Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 22

“Who’s there?” Wei Hanyu quickly pulled her robe back over her shoulders. If it had been anyone else barging in, she would have noticed long before. But Qin Mu’s inner strength was profound, her steps light and silent, nothing like ordinary people. It was no wonder Wei Hanyu had not sensed her approach. If not for the clumsy bump just now, she might not have realized at all.

“Elder Sister Hanyu, it’s me.” Qin Mu’s face burned scarlet as she lowered her head and stepped into Wei Hanyu’s bedchamber. A faint fragrance lingered in the air, and the closer she drew to Wei Hanyu, the stiffer her body became.

“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Wei Hanyu’s voice softened once she recognized her. Qin Mu had bathed and changed into a plain white robe, her long hair loose and damp, framing her small face that looked even more delicate and innocent than usual. But wet hair on a night like this, with wind and rain outside, was dangerous—she could catch a chill. Wei Hanyu beckoned her closer.

Qin Mu obediently sat down beside her. The candlelight cast shadows on the thin gauze of Wei Hanyu’s robe, revealing faint hints of lavender underclothes beneath. Qin Mu’s face grew hotter. Then, Wei Hanyu draped a towel over her head and began to gently dry her hair.

“The night is cold. If you don’t dry your hair properly, you may fall ill,” Wei Hanyu said softly.

Her gentle words pierced right into Qin Mu’s heart. As a child, left without parents and neglected, she had once suffered badly from an illness brought on by damp and cold. Only with Qiuchan’s help had she survived. If only someone like Wei Hanyu had been there for her back then…

Her thoughts drifted, and before she realized it, her head tilted against Wei Hanyu’s shoulder. The movement made Wei Hanyu’s arm stiffen slightly, but after a moment’s pause she continued drying Qin Mu’s hair with steady hands.

Breathing in the warmth and faint fragrance of Wei Hanyu’s body, Qin Mu grew drowsy. Without realizing, she nestled closer, her cheek brushing against Wei Hanyu’s chest as her eyes fluttered shut.

Wei Hanyu froze, feeling the heat of Qin Mu’s breath on her skin. The sensation made her want to retreat, but when she glanced down, Qin Mu was already fast asleep against her, lips curved into the faintest, innocent smile. Wei Hanyu’s hand lingered, brushing lightly over the girl’s brow before she snatched it back, unsettled by her own impulse.

She wanted to wake her, but the sight of Qin Mu’s peaceful sleeping face held her still. And so, Wei Hanyu did something that shocked even herself—she lay down beside her.

Since that night on Huangming Mountain, her sleep had been restless. Dreams plagued her, and she often woke in the middle of the night unable to rest again. But with Qin Mu pressed so close, she felt a strange calm settle over her. She had never shared a bed with anyone before—except Qin Mu.

Carefully laying Qin Mu flat on the bed, Wei Hanyu blew out the candle and lay down beside her. Almost immediately, Qin Mu shifted in her sleep, turning and curling into her warmth. Wei Hanyu’s body went rigid. In the darkness, no one could see the flush spreading across her face. Qin Mu’s hand slipped around her waist through the thin fabric, her palm so hot it felt as if it would burn her skin.

Wei Hanyu’s breath grew shallow. At last, unable to bear it, she sat upright, chest rising and falling rapidly, damp with sweat as though she had never bathed at all. Without another word, she left the bed, retreating to the bathing pool once more.

Even after bathing again, sleep eluded her. Looking back, she saw Qin Mu sprawled across her white jade bed, sleeping soundly with not a care in the world. Irritation surged through Wei Hanyu. She leaned over, pinched Qin Mu’s cheek until a faint bruise showed, then released her with a sigh. In the end, she gave up and went to the side chamber to sleep alone.

***

Morning light streamed through the window, falling across Qin Mu’s face. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up, dazed for a moment. Where was she? Looking around the elegant chamber, her mind raced until she remembered—it was Wei Hanyu’s bedchamber. The thought made her spirits soar. To open her eyes and see Wei Hanyu again… her heart felt light.

After washing up, she went in search of her. A palace maid passed her in the corridor, covering her mouth as she stifled a laugh before hurrying away. Qin Mu frowned, puzzled, but thought nothing more of it.

In the garden, she finally saw her Elder Sister Hanyu. Bathed in sunlight, Wei Hanyu wore a brilliant red gown, her hair pinned with an ornate phoenix hairpiece, light makeup accentuating her flawless features. She was stunning.

Qin Mu’s heart skipped a beat. Yet she also noticed the palace maids and eunuchs casting strange, knowing glances her way. She ducked her head, suddenly feeling awkward, and stepped closer. In a small voice, she asked,
“Why isn’t Miss Yue’er here today?”

At once, Wei Hanyu’s brows furrowed slightly, her gaze turning cool.

“Didn’t you say yesterday that Yue’er would escort me out of the palace this morning?” Qin Mu pressed, her unease growing. With so many eyes upon her, she felt out of place. She was only a former bandit—what right did she have to stand here in the princess’s residence? Remembering Yue’er’s scornful words about her ruining Wei Hanyu’s purity, guilt pricked her heart.

“You truly want to leave the palace?” Wei Hanyu asked. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed all the servants until only the two of them remained in the garden.

Qin Mu hesitated, then nodded. “Yes.” But almost immediately she shook her head, biting her lip before confessing, “Elder Sister Hanyu, I don’t want to leave you.”

At that, Wei Hanyu’s eyes softened a little. Qin Mu, seizing her courage, sat down beside her and whispered,
“But I don’t want to bring gossip and ruin your reputation because of me.”

The words struck the wrong chord. Wei Hanyu’s gaze turned cold again, lips curling into a bitter smile.
“My reputation?”

“Yes,” Qin Mu said earnestly, nodding.

Wei Hanyu turned away, her sleeve sweeping sharply as she gave Qin Mu her back. Qin Mu panicked, hurrying around to face her, eyes wide and pitiful. Something in her expression made Wei Hanyu’s heart waver. In a low voice, she said,
“Didn’t you want a position in the Imperial Library? I’ve arranged it for you. Do you still want it?”

“Of course I do!” Qin Mu’s eyes lit up instantly, sparkling with joy.

“But if you want to work there, you’ll have to stay in the palace,” Wei Hanyu said, lips pressing tight as she avoided Qin Mu’s gaze.

“Would that cause trouble for you, Elder Sister Hanyu?” Qin Mu asked softly. She truly didn’t want to be a burden. She wanted, someday, to earn honors of her own and stand beside her without shame.

“This is your waist token. If anyone asks, say you belong to Biyue Pavilion.” Wei Hanyu handed her a token engraved with the words Xiao Muzi of Biyue Pavilion. Qin Mu blinked—she was a eunuch now, at least on paper. Still, staying in the palace meant access to the library’s books and a roof over her head. With her savings gone and the Scholar’s Lodge no longer affordable, it was the best outcome she could hope for.

“You’ll work from dawn to dusk, organizing and cleaning the library, and recording all loans by members of the royal family. I’ll see to it you’re paid two hundred taels a month,” Wei Hanyu said calmly.

“This is Yin’er. She’ll bring you lunch every day.” She gestured toward the palace maid Qin Mu had noticed earlier, the one who had stifled laughter.

Qin Mu smiled politely. “Nice to meet you, Sister Yin’er.”

Yin’er laughed lightly, but quickly straightened under Wei Hanyu’s gaze. Qin Mu soon changed into eunuch robes, neat and tidy, and stepped back into the garden. Yin’er’s pretty peach blossom eyes sparkled as she studied her, making Qin Mu’s cheeks warm with embarrassment.

“So this is the type the princess favors,” Yin’er teased, covering her lips as she laughed.

Flustered, Qin Mu waved her hands. “Sister Yin’er, you misunderstand. The princess and I—there’s nothing between us.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. I serve Biyue Pavilion—I know what can and can’t be said,” Yin’er replied, her tone playful as her slender fingers brushed Qin Mu’s shoulder in a teasing squeeze. Qin Mu stiffened instantly.

“You’re far too thin,” Yin’er added with a sly smile. “The princess is at the age of a hungry wolf. With your small frame, I wonder if you can handle her.” Her laughter, low and suggestive, made Qin Mu’s face burn hotter. She stammered, ready to protest, but Yin’er had already composed herself again, leading her along the stone path toward the library.

As they walked, a sudden change came over Yin’er. She inclined her head and murmured,
“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Qin Mu looked up—and froze.

By the lakeside stood a woman in a pale blue gown, jeweled bodice rising and falling with her breath, her figure as striking as her fox-like eyes. She was breathtaking, her beauty laced with danger.

It was Consort Su Wanying.

Her lips curved into a playful smile as she studied Qin Mu. Raising a slender finger, she beckoned.
“Come closer. Let me have a look at you.”