Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 34

“Can I?” Qin Mu lifted her face, eyes full of hope as she looked at Wei Hanyu. In the darkness, Wei Hanyu’s eyes were as deep as a cold pool, drawing her in like a magnet. Those soft red lips gleamed faintly, slightly parted, and if one looked carefully, even the tip of her pink tongue could be seen. Qin Mu’s throat went dry, and she swallowed hard without realizing it.

Before Wei Hanyu could react, Qin Mu leaned forward like a little pup. Wei Hanyu turned her head slightly, and the kiss only landed on her cheek.

Even so, Qin Mu still felt satisfied. She closed her eyes, pressing her lips tightly against Wei Hanyu’s face for a long while. Her nose brushed against Wei Hanyu’s cheek as she breathed in her scent deeply.

“All right, enough fooling around. Sleep now.” Wei Hanyu’s face burned hot as she gently pushed Qin Mu’s shoulder aside. Her tone stayed calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

She had never thought about how to face the feelings between them. Not to mention that Qin Mu was a girl—if she became the top scholar, many high officials would want to form ties with her. How could she possibly have only one wife? In this era, three wives and four concubines were normal. Even her father, though deeply devoted to her mother, still had three thousand beauties in his harem.

But Wei Hanyu knew clearly that what she wanted was not this. What she wanted was love that was single-minded, belonging only to her. Yet Qin Mu was still young. Even as a woman, her brilliance could not be hidden. In just a few years, she would surely hold a place in court. By then, Wei Hanyu herself would be older, her looks fading. Once Qin Mu grew tired of her, she might cast her aside—just like that night Qin Mu never mentioned again.

At that thought, Wei Hanyu’s heart turned cold. She rolled over, turning her back to Qin Mu.

Qin Mu sensed something wrong. She thought Wei Hanyu was upset because she had kissed her without permission. Carefully, she asked,

“Sister Hanyu, are you angry because I was reckless?”

“I’m just a little tired. Sleep.” Wei Hanyu’s voice was still soft, wrapping gently around Qin Mu’s heart.

Qin Mu was overjoyed. She had kissed Wei Hanyu, and Wei Hanyu hadn’t been angry—that meant Wei Hanyu must also like her. Thinking this, her heart raced wildly. Boldly, she wrapped her arms around Wei Hanyu’s waist, rested her head on her shoulder, and buried her face in her silky, fragrant hair.

“You… what are you doing?” Wei Hanyu scolded lightly. But Qin Mu only hugged her tighter, as if she hadn’t heard. Wei Hanyu could only sigh helplessly, letting her hold on.

***

Morning sunlight streamed through the cracks of the window. Qin Mu woke early that day. She propped her chin on her hand, gazing deeply at Wei Hanyu—her brows, her eyes, her nose, her lips. She studied every inch of her skin carefully.

When Wei Hanyu’s long lashes fluttered lightly, Qin Mu blinked too. As those deep eyes slowly opened, Qin Mu leaned even closer. In Wei Hanyu’s dark pupils, she saw her own silly reflection.

“Good morning, Sister Hanyu.”

Wei Hanyu narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze calm and distant. Qin Mu smiled foolishly but her heart raced with nerves.

“You’re up early today.” Wei Hanyu raised her brow slightly and slowly sat up. By chance, the hem of her gauze robe had been pressed under Qin Mu’s elbow. As she rose, the robe slid off her shoulder, revealing a stretch of pale, soft skin.

Noticing Qin Mu’s burning gaze on her skin, Wei Hanyu blushed. She quickly tapped Qin Mu’s arm to make her move, then calmly pulled the robe back over her shoulders.

“Of course I’m early. No more staying up all night reading—I can sleep less and still be fine.” Qin Mu tilted her head, smiling foolishly. She actually loved sleeping, but now that her time with Wei Hanyu was so limited, she didn’t want to waste even a second.

Wei Hanyu’s eyes met hers. She raised her brow slightly as if to speak. Qin Mu widened her own eyes and perked her ears, ready to listen.

But Wei Hanyu only pressed her lips together, holding back her words. She rose instead.

Qin Mu’s gaze followed her every move. She watched as Wei Hanyu went to the clothes rack and slipped off her gauze robe. Her flawless, tempting back was exposed, making Qin Mu’s heart race wildly. She realized now how tragic sleeping in late truly was—she had been missing these beautiful moments every morning. If she had known, she would have forced herself awake, just to see this before falling asleep again.

By the time she finished daydreaming, Wei Hanyu had already dressed. Qin Mu felt a pang of regret—but at least there would be tomorrow.

She watched as Wei Hanyu sat before the bronze mirror, drawing her brows, applying light rouge. Qin Mu thought the scene was breathtaking—especially when Wei Hanyu’s alluring lips touched the paper to blot the color. Qin Mu swallowed hard. She had felt those lips before—soft and fragrant. She stretched her neck, breathing deeply. The room was filled with Wei Hanyu’s scent.

“Sister Hanyu, you’re going to court now?” Qin Mu asked, seeing her fully dressed. She ran over barefoot.

“The floor is cold. Wear your shoes.” Wei Hanyu frowned slightly.

Qin Mu quickly hopped back, slipped on her shoes, and rushed to her side again.

“Mm.” Wei Hanyu nodded. Though Emperor Wei was wise, his heart was never on governance, always chasing rare treasures. With Yan Han not yet capable, Wei Hanyu naturally had to help watch over court matters.

“I don’t want you to go.” Qin Mu pouted, tugging at Wei Hanyu’s sleeve, eyes bright as she acted spoiled.

“It’s only for an hour. I’ll be back after court.” Wei Hanyu covered Qin Mu’s hand with her own, her voice gentle. A faint trace of reluctance also flashed in her eyes.

“Then… can you kiss me? I’ll keep your scent here while waiting for you.” After last night, when Wei Hanyu hadn’t resisted her kiss, Qin Mu had grown bolder.

“Nonsense.” Wei Hanyu’s heart raced again. She frowned and brushed Qin Mu’s hand away. But just as she reached the door, Qin Mu hugged her from behind.

The embrace made Wei Hanyu’s heart pound violently.

“Fine, no kiss then. Just let me hug you.” Qin Mu held her tightly, breathing in her scent greedily, hoping it would last through the hour until Wei Hanyu returned.

Wei Hanyu froze until a maid called at the door, reminding her court was about to begin. She finally regained herself, turned back, and pinched Qin Mu’s cheek.

“It’s only an hour. Sleep a little more, and I’ll be back.”

“Mm.” Qin Mu nodded hard, still unwilling to let go. Wei Hanyu’s heart softened too, though unlike Qin Mu, she did not show it.

Watching her leave, Qin Mu picked up the gauze robe Wei Hanyu had changed out of, hugged it to her chest, and inhaled deeply. It was filled with Wei Hanyu’s scent. Holding it close, she climbed back into bed and drifted off to sleep again.

She didn’t know how much time passed before she felt gentle fingers brushing her hair. It tickled. Qin Mu opened her eyes and saw Wei Hanyu. She sat up at once, grinning brightly.

“You’re back!”

“Mm.” Wei Hanyu nodded softly, her eyes warm.

“How long have you been here? Why didn’t you wake me?” Qin Mu widened her eyes.

“You looked so peaceful, I wanted you to rest longer.” Wei Hanyu smiled faintly.

“That’s not good. I want to be awake to look at you.” Qin Mu shook her hand, speaking earnestly. Seeing the heat in Qin Mu’s eyes, Wei Hanyu blushed and quickly changed the subject.

“Tonight at midnight, I arranged for you and Yan Han to take a large boat down the Han River.”

Qin Mu’s expression dimmed. Her time with Wei Hanyu was already short—of course she wanted to spend it with her alone, not with Wei Yan Han.

Seeing her pout, Wei Hanyu smiled. “I also ordered your favorite osmanthus cake and rice dumplings.”

“You’ll come too, right?” Qin Mu asked, her eyes full of hope.

“Of course. If Yan Han still hasn’t learned his manners and you slip into the river, that would be bad.” Wei Hanyu tapped her nose lightly.

“Fine…” Qin Mu finally agreed, only because Wei Hanyu would be there.

“This morning at court, I heard the three examiners ranked you first in the palace exam.” Wei Hanyu smiled at her.

“Oh.” Qin Mu only gave a dull reply, showing no excitement.

“What is it?” Wei Hanyu frowned, puzzled.

“As expected.” Qin Mu shrugged, feigning confidence. In truth, she didn’t care about the ranking at all.

“Don’t get too full of yourself. Because of Lu Xu, Lu Youwei dislikes you. During the exam, don’t worry about him—just win the favor of Song Liao and Wei Hai. My father already holds you in high regard.” Wei Hanyu pinched her cheek gently.

“All right.” Qin Mu nodded. Seeing Wei Hanyu so happy, she felt a bit of joy too.

“Now get up and change your clothes.” Wei Hanyu tugged her arm.

“It’s still early. The bed is warm. Sister Hanyu, come nap with me a little longer.” Qin Mu clung to the blanket, unwilling to rise. With her martial strength, Wei Hanyu couldn’t pull her up. Instead, with a clever twist, Qin Mu pulled Wei Hanyu onto the bed.

Their positions shifted—Wei Hanyu accidentally fell on top of Qin Mu, bringing their faces dangerously close. Her warm breath brushed across Qin Mu’s cheek, making her heart stir wildly.

Qin Mu caught a glimpse of shyness in Wei Hanyu’s eyes as she struggled to rise. But Qin Mu moved faster. With a swift flip, she pinned Wei Hanyu beneath her.

“Stop fooling around. Get up.” Wei Hanyu’s face flushed red, her beauty dazzling before Qin Mu’s eyes.

Without thinking, Qin Mu leaned down and pressed her lips against Wei Hanyu’s.