Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 42

Qin Mu followed Wei Yanhan out of the palace. She saw him drive the carriage straight toward the bustling streets of the capital. Using her lightness skill, Qin Mu trailed behind, moving across the rooftops, carefully recording Wei Yanhan’s movements for the entire day. Only after the sun had set and his carriage returned to the palace did she finally ride back to the Zhuangyuan Mansion.

Though the sky was dark and she had not slept a wink the previous night, Qin Mu felt no trace of sleepiness. Her mind was filled only with Wei Hanyu—every smile, every glance. Today she had only glimpsed her in passing, which was like trying to quench thirst by gazing at plums. What she longed for was to hold her tightly, to breathe in her familiar fragrance, to feel her soft hand gently patting her cheek. The thought made a heat rise in her belly. She changed into night clothes and, under the moonlight, slipped silently back into the palace.

Everything in the palace was familiar to her by now. In no time she reached Wei Hanyu’s Biyue Pavilion. But inside, the lamps still burned bright, with eunuchs and maids bustling about, so Qin Mu dared not rush in. Rumors about her and Wei Hanyu were already rampant—she could not add fuel to them. She crouched by the side chamber window, peeking in through a crack.

The sight made her head buzz. Wei Hanyu sat side by side with Su Wanying, their fingers moving lightly over the zither strings as they sang softly together. Qin Mu had believed that Wei Hanyu, like her, lay awake at night thinking of her. But it seemed her nights were far livelier than Qin Mu’s.

Wei Hanyu, dressed in a white gown, sat gracefully at the instrument. Su Wanying wore a pale violet robe, like an enchantress in the night, leaning close, her fox-like eyes brimming with unhidden infatuation as she looked at Wei Hanyu. Qin Mu’s fists clenched tight. It felt as though her Sister Hanyu was about to be stolen away.

When the song ended, Su Wanying rose slowly and whispered something in Wei Hanyu’s ear. Qin Mu strained to hear, but the distance was too far. She only saw Wei Hanyu frown slightly before rising to escort Su Wanying out.

After sending her away, Wei Hanyu dismissed all the servants and extinguished the candles, preparing to change clothes in her chamber. Just as she closed the door, she sensed something amiss. Turning sharply, she found Qin Mu sitting alone by her bed, eyes full of grievance fixed on her. A flicker of joy passed through Wei Hanyu’s gaze, though her cold nature quickly masked it. She walked calmly to Qin Mu’s side and said quietly,

“You came.”

“Did you miss me?” Qin Mu lifted her face, her black eyes bright like stars, staring at her as if trying to find the answer she longed for.

“Of course I missed you.” A faint smile curved Wei Hanyu’s lips, her eyes tender as water.

“Not as much as I missed you.” Qin Mu bit her lip, then stood and threw her arms around Wei Hanyu, burying her face in her neck, breathing in her scent with desperate intensity. The image of her with Su Wanying moments ago had filled her with jealous fury. Yet she found no words to question her. Her nose stung, her eyes reddened.

Sensing her mood, Wei Hanyu cupped her face and smiled gently. “I have good news. Father has agreed to our marriage.”

“Truly?” Qin Mu’s eyes lit up, all her dark thoughts vanishing in an instant, replaced by joy.

“Mm. It was Su Wanying who came just now to tell me.” Wei Hanyu tapped Qin Mu’s forehead softly, then her brows drew together. “But it means you cannot serve as an official.”

“I never wanted to be an official. That day in court, I chose you,” Qin Mu said nervously, clutching her hand, fearing Wei Hanyu misunderstood her choice back then.

“You worked so hard, and now it is wasted because of me.” Wei Hanyu sighed, a trace of regret on her face.

“I don’t care. As long as I can be with Sister Hanyu, nothing else matters.” Qin Mu’s reply was firm.

“Fool.” Warmth filled Wei Hanyu’s heart at her sincerity.

“But I am the Eldest Princess. To marry me, you must enter the palace as consort. Are you willing?” Her eyes searched Qin Mu’s.

“The palace is already so familiar to me. Of course I am willing.” Qin Mu nodded eagerly, her heart bursting with joy. The woman she dreamed of day and night was to be her wife—how could she not be happy?

“And if you could only ever marry one, would you still be willing?” Wei Hanyu’s gaze deepened, her tone still calm.

“My heart will love only Sisyou in this life, and it will never change.” Qin Mu hugged her tightly.

“Let go, I cannot breathe.” Wei Hanyu laughed softly, pushing her slightly.

“No. I won’t let go. Not in this life.” Qin Mu shook her head stubbornly.

Wei Hanyu chuckled, letting her hold on. Unlike Qin Mu’s burning passion, her own nature was cool, yet after only two days apart she found herself stroking Qin Mu’s hair as one would a cherished pet. Qin Mu loosened her grip slightly, just enough to look at her face lit by candlelight. The curve of her lips was irresistible. Qin Mu leaned in and brushed a soft kiss against them—sweet, warm, and dizzying.

She kissed again, carefully, and found Wei Hanyu neither retreating nor responding, only gazing deeply at her. Sweat dampened Qin Mu’s palms.

“C-can I?” she asked timidly, though the kiss had already been given. The unnecessary question brought a blush to Wei Hanyu’s cheeks.

This night was like that night on Huangming Mountain, the beginning of fate or doom. Qin Mu was like warm jade, slowly melting her icy heart.

Wei Hanyu slipped an arm around her neck, drawing her close. Their lips met passionately, their breaths mingling, their longing pouring into the kiss. Qin Mu pressed her closer, one hand sliding around her slender waist, the other tugging at the sheer fabric of her gown. The silk slid from her shoulder, revealing skin pale as snow. Qin Mu’s lips trailed down, each touch burning with desire, making Wei Hanyu’s body tremble faintly. Her fingers slipped beneath her underclothes, feeling her warmth and fullness.

“Ah…” Wei Hanyu let out a soft moan, her cheeks glowing pink beneath the dim candlelight. Qin Mu brushed her sleeve, and the flame went out. The gauzy curtains fell, and spring filled the chamber.

***

The next day Qin Mu received the imperial decree. The Zhuangyuan Mansion would be reclaimed within days, and she would marry into the palace. Instantly, rumors swept the capital—Qin Mu had proven unfit as Grand Tutor and could only return to the princess’s side. Once again she was called “the princess’s favorite.” But Qin Mu paid no heed. Her mind was consumed only with her coming wedding to the Eldest Princess.

Though she was but a commoner by birth, Wei Hanyu was the emperor’s most beloved daughter. Their wedding was to be celebrated throughout the realm with banquets and festivities. Qin Mu, once a mere Zhuangyuan, would become the imperial consort.

On the day of the wedding, the capital brimmed with joy. Qin Mu rode a white horse through the eastern gate, soldiers and officials lining the road on both sides. Such grandeur was seen only at imperial enthronements, proof of how much the emperor cherished this marriage.

At the palace hall, Qin Mu dismounted and walked forward with reverent steps. Officials lined both sides, and on the dais the emperor stood in all his authority, making Qin Mu’s nerves tighten more than they ever had in the imperial exams. Then a sharp voice rang out:

“The princess arrives!”

Qin Mu’s heart leapt to her throat.

The emperor rose as Wei Hanyu entered, dressed in a blazing red gown embroidered with phoenixes. Her hair was pinned high with golden ornaments, a red lotus mark shining on her forehead, her skin pale and flawless. Her brows were elegant, her eyes like water yet cold as frost. A golden necklace shimmered at her throat, and her delicate collarbone caught the light. Her embroidered shoes sparkled with crystal. She walked toward Qin Mu, the hem of her gown sweeping like a phoenix in flight, dazzling all eyes.

Everyone stared in awe. Qin Mu too was struck blank until a young eunuch whispered at her side,

“Consort, it is your turn.”

Startled, Qin Mu hurried forward. Her foot caught her robe and she stumbled slightly—but a pair of warm hands caught hers. She looked up into Wei Hanyu’s tender eyes, her gaze filled with affection. In that instant Qin Mu’s restless heart was steadied. She slowed her steps and stood beside her.

It all felt like a dream. She feared she would wake to emptiness. But as the great drums thundered and the music echoed through the hall, Qin Mu knew this was real. She and Wei Hanyu could truly be together forever.

At the banquet, Qin Mu received blessings and drank toasts. Though she knew Wei Hanyu awaited her in the bridal chamber, the officials would not let her leave until she had drunk her fill.

When at last the moon hung high, Qin Mu stumbled through the door, heavy with wine. The familiar fragrance of Wei Hanyu surrounded her.

“Sister Hanyu…” she mumbled.

There she was, sitting quietly on the bed, watching her gently. That look of waiting filled Qin Mu with warmth. She staggered forward and fell into her arms, wrapping both hands around her waist. With a deep sigh, she whispered in satisfaction,

“Sister Hanyu, you are finally mine in name and in truth.”