Forbidden to Bully the Storybook’s Heroine – Chapter 92
by Little PandaHomecoming
Wen Yueyu’s Vice-General was scared to death. This was a battle they were guaranteed to win. If Jiang Yao died in this fight, not only would he be unable to face Wen Yueyu, but Wen Yueyu would be unable to face the Prime Minister.
He rushed over frantically, his tiger-like eyes scanning her as he asked, “Are you, are you alright?”
I’m not alright. Damn it, the back of my heart hurts so much.
With a trembling hand, she pulled out the silver needle that had been thrown at her with full force. It was stuck right on the iron plate Muyun had sewn into her clothes. Otherwise, she probably would have been in real trouble.
Not a single trace of blood was on the silver needle. Huan Jinghong finally broke down. “Is your body made of iron?!”
“Indeed.”
Jiang Yao nodded with a serious expression. Her body was covered in the small iron plates her wifey had sewn on. You could say it was made of iron.
“I’m fine. Take him into custody first. We can demand more from the Wei Kingdom later.”
The Wei Kingdom had helped the Sheng Kingdom; they couldn’t be allowed to retreat unscathed. With this victory, Da Jin had to make sure the Wei Kingdom was seriously weakened.1
The Vice-General hadn’t expected Jiang Yao to pull out the needle completely unscathed.2 He stood there, dumbfounded, wondering if this Jiang Yao truly possessed some kind of supernatural power.
This moment of hesitation cost them.
Huan Jinghong was also a martial artist with excellent hearing. He had naturally heard Jiang Yao’s words.
His heart filled with grief. He had come to avenge his father, but now, not only had he failed, but he had been tricked by them. He had caused the deaths of many soldiers, and now he was going to implicate the Wei Kingdom. What face did he have to continue living ignobly in this world?3
It all happened in a flash.4 Huan Jinghong suddenly broke free from the men restraining him, pulled a dagger from his robes, and plunged it into the other side of his chest without hesitation. The soldiers guarding him cried out in alarm. Jiang Yao and the Vice-General both looked over, stunned.
Blood gushed from the corners of Huan Jinghong’s mouth. He clutched the two searingly painful wounds on his chest, his voice hoarse and muffled by blood. “I will never let you… use me to threaten my emperor! Jiang Yao, you despicable person, you schemed against me! If there is a next life, I will make you… repay this!”
Jiang Yao was speechless.
“Who doesn’t use strategy when waging war? You lost because you were too arrogant to bother with schemes. Don’t be like that in your next life.”
Huan Jinghong knelt on the ground, his eyes wide open, but the light within them was gradually fading.
Jiang Yao walked forward without any aversion and closed his eyes for him. Then she said, “Dig a pit and bury him. Set up a gravestone, too. He was a young general, after all.”
He deserved some dignity.
The others acknowledged the order. Aside from the Wei soldiers who were already dead, the remaining prisoners were all escorted back to the Jin Army’s camp.
This battle was a resounding victory. When the news reached the Sheng Army’s camp, they were furious, cursing Wen Yueyu and Jiang Yao for being insidious and cunning, and cursing the Wei Kingdom’s general for being a brainless fool.
The remaining Wei troops, now without a general, grew anxious and inevitably caused some trouble. The Sheng Army had no choice but to take control of them, suppressing them with force.
In the end, they were an army without a leader. When the second battle began, the Sheng Army actually made the Wei Army lead the charge.
With Huan Jinghong dead, the Wei Army’s morale had already plummeted. The fight was incredibly easy.
The Jin Army effortlessly secured another victory. The Sheng Army was now in a panic and didn’t dare to face the Jin Army for several days.
Jiang Yao and Wen Yueyu discussed their next steps.
“The Wei Army has suffered countless casualties, while the Sheng Army’s losses are minimal. General, I believe we can make an issue of this.”
“You mean…” Wen Yueyu narrowed her eyes, as if she too had glimpsed the opportunity.
“If word of this reaches the Wei Kingdom, I’m afraid it will create a rift between them and the Sheng Kingdom. That will be our chance.”
“Indeed, you’re right. If the Wei Kingdom stops helping the Sheng Kingdom, they are no match for the Jin Kingdom at all.”
After winning, they could even demand more from the Sheng Kingdom. With no one to help them, the Sheng Kingdom would be in no position to refuse.
Wen Yueyu made her decision and immediately sent people to handle the matter.
Subsequent events unfolded just as they had predicted. The Wei Kingdom had lost two generals while the Sheng Kingdom was almost completely unscathed. Over half of the Wei Kingdom’s ten thousand soldiers were dead or wounded, while the Sheng Kingdom had only lost a few hundred. How could the Wei Kingdom possibly have the patience to continue cooperating with them?
The Sheng Kingdom was clearly not sincere!
Without a word, the Wei Kingdom withdrew its army and refused to provide any further assistance to the Sheng Kingdom, infuriating them to no end.
The war went as smoothly as Jiang Yao had imagined, ending in just over three months.
The Sheng Kingdom had long been accustomed to losing to the Jin Kingdom, but they never seemed to learn their lesson. After a few years of recuperation, they would raise their banners and invade again. After losing, they would offer some compensation and go back. This time, Jiang Yao didn’t want to let them go back to rest and recuperate so easily.
Wen Yueyu felt the same.
When the Sheng Kingdom acted restlessly, it was always the common people of the borderlands who suffered. It was better to beat them into submission once and for all.
She sent a letter requesting that His Majesty dispatch negotiators, emphasizing that the Sheng Kingdom’s vitality was severely damaged5 and they would not dare to object to any of Da Jin’s demands. She hinted that they could make an exorbitant demand6 and that the Emperor need not be polite.
Although the current emperor wasn’t particularly brilliant or wise, at least the Prime Minister was there.
Jiang Yao was one of the generals who had participated in this war. The more flesh the Sheng Kingdom was forced to give up, the more this victory would be praised by the people, which would only benefit Jiang Yao. To pave the way for his daughter, Jiang Heng naturally wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by.
The official who came to negotiate was someone Jiang Heng had personally promoted. He had learned everything from Jiang Heng. Although he exuded the air of an honest man, his every word was a trap for others. Wen Yueyu was very confident in his ability to handle the negotiations.
The first thing he did upon arrival was meet with Jiang Yao. Only after seeing that she was safe and sound did he feel relieved and focus on negotiating with the Sheng Kingdom.
The negotiations lasted for nearly half a month, during which Jiang Yao and the others stayed in Linjiang City. Finally, news came that the talks were over. The Sheng Kingdom had been forced to cede three cities, along with ten thousand taels of gold and countless treasures. Their vitality was truly and severely damaged.
It wasn’t that they didn’t want to refuse, but now the Wei Kingdom was unwilling to help them, and other countries, seeing their defeat, kept their distance. They couldn’t beat the Jin Kingdom. After deliberately dragging things out for half a month and seeing that the other side wouldn’t budge an inch, they could only grit their teeth and accept, resentfully sending off this great Buddha from the Jin Kingdom.
This was a true, resounding victory, and the rewards were plentiful.
Wen Yueyu was already preparing to return to the capital. Having finally enjoyed some relaxing days, Jiang Yao had long since taken Song Muyun to explore every corner of Linjiang City. She had also bought a great deal of food. Even on the brutal battlefield, Song Muyun had been well-nourished by her. Her spirit and energy were high, and one look was enough to tell that she had been coaxed and pampered. Her good mood and good sleep gave her a healthy complexion.
There was just one small flaw.
Jiang Yao silently kneaded Song Muyun’s fingers, complaining, “I told you not to do laundry, not to do laundry. Look, now your hands have gotten all rough.”
Ever since her girl had fallen into her hands, she couldn’t bear to let her do any coarse or tiring work. Her hands had been fair and tender, utterly delightful. But now, though they were still fair, they were not nearly as tender as before, all because of too much manual labor.
The more Jiang Yao touched them, the more her heart ached. She had taken a wife to pamper her like a treasure. How could she bear to let her do any work?
Song Muyun let her stroke her hands while lifting her chin and letting out a soft, delicate humph. “My hands are rough now. Do you not like me anymore?”
The corners of her long, narrow eyes crinkled slightly, as if to say, If you dare not to like me, you’re dead.
Of course Jiang Yao didn’t dare. She quickly wrapped an arm around her beloved’s waist and defended herself. “How could that be? I just feel bad for you. You haven’t had any good days with me, and instead, you’ve had to work so hard.”
Song Muyun didn’t feel that she had worked hard at all. She leaned against Jiang Yao’s chest and said in a low voice, “But I feel that just being with you is already a great happiness. It’s only washing clothes for you; I’m willing to do it. You’re so tired every day from training and fighting. I’m the one who can’t bear to let you wash your own clothes.”
Whenever Jiang Yao returned from training or battle, she was always covered in dirt and sweat, looking utterly exhausted. In contrast, Song Muyun, who helped bandage the wounded, was always clean and dry, and not very tired.
Jiang Yao pinched Song Muyun’s pert nose, occasionally leaning down to kiss her. “Tsk, my little Yun’er really pampers me. How fortunate am I to have earned your sincere affection.”
Song Muyun threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around Jiang Yao’s neck and rubbing against her shoulder. Her voice softened. “What’s this? You’re so wonderful. It’s my good fortune to have met you.”
Jiang Yao knew that wasn’t the whole story. It wasn’t just her good fortune.
Meeting each other was a blessing for them both.
Otherwise, everything would have been like in her past life. She would have died, and Yun’er would have found it difficult to survive.
Fortunately, fate had allowed them to meet. She would protect Yun’er, and Yun’er would give her heart to her in return.
The two of them were lovey-dovey for several days before it was finally time to set off for the capital.
The female physicians and doctors had carriages, while the soldiers walked or rode horses. Jiang Yao had not yet been officially rewarded, so she naturally didn’t have a horse. But that was a small problem. She went out and bought a horse herself, blending in with the mounted soldiers.
Song Muyun didn’t want to share a carriage with the others. They were always asking about her and Jiang Yao, and always teasing her. It was too embarrassing.
So the young lady sat in the carriage, lifted the curtain, and looked at Jiang Yao, who was riding beside them, with a pair of moist, innocent eyes, appearing both obedient and pitiful.
Jiang Yao noticed and lowered her head to ask with concern, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell or unhappy?”
Song Muyun pursed her lips, looking rather wronged. She said in a tiny voice, “I want to ride a horse, too…”
So she wanted to ride a horse.
Jiang Yao smiled. “If you want to ride, just say so. Why put on such a pitiful look? I thought someone was bullying you. Come on, get out. I’ll help you up.”
Song Muyun hadn’t expected Jiang Yao to agree so easily. Her eyes lit up, and she obediently jumped down from the carriage. Jiang Yao pulled her forcefully onto the horse, seating her in front. Her back rested against Jiang Yao’s warm chest, and the late spring breeze blew over, gently caressing her face.
It made her already joyful mood soar even higher, and she chattered happily with Jiang Yao.
Just leaning against her embrace made her feel at ease, as if she had already obtained the most precious thing in the world.
That’s right. By getting Jiang Yao, she had gotten everything: a lover who adored her, a family that cared for her, and even tanghulu and sugar figurines.
How wonderful.
She had everything. Song Muyun pressed herself tightly against Jiang Yao.
After several more days on the road, they finally reached the capital.
Wen Yueyu went to the palace first to report on her duties. Only after receiving the Emperor’s instructions were they allowed to enter the city.
The Song family knew they were returning today. As soon as court was dismissed, they brought their wives and children to wait at the Jiang Residence’s entrance. When they saw two figures on horseback approaching from a distance, everyone’s eyes instantly lit up.
Song Yusheng couldn’t hold back. After getting her parents’ permission, she ran over and threw herself into the arms of Song Muyun, who had just dismounted. “Eldest Sister, you’re finally back! Sheng’er missed you so much.”
After a long period of recuperation in the capital, she had finally regained some of her former lively and playful demeanor, and had also become a bit clingy.
Song Muyun hugged Song Yusheng and said gently, “Thank you for waiting for me here, Sheng’er. Are you tired?”
Song Yusheng shook her head obediently. “I’m not tired. Seeing you makes me not tired at all.”
Jiang Yao smiled, wrapping an arm around Song Muyun’s waist. “Your little sister is just as sweet-tongued as you are.”
“What are you saying? The elders are right there. Stop it.” How embarrassing. Song Muyun twisted her little waist and lowered her head.
Second Aunt Song also came forward, taking Song Muyun’s sleeve and looking her over with pity. “You must have suffered so much this time. You look so much thin… hey, how did you get a little chubbier?”
Second Aunt Song hadn’t even finished saying she’d gotten thinner when she was shocked to realize the girl had actually gained weight. Her cheeks were even a little fuller. She had assumed that campaigning would be arduous and that she would surely lose some weight.
Song Muyun was speechless.
She spent every day with Jiang Yao, living a very comfortable life. She hadn’t noticed if she had gained or lost weight. Now that someone had pointed it out, she felt inexplicably shy. She lowered her head, hiding her moist, bashful eyes, and fidgeted with her fingers, murmuring, “Perhaps I’ve been eating too much these past few days.”
“Ahem. She hasn’t gained weight. I think she’s still thin. Second Aunt, don’t say that, or she’ll refuse to eat again. And you, don’t you overthink it. The little bit you eat isn’t even enough to fill the gaps between my teeth. How is that a lot?”
Humph. She liked her wifey chubby.
Second Aunt Song didn’t mean to criticize her for being chubby. Hearing this, she replied with a gentle look in her eyes, saying only that it was better for a woman to be a bit plump, as it was a sign of good health.
As they drew closer, Jiang Heng looked the two of them over from head to toe. Only after confirming they had no major injuries did he curve his lips into a smile. “Since our in-laws have also come, please come in and sit for a while. Let the two children get some rest.”
His sudden words left everyone—the Song family, Jiang Yao, and Song Muyun—frozen in place. Only the other members of the Jiang family, who were prepared, remained composed, their smiles gentle.
The Song family members looked at each other in a daze, all thinking the same thing: What did the Prime Minister call us?
Could it be that the Prime Minister had misspoken? That couldn’t be right.
The hidden meaning in his words stunned everyone. Of the Jiang family, only Jiang Huai didn’t know about this, so his eyes widened in shock. Holy shit, I’m really getting a sister-in-law? My old-fashioned father can actually agree to something that goes against all moral principles?!8
If word of this got out, it wouldn’t just make his jaw drop; it would make the jaws of every official in the capital drop. Look, even the Song family couldn’t process it.
Liang Qingyin and Jiang Yi had known about this for a while. They smilingly invited the Song madams inside for a chat. Jiang Yao also discreetly reached for Song Muyun’s hand. The other girl was extremely shy, lowering her head and not daring to look at her, but her hand didn’t run away, letting itself be held obediently.
Jiang Ru also came over to chat with them. Jiang Huai, however, ran off quickly. He had a sister who had gone to war and won a great victory, and he said he was going out to show off a bit.
Such a boyish temperament, not steady at all.
As long as he didn’t cause any trouble, Jiang Yao couldn’t be bothered with him. She led the large group inside.
Halfway in, she realized that the Song elders had gone with her parents, but the three young masters were following them.
Damn it, she shouldn’t have let Jiang Huai leave just now. Who was going to entertain these three young masters?
Jiang Yao hesitated for a moment, then stretched her lips into a close and amiable smile. She found a topic and asked the three of them, “Are you all… planning to take the civil or martial examinations in the future?”
Caught off guard by the question, the three of them subconsciously shouted in unison, “Eldest Sister-in-law!”9
…
“Mm,” Jiang Yao replied with a smile.
Only then did they feel a bit awkward. The eldest of them, Second Brother Song Yingdong, quickly changed the subject. “My brothers and I are only good at studying. Our martial skills are poor, so…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, but Jiang Yao naturally understood. Their martial skills were poor, so they couldn’t take the martial examinations.
Jiang Yao looked the three of them up and down several times, making them all quite nervous, before she suddenly spoke. “Seeing your slender builds, you must have never practiced martial arts, have you?”
Song Muyun gently tugged on Jiang Yao’s sleeve. “Why are you asking this? Are you going to teach them?”
Jiang Yao was a bit helpless and a bit embarrassed. She leaned close to her wifey’s ear and whispered in a voice no one else could hear, “I don’t know what to talk to them about. I can’t just leave them hanging here. That would be so rude.”
Jiang Yao didn’t know how to say scholarly things. She only knew how to wield sabers and spears, so naturally, she couldn’t ask about anything else.
Song Muyun was speechless.
She never would have thought that was the reason.
She sighed helplessly and first had everyone sit down, including her three younger brothers. Then, without needing Jiang Yao to force conversation to entertain them, she casually asked about her brothers’ studies and offered a few of her own insights.
Scholars love to discuss poetry and literature. When Jiang Ru heard her favorite poet, Qing Lü, mentioned, she finally couldn’t resist joining the conversation. In the end, only Jiang Yao was left isolated, with no one paying her any attention.
Jiang Yao’s eyes went wide. She pricked up her ears and tried hard to join in, but she still couldn’t muster a shred of interest in their conversation, nor could she understand a single sentence.
…
Finally, someone from the front courtyard came to invite them for lunch, and the discussion finally stopped.
Song Muyun turned to look at Jiang Yao. That one word, “in-laws,” still made her a little embarrassed, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She thought, Have Uncle and Aunt already accepted me as Jiang Yao’s wife?
She gently tugged on Jiang Yao’s sleeve, as if in reliance.
“Hmph, so you finally remember me now?” She was having such a good time talking with the others just now.
Song Muyun lowered her head, her face red, and went over to swing Jiang Yao’s hand coaxingly. Even without a word, one could see the coquettishness in her eyes.
Jiang Yao’s heart finally softened. She took Song Muyun’s hand in hers. “Let’s go. You all must be hungry. Time to eat. Sheng’er, you can sit next to Yun’er later, alright?”
Song Yusheng was a young girl and a sister Muyun was fond of, so Jiang Yao treated her very well.
The little girl softly replied, “Okay,” looking reserved and polite, which was quite endearing.
All the members of the Song family were like that. Her wifey was, too.
“Then I want to sit next to jiejie. It’s been so long since I’ve seen jiejie. When we get back, jiejie has to tell me all about the battlefield. I don’t know anything about it.”
“Hmph, you were chatting so happily with others just now, and now you remember to ask me about the battlefield?”
Jiang Ru sidled up to her, acting spoiled. “Aiya, jiejie~”
“Alright, alright. After we eat, come to my courtyard for a bit. I’ll tell you then.”
“Okay, jiejie is the best! Did you run into any danger on your journey?”
Jiang Yao chuckled, pulling Song Muyun, who was walking beside her, into her arms. She lifted her chin with a hint of pride. “The battlefield is fraught with peril. Your jiejie was almost killed in a sneak attack.”
“Hey, I told you not to say that word!”
The day Huan Jinghong had ambushed her, she had gone back and played the victim with Muyun, saying she had almost not made it back alive and was about to die out there, but was saved by the clothes she made. Before she could finish, Muyun’s face had turned pale with fright. She had covered Jiang Yao’s mouth, forbidding her from continuing, and forbidding her from ever mentioning that word again.
She still wasn’t allowed to.
Afraid of making her cry, Jiang Yao could only raise her hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I won’t say it, I won’t say it.”
Jiang Ru also agreed. “Isn’t jiejie fine now? Please don’t say such unlucky things.” After scolding her, she continued to ask, “So who ambushed you? How ungracious! A sneak attack from behind is not the act of a gentleman, but the work of a despicable person!”
A look of righteous indignation appeared on her little bookworm face.
Jiang Yao was speechless.
“I was the one who ambushed his father first.”
Jiang Ru was speechless.
“If it’s on the battlefield, then that’s a different matter. Jiejie was fighting to protect the people of the Da Jin Kingdom. That’s not a sneak attack; that’s jiejie’s superior strategy. His skills were simply inferior.”
Jiang Yao laughed. “Since when did Ru’er learn to be so sweet-tongued? Just like your saozi.”
Muyun’s little mouth was so sweet. Sweet when she talked, and sweet when she was kissed.
An arm was secretly pinched, and Jiang Yao let out a soft cough, not daring to tease Song Muyun anymore. If she really made her angry, she’d be in for it.
It was a rare occasion for the whole family to eat together. Jiang Heng was very courteous to the Song family, truly treating them like in-laws. The Song family was a bit reserved at first, but as they chatted, they relaxed and began to engage in eloquent discourse with Jiang Heng and Jiang Zhi, speaking their minds.
Soon after, Jiang Yao and the others arrived. The young masters and misses of the Song family came over one by one to greet the elders. Liang Qingyin arranged everyone’s seating. Song Yusheng was young, so she was seated next to Muyun, where she could be looked after.
Jiang Heng picked up a piece of vegetable with his chopsticks. After attending to his in-laws, he said to Jiang Yao, “I hear you made a great contribution in this battle?”
He had heard about it when the Emperor summoned them to the capital during morning court, and had also heard what Wen Yueyu said in her report.
The pride in Jiang Yao’s eyes was about to overflow when she heard her father say sternly, “Making a contribution is a good thing, but remember not to get carried away by success10 or become arrogant.11 Never mind your master, you can’t even compare to your Second Uncle for now.”
As if a basin of cold water had been dumped on her, Jiang Yao immediately drooped, her energy draining away as she responded with a weak sound of acknowledgment.
Under the table, Song Muyun secretly squeezed Jiang Yao’s hand. When no one was looking, she leaned close to her ear and whispered, “You’re amazing. Don’t listen to Uncle. In my heart, you’re the most amazing.”
Jiang Heng didn’t know martial arts and could only see the two of them whispering, but he didn’t know what they were saying. Jiang Zhi, however, heard them. He suddenly looked up at the Song elders with a rather appreciative gaze. The daughter they had raised might have led their family’s child astray, but her character was truly excellent.
The Song elders looked at each other, completely baffled.
After hearing Song Muyun’s words, the little bit of disappointment in Jiang Yao’s heart vanished instantly. The corners of her mouth couldn’t help but lift high. From the pot of chicken soup that had just been served, she used the serving chopsticks to tear off a drumstick, ladled some soup, and placed it in front of Song Muyun with a broad smile. “I know. Here, have some soup. You’ve been campaigning with me for so long and haven’t had a single good meal.”
Liang Qingyin’s heart ached at the thought. She said to Jiang Yao, “You’re not to bully Muyun anymore in the future. For a rascal like you, it’s rare to find someone who genuinely loves you. You’d better cherish her.”
There were some things she didn’t say. She used to think her daughter was destined to be alone for life. She never imagined someone would actually love her now—not for the Jiang family behind her, but just for her. If it was a girl, then so be it. She was much more obedient and sensible than Jiang Yao. She had always envied the second branch for having Ru’er, who was so well-mannered and talented. Now, their main branch had one too.
When Liang Qingyin looked at Song Muyun, her eyes curved into crescents, her expression incredibly benevolent.
Song Muyun lowered her head in embarrassment, her fingers gripping her chopsticks tightly.
Jiang Yao, while serving a bowl of chicken soup and the other drumstick to Song Yusheng, replied naturally, “How have I bullied Muyun? I treat Muyun better than anyone, right?”
She raised her hand, wanting to pat the girl’s head, but held back, mindful of the crowd. After everyone had finished eating and the Song family had been seen off, Jiang Yao finally couldn’t resist and gave Song Muyun’s hair a good ruffle.
Jiang Ru, standing to the side, saw her saozi’s dark hair being messed up and said with great exasperation, “Jiejie, I’m still here.”
Song Muyun, her hair slightly disheveled, gave Jiang Yao a gentle push, her jade-like earlobes turning red and hot.
“Yun’er and I aren’t even doing anything. What’s wrong with a pat on the head? Are you jealous? If you’re jealous, go pat your Eighth Prince.”
At the mention of the Eighth Prince, Jiang Ru’s movements suddenly froze. As if remembering something, her expression changed. “Jiejie, I forgot I have plans to go boating12 with the Eighth Prince this afternoon. I won’t go to your courtyard today. I’ll visit another time.”
Jiang Yao was speechless.
Seeing her little sister was in a hurry, she could only wave her hand to let her go. After she left, Jiang Yao complained to Song Muyun, “In the past, whenever I came back from a campaign, Ru’er loved to pester me with questions. Now that she has the Eighth Prince, she’s forgotten all about me.”
Song Muyun thought she was a little disappointed, so she turned and threw her arms around Jiang Yao’s neck, nuzzling her. Her beautiful phoenix eyes were full of affection, her red lips lightly pursed as she said softly, “It’s alright, you have me to keep you company. I’ll always be with you.”
The body in her arms was soft and enchanting, making Jiang Yao’s heart itch with desire. She suddenly scooped up the girl by her soft bottom, holding her like a child. She was getting used to this position. Song Muyun was forced to wrap her arms around Jiang Yao’s head.
Jiang Yao said, “There’s no one here. Shall I carry you back?”
Song Muyun’s eyes flickered. She was a little embarrassed, but her heart was willing. In the end, she nodded.
So Jiang Yao carried her and walked quickly away. The two of them entered Hengwu Courtyard. She was so impatient that she didn’t even greet the maidservants she hadn’t seen in a long time. She rushed into the room with Song Muyun and, before the maidservants could follow, left them with a single sentence: “No one is to come in.” Then she kicked the door shut with her foot.
The woman, beautiful beyond the mortal realm, was tossed onto the bed. Seeming to know what Jiang Yao was about to do, her eyes misted over, hazy and incredibly beautiful.
The author has something to say:
Ah, it’s so late again, but the main story should be ending soon. Celebrating in advance with scattered flowers! There are still several extras to come.
Footnotes
- The original is 伤筋动骨 (shāng jīn dòng gǔ), a chengyu meaning to “injure the muscles and break the bones.” It’s used to describe a fundamental, debilitating injury.
- The original is 毫发无损 (háo fà wú sǔn), a chengyu meaning “not a single hair harmed.”
- The original is 苟活于世 (gǒu huó yú shì), a chengyu for living on in shame or disgrace.
- The original is a classic narrative phrase, 说时迟那时快 (shuō shí chí nà shí kuài), which literally means “speaking of it being slow, it was then fast.”
- The original is 元气大伤 (yuán qì dà shāng), meaning a great loss of strength or morale.
- The original is 狮子大开口 (shīzi dà kāi kǒu), an idiom that literally means “lion opens its big mouth.”
- The term used is 亲家 (qīnjiā), which specifically refers to the parents of one’s child’s spouse. For the Prime Minister to use this term is a massive, public acknowledgment of Jiang Yao and Song Muyun’s relationship.
- The phrase is 有违纲常 (yǒu wéi gāng cháng), which refers to violating the fundamental tenets of Confucian social order. In this context, a same-sex union would be considered such a violation.
- The term is 大嫂 (dàsǎo), a formal address for one’s eldest brother’s wife. This is their first time using it, signifying their acceptance of Jiang Yao into the family.
- The original is 得意忘形 (dé yì wàng xíng), a chengyu for losing one’s composure due to success.
- The original is 自视甚高 (zì shì shèn gāo), a chengyu for being conceited.
- The original is 泛舟 (fàn zhōu), a somewhat literary term for boating.
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