Forbidden to Bully the Storybook’s Heroine – Chapter 67

！！！

Recalling what Song Muyun had said, Second Madam and Third Madam exchanged a look before turning to Jiang Yao. “You’re the one Yun’er mentioned… the Prime Minister’s daughter, Eldest Miss Jiang?”

Even Mother Song, despite her ailing body, couldn’t help but look up.

Jiang Yao offered a reserved, faint smile. “Greetings to the three Aunties. Please, just call me Jiang Yao.”

Her attitude was polite and respectful, nothing at all like the arrogant person others spoke of, and it immediately left a good impression.

Third Madam was the first to address her by name. “Jiang Yao, did you bring Yun’er here?”

“Yes. Ah Yun was very anxious when she heard about her Auntie’s situation and wanted to come see for herself, so I brought her.”

A weak, aged female voice sounded from within the carriage. It was Mother Song. “Thank you, Miss Jiang, for bringing Yun’er. She must have been a lot of trouble for you.”

Toward Mother Song, Jiang Yao’s deference deepened. She wished she could dismount and speak to her properly, but if she did, Mother Song wouldn’t be able to see her.

“You speak too seriously¹,” Jiang Yao said. “Ah Yun and I are very close friends. This was just a trivial matter², not worthy of your thanks.”

Inside the carriage, Song Muyun whispered to her mother, “In the capital, some people tried to bully me, but thanks to Jiang Yao, she protected me the entire time. Later, she even brought me into the Jiang Residence. It was Jiang Yao’s father who had our family’s case overturned. She is a very, very good person. Your daughter likes her very much.”

The slightly conservative Mother Song didn’t detect the other emotions hidden within that declaration of “like.” She simply felt a deeper gratitude toward Jiang Yao, sighing that both she and her father were good people. This, she thought, was the true bearing of an aristocratic family.

“Miss Jiang, the sun is hot out there. If you don’t mind the smell of medicine in the carriage, please come in and sit.”

Everyone in the capital knew that since the Song family’s case was overturned, Jiang Yao’s doting on the former Miss Song had entered her very bones³.

The captain of the guards sent to escort the Song family back to the capital was naturally aware of this and hadn’t dared to show any neglect along the way. The carriage he had chosen was exceptionally spacious; even a dozen people could sit inside without it feeling crowded.

Her future mother-in-law was trying to get closer to her; of course Jiang Yao wouldn’t refuse. She nimbly dismounted and slipped into the carriage. “I don’t mind. Of course I don’t mind. Auntie, is your body feeling any better today? We’re about to reach the next town. I’ll have a doctor take a look at you then.”

Mother Song shook her head helplessly, a wry smile on her face. “I know Eldest Miss Jiang means well, but there’s no need. I understand my own body. I’m afraid I’m lacking the skill to reverse the heavens⁴. I won’t trouble you.”

Jiang Yao’s smile faded. She fell silent and looked at Song Muyun.

Song Muyun had already cried herself out. Her face was etched with deep sorrow as she looked at her mother, saying nothing.

Mother Song raised a hand to touch Song Muyun’s face. “I told you long ago, there is no banquet in the world that does not end⁵. What is there to be sad about? As long as you are well, my spirit in heaven⁶ will be very happy.”

Song Muyun simply couldn’t accept her mother’s passing. Even as her mother comforted her, she couldn’t hold back. She threw herself into Jiang Yao’s arms, burying her face as if to escape reality.

She wasn’t crying. She was just escaping.

Jiang Yao quickly bent down and soothed her in a low voice, telling her it was okay, that she was here, that there was nothing to fear.

Mother Song frowned. In a soft but stern voice, she told Song Muyun to get up and not be so ill-mannered.

Song Muyun’s body stiffened slightly, and she quietly pulled away from Jiang Yao’s embrace.

As Jiang Yao steadied Song Muyun with one hand, she said to Mother Song, “It’s alright. Muyun is living at my home now, so she and I are just like family.”

But we aren’t real family, after all.

It was wonderful that Jiang Yao and Yun’er were on good terms, and that she was willing to shelter and help her. But if Yun’er was always so ill-mannered and earned Jiang Yao’s dislike, people as powerful and influential as them could turn hostile⁷ in an instant.

In the past, they too had held high positions and could afford to be aloof and proud, but now… Having fallen from such a great height, she had seen too much of how the way of the world is fickle⁸. She herself didn’t have long to live, and she was terrified that after she died, Yun’er would be bullied.

What should I do?

Mother Song looked at Jiang Yao. She was still whispering comforts to Yun’er, coaxing her gently, seeming to treat her even better than she herself did.

Perhaps she ought to trust the character of the Jiang family.

“Miss Jiang.”

Hearing the weak voice, Jiang Yao quickly turned her head, taking the opportunity to be more familiar. “Please, just call me Jiang Yao.”

The older woman nodded, smiling as she obliged. “Jiang Yao, I heard from Yun’er… that you helped her a great deal in the capital.”

Jiang Yao replied, “It was merely the effort of raising a hand⁹, not worth mentioning¹⁰.”

“No matter what, Yun’er is my only daughter. Thank you for being willing to help her. I don’t have anything valuable with me right now, but this was left by her father. Please don’t disdain it.”

As she spoke, Mother Song took out a half-moon-shaped jade pendant¹¹ from her robes. From its lustrous, smooth surface, one could tell its owner had often turned it over in their palm.

How could Jiang Yao dare to accept it? She refused at once. “No, no, no, what I did was what I should have done. How could I possibly take something of yours? And since this was left by Lord Song, I absolutely cannot accept it.”

Jiang Yao shot a pleading look at Song Muyun. With anyone else, she would have refused directly, but this was Mother Song. This was Muyun’s mother, and she was gravely ill. No matter what, she couldn’t take her things, and her words had to be respectful, polite, and tactful.

Song Muyun also frowned and spoke up. “Mother, Father left that for you. You should keep it.”

Mother Song cast a light glance at Song Muyun. Though she was ill, it was enough to make Song Muyun lower her head like a quail¹², not daring to speak.

“What did I teach you? A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring¹³. Jiang Yao has helped you so much, and now this is just a jade pendant. I still feel I owe her a great debt.”

Jiang Yao quickly interjected, “How could that be? Not at all. I helped Ah Yun willingly. There’s no debt to speak of. I really can’t take this jade pendant.”

How could I dare take a jade pendant left by her father? Am I insane?

Mother Song shook her head. “You said you and Yun’er are like family. This jade pendant is a gift for her family. She will receive one as well.” She paused, her breath catching slightly. “This one is mine. Her father and I each had one. We were going to have one made for Yun’er, but unfortunately…”

Unfortunately, the Song family met with disaster. Now there were only two. Since she was about to die anyway, she might as well give it to Jiang Yao to curry some favor for Yun’er, so that Jiang Yao might shelter her a little after she was gone.

Hearing this, however, Jiang Yao was a little moved. She gets one, and Ah Yun gets one? Isn’t that a token of love/engagement¹⁴?

Her heart began to pound in her chest. She wanted it. She wanted it so badly. But she was too embarrassed to accept. Her eyes were glued to the jade pendant, but her mouth still said, “Even so, I can’t accept it.”

Mother Song saw that she was tempted and glanced at her second and third sisters-in-law. They quickly chimed in, persuading her. In the end, Jiang Yao could only accept the jade pendant with a troubled expression on her face but delight in her heart.

Mother Song gave her own pendant to Song Muyun, then closed her eyes to rest her spirit¹⁵.

Jiang Yao and Song Muyun exchanged a look and sat quietly to one side.

While Song Muyun tucked in the corners of her mother’s blanket, the two Song Madams quietly asked them about the current situation in the capital and the details of the case.

They all knew the Song family had been framed this time, so they didn’t blame Song Yunqian. Someone had wanted to frame him; it was something they couldn’t have known about or avoided.

The Song family now only hoped to be exonerated¹⁶, allowing the few remaining male members of a family¹⁷ to return to officialdom¹⁸. And not just them, but their children as well. The sons and daughters of Second Madam and Third Madam had been raised well; perhaps they could all enter the court?

Only by holding a high position could they better protect their family and make the people who framed them pay the price.

“The Prefect of Luzhou is currently missing. Perhaps when he is found, the truth will come to light¹⁹,” Jiang Yao said.

But it wasn’t just them looking for Meng Xia, the Prefect of Luzhou. Several other groups in the capital were searching as well.

Whether he could be found was another matter entirely.

Second Madam nodded, her voice low but still filled with righteous indignation²⁰. “I don’t know who could be so vicious. This is an attempt to make our entire Song clan fall into a mud pit²¹!”

Third Madam’s face was clouded with worry. If they couldn’t find Meng Xia, the Song family’s good reputation²² would forever be covered by a shadow²³, which would be a heavy blow to them all.

When they arrived at the next city, Jiang Yao saw that Mother Song was unsteady on her feet. Without a second thought, she got out of the carriage first, bent over, and called out loudly, “Auntie, you’re ill. Let me carry you on my back.”

Inside, Mother Song paused. Just a moment ago, she had been thinking about how Jiang Yao had disembarked before her elders, but now she heard that she had done so to carry her…

Naturally, she was unwilling. There was no reason for a junior to whom she wasn’t related to carry her. But despite her refusal, Jiang Yao blocked the carriage exit, insisting on carrying her down, saying she was afraid she would fall. She was so meticulous, as if she weren’t her friend’s mother, but her own.

Regarding this, Madam Jiang would like to state that she had never received such treatment from Jiang Yao.

Mother Song was helpless. With Song Muyun’s persuasion, she finally had to agree and was helped onto Jiang Yao’s back.

She worried that Jiang Yao, being a woman, wouldn’t be able to support her weight. But Yun’er, as if sensing her concern, immediately stepped forward and said, “Jiang Yao is a martial arts practitioner. She’s very strong and has a very stable stance. Don’t you worry.”

Carrying a thin woman not yet forty years old was indeed easy for Jiang Yao. She even had the energy to look up and give Song Muyun a glance of approval.

She’s getting to know me better and better. She knows I’m strong and have a stable stance, tsk. Why does getting a compliment from my wife make me so happy?

Mother Song was settled in an inn. By now, the sky had darkened, and many doctors had closed up for the day. Jiang Yao had to pay extra to summon them, but every doctor who took Mother Song’s pulse said she was lacking the skill to reverse the heavens.

Song Muyun’s heart shattered. Her eyes were completely devoid of light. Even in front of her mother, she could no longer force a smile.

In contrast, Mother Song’s expression was calm and composed, as if she had already made peace with life and death.

She patted Song Muyun’s hand. “Don’t wear a funeral face²⁴. I hope that in my final days, I can see you a little happier.”

Song Muyun tried very, very hard to slowly curve her lips into a smile.

“I know, Mother.”

“I don’t have many days left. The ones I worry about most are you and your younger brothers and sisters.”

The brothers she referred to were Song Muyun’s paternal younger cousins²⁵, who were currently waiting outside.

Compared to the refined young men with a scholarly air²⁶ they once were, their faces now showed a clear exhaustion. Even their postures were not as straight as before. And yet… only half a year had passed.

“Mother, I know. I will take good care of my brothers and sisters,” Song Muyun said, her voice still fragile and choked with tears.

Second Madam immediately interjected, “It’s not for you to take care of them now. They should be the ones taking care of you.”

Compared to the others, Song Muyun’s situation was certainly more tragic. With both parents gone, she would be all alone in the world. It was only right that they should look after her.

“That Xiao Wu²⁷, what’s taking her so long to bring a doctor back?” Third Madam said, looking toward the door.

Xiao Wu was her daughter. The eldest branch of the Song family had one daughter, who was the eldest daughter of her generation. The second branch had a pair of twins, who were the third and fourth children. The third branch had a son and a daughter; the son was the second-born, but the daughter was the youngest girl in the Song family, named Song Yusheng²⁸.

Just as she was mentioned, Song Yusheng returned. She said nothing, simply standing obediently beside Third Madam Song with her eyelashes lowered.

Song Muyun remembered how lively Yusheng used to be, how she loved to cling to her. But now…

The Song family… the scenery is the same, but the people have changed²⁹.

In comparison, she was the one who had it best.

A thick wave of self-blame rose in her heart, and she didn’t dare look at them any longer.

Mother Song, truly her mother, saw at a glance that something was wrong with Song Muyun’s mood. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she quickly guessed the reason. Patting the back of Song Muyun’s hand, she told her, “Don’t blame yourself. What happened to us was not because of you.”

It was because someone behind the scenes wanted to frame them. Even if they blamed the upright and incorruptible³⁰ Song Yunqian for making too many enemies, they couldn’t blame Song Muyun, a woman raised in the deep boudoir³¹.

Song Muyun lowered her head, a sob escaping her throat. Even Jiang Yao’s comforting was of no use.

She cried, “I should have come to find you sooner. If I had come sooner, you wouldn’t have gotten sick.”

The place of exile³² was bitterly cold. Mother Song’s body had already been weakened from giving birth to Song Muyun, making her unable to endure hard labor and more susceptible to the cold. That’s why this had happened.

Song Muyun couldn’t stop thinking: If I had come a little sooner, if I had asked Jiang Yao for help earlier instead of assuming she wouldn’t help me, could I have saved my mother? It’s my fault…

Seeing her continue to blame herself and cry, Mother Song’s expression suddenly turned cold, her tone sharpening. “Yun’er! When did you become so fragile? Who gave you permission to shoulder responsibilities that are not yours?”

Her sudden fierceness startled Song Muyun. Jiang Yao quickly steadied Song Muyun’s trembling, slender body, gently stroking her shoulder to soothe her.

“This is the Song family’s fate, and it is my fate. Don’t overthink it. In this life, being able to give birth to you with your father has already made it all worth it. Your father was a good man. I have no regrets about marrying him.”

Her body had been damaged when she gave birth to Muyun, leaving her unable to conceive again, but Song Yunqian never showed any intention of taking a concubine. He kept their original promise: one life, one world, one pair of people³³.

“Mother…”

“Now, I have only one request for you.”

Mother Song’s voice softened again.

Song Muyun looked up with red-rimmed eyes and heard her mother say, “I want you to find the person who framed your father. No matter what, you must avenge him. The Song family’s honor³⁴ will not be slandered!”

“Yes, Mother, I know, I know. I will definitely find the real culprit. Please don’t be angry…”

Jiang Yao chimed in, “That’s right, Auntie. Anger harms the body³⁵. Please calm down. Don’t talk anymore, just rest for a while.”

Mother Song shook her head. “I don’t have many days left. I have to say what I need to say quickly, or I’m afraid I’ll never have the chance.”

Her voice was hoarse, and the fatigue on her face grew heavier.

Jiang Yao had no choice but to fall silent, trying her best not to disturb Mother Song.

“Miss Jiang, I’m so grateful to you for taking care of Muyun.”

Perhaps because she was asking for a favor, her form of address had reverted to “Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Yao looked down at her and said warmly, “Ah Yun is wonderful. All the young ladies in the capital think I’m crude and won’t play with me. Only Ah Yun doesn’t mind.”

Mother Song shook her head. “How could Miss Jiang be crude? You act with care and stability. With you by Yun’er’s side, I am very much at ease.”

Sensing the implication of entrustment in these words, Jiang Yao’s posture straightened slightly. She followed along, saying, “Yes, I will definitely take good care of Ah Yun.”

“I don’t expect you to burden yourself with Yun’er’s care, only that when she is being bullied, you might offer her a little shelter. If so, I can die in peace.”

“Mother!”

“You, be quiet.”

“Miss Jiang, I know that by doing this, cough cough, I might be taking advantage of my old age³⁶, but I still want to…”

“No!” Jiang Yao immediately interrupted before Mother Song could finish. “I don’t think you’re taking advantage of your old age at all. I will protect Muyun well. From now on, Ah Yun will live with me, so please don’t worry. I have shops in the capital, and the revenues decent. I won’t let Ah Yun suffer.”

Mother Song was stunned, clearly not expecting Jiang Yao to say such a thing. “That… that won’t be necessary. Yun’er is a member of the Song family, after all. How can she trouble you at the Jiang Residence indefinitely?”

Jiang Yao felt dangers lurk on all sides³⁷. Is she trying to steal my wife from me?!

“No, no, no, how could it be a bother? I’ve gotten used to being with Ah Yun. Besides, my parents are especially fond of her. If Ah Yun were to leave, our whole family would feel lost without her.”

Jiang Yao stared at Mother Song with her big, clear, and bright eyes, her expression sincere.

Mother Song was astonished. The Jiang family… likes Yun’er that much?

Second Madam and Third Madam also felt their heads spin. Yun’er had no prior connection to the Jiang family, so how had they suddenly taken such a liking to her?

“Yun’er, what are your thoughts?” Mother Song could only turn to Song Muyun and ask for her opinion.

Song Muyun paused. Even without looking up, she could feel the scorching, pitiful gaze from her side.

If she said she wanted to go back to the Song residence, Jiang Yao would definitely be furious.

The young woman clenched her fists, suppressing the shyness in her heart, her expression remaining calm. “Mother, I want to live at the Jiang Residence. I… I’ve also gotten used to being with Jiang Yao.”

She had all but told her mother about her polishing mirrors³⁸, but Mother Song, having never encountered such a thing, didn’t understand in the slightest. She only said that since she was willing, she should follow her heart.

After all, she couldn’t manage things anymore. With Miss Jiang protecting Yun’er, at least she would have a better life. She knew very well what could happen to a commoner of such beauty.

Song Muyun was happy to be with Jiang Yao. Likewise, Jiang Yao was even happier, especially since their relationship was now out in the open, sanctioned³⁹ by the fact that she and Song Muyun each had a jade pendant from a Song family elder.

What was this? This was a token of love/engagement between their two families! Jiang Yao was firmly convinced of this.

Mother Song forced herself to stay up a little longer to arrange some matters. She divided the Song family properties⁴⁰ that the Emperor had returned, which amounted to dividing the family property. The younger generation was also instructed earnestly and repeatedly⁴¹ that they must do their utmost to enter the court and become an official⁴², to work for the well-being of the people, and to ensure that no more upright officials were framed in the court.

The four juniors all agreed with extreme respect before being sent out.

Second Madam said, “Your eldest aunt is tired. Let her rest. Eldest Sister-in-law, don’t worry about what comes next. Just get some sleep. When we get back, we still have to build a cenotaph⁴³ for our eldest brother.”

At the thought of Song Yunqian, the First Madam, who had just regained some spirit, forced herself to nod.

Everyone left the room.

Outside, Jiang Yao saw two serious-looking middle-aged men. It wasn’t until the four juniors went over and called them “Father” that she realized who they were.

She also walked over and said respectfully, “Lords Song, I have long heard of your great names.”

Song Yunshi⁴⁴ and Song Yunshang⁴⁵ were both taken aback. Realizing she was addressing them, they quickly took two steps back. “We have long been stripped of our scholarly honor or official rank⁴⁶ by the court. We can no longer bear the title of ‘Lord’ from Miss Jiang.”

But Jiang Yao shook her head. “Since the Song family has been exonerated and have one’s grievances redressed⁴⁷, the Emperor will naturally restore your honors. So I haven’t addressed you incorrectly.”

At these words, the men had yet to react, but the eyes of Second Madam and Third Madam lit up. “The Emperor will restore the Song family’s official positions?”

Jiang Yao said, “Since the residences, shops, and silver money were returned, the official positions should be as well. I will ask my father to hurry the Emperor along.”

The two Madams, along with Song Yunshi and Song Yunshang, all showed joy on their faces. No matter what, it would be best if they could get their positions back. Otherwise, they would surely find it difficult to survive in the capital.

“Thank you, Miss Jiang. You truly are a good person. Our Yun’er, we entrust her to you.”

“Please, just call me Jiang Yao.”

Jiang Yao remained polite until she and Song Muyun entered their room. Only then did she turn, press the other woman onto the bed, and lean in close to ask, “Did I perform well today? Was your mother very satisfied with me?”

Song Muyun had eyes; she nodded lightly. “Yes. My mother… she likes you very much.”

“Tsk, I knew I was likable.”

Jiang Yao then took Song Muyun’s hand, pinning her to the bed. “Alright, you’ve been through enough today. I’ll have the waiter send up some dishes. You eat, and then get some rest, hmm?”

Song Muyun was sick with worry. If Jiang Yao weren’t here, she certainly wouldn’t have wanted to eat.

But Jiang Yao was here, and if she said she didn’t want to eat, it would only make Jiang Yao fiercely force her to. She no longer tried to refuse and simply nodded.

She could hear Jiang Yao ordering from the waiter, and every dish she ordered was one of her favorites.

Her heart, which had been heavy due to her mother’s illness, finally regained a bit of vitality.

She looked up at Jiang Yao’s back and smiled faintly.

Jiang Yao was a good person. She had guessed long ago that her mother would like her.

The food arrived, but Song Muyun had little appetite. She only ate half a bowl of rice and a few bites of the dishes under Jiang Yao’s coercion.

When she saw that she really couldn’t eat anymore, Jiang Yao finished the rest.

Mother Song’s illness dragged on, growing more and more severe until she was barely hanging on by a thread⁴⁸.

Because… she wanted to return to the capital, to return to the Song residence before she died. Fallen leaves return to their roots⁴⁹, and that was her root.

By the time they reached the capital, Mother Song was not doing well at all, spending more time asleep than awake.

Jiang Yao summoned an Imperial Physician from the palace to treat her, but all he could do was keep her hanging on by that single thread. Song Muyun was downcast every day, and at night she would wash her face with tears⁵⁰. Her eyes were constantly red and swollen, a heart-wrenching sight for anyone to see.

Until one day, Mother Song was lucid for a rare moment. She summoned Song Muyun into the room alone and spoke with her for some time. When she came out, the tears in her eyes were gone, and her expression was the same as it had been in the past. She gently pulled on Jiang Yao’s sleeve. “Mother wants you to go in.”

Jiang Yao had been waiting for her, but now she pointed at herself in disbelief. “She wants me to go in?”

Mother Song’s condition was dire; the Song Residence was already preparing her burial clothes⁵¹. She should be seeing the juniors she wanted to see. Why on earth did she want to see her?

Jiang Yao entered, her heart full of confusion. She saw Mother Song lying on the bed, half her hair silver-white, her face withered. She approached respectfully and called out, “Auntie.”

Mother Song lifted her eyelids. Her voice was faint and weak. The first words she spoke were, “Miss Jiang, if I had more time, I would never have agreed to what is between you and Yun’er.”

Jiang Yao: ！！！

---

---