Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 41

Wei Hanyu’s tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. Yin’er, standing beside her, covered her mouth and chuckled softly, whispering:

“Congratulations, Princess. From now on, our consort is the Emperor’s appointed Zhuangyuan.”

Wei Hanyu’s face stiffened slightly, a flush rising to her cheeks. She gave Yin’er a small glare.

“Don’t speak nonsense.”

“It isn’t nonsense. This is what everyone inside and outside the palace is saying,” Yin’er replied, wrinkling her nose.

Wei Hanyu shook her head, looked at the rippling lake, and sighed quietly.

***

From the moment Qin Mu was appointed Zhuangyuan by imperial decree, everything slipped out of her control. A group of eunuchs led her into a side chamber. Inside, placed in front, was a robe embroidered with golden threads, its craftsmanship fine and elegant. Even the shoes had golden soles and shone conspicuously.

“You, attend to the Zhuangyuan’s bath and change of clothes,” the head eunuch instructed, pointing to the maids behind him.

The maids stepped forward, but Qin Mu smiled and politely refused.

“There’s no need. I can manage on my own.”

The maids, struck by her refined looks and sweet voice, and knowing she was the Emperor’s chosen Zhuangyuan, couldn’t help sneaking extra glances at her. Since she insisted, they withdrew with the eunuch to wait outside.

In less than the time of one incense stick, the door creaked open. Qin Mu stepped out, bending slightly to lift the hem of her robe. Everyone’s eyes immediately fell on her. She had changed from her plain clothes into the brilliant red attire of the Zhuangyuan, which made her fair skin glow. Her black hair was tied up neatly, though strands at her temples gave her a touch of natural boldness.

“Bring the steed,” the chief eunuch ordered. Two guards led forward a fine sweat-bl00d horse.

Qin Mu gave an embarrassed smile. “I—I don’t know how to ride.”

“Don’t worry, Zhuangyuan. You only need to sit on it. Guards will guide you on both sides,” the eunuch assured her.

Qin Mu nodded and mounted the horse. Her fingers brushed the mane—it was coarse and prickly. Such a good horse, she thought. If not for all these people watching, I would love to spur it on and feel the speed of the wind.

But now, she was seen only as a fragile scholar. Adjusting her hat, she straightened her back and rode out of the palace with the guards.

***

On the busy streets, Qin Mu noticed that the people stopped to line both sides of the road, watching her and whispering. Some faces even showed open disdain, making her uneasy.

“There, that’s him! He abandoned the Princess just to become Zhuangyuan,” someone shouted angrily. Qin Mu’s heart sank.

“What’s so great about being Zhuangyuan?” another voice cried, stirring the crowd.

Qin Mu gave a bitter smile. She wanted to explain—it wasn’t her choice to become Zhuangyuan. Her choice had always been the Princess. She didn’t even know why the title had fallen to her. What hurt most was that the people thought of her this way.

“I saw him before. The Princess brought him to eat in my shop once. He was just using her to climb higher. Shameless man!” another person shouted, pointing at her. The guards quickly pulled him aside.

What was supposed to be a proud Zhuangyuan parade now felt like a criminal being marched through the streets. The guards, noticing the people’s dissatisfaction, quickened their pace. Soon, Qin Mu arrived at the mansion granted by the Emperor. The steward and maids were already waiting.

She dismounted, and the steward greeted her with a bow. Qin Mu waved her hand, signaling them not to be too formal. Friendly by nature, she quickly became familiar with everyone. Once everything was settled and she finally had tea, night had fallen.

Hearing the cicadas in the courtyard, she stepped outside and looked up at the vast sky. Her thoughts turned to Wei Hanyu in the palace. From now on, if they wanted to meet, it would only be in court. The thought made her chest heavy. Though it had been only a few hours since their parting, she already missed her.

A sudden knocking at the gate broke her thoughts. The steward opened the door. Under the moonlight, a black sedan appeared, looking somewhat eerie. Song Liao stepped out slowly.

Qin Mu was surprised. Why would he appear at her mansion so late?

Seeing her, Song Liao smiled warmly. Before she could bow, he held her arm and looked her over with satisfaction.

“Scholar Qin, you are not only very learned, but also rather handsome,” he said.

Qin Mu gave an awkward smile. She knew such words came with a purpose. After a few pleasantries, once they were seated in the hall, Song Liao sipped his tea and spoke directly:

“Scholar Qin, you remain unmarried. My daughter, of age, has not yet been promised to anyone.” He paused, glancing at her. He had already guessed she was still thinking of Wei Hanyu. Twirling the jade ring on his thumb, he added with meaning:

“The Zhuangyuan title was granted by His Majesty. But the position of consort will not be yours.”

Qin Mu frowned. She knew Song Liao was one of the most powerful men in Wei, someone she could not offend. But she was already seen by the people as fickle. She could not allow the court to think the same.

She firmly refused. “I never desired the title of Zhuangyuan. If I could choose again, I would still choose the Princess.”

Song Liao’s expression shifted slightly. The Chancellor of the state, rejected so bluntly—it was rare. After he left, Qin Mu’s heart turned to the next day, when she would look for a chance to see Wei Hanyu again.

Yet no sooner had he gone than her gates filled with matchmakers. Qin Mu, young, unmarried, without parents, and now Zhuangyuan, had become the most sought-after match. She declined proposal after proposal until dawn broke. Exhausted, she quickly washed, dressed, and prepared to enter the palace.

At the gate, Eunuch Yu Qiong was already waiting. Seeing Qin Mu, he greeted her politely and led the way.

“Scholar Qin, you are assigned to the Upper Study. From now on, you will follow Grand Preceptor Zhang and oversee the Crown Prince’s studies.”

He sighed quietly; everyone in the palace knew the Crown Prince’s character. It was not an easy position.

At the study, Qin Mu pushed the door open and immediately saw a flash of red. Sunlight fell through the window onto the desk. Wei Hanyu sat beside the Crown Prince, watching him write. The boy, usually playful, sat upright, serious with his brush.

Seeing Wei Hanyu again, Qin Mu’s heart leapt. She forgot herself and softly called:

“Hanyu..”

Wei Hanyu looked up, smiling faintly. Qin Mu was entranced. When Wei Hanyu stood and walked over, bringing with her that familiar fragrance, Qin Mu’s exhaustion vanished instantly.

But a pang struck her—from now on, she will no longer be by my side at night. How will I sleep without her there?

Grand Preceptor Zhang coughed softly to remind her of his presence. Qin Mu bowed quickly.

“Greetings, Master Zhang.”

“The work here is simple,” he said. “There are few rules. Just see that the Crown Prince studies.”

He knew well enough about Qin Mu and Wei Hanyu. The Princess’s silent presence here had already spoken for her.

When morning court began, Wei Hanyu left. At once, the Crown Prince tossed aside his brush and prepared to leave too. Qin Mu frowned and moved to stop him, but Zhang held her back. After the prince was gone, the teacher sighed.

“Rotten wood cannot be carved.”

Qin Mu noticed that Grand Tutor Zhang was helpless against Wei Yanhan, and he couldn’t just stand around doing nothing. So, he slipped out of the study hall after him. Matching his breath and steps, Qin Mu followed quietly, careful not to draw attention. Wei Yanhan had taken a few attendants along and was heading straight for the palace gates. Qin Mu stayed on his trail, curious about what kind of antics Wei Yanhan usually got up to.