Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 44

Qin Mu’s mouth went dry, her breath quickening. She was so captivated by the sight before her that she forgot to move. Only when Wei Hanyu cast her a shy glare and softly called, “Mu’er,” did she return to herself. Step by step, she approached the bed. With each step, Wei Hanyu’s flawless skin and moist lips came into sharper view, radiating an irresistible temptation.

Climbing onto the bed, Qin Mu wrapped her arms tightly around Wei Hanyu’s waist. Her skin was cool and smooth like jade, so comforting Qin Mu could not let go. Like a devout pilgrim, she cradled Wei Hanyu’s beautiful face, laying kisses upon her forehead, her nose, and finally her lips. Her tongue teased against Wei Hanyu’s soft red lips, savoring their sweetness. The joy of it swept away the loneliness she had endured through endless nights alone.

Her fingers caressed Wei Hanyu’s tender skin. She pulled aside the blanket, revealing more of Wei Hanyu’s body. Qin Mu’s lower belly burned hotter. Yet when Wei Hanyu gave her a coquettish glare, her beauty brimming with allure, Qin Mu’s heart pounded wildly. Desire rose without end, and Qin Mu could not hold back.

That night, the two entwined, their bodies speaking the longing words they could not. Separation loomed over them. Wei Hanyu did not know if Qin Mu would still gaze at her so deeply when next they met. Through her passion, she showed how much she could not bear to part. Her eyes misted as she gazed at Qin Mu above her, her slender fingers stroking Qin Mu’s thin shoulders and the sweat glistening on her skin. She kissed her cheek, her long lashes brushing against her face, soft and ticklish, drawing a more fervent response.

“Mu’er, Mu’er.” Her voice was a trembling murmur, calling Qin Mu’s name again and again, laced with breathless sighs.

“Sister Hanyu,” Qin Mu answered softly, kissing her lips, melting in her fiery passion. Tonight, Wei Hanyu’s ardor burned like fire, nearly consuming her.

“Wait for me to return,” Wei Hanyu whispered, caressing Qin Mu’s face, feeling her sweat drip from her nose onto her body, hot and heavy.

“Mm.” Qin Mu nodded, sealing her lips with a kiss before she could say more. Tonight, too many words would only dampen what must be lived with their hearts.

Night deepened, yet the red candles in the chamber burned until dawn.

***

At noon, outside the great hall, drums thundered. Clad in armor, Wei Hanyu stood surrounded by soldiers. Emperor Wei stood upon the altar, raising his cup in farewell. He downed the wine, and the national priest prayed for blessings and safe return. Mounting her horse, Wei Hanyu led her army grandly toward the eastern gate.

From atop the city walls, Qin Mu gazed deeply after Wei Hanyu’s departing figure.

The next day, Qin Mu petitioned the court for permission to fast and pray at Yuquan Temple, three hundred li from the capital, for Wei Hanyu’s safe return. The emperor approved.

***

The march was long and dangerous, life and death uncertain. Ten days after setting out, they passed through Huainan’s countryside, just as the plum rain season began. Heavy rain fell for five days straight. On the muddy road, a supply wagon carrying weapons became stuck in a pit. Soldiers pushed in the rain. Wei Hanyu dismounted, and Qingfeng quickly raised a parasol over her as they joined in pushing.

Meanwhile, Lu Xu sat dry in another carriage, napping.

The wagon was far too heavy. Even with a dozen soldiers and eight warhorses pushing, it would not budge. The iron cavalry had already set camp three li ahead, leaving only the supply troops behind. Qingfeng ordered the cooks’ unit to help.

Among them, one thin soldier with a hundred-jin iron cauldron on his back caught everyone’s eyes. Setting it down, it sank deep into the mud, proof of its weight. Rain ran down his scarred face, the mark startling and harsh. He joined the others, and with their strength combined, the wagon finally rolled free of the pit.

As the soldier bent to lift the cauldron again, Wei Hanyu frowned. Calling Qingfeng over, she pointed at the iron burden.

“These should be carried by wagons.”

“Yes, Princess. I’ll arrange it,” Qingfeng replied with a bow.

Wei Hanyu walked closer. Looking at the soldier, she felt a strange pang of pity. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze, as if afraid. She spoke gently,

“How old are you?”

He gave no reply. Just lowered his head further. Curious, Wei Hanyu wanted to look closer, but the cooks’ captain answered,

“Princess, he has no name. He can’t hear and can’t speak, but he works quickly and well, so we keep him.”

Wei Hanyu frowned again as she watched him shoulder the cauldron and trudge on, each step leaving water-filled prints in the mud.

“Tell him the wagon will carry it from now on. He should wait here,” she ordered.

The captain nodded and called the soldier back.

Rain poured harder. Lu Xu finally emerged with an umbrella, urging Wei Hanyu to return to her carriage lest she catch cold. As they passed the scarred soldier, rain streamed down his face. Wei Hanyu’s chest tightened with sudden, inexplicable ache.

***

Back in her carriage, she lifted the curtain to look for him, but only sheets of rain met her eyes. Half an hour later, they reached camp. The rain had stopped, stars spread across the black sky, and campfires flickered.

As dinner was served, Wei Hanyu’s thoughts returned to the soldier. His figure seemed oddly familiar. Qingfeng stood outside waiting. When he entered, he placed a steaming bowl of ginger soup on the table.

“Princess, the rain carries a biting chill. Drink this, and don’t catch cold.”

Wei Hanyu stared at the soup, her gaze heavy, then rose and stepped outside. Qingfeng frowned, puzzled by her strange mood.

Cold pierced even through her armor. A guard approached, asking what she required.

“Where is the cooks’ camp?” she asked.

Though surprised, he answered truthfully. The cooks’ camp was in the outermost, roughest part of the encampment.

There, soldiers sat by the fire, roasting meat. The aroma filled the air, rare after so many days of dry rations.

“Princess,” someone exclaimed, spotting her. All scrambled up at once, uneasy in her presence.

“Where did this meat come from?” Wei Hanyu asked, her cold eyes sweeping the rack.

The captain stepped forward, pointing at the same scarred soldier, who sat without rising.

“He caught some wild rabbits in the woods.”

Wei Hanyu’s gaze lingered. She took a torch, walking closer. Firelight revealed his scarred face. Somehow, though she did not know him, something in it felt strangely familiar.

“How did you get this scar?” she asked.

He gave no answer, only turned his head away. After a long silence, Wei Hanyu smiled faintly.

“I forgot—you can’t hear.”

Seeing he seemed healthy despite the weather, her worry eased. She said no more and turned to leave.

“Boy, you’re lucky. To receive the princess’s concern,” the captain said, clapping his shoulder with a grin.

The soldier exhaled in relief once she was gone, making the captain frown in confusion.

“There’s no need to be so nervous. The princess is good to everyone,” he said.

But the soldier only ignored him, drinking from a bowl of strong liquor, eyes closed in quiet pleasure.

The captain laughed. “Ah, I forgot—you can’t hear. Still, not hearing and not speaking… maybe it isn’t so bad.”

He drained his cup and left with the others.

Alone by the fire, the soldier finally sighed, murmuring to himself,

“Pretending to be deaf and mute is really exhausting.”

***

The farther the march, the harsher the challenges. Ahead lay Blackwind Ridge, a steep and winding mountain path. To reach the desert, they had to cross it. The road was narrow and treacherous, perilous for wagons.

Halfway up, sudden gusts stirred the forest. Birds burst from the trees in a rush. Startled, the horses reared. Stones tumbled from the cliffs.

A soldier slipped, nearly falling over the edge, saved only by a comrade. But his reins fell loose, and his horse bolted. Straight toward the wagon carrying Wei Hanyu. Soldiers lunged, but the beast was too fast.

Just as it was about to crash into the carriage, a youth shot forward, running as swiftly as the horse. In a flash, he vaulted onto its back, hands gripping its mane. The horse reared, thrashing wildly.

Hearing the commotion, Wei Hanyu leapt from her carriage. She saw the youth wrestling with the horse, its hooves striking, shattering a wagon wheel. Stones clattered down into the abyss.

At last, the youth seized the reins, yanking hard. The horse stumbled back a few steps. He stroked its mane, whispered into its ear. Gradually, the beast stilled.

Wiping sweat from his brow, he slid to the ground, only to meet Wei Hanyu’s eyes. There was something playful in his gaze that made her heart jolt. Outwardly calm, inwardly she thought with alarm—

She had exposed her identity.