Forbidden to Bully the Storybook’s Heroine – Chapter 115
by Little PandaExtra 2: The ‘What If’ Timeline
With her girl’s hands injured, Jiang Yao didn’t leave too early. Instead, she stayed until the sun sank behind the western hills, worried not only that Song Muyun was in pain, but also about how she would eat.
How could she possibly eat with both hands swollen red like that?
Jiang Yao’s face was etched with worry, and she sighed again and again.
Since her hands were hurt, Song Muyun could rest for a few days and temporarily set aside her zither practice. She sat in her room dressed in a snow-white gown, a fluffy scarf still around her neck. Next, even the pastries were personally delivered to her lips by Jiang Yao, who fed them to her piece by piece.
This attentive manner was a world away from yesterday’s coldness.
Truly fickle.
Remembering the unstoppable sadness in her heart yesterday, Song Muyun felt a pang of resentment and shot Jiang Yao a glare that was neither heavy nor light.
Jiang Yao had just poured a cup of water and was lifting it to Song Muyun’s lips when that glare met her, leaving her completely baffled.
She asked instinctively, “What is it? What did I do to upset you now?”
Song Muyun retracted her gaze, lowered her head in silence, and refused to answer or even look at her.
…
“Why are you glaring at me?”
Unable to make heads or tails of it, she asked again.
But Song Muyun wouldn’t tell her. She only glanced at the cup in Jiang Yao’s hand and made a rare, proactive request. “I want to drink tea.”
…
You glare at me and still expect me to serve you? Aren’t you living the good life.
Though she grumbled internally, her hands moved deftly to pass the teacup over, not forgetting to add a word of caution. “Careful, it’s hot.”
“Mm, I know.”
Now she was being obedient again, nothing like the person who had just glared. She lowered her head and took a few sips of tea. The moisture that clung to her pale red lips made them look dewy and… and very kissable.
Jiang Yao helplessly tore her eyes away. She didn’t know why she was having such thoughts. It was probably because she was a degenerate, sob sob sob.
In her dreams, she was always pressing this person into bed and doing this and that, but in reality, she couldn’t even touch her.
After all, their relationship wasn’t that close yet.
Jiang Yao heaved a long sigh. As she set down the teacup, she was surprised to hear the person beside her show a rare bit of concern. “Why are you sighing? Are you… unhappy staying here to keep me company?”
Song Muyun knew she was a very dull person. Jiang Yao had the most vibrant personality and loved to go out and have fun. Staying with her, she was probably bored, wasn’t she?
The girl’s long, thick lashes drooped, and she looked a little sad and dejected.
How could Jiang Yao bear to see her like this? She quickly denied it. “No, of course not. Don’t overthink it. Do you want another pastry?”
She was afraid Song Muyun would press the question and she wouldn’t be able to explain herself, so she hastily changed the subject.
Fortunately, Song Muyun didn’t pursue it. Instead, she shook her head gently. “No more. If I eat any more, I won’t have room for dinner.”
“Alright, that’s fine too. Do your hands still hurt? Should I apply more ointment for you?”
“No need. You just put some on.”
She always spoke to people so softly and delicately that Jiang Yao never felt she was any different to her than anyone else.
“Alright. Then how do you plan to eat for the next few days?”
At her question, Song Muyun hesitated for a moment before saying in a small voice, “There’s always a way. I’m not afraid of pain. I can just endure it. Mother was only punishing me for being disobedient.”
She had grown up in the Song family and learned the Song family’s rules, so she didn’t think there was anything wrong with such a harsh punishment. But Jiang Yao, who had been free and unrestrained since childhood, couldn’t stand to see her family’s strict regulations and couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for her.
She pitied the soul shackled by etiquette and rules.
“How about I come over every day for the next few days and feed you?”
Jiang Yao’s eyes were clear, her suggestion completely devoid of selfish intent.
A faint blush rose on Song Muyun’s cheeks. She turned her head away, not daring to look at her, and whispered, “That would be against the rules.”
Jiang Yao’s expression was blank. Rules, rules, always the rules. Why did the Song family have so many rules!
This wouldn’t do. She had to marry this person and bring her home. Otherwise, if she had to abide by so many rules every day, could she ever be happy in her life?
The girl was naturally passionate and didn’t care about such things. Even though Song Muyun was somewhat resistant, she made the decision on her own. “Good, it’s settled. I’ll feed you tonight, too.”
Song Muyun hesitated for a moment. Seeing her insistence, she found an excuse for herself in her heart: Jiang Yao was fierce, and she couldn’t resist her. So she nodded lightly, but her voice was still laced with shyness as she whispered, “Then don’t let anyone see.”
The memory of Song Muyun being punished after being seen drunk made Jiang Yao’s heart clench. She promised solemnly, “I won’t let anyone see. We won’t have servants wait on us then. Just the two of us?”
Song Muyun’s eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly. “Mhm, okay. I’ll listen to you.”
She hadn’t treated the injuries on her hands in time this morning, and now they were congested and swollen, a very ugly sight.
Even though they were wrapped in cotton cloth, she still subconsciously hid her hands in her sleeves, not wanting Jiang Yao to see.
As the sky darkened, Jiang Yao had Song Muyun order dinner. Among the dishes was an old hen and ginseng soup, which was slightly nourishing. She heard that Madam Song had specially instructed the kitchen to prepare it.
The dishes arrived quickly. Jiang Yao looked down and saw two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup. The portions seemed a little larger than last time.
Song Muyun gracefully took a seat to the side and explained softly, “Last time, I saw you ate a lot. I was afraid you wouldn’t get enough, so I specially told them to make more.”
Jiang Yao thought about it and realized it was true. She had eaten all the rice and dishes that time.
“It’s your appetite that’s too small. No wonder you look so thin and frail. A gust of wind could blow you away,” Jiang Yao said as she sat down.
Song Muyun quietly retorted, “That’s not true. It couldn’t.”
“That’s because the wind in the capital is too gentle. If I get the chance, I’ll take you to Snow Ridge. Now that’s where the wind really blows. If you don’t hold on to me tightly then, you’ll be blown away without a trace.”
When Jiang Yao mentioned a place she knew well, her eyes shone with a bright light and a hint of nostalgia. Song Muyun couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and longing. But her anticipation lasted only a moment before her lashes drooped, her expression turning a little disappointed. “Father and Mother wouldn’t let me go. Snow Ridge is too far.”
She was a young lady raised in a noble house, taught to prioritize rules and family reputation above all else. She truly didn’t dare to be as unorthodox and rebellious as Jiang Yao.
Hearing this, Jiang Yao sighed again. Though her heart was a tangled mess, she didn’t know why, but she firmly believed that sooner or later, she would marry Muyun!
“Forget it. Let’s not talk about this for now. Come on, have a bite.”
At some point, Jiang Yao had picked up a spoon. It was piled high with some rice and some mushrooms, and she pushed it right up to Song Muyun’s lips.
The young lady’s cheeks flushed red with shyness again, and she pushed it away reluctantly. “That’s too much. Give me less, or I won’t be able to eat it.”
Are all girls’ mouths this small nowadays?
Jiang Yao considered her own mouth not to be large, and she could easily swallow that mouthful. But Song Muyun couldn’t manage it. Just how small was her mouth? She could probably fit the whole thing in her own mouth…
She stared at the girl’s dewy red lips, lost in a daze until Song Muyun tugged on her sleeve and asked what was wrong.
Jiang Yao snapped back to her senses. Without a word, she did as requested and filled the spoon with only half as much food before offering it again.
This time, Song Muyun obediently bent her neck and extended the tip of her crimson tongue, helping to take the spoonful of food into her mouth.
Jiang Yao found a certain interest in feeding her. She picked out dishes herself to give her, mostly meat. The moment the girl swallowed a mouthful, the next spoonful was already at her lips. Her cheeks were constantly puffed out, leaving her no chance to speak.
It wasn’t until she was truly stuffed that she threw decorum to the wind and dodged backward, holding her hands up to block Jiang Yao’s advance. Her voice was full of distress. “Don’t mind me anymore, I’m full. You should eat, or the food will get cold.”
She had fed her so quickly that by the time Song Muyun realized it, she was already full to bursting and couldn’t eat another bite.
Hearing this, Jiang Yao actually felt a little disappointed. “You’re full already? Alright then.”
She lowered her head and started to eat, not noticing that she hadn’t even changed the spoon. Song Muyun, however, did notice. She instinctively reached out to stop her with a soft “Ah,” but Jiang Yao ate so fast that she had already taken several bites. Song Muyun sheepishly withdrew her hand.
Jiang Yao looked over, bewildered. “What’s wrong?”
Song Muyun quickly shook her head. “Nothing, nothing.”
She’s already eaten it. It’s better… better not to say anything… It would save us from the awkwardness of looking at each other.
Song Muyun lowered her head guiltily, not quite daring to even glance at Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao was starving. Hearing her say it was nothing, she lowered her head and continued to eat. She polished off about seventy or eighty percent of the food on the table, leaving only the hen soup she had set aside earlier.
Just now, she had used a little of the chicken soup to moisten the rice while feeding her, but Song Muyun had gotten full quickly, so there was a lot of soup left. Jiang Yao had saved a small bowl for her, which still had a few pieces of golden chicken meat in it.
She’s so young, why is she always eating vegetarian? Shouldn’t she eat more meat to build up her strength?
Jiang Yao put down her bowl and chopsticks, then picked up the warm chicken soup and offered it to Song Muyun. “Have a little more? I’ll feed you.”
“I’m really full,” the young lady said, looking troubled.
“Just a little more. After you finish, I’ll walk with you to help you digest before I go back.”
Song Muyun couldn’t resist Jiang Yao’s wheedling, and she also wanted to walk with her, so in the end, she obediently took small sips from the spoon.
After half the bowl was gone, she waved her hands, absolutely refusing to drink any more.
But there was still half a bowl of soup left.
Song Muyun didn’t like to waste food. She looked pitifully at the remaining soup, as if it had somehow wronged her.
Jiang Yao: …
“Alright, alright, I’ll drink it. No need to look so pathetic.”
Jiang Yao couldn’t resist. She reached out and ruffled the girl’s soft, fluffy hair, then tilted her head back and drank the rest of the soup in one go, not caring in the slightest that it was someone else’s leftovers.
Song Muyun froze on the spot, staring blankly at Jiang Yao.
She was still in a daze when Jiang Yao finished drinking and helped her up to go for a walk.
She still hadn’t recovered. The way Jiang Yao treated her was so very different.
She was more patient, considerate, and gentle with her than with anyone else. She didn’t find her boring and was willing to stay with her. She would even… eat something she had already eaten.
If she just wants to be friends with me, is it necessary to be this nice?
Ripples spread through Song Muyun’s heart, a feeling she couldn’t quite explain herself.
The two of them wandered around the Song Residence to aid their digestion, only to unexpectedly run into Lord Song, Song Yunqian, who was also out for a stroll.
When Song Yunqian saw an unfamiliar woman standing beside his daughter—dressed in vibrant red, with a free-spirited and flamboyant air—a flash of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly guessed her identity.
“Greetings, Uncle.”
Jiang Yao greeted him with a clear voice, an unavoidable touch of nervousness on her face.
Song Muyun also called out, “Father.”
Song Yunqian nodded slightly and looked at Jiang Yao. “Are you Miss Jiang? Here to see Yun’er?”
Jiang Yao stood up straight, shedding the last traces of her usual roguish, devil-may-care attitude. She couldn’t have looked more proper.
“Yes. You can just call me Jiang Yao. I had nothing to do, so I came to chat with Muyun.”
Song Yunqian looked at that rather heroic face and was suddenly reminded of her father, Jiang Heng.
Jiang Heng’s exceptionally unusual attitude towards him today made his expression complicated, and by extension, he found his daughter’s presence strange as well.
Why would Jiang Heng ask about his daughter’s marriage prospects? His daughter was only fifteen this year; he was in no hurry. Could it be…
For a moment, Song Yunqian’s brows furrowed so tightly he could have crushed a mosquito between them. But then he remembered that the Jiang family’s son was only thirteen, which made the matter seem impossible. But if not for that, why would Jiang Heng bring up Yun’er?
He had a fair understanding of this colleague of many years. Jiang Heng usually only concerned himself with matters of state; he would never say or do more than necessary about anything trivial.
Song Yunqian, who prided himself on his literary prowess, found himself completely unable to fathom the meaning behind Jiang Heng’s words.
The night was deep, and all three of them stood in the garden. Jiang Yao’s initially respectful expression began to crack.
Seriously, why isn’t Lord Song saying anything? It’s so cold out here. Can’t you show a little concern for your daughter’s delicate constitution?
Do I look like I can withstand the cold wind?
A breeze blew past. Song Muyun suddenly covered her lips and coughed. Only then did Song Yunqian react. He frowned at Song Muyun, his face filled with concern. “Have you caught a chill?”
“Thank you for your concern, Father. I am fine.”
“You are still young. Don’t take your health for granted. Have someone summon a physician to the residence tomorrow to take a look.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“I heard your mother punished you this morning?”
Song Muyun lowered her head. “It was your daughter who did wrong.”
Jiang Yao felt a surge of indignation. It was just a little fruit wine that wouldn’t harm her body. What kind of wrongdoing was that?
Why such a heavy punishment!
She looked at Song Yunqian, fully expecting him to at least offer a few words of comfort to Muyun. But when Song Yunqian spoke, he was extremely stern. “Mm, it is good that you know you were wrong. The young ladies of the Song family must not drink alcohol, much less to excess. Your punishment was not unjust.”
Song Muyun’s lashes trembled, and she answered again in a low voice.
The cold wind stirred the girl’s black hair and her wide, flowing sleeves. She stood there alone, her waist incredibly slender, making her seem as fragile as a white flower. Her head was bowed, her face pale as snow, her red lips pressed tightly together. For some reason, Jiang Yao saw a trace of grievance in her posture.
Punished by her mother and then scolded by her father, she must be feeling terribly wronged.
Jiang Yao’s brows knitted together, her entire body suppressing her displeasure.
Song Yunqian quickly noticed her unhappiness. With a moment’s thought, he could guess why she was upset, and a smile touched the corners of his lips. “Alright, your mother has already punished you, so the matter is over. You two go and have fun. It is time for this father to return.”
“Very well. Take care, Father.”
Song Muyun gave a slight curtsy. Jiang Yao also cupped her hands and said in a heavy voice, “Take care, Lord Song.”
She didn’t even feel like calling him Uncle anymore.
Song Yunqian shook his head and left, leaving only Jiang Yao and a silent, head-bowed Song Muyun.
The next moment, the person who had looked so dejected was pulled into a warm embrace.
Jiang Yao patted her on the back and pressed her head against her own neck.
This was what she did in her dreams. Every time she made Muyun cry, she would do this, and the effect was always excellent.
Jiang Yao wanted to try it.
When she was first hugged, Song Muyun froze, her expression clearly flustered. She subconsciously tried to push Jiang Yao away, but her flailing hands were noticed and then both were tucked into Jiang Yao’s embrace. She wouldn’t let her push away; she just held her. Song Muyun wanted to push, but it was truly, truly so warm that it made one reluctant to let go.
Song Muyun blinked. After weighing her options, she obediently stilled in her arms.
After a good while, she heard the person holding her ask, “Are you feeling any better?”
She was slightly taken aback. So, she had noticed she was in a bad mood.
A smile suddenly touched Song Muyun’s lips. The cold aura around her melted like ice and snow. She couldn’t stop herself from nuzzling against Jiang Yao’s shoulder and saying warmly, “I’m fine. I’ve long been used to it. I wasn’t in a bad mood, either. Don’t you worry.”
Jiang Yao was different from her father and mother. Their concern for her came in the form of increasingly strict rules and regulations. Jiang Yao’s concern was to indulge her in everything, wanting her to be happy and cheerful.
If she had to choose between them, she preferred Jiang Yao’s way.
The two of them were the very picture of tenderness today. For a moment, Jiang Yao even thought she had successfully won her over.
But the reality was, when she went over again the next day, Song Muyun had reverted to her usual cool, fairy-like demeanor. When she saw Jiang Yao walk in, she merely gave a slight nod, then raised a hand to pour a cup of tea, completely devoid of yesterday’s docile obedience.
Jiang Yao felt quite resentful and stared at Song Muyun without letting up.
Song Muyun’s tea-pouring movements paused slightly. A moment later, she gestured for Jiang Yao to sit.
Her voice was also a little colder as she invited, “Try this tea and see how it tastes.”
How could Jiang Yao tell what tea tasted like? Given her bad attitude, Jiang Yao couldn’t be bothered to pretend to savor it. She simply tilted her head back and poured the entire cup into her mouth, downing it in one go. Then she sat down brazenly. “The taste is alright, I guess. Aren’t your hands still hurt? Why are you pouring tea again?”
Jiang Yao’s gaze fell on Song Muyun’s slightly red palms. After staring for a moment, she frowned. “You didn’t apply ointment?”
The person engrossed in pouring tea finally spared her a glance and gave a reserved nod. “Mm. I was reading a book when I woke up today and haven’t had time to apply it yet.”
To make her excuse more believable, she pointed to a blue-covered book on the side. It was a volume of historical annals1.
So soft yesterday, and like this today. Your personality changes quite fast, Jiang Yao thought.
But whatever. This was the Muyun she was familiar with.
She stood up and called over a maidservant, telling her to bring the medicine.
By the time she sat down again, Song Muyun had obediently put down her tea and opened her hands.
Only now did she bear some resemblance to the girl from yesterday, and to the girl in her dreams who had let down her guard around her.
The ointment was cool and soothing, very comfortable when applied to her palms.
Song Muyun lowered her eyes, watching the other girl diligently applying medicine for her.
She didn’t even blink, her attention focused almost entirely on her hands.
Only after both delicate palms were coated with ointment did Jiang Yao straighten up. She took two new pieces of cotton cloth, carefully wrapped her wounds, and tied a beautiful knot at the end.
Song Muyun curiously tugged at one end of the knot, and Jiang Yao slapped the back of her hand. “Don’t fidget.”
“Oh, I know.”
She lowered her head again and picked up the blue-covered book she had placed to the side.
Jiang Yao had come prepared today. Seeing her reading, she also pulled a book out from her robes. This action successfully caught Song Muyun’s attention.
Song Muyun looked over, her eyes filled with curiosity. She kept craning her neck, trying to sneak a peek at what book it was. This was the first time she had ever seen Jiang Yao bring a book.
But Jiang Yao flipped through the pages quickly, and she didn’t see the title, only the densely packed small characters inside.
The words were too far away to see clearly.
Finally, unable to bear the tickling curiosity, she straightened her back and asked with feigned casualness, “What book are you reading? Is it the same as mine?”
Jiang Yao snorted, not even looking up. “Do you think I would read that stuffy kind of book you read?”
Song Muyun didn’t think so either, which only made her more curious about what she was reading.
She ventured a guess. “Is it a travelogue?”
Jiang Yao turned a page and denied it. “Not a travelogue. It’s a storybook2. Ever read one?”
Song Muyun looked at her and shook her head blankly, her voice filled with innocence. “Never. What’s a storybook?”
Jiang Yao laughed. “You don’t even know what a storybook is. You, a talented lady, are truly unworthy of your reputation.”
She rolled up the book and tapped Song Muyun on the head with it.
The tap made her startle. A moment later, she turned her head away, revealing a long, snow-white neck. Her voice was soft and slow. “I don’t know, so why don’t you tell me? Don’t you know?”
Her eyes had a watery sheen as she looked at Jiang Yao earnestly. Soon, Jiang Yao couldn’t bring herself to tease her anymore. Seeing that she really wanted to know, she cleared her throat and handed the storybook over. “It’s just some stuff about love and romance. You’ll understand once you take a look.”
Song Muyun took the book in her hands and first looked at the title. One look was enough to stun her. On the cover was written: 《The Princess Deftly Snatches the General’s Wife》.
Song Muyun: …
This was clearly not a proper book!
She looked up at Jiang Yao, thirsty for knowledge. “What is this about?”
Jiang Yao propped up one leg, resting her chin on her hand, and slowly explained to Song Muyun, “It’s about a princess who falls in love with a general’s wife at first sight. On their wedding night, she snatches the general’s wife away, imprisons her in the palace, and coaxes her day and night with sweet words until the general’s wife’s heart is moved, and she finally gives herself to her.”
Song Muyun listened, dumbfounded.
Her beautiful, exquisite phoenix eyes widened slightly, and her rosy lips parted. A moment later, she finally processed it and asked blankly, “But a princess should be a woman.”
Jiang Yao nodded. “Yes, a woman.”
Her eyes widened in shock. She asked again, “Then is the general’s wife a man?”
Jiang Yao burst out laughing and flicked Song Muyun’s forehead. “Silly. Of course she’s also a woman.”
Song Muyun: …
A woman and a woman… how could they do such things?
She didn’t even understand. Seeing this, Jiang Yao’s eyes darted around. A sudden interest sparked within her, and she resolved to explain it to her properly.
The storybook was opened to the page Jiang Yao had dog-eared. “Tsk, let me tell you. This is how women get together with women. You read this first, and then I’ll tell you about the other things.”
…
Song Muyun listened in utter disbelief as Jiang Yao explained what ‘mirror polishing3’ was and how it was done. She was completely stunned, unable to wipe the incredulity from her face.
How… how could such a thing exist in the world?
All her life, she had only known that women and men could be together. This was the first time she had learned that women could also be with women, and that there were even such… explicit storybooks. What on earth was written in them! So… so shameless…
When she finally came to her senses, her watery eyes looked helplessly at Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao felt too embarrassed to look at her and stared at the teacup in her hands, a deep-seated feeling that she had corrupted a child welling up inside her. Even if Song Muyun was only a year younger, she was still just a fifteen-year-old girl.
Jiang Yao, you’re really not human.
Amitabha, I’ll definitely be a good person in my next life. But in this life, I just can’t help myself.
She heard her ask, “Jiang Yao, are you a ‘mirror polisher’ too?”
She answered without hesitation, “Yes, I’ve always been one.”
Today, Song Muyun had been exposed to things she had never encountered in her past fifteen years. She was distracted the entire day. Jiang Yao even noticed that when she fed her and got too close, she would subconsciously flinch away.
This was both a good thing and a bad thing.
She was learning about and understanding ‘mirror polishing’, but she might also come to hate her for it.
Until she knew whether Song Muyun was repulsed by it, Jiang Yao could only bide her time.
The two of them spent the day like this. The next day, Jiang Yao came again.
As soon as she arrived, she called for a maidservant to get the medicine, intending to apply it for her as she had yesterday. But to her surprise, Song Muyun said the medicine had already been applied.
She looked down and saw that two fresh cotton strips were indeed wrapped around those slender, snow-white hands.
“Oh, alright. So there’s nothing for me to do today, then?”
She leaned against the stone table, eating a pastry.
Song Muyun’s expression flickered, and her fingers curled slightly. A moment later, she said impassively, “If you find it quiet here, you can also read. I have many books here, except for the storybook you brought yesterday. You shouldn’t read those things anymore. The union of yin and yang4 is the proper path. If you read those… people will laugh at you.”
When Song Muyun mentioned the union of yin and yang, her jade-white face turned crimson again. She kept her head down, so she didn’t see Jiang Yao’s expression gradually turn cold.
“What is the proper path? Is something the proper path just because most people do it? Is the love of a minority a crooked, deviant way? Muyun, I thought you weren’t the type to just go with the flow and care about the world’s opinion.”
Jiang Yao’s voice was heavy.
Song Muyun secretly clenched her fists. A sharp pain shot through her not-yet-healed wounds. She’s scolding me. QAQ
“I’ve never been afraid of being laughed at. If you’re afraid, then you shouldn’t be with me.”
Her words were merciless. The moment she finished speaking, she stood up. Song Muyun subconsciously stood up with her, her face changing. She explained hurriedly, “That’s not what I meant! You’ve misunderstood me.”
But Jiang Yao had no intention of listening. The unique tenderness that was once in her eyes for her had vanished completely. Song Muyun’s heart trembled, then suddenly began to ache fiercely. Unknowingly, a thick mist of tears had gathered in her eyes.
She didn’t know what was wrong. Seeing Jiang Yao treat her this way felt as if the sky was falling.
It was as if she was supposed to always stand by her side gently, always care for her and protect her, never speak to her with cold words, never tell her not to be with her.
Song Muyun’s eyes reddened with grievance. She sniffled, looking as if she could burst into tears at any moment.
Jiang Yao was angry and was about to say something harsher, but seeing her like this, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. In the end, she could only grit her teeth in frustration. “Forget it. Miss Song and I have different views. I’m afraid we can’t be friends. Let’s part ways here.”
She was overcome with emotion, and the words she spoke caused a string of crystal-clear tears to fall from Song Muyun’s eyes.
A beauty in tears is, of course, a beautiful sight. But Jiang Yao had turned away too quickly and saw nothing. She didn’t know that after she left without a backward glance, Song Muyun sat there in a daze for a long time, grieving for a long time, listing her own crimes and regretting her words countless times.
She didn’t know what was wrong with herself. Seeing Jiang Yao’s departing back, her heart ached terribly. She had clearly thought last night that since Jiang Yao was a ‘mirror polisher’, she should keep her distance to avoid any misunderstanding. But now that everything was as she wished, she didn’t feel the slightest bit of happiness.
Her heart just ached, again and again.
The author has something to say:
It’s fixed. Next up is probably some jealousy, then a bit of lovemaking, and then a happy ending~
Footnotes
- Shǐ cè (史策) refers to historical records or annals, typically written on bamboo slips or paper, considered a serious and scholarly genre.
- Huàběnzi (话本子) were popular vernacular storybooks, often based on the scripts of professional storytellers, that flourished from the Song dynasty onward. They covered a wide range of genres, including romance, adventure, and historical tales.
- A classical and literary euphemism for female homosexuality, literally meaning 'mirror polishing'.
- Yīn yáng jiāo hé (阴阳交合) refers to the union of yin and yang, a core concept in Daoist philosophy representing cosmic balance. In this context, it's used as a classical and formal term for heterosexual intercourse, implying it is the 'natural way' or 'correct path'.
0 Comments