Forbidden to Bully the Storybook’s Heroine – Chapter 110

Extra 2: The ‘What If’ Timeline

After the Plum Blossom Banquet ended, it was still early. Fearing Jiang Yao hadn’t eaten her fill at the banquet, Liang Yunhe offered to take her for a meal.

But Jiang Yao was thinking about what she’d overheard at the banquet—Song Muyun telling another young lady that she was going to buy some pastries.

            

“Let’s go to Tao Zhuo first.”

“Craving pastries?” Liang Yunhe asked, fanning himself.

Jiang Yao gave a noncommittal grunt. When they arrived at Tao Zhuo, she saw Song Muyun standing outside with the same young lady she had been speaking with earlier.

            

“Wait here, I’m going over.”

“Alright, go on.” Liang Yunhe just assumed she wanted some pastries.

Tao Zhuo was a shop Liang Qingyin had given to Jiang Yao. She didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, so she rarely came by. If she hadn’t heard Muyun mention it today, she probably wouldn’t have come at all.

            

She had just been led inside when she saw the busy pastry chefs. Upon asking, she learned that there were only five boxes of rabbit cake left. Jiang Yao thought of the long queue in front of Song Muyun…

Good thing I came myself, otherwise she would have gone home empty-handed.

“Alright,” Jiang Yao said. “Make me two more portions. They’re for a gift.”

            

“Right away, Proprietor.”​¹

Jiang Yao sat and waited. The pastries were already shaped; they just needed to be steamed.

When she went back outside, Muyun and her friend had already learned that the rabbit cakes were sold out. Her friend looked a little upset, her brow furrowed and her red lips pursed. Muyun seemed to be consoling her. Although her expression was a little cool, it was mostly gentle—much better than how she looked when facing Jiang Yao.

            

Sigh. Looks like I’ve really made her dislike me.

Jiang Yao called over a shop boy from Tao Zhuo and had him deliver the pastries to the two of them.

Song Muyun stared blankly at the shop boy presenting her with the pastries. The next moment, as if sensing something, she immediately looked up toward where Jiang Yao was standing.

            

Jiang Yao didn’t hide when she was spotted. She broke into a huge grin and waved.

She wasn’t the type to do a good deed and not take credit for it. When she did something nice, she naturally wanted the person she liked to know she was the one who did it.

She had thought Song Muyun would at least come over and thank her, but the other woman just glanced at her, then quickly lowered her head and left with her friend, pastries in hand.

            

Jiang Yao was speechless.

Wait, what’s going on? Does she not want to see me?

She doesn’t want to talk to me?

            

Fuck, this hurts.

She was a little heartbroken, but she didn’t show it.

She returned to the carriage, utterly dejected. Liang Yunhe looked at her in surprise. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you go to buy pastries? Where are they?”

            

Jiang Yao shook her head, heartbroken. “No pastries. Let’s go. Time to eat.”

“No pastries?”

Liang Yunhe was completely baffled, but seeing her bad mood, he didn’t press the matter. He told the driver to head for Zui Changchun.

            

Meanwhile, Song Muyun and Yuan Mingyu were walking home.

Yuan Mingyu, holding the pastries, was also pondering. “Hey, who do you think the Proprietor of Tao Zhuo is? Why would they give us pastries?”

Song Muyun chuckled lightly. “You dared to accept them without even knowing who she is?”

            

“Well, I saw you accept them. You’re much more proper and well-mannered than I am. Since you took them, it must mean it’s okay.”

Her friend wore a proud expression, pleased with her own cleverness.

Song Muyun shook her head, her voice as cool and clear as ever. “The Proprietor of Tao Zhuo is Jiang Yao.”

            

Yuan Mingyu stopped in her tracks, her expression one of astonishment. “Jiang Yao? How could it be her? Then why did she give us pastries?”

“She probably saw we had been waiting for a long time and didn’t get any, so she decided to give us some.”

Song Muyun said this casually.

            

But that wasn’t what she was thinking.

She thought that this was perhaps Jiang Yao’s apology—for mistaking her for someone else, and for her forwardness at the banquet.

That was why she hadn’t gone over.

            

It was a gift of apology from Jiang Yao. All she needed to do was accept it, to let Jiang Yao know that she held no grudge.

It was just a small matter. Although it had been unpleasant, there was no need to dwell on it. She just hoped that the next time they met, Jiang Yao wouldn’t treat her as an old acquaintance again. She didn’t like that.

The young woman’s long, thick lashes trembled. She and her friend parted ways at the crossroads.

            

She never expected to run into Jiang Yao again just two days later.

It was at a poetry gathering hosted by Cui Hansu, the eldest son of the Cui family. Many scholars and literary figures had been invited. No one had expected Jiang Yao to show up.

She was famous for her lack of literary talent. What was she doing here?

            

Of course, Liang Yunhe, who had brought Jiang Yao, also had no idea why she had insisted on coming.

In the past, she had always been one to respectfully decline due to lack of ability when it came to such refined events,​² practically running in the other direction. This was the first time she had ever willingly attended one.

As soon as Jiang Yao arrived, she found an inconspicuous corner and started yawning. “You all have fun. I’m just here to watch. Don’t mind me.”

            

Dammit, why did this stupid poetry gathering have to start so early? I’m dead tired.

As the host, Cui Hansu naturally had to exchange a few words with Jiang Yao and entertain her, but he finally gave up when he realized she genuinely didn’t want to be entertained and was content to be left alone.

The reason she gave was… she had no talent for poetry, but she loved listening to others compose it.

            

It was utterly absurd.

Although Eldest Miss Jiang had only been back in the capital for two years, everyone had heard about her extreme impatience with scholars. That being the case, how could she possibly claim to enjoy listening to others compose poetry?

The guests at the gathering had left their seats and were standing together to admire each other’s calligraphy. Jiang Yao had long since spotted where Song Muyun was sitting and swaggered over to sit down.

            

When Song Muyun returned and saw her, she was taken aback for a moment before giving a nod of acknowledgement and gracefully taking her seat, holding the hem of her skirt.

Jiang Yao’s smiling voice rang out. “Song Muyun. Miss Song. We meet again.”

She had had another dream about her when she went back.

            

The face in the dream wasn’t hazy this time; it was incredibly clear. She dreamt that this person, though her outer robe was perfectly neat, was wearing nothing underneath. She was sitting on Jiang Yao’s lap, grinding her hips, the corners of her eyes flushed a damp, gorgeous red. It was an exquisite sight, and utterly heart-stopping.

So when she woke up, Jiang Yao couldn’t control her longing. She found out that Song Muyun would be attending this poetry gathering and showed up thick-skinned and shameless, no matter what.

If it weren’t for that idiot brother of mine having not a single refined bone in his body, would I have needed to ask someone else?

            

Dammit.

Jiang Yao cursed her brother inwardly, but her face was all smiles when she looked up.

“Were the pastries from the other day good?”

            

She had waited in vain for the other woman to come thank her so they could exchange a few more words. She’d gotten nothing.

So she had to bring it up herself.

Song Muyun had clearly also remembered the charmingly naive rabbit cakes. A hint of a smile suddenly appeared in her eyes. She nodded. “Yes, they were delicious. Thank you.”

            

So now you know how to say thank you. What were you doing before?

Just hearing that one “thank you” was enough to make Jiang Yao feel like she was floating.

She really, truly liked Song Muyun. It was an inexplicable sort of liking, the kind where her heart and eyes were filled with nothing but her.

            

“Would you like some tea? I’ll pour you a cup.”

Jiang Yao gripped the long, slender handle of the teapot.

Song Muyun shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m not thirsty.”

            

“Oh. Then would you like something to eat? Did you have breakfast, coming here so early?”

Only after asking did Jiang Yao remember. Fuck, I didn’t eat breakfast. I woke up too early, and the staff in the small kitchen had no idea I’d be up at this hour, so breakfast wasn’t ready. I was in a rush to leave, so of course I didn’t eat. So annoying.

And this Cui Hansu, he hosts a poetry gathering and doesn’t even prepare any food?

            

Only pastries?

Jiang Yao’s face was expressionless as she thought, Might as well let me starve to death.

The Cui family is so stingy!

            

She ate two pastries to tide herself over, then watched as several people exchanged verses. To her, it was incredibly boring. Only when Song Muyun spoke could she muster the energy to sit up straight and listen.

“You don’t like composing poetry.”

The person beside her, who had only spoken when it was her turn to recite, suddenly addressed her. Her tone was very certain.

            

Jiang Yao paused, then, with no intention of hiding it, she smiled and said, “You could tell, huh?”

“Then why did you come?”

The young woman’s voice was cool and detached, as if she were just asking casually.

            

Jiang Yao sighed and shrugged. “I heard you would be here, so I came to see you.”

“See me?”

Song Muyun’s eyes were filled with bewilderment. Her face, usually as serene and cold as a fairy’s, finally showed a flicker of confusion.

            

Jiang Yao let out a soft laugh. She liked seeing her show emotion; she didn’t like it when she was always so cold, like a doll.

“Mhm. I want to be friends with you. Is that okay?”

It was a rare moment of politeness from Jiang Yao. It was the first time she had ever taken the initiative to befriend someone and had even asked for permission.

            

But the moment the other party heard this, her face instantly turned cold. The words she spoke were laced with frost, sending a shiver through Jiang Yao’s heart.

“Is it because I look like that old acquaintance of yours?”

Her tone was sharp. Jiang Yao keenly sensed that she was angry.

            

She immediately denied it. “No, it has nothing to do with her. You are you. I just want to be your friend.”

“Why?”

“Does there have to be a reason to make friends? Does Miss Song dislike me very much?”

            

“I don’t dislike you.”

“Well then, that settles it. Just do me this favor. When the poetry gathering is over, let me treat you to a meal, alright?”

Song Muyun was still puzzled. She considered herself a plain and uninteresting person. A woman as free-spirited and dashing as Jiang Yao wanted to be friends with her?

            

And she had approached her several times. She didn’t believe for a second that it wasn’t because she resembled some old acquaintance.

Jiang Yao watched, heartbroken, as Song Muyun politely declined her dinner invitation. Her expression seemed to have grown even colder.

What on earth do I have to do to make her think a little better of me?

            

Just a little better would be enough.

Jiang Yao was miserable. After being rejected, she fell silent, sitting to the side with her head propped in one hand, her eyes closed as if resting.

When she opened them again, the others were still there, but Song Muyun was gone.

            

…

Wait, did she not want to sit with me, so she ran off somewhere else?

Jiang Yao looked around but couldn’t find her anywhere in the gathering. She was momentarily stunned.

            

Luckily, her older male maternal cousin was still there, drinking and reciting poetry.

Liang Yunhe was in the middle of an animated conversation when someone slapped him hard on the shoulder, making him jump. “Jiang Yao, what are you doing?”

“Do you know where Song Muyun went?”

            

Liang Yunhe was confused.

He knew who Song Muyun was, of course. So Jiang Yao had come for Song Muyun. That explained it. At the Plum Blossom Banquet, she had wanted to sit with Song Muyun, and the other day when she went to buy pastries, it seemed Song Muyun had been there too. No wonder Jiang Yao had come back empty-handed.

But one thing was very strange. “Don’t you hate bookish scholars the most?”

            

“Mhm, she’s an exception. Stop wasting my time. Did you see where she went?”

Of course, Liang Yunhe didn’t know; he hadn’t been paying much attention to Song Muyun. However, the person he was chatting with did. “She went to change her clothes. She’s in the back courtyard. You can go look for her there.”

“Alright, thank you.”

            

Jiang Yao got up and headed for the back courtyard. Liang Yunhe watched her go with great interest.

My maternal aunt has always wanted Jiang Yao to read more and become a lady from a prestigious family. She was about to give up, but if Jiang Yao starts hanging out with Song Muyun, maybe there’s still a chance?

Jiang Yao wound her way past the rockeries and headed toward the back courtyard, but she stopped by a cluster of flowers when she heard a familiar, cool voice.

            

She found herself unable to move. Tilting her head, she looked over and saw none other than the Seventh Prince, Murong Qing, and Song Muyun standing opposite each other, talking.

It wasn’t that she wanted to eavesdrop; it was just that the dense foliage completely concealed her.

She only heard Murong Qing say, “Miss Song, Qing truly admires you. I came here today for you.”

            

Jiang Yao’s ears perked up. He’s confessing!

A nameless fury suddenly surged within her, and her impression of Murong Qing plummeted. Shameless bastard. That’s my dream lover!

What is he doing, spouting all that nonsense?

            

Jiang Yao was fuming, but her ears were still pricked up, listening intently.

The voice that replied was three parts colder than when it spoke to her.

So I’m not the one she dislikes the most.

            

This realization made Jiang Yao a little happy, but only a little.

“This female subject is deeply honored by Your Highness’s affection. However, marriages are decided by one’s parents and a matchmaker. My parents do not wish for me to marry so early. I’m afraid I must disappoint Your Highness’s kind intentions.”

Her expression remained placid, unchanged. Even though she was speaking to someone else, Jiang Yao’s heart still ached a little. She seemed so unapproachable. If she didn’t like the Seventh Prince, she definitely didn’t like her either.

            

The Seventh Prince knew that her words were just excuses to reject him. Infatuated with Song Muyun as he was, he naturally persisted. Jiang Yao stepped out just as Song Muyun, tired of his pestering, showed a hint of faint anger in her delicate features.

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, but not particularly friendly. “His Highness the Seventh Prince has always been gentle and courteous. Has it now come to this, forcing your will upon others?”

“The young lady isn’t interested, so she isn’t interested. It’s not like you’re some rare treasure that everyone has to like. To insist on offering yourself up like this, have you no shame?”

            

The truly shameless one stepped out from behind the foliage, lazily lecturing Murong Qing.

Murong Qing’s martial arts were poor and his senses dull. He never imagined someone had been eavesdropping. His face turned ashen with rage.

Song Muyun was also taken aback, then her willow-like brows furrowed slightly. “Miss Jiang, what are you doing here?”

            

Jiang Yao walked over in a few strides to stand beside her. The wind was strong today, making the woman’s red arrow robe​³ snap and flutter.

“Hm? Why am I here? I came looking for you. I heard you came to change your clothes. Did you get them dirty?”

She glanced coolly at Murong Qing before her gaze landed on the fresh set of clothes Song Muyun was now wearing.

            

Song Muyun replied softly, “Yes, I spilled some water on my clothes just now.”

“Well, you’ve changed now. Shall I take you back?”

She had no intention of leaving her here to be entangled with Murong Qing.

            

Even if my little fairy doesn’t like me, she shouldn’t enter the imperial family. She’s so clean and bright, how can she be tainted by such filth?

Jiang Yao couldn’t bear the thought.

Fortunately, Song Muyun herself was unwilling. Hearing Jiang Yao’s offer, she nodded. “Alright.”

            

With Jiang Yao present, Murong Qing didn’t try to make Song Muyun stay. He just glared at Jiang Yao, his face a mask of fury.

The young Seventh Prince was not yet skilled at controlling his emotions. All his frustration at being rejected was now directed at Jiang Yao. The equally young Jiang Yao did not take kindly to being glared at. She made a fist at Murong Qing, looking ready to punch him at any moment.

Fearing she would actually hit a prince in the Cui residence, Song Muyun’s face grew anxious. She subconsciously grabbed Jiang Yao’s sleeve. “Let’s go. We’ve been out for too long.”

            

“Mhm, I know.”

Pulled back, Jiang Yao sounded sullen. Only then did she leave with Song Muyun.

They walked side by side. Jiang Yao was taller, though Muyun wasn’t short, just a little shorter than her. Her jet-black hair was draped down her back, thick and smooth. I really want to ruffle it.

            

Once they were a good distance from the garden, Song Muyun finally spoke. “Just now… thank you.”

Jiang Yao had both hands clasped behind her head, looking for all the world like a profligate who just needed a blade of grass to chew on. Hearing her, she was about to reply, but then she saw Song Muyun looking at her. She quickly dropped her hands and cleared her throat. “What’s there to thank me for? I just happened to see injustice on the road.”​⁴

Song Muyun was amused. She smiled and asked again, “Why did you come out?”

            

“I saw you were gone and asked around. Someone said you went to the back courtyard to change. I was afraid you’d get lost, so I came to find you.”

That was a lie. It had never occurred to her that Song Muyun might get lost. She had just subconsciously wanted to find her.

Eldest Miss Jiang, who had preferred to be alone for lifetimes, was experiencing the taste of being clingy for the first time.

            

She had missed her terribly after not seeing her yesterday.

Jiang Yao lowered her head, a helpless look on her face.

“I’ve been to the Cui residence a few times. I won’t get lost.”

            

“Oh. So I shouldn’t come looking for you next time?” she asked.

Her beautiful, round eyes were crystal clear, without a trace of guile.

Song Muyun only glanced at them before turning her head away. “Mhm,” she agreed.

            

For some reason, though, her voice sounded a little muffled.

By the time they returned, the poetry gathering was nearing its end. Jiang Yao hadn’t managed to have a meal with Song Muyun and was feeling very disappointed. The thought that she wouldn’t see her again for some time made her stare, lost in thought.

In the center of the courtyard, someone was setting Cui Hansu’s new poem to music. Song Muyun had been watching intently, but she suddenly felt that somewhat sorrowful gaze fixed on her, following her every move, making her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles…

            

She finally turned to look. It was Jiang Yao, of course.

Song Muyun’s expression was a little helpless. That touch of helplessness softened her usually cold face. “Jiang Yao, why are you always staring at me?”

Jiang Yao sighed dramatically. “When I think about you refusing to eat with me, my heart hurts. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever been rejected.”

            

She rested her hands on the table and propped her chin on her arms, looking pitifully at Song Muyun.

Song Muyun was speechless.

She had no idea what was so great about her that made Jiang Yao so insistent on having a meal with her.

            

But since Jiang Yao wanted to, there was no need to refuse. After all, she had helped her just now.

Song Muyun thought of how this person had brazenly mocked a prince and then swaggered away with her.

If it weren’t for Jiang Yao, Murong Qing would definitely have pestered her for a while longer, and she wouldn’t have known how to get away.

            

Seeing her silence, Jiang Yao felt a fresh wave of disappointment. She drooped her head, thinking it was a lost cause. But the next moment, she heard a cool, clear voice by her ear. “Alright. I’ll go with you.”

Jiang Yao: !!!

She sat bolt upright, her dim eyes shining brightly again. “Really?” she asked, delighted. “You’re willing to have a meal with me?”

            

Song Muyun’s slender figure was poised as she slowly nodded. “Mhm. I’m willing.”

“Great, great! Do you prefer somewhere quiet or lively? I’ll have someone book a table right now.”

“Quiet is fine.”

            

With her answer, Jiang Yao cheerfully headed for the men’s seating area on the other side.

Song Muyun’s gaze followed her joyful back, feeling very puzzled. It’s just a meal. Why is she so happy?

She often ate out with her friends, but none of them had ever been that happy about it.

            

Jiang Yao didn’t look for anyone else; she went straight to her long-suffering older male maternal cousin.

Zui Changchun was a Liang family business, and Liang Yunhe was its young master. He could certainly make arrangements for her.

Liang Yunhe, who was repeatedly being bothered by his younger female maternal cousin, was exasperated.

            

This time, he understood. He looked over at the women’s seating area. “You want to take the young miss of the Song family?”

“Mhm. Arrange a private room for me. I’ll take her there when this is over.”

Liang Yunhe gave a look to the person behind him, and a young servant immediately slipped away.

            

“Why the sudden interest in hanging out with Miss Song?”

“I like her, that’s all. Don’t ask so many questions.”

Her temper was still as bad as ever. Liang Yunhe shook his head helplessly. The friend he had been chatting with had also noticed Jiang Yao and spoke to her with a smile. “You’re the young miss from the Jiang family who’s so good at martial arts? I hear you’ve beaten up several of the little tyrants in the capital.”

            

Jiang Yao was only sixteen this year. Most of the men present were older than her. Because of their connection to Liang Yunhe, they looked at her as they would a younger sister, which made her uncomfortable.

So she replied perfunctorily, “Mhm, they were asking for it. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back, older male maternal cousin.”

She only called him that when she needed something. Liang Yunhe waved his hand, telling her to hurry up and go.

            

On her way back to the women’s seats, Jiang Yao heard Liang Yunhe’s friend say to him, “Your younger female maternal cousin is quite fierce, isn’t she?” She scoffed. That’s fierce?

As expected of pampered young masters from the capital. They haven’t seen anything.

She returned to Song Muyun’s side, her nose filled with the simple, elegant fragrance from the other woman’s body. It smelled wonderful.

            

“The private room is booked. I’ll take you there later. Don’t you dare change your mind and back out halfway.”

That would be worse than not agreeing at all. I’d be absolutely devastated.

Hearing her speculation, Song Muyun was a little displeased. “I always keep my word.”

            

Jiang Yao, having secured another promise, had eyes that grew even brighter. She happily poured Song Muyun a cup of tea and pushed it toward her, like a big puppy that had just been given a treat.

Her behavior somehow made it impossible to stay angry with her.

This was the first time Song Muyun realized what the Jiang family’s young miss was really like. She wasn’t shy at all. This was only their second meeting, yet she acted as if they were old friends.

            

After the poetry gathering ended, Jiang Yao waited for her to say goodbye to a couple of friends, and then they rode in a carriage to Zui Changchun together.

The carriage had also been arranged by Liang Yunhe. He was keen for his younger female maternal cousin to be influenced by a talented woman and fully approved of them spending time together.

Jiang Yao thought to herself that her older male maternal cousin was really thoughtful. She couldn’t bear to make Muyun walk there with her.

            

The carriage was quiet. A cup of fragrant tea was pushed in front of Song Muyun. She looked up and, sure enough, heard Jiang Yao telling her to drink again. She couldn’t help but curve her lips into a faint smile. “Miss Jiang, are you very fond of pouring tea for people?”

She seemed to be in a good mood now, and her voice even sounded a bit like the person from her dream. Jiang Yao’s ears tingled, but she still couldn’t resist correcting her. “Jiang Yao. Just call me Jiang Yao. I’ll call you Muyun from now on, alright?”

She asked, but she had no intention of taking no for an answer. Whether she agreed or not, that’s what she was going to call her. Hmph.

            

Fortunately, Song Muyun didn’t refuse. She just gave a slight nod. Her fair, delicate chin came into Jiang Yao’s view, making her dazed again as she remembered her dream, where she had held that chin and climbed up to lick and kiss her.

Tsk, stop it. Don’t think about these things. It’s too rude, too rude!

She only agreed to have a meal with you, and you’re already thinking all this.

            

None of it has happened yet.

Jiang Yao hid her deep-seated desires, not letting a trace show on her face. She even looked a little well-behaved.

Every time Song Muyun looked at her, she was amazed. The real Jiang Yao was nothing like the rumors.

            

She wasn’t hot-tempered, nor was she a reclusive loner.

She lifted her cool phoenix eyes and looked past the fluttering curtain to the outside, then reminded her softly, “We’re here. Let’s go.”

Just as she finished speaking, the carriage came to a stop.

            

Jiang Yao lifted the curtain first and jumped down nimbly, then turned to take Song Muyun’s hand.

Once inside, she simply gave Liang Yunhe’s name to the waiter and was led to the most secluded private room.

Jiang Yao let Song Muyun order, telling her to get whatever she liked, whatever she wanted to eat.

            

Despite this, Song Muyun still only ordered two dishes. Then she raised her moist, beautiful eyes. “There are only two of us. We won’t be able to finish it all. Don’t order too much.”

Her friends all knew her family’s rule against being extravagant and wasteful, but Jiang Yao didn’t, so she repeated it.

Jiang Yao had certainly never had the experience of being told not to order too much for fear of not finishing. She was stunned by the comment, but she understood what she meant. Not daring to contradict her, for fear of being seen as an extravagant and wasteful person, she immediately nodded in agreement.

            

She added only one meat dish before sending the waiter away. Then she said with a smile, “If you can’t finish it, I will. I have a big appetite.”

“Do all you martial artists have big appetites?”

“Mhm, more or less. We have to train every day, and it’s tiring.”

            

“They say you’re the most skilled martial artist of this generation in the capital.”

Jiang Yao had never felt happy about that title before, but hearing it from Song Muyun’s lips was different. She puffed out her chest, feeling a strange little bit of pride. “Yep, pretty much. None of them can beat me.”

Male or female.

            

“You’re amazing.”

Song Muyun looked at the celadon​⁵ cup in front of her and praised her sincerely.

“It’s nothing. If you like, I can teach you martial arts sometime?”

            

That way I’ll have an excuse to go see her!

Jiang Yao was full of excitement, but Song Muyun shook her head and refused. “No, thank you. My family does not permit women to practice martial arts.”

Jiang Yao was speechless.

            

Who would’ve thought? Lord Song is an old die-hard.

“It’s fine. It’s okay if you don’t practice. Then next time, I’ll perform a sword dance for you. Can you just watch?”

Hearing the novel phrase “sword dance,” Song Muyun’s eyes lit up. She hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

            

She had never seen a sword dance before. She had heard that those who could perform them were all free-spirited people of passion and principle.

But… she never expected the day she would see one would come so soon.

That day, the weather was clear. Song Muyun stared helplessly at the head that suddenly appeared atop her courtyard wall. Dead branches and rotten leaves were stuck to the figure, but they still couldn’t hide the woman’s stunning beauty, so bright and captivating.

            

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