Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 40
Wei Hanyu arched an eyebrow and cast a faint glance at Qin Mu. With a graceful turn, she stirred a splash of water across his face. By the time he wiped it clean and tried to seek her out, he saw that she had already draped herself in a white veil, standing elegantly at the edge of the shore. A wave of disappointment surged in his heart. Qin Mu sulked in the water for a while, growing bored, and finally climbed out. He changed into a white robe, appearing now as a refined young gentleman—sharp features, red lips, and pearly teeth. Seeing Wei Hanyu seated beside him, he studied her quietly, his cheeks faintly flushed. Softly, he spoke:
“Mu’er, if you were to dress in a lady’s attire, you would surely captivate countless men.”
Qin Mu shook his head with a smile, crouching slightly beside her. Drawing in the faint fragrance lingering around her, he murmured,
“From the very first time I saw Sister Hanyu, I knew that in this life, I would marry no one but you.”
Wei Hanyu’s cold eyes paused, a faint smile spreading across her lips. Her slender, fair hand gently rested on Qin Mu’s face. Leaning down, she pressed her red lips to his forehead and whispered,
“My dear Mu’er.”
Qin Mu closed his eyes, a soft smile curving his lips. His cheek brushed against Wei Hanyu’s silky hair, a shiver running down his spine as he savored this sudden, tender kiss.
***
At last, the day of the imperial examination arrived. Qin Mu had prepared thoroughly. Together with two other candidates, he waited outside the palace to be summoned. Among his peers were Huang Ming, a man of immense wealth, and Lu Zhanyun, a young prodigy from a distinguished military family. Lu Zhanyun, talented in both civil and martial matters, was favored by his lineage and a strong contender for the top scholar. Huang Ming, with his deep pockets, hoped to purchase the title by spending lavishly. Both were ambitious, demonstrating that the title of Zhuangyuan carried significant weight. Yet Qin Mu remained calm, for he knew that winning this title might risk his chance to become the Princess’s betrothed.
“Three candidates, straighten your robes and follow me to the hall to meet His Majesty,” called a sharp voice. The three rose, smoothing the creases from their garments, and followed the eunuch. Before stepping over the threshold, Qin Mu heard Huang Ming’s snide remark behind him:
“Some people should not be too greedy. Wanting to bind a princess while climbing the ranks of officialdom? Dream on.”
Qin Mu smiled lightly, turning to Huang Ming with polite eyes. His innocent gaze embarrassed the wealthy young man, who scratched his nose awkwardly. Qin Mu spoke calmly:
“The title of Zhuangyuan will be decided among the three of us. Whoever it may be will enter the Hanlin Academy as colleagues. Even as peers, we should act in unity. His Majesty is wise; if he senses discord among us, how would he judge?”
Huang Ming’s face reddened. Lu Zhanyun nodded.
“Exactly. From today onward, whoever becomes Zhuangyuan, we should be united. Gossip and slander are the behavior of petty folk.”
Huang Ming cleared his throat, maintaining his airs.
“I was merely speaking to myself; your sharp ears heard it.”
Lu Zhanyun shook his head. In just a few words, he judged Huang Ming to be all style and no substance. Then he looked at Qin Mu. Though dressed in a plain scholar’s robe, lacking the polish of his companions, there was not a hint of self-consciousness on his face. Even when mocked by Huang Ming, he remained calm and composed, proving himself a formidable opponent. The only fortunate thing: Qin Mu had no background, knew no martial arts, and was unlikely to dominate the world. Lu Zhanyun felt reassured.
He shared a courteous smile with Qin Mu and followed the eunuch into the great hall.
***
Inside Biyue Pavilion, Wei Hanyu sat alone, waiting. After a while, a eunuch came running. Wei Hanyu lifted her gaze, and the eunuch quickly bowed.
“Your Highness, Young Master Qin has followed Grand Eunuch Lu to the great hall.”
Wei Hanyu nodded, dismissing the eunuch. Accompanied by several palace maidens, she passed through the rear garden to a pavilion, from which she could see the distant corridor. Watching Qin Mu and the others walk steadily, she clasped her hands and silently prayed for his success, hoping he would excel in the imperial examination and demonstrate his capabilities on the path of officialdom.
Qin Mu’s sharp eyes caught sight of Wei Hanyu across the lotus pond. They exchanged a silent gaze, as if time itself had paused. On the lakeside, only the two of them existed. The water reflected Wei Hanyu’s stunning face. Qin Mu’s heart thumped as he read the concern in her eyes and silently vowed to succeed.
Upon entering the great hall, Qin Mu had expected a full assembly of officials. Instead, only Emperor Wei sat solemnly on the throne. Below, Lu Youwei, Song Liao, and Wei Hai sat in proper posture. From their gazes, Qin Mu could read subtle intentions.
He knew these men well. Song Liao, the chancellor, had many disciples in high office. Gaining his favor would mean immense influence in court. Yet he had no sons, only daughters; through the top scholar, he hoped to select a son-in-law for use in court. Qin Mu, devoted to Wei Hanyu, could not entertain Song Liao’s offer. Wei Hai, equally capable, had been outshone by Emperor Wei due to succession order and now lived free from court affairs, though his subordinates wielded significant power. Lu Youwei was a known adversary; his son Lu Xu had long sought Wei Hanyu’s hand, only to be refused repeatedly. Lu Zhanyun, entering the examination with Qin Mu, was his nephew. Qin Mu weighed all this carefully. When Wei Hai’s gaze met his, he returned it with a sincere smile.
Wei Hai’s lips pressed in a thin line as he assessed Qin Mu, a faint, subtle smile appearing before he shifted his attention to the other two. Huang Ming stood tall, chest out, eyes almost reaching the ceiling. Lu Zhanyun exchanged a glance with Lu Youwei. After observation, Wei Hai returned his gaze to Qin Mu, giving an initial impression.
Emperor Wei, of course, favored Qin Mu, but as a ruler, he had to consider appearances. If all officials knew of his preference, Qin Mu would claim both the title of Zhuangyuan and the Princess’s hand, inviting envy. The proverb says: a tree that stands out catches the wind. To avoid discord, the emperor devised a plan: the title of Zhuangyuan would go to Lu Zhanyun, placating Lu Youwei’s son, while Qin Mu’s marriage to Wei Hanyu remained certain.
Many had designs on Qin Mu. Song Liao admired his talent; despite his youth, Qin Mu’s ambition and intellect were evident. Even with palace rumors swirling, Song Liao trusted that Qin Mu would not abandon his aspirations simply to marry Wei Hanyu.
As the questioning proceeded, the differences became clear. Qin Mu, experienced in leadership and well-read, answered smoothly. Huang Ming, relying on his wealth to learn topics in advance and memorization, stammered and displayed arrogance, earning the emperor’s and officials’ frowns. Lu Zhanyun, young and inexperienced, revealed his limitations. Only Qin Mu remained calm, handling even Lu Youwei’s deliberately tricky questions with ease. Lu Youwei could not help but regard the young scholar with respect.
The disparity was so great that all were silent, and the Zhuangyuan’s identity became evident. Lu Youwei’s expression darkened slightly. He cleared his throat and gave a final question to Qin Mu, with Emperor Wei’s nod of approval.
“Qin Mu,” Lu Youwei began, voice steady, “since ancient times, beauty and empire have been hard to have both. If the title of Zhuangyuan falls to you, you know what that implies.”
Qin Mu furrowed his brow, listening carefully to her inner voice. Her eyes closed. Should she choose Wei Hanyu… or the title of Zhuangyuan? Her heart cried out. When she opened her eyes again, her gaze met the assembly’s, firm and unwavering, and she declared…
***
At the pavilion, Wei Hanyu watched the sun descend. A eunuch in a blue robe hurried down the corridor. Wei Hanyu rose, sweeping her crimson robe to the floor, radiantly beautiful. The eunuch bowed deeply and reported,
“Your Highness, the Zhuangyuan appointed by Emperor Wei is Qin Mu, Young Master Qin.”