Ru’er to talk.”

This was also a point of jealousy for her. The Eighth Prince always talked to Jiang Yao, and the two, not related by blood or reason, had Jiang Yao treating him somewhat warmly.

Wouldn’t that make people suspicious?

She thought Jiang Yao had a special regard for the Eighth Prince, and since the Eighth Prince was a man, he was naturally more suitable than her, a woman…

Thinking this, Song Muyun lowered her head, about to be upset, when suddenly, her buttocks were pinched, and Jiang Yao warily looked at her, “Are you overthinking again? There are so many people here today. If you overthink and cry again, it would be really embarrassing!”

Hearing her finish, Song Muyun stomped her foot in frustration, “Who, who’s overthinking? I clearly didn’t think about anything just now, don’t you slander me!”

“Alright, alright, I won’t slander you, but since you didn’t think about anything, you’re not allowed to cry.”

Jiang Yao raised her hands in surrender, knowing her Muyun was sensitive about her reputation, so she couldn’t insist on saying that and embarrass her. But she still had to emphasize, lest those slightly red eyes suddenly shed a tear.

The young lady, huffing, fell into Jiang Yao’s arms, being tightly held. Jiang Yao continued to coax, “Okay, I was just saying, and I’ve explained everything from the past to you. You won’t misunderstand again, right?”

She asked.

Song Muyun’s voice was a bit muffled, but she eventually agreed.

She wasn’t an unreasonable person, just prone to jealousy.

“Alright, let’s continue talking about the Eighth Prince and Ru’er.”

Jiang Yao was genuinely concerned as she watched the two, asking Song Muyun,
“Does the Eighth Prince really like Ru’er? But she is…”

She started to say something but stopped midway, swallowing her words.

Fortunately, Muyun didn’t catch on, and just followed up on her initial statement, “Ru’er is beautiful and talented, it’s only natural for the Eighth Prince to like her.”

“But, but that’s not appropriate!”

Jiang Yao frowned deeply. Murong Ci was a woman!

Could it be she and I are the same, leaning towards the mirror?

Then, that’s still not appropriate!

How could a prince and commoners be the same?

And if nothing goes wrong, Murong Ci is the legitimate son of the Empress, highly reputable, and likely to inherit the throne. She has a ninety percent chance. If Ru’er married her, and they couldn’t have children later, the court officials would definitely trouble Ru’er!

No one would dare say anything to Murong Ci as the emperor, but Ru’er would be different.

At this moment, Jiang Yao deeply regretted not being wary of Murong Ci. She shouldn’t have let them be together just because Murong Ci was a woman. She should know that if she could fall in love with a woman, so could others!

Regretting her previous actions, Jiang Yao’s brows furrowed as she watched the two, not far away, sitting on a stone bench and chatting with light smiles. Occasionally, other young ladies and gentlemen attempted to join their conversation, only to leave after exchanging a few words, which only added to Jiang Yao’s discomfort.

Song Muyun gently shook Jiang Yao’s hand, drawing closer and suggesting in a low voice, “If you’re not happy about it, should I go and talk to Ru’er, to separate them?”

Jiang Yao, feeling suffocated by the sight of them together, suddenly wrapped an arm around Song Muyun’s shoulders, proposing, “Let’s go over and see what they’re talking about.”

As someone who always listened to Jiang Yao, Song Muyun nodded in agreement, leaning on her companionably as they approached.

Upon their arrival, Murong Ci, sensing their presence, stood up instinctively, his demeanor warm and inviting, “Jiang Yao, what brings you here?”

“Citizen daughter pays respect to the Eighth Prince.” Jiang Ru, hearing her sister’s voice, also quickly stood up, turning with a smile to greet, “Sister, Sister-in-law, why have you come over?”

After the formalities, Jiang Yao, with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, commented, “Today is your birthday banquet, and you, the guest of honor, have secluded yourself here. Shouldn’t I come over to see?”

Murong Ci, always with a ready smile, replied with a touch of formality, “Jiang Yao, with such fine weather today, why not take Miss Song out for a stroll? Why concern yourself with me?”

Jiang Yao, realizing Murong Ci might indeed have intentions towards her sister, struggled to maintain a polite facade, barely managing to keep her tone neutral, “On my sister’s birthday, how could I abandon her to entertain myself? Besides, it’s not only today that the weather is nice. However, Eighth Prince, I’m curious, how did you come to be here?”

His invitation was a mystery she sought to unravel.

Murong Ci, faced with Jiang Yao’s barely concealed hostility, managed a polite smile, “Jiang Ru and I share some common interests, and as her friend, it’s natural for me to come and offer my congratulations on her birthday.”

“But, where did your invitation come from?”

Murong Ci didn’t hesitate, “Jiang Ru gave it to me, after I asked.”

Jiang Yao’s frustration grew. It seemed Jiang Ru was far too accommodating, possibly unaware of Murong Ci’s potentially ulterior motives.

Murong Ci, noting Jiang Yao’s displeasure, attempted to clarify, “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. My frequent visits and conversations with Jiang Ru are purely based on shared interests. You know, like how you and I… have our understanding?”

Song Muyun felt left out, not grasping the nuances of their conversation, similar to how Jiang Yao felt lost when the topic turned to their shared interests in obscure artists and poets.

“Then, it’s just about art and poetry?”

Murong Ci confirmed, adding more about their shared passions, attempting to diffuse the situation.