Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 47

Qin Mu pressed her lips against Wei Hanyu’s neck, taking in a deep breath of her faint fragrance. The scent seemed to cover the heavy smell of wine on her, and the warmth of her flushed face against Wei Hanyu’s cool skin felt soothing. She refused to let go.

Eyes closed, Qin Mu sank into the comfort. But her ear was lightly tugged by Wei Hanyu. Half-opening her eyes, she found Wei Hanyu’s flawless face so close to hers. Qin Mu pouted, wanting to steal a kiss from her lips, but the sharp gaze in Wei Hanyu’s eyes made her uneasy.

“Why did you drink?” Wei Hanyu turned away to pour a cup of tea, handed it to her, and led her to the bed. She gently pressed Qin Mu’s temples. Wei Hanyu disliked most of all when Qin Mu stayed with the firehead soldiers—rough men who drank and joked idly to pass the time. What she hated even more was Qin Mu drinking with them. She was always afraid Qin Mu might say something foolish when drunk. In the army, every moment was dangerous, and she couldn’t risk Qin Mu being exposed.

“They all try to make me drink, but I never get drunk. I just use my inner strength to dissolve the effects.” Qin Mu smiled smugly, tilting her face toward the flickering light that lit Wei Hanyu’s profile. She stared in a daze, expecting praise. Instead, Wei Hanyu sighed and muttered, “Fool.”

Yet she smiled faintly, unaware of the sly curve tugging at Qin Mu’s lips. Suddenly Wei Hanyu felt herself pulled into Qin Mu’s embrace. Startled, she lowered her head, her long black hair brushing against Qin Mu’s cheek, tickling.

“Today they not only made me drink, they also told me stories about them and their wives. Do you want to hear?” Qin Mu’s lips brushed against her earlobe, her voice carrying a drunken boldness, unlike her usual solemn tone. Wei Hanyu’s ears were sensitive, and the warm breath against them made her body soften. Still clinging to her composure, she pushed Qin Mu’s shoulder lightly and scolded, her voice tinged with a shy charm.

“Mu’er, you’re supposed to be a scholar. Don’t mingle with them again, speaking such vulgar words.”

“What’s vulgar about it? The joy of fish and water is natural.” Qin Mu pouted, her face thick-skinned as she clung to Wei Hanyu like an octopus, nuzzling against her, greedily breathing in her fragrance. Her hand, unable to restrain itself, slid to Wei Hanyu’s sash, wanting to touch more of her smooth skin.

“Mu’er, no.” Wei Hanyu frowned, tugging at Qin Mu’s ear, her eyes glancing outside. This was the frontier, and soldiers patrolled every half-hour.

“Don’t worry. I checked before coming. The patrol just passed.” Qin Mu caught her concern and reassured her, fingers already tugging at her belt. Wei Hanyu opened her mouth to protest, but her lips were suddenly sealed by Qin Mu’s. The taste of faint wine invaded, shattering her reason. Their lips and tongues intertwined, lingering for a long time until they pulled apart, breathless, gazes clouded with heat.

Wei Hanyu bit her lip, still hesitant, and pushed at Qin Mu’s shoulder again. “Mu’er… did they really just leave?”

“Yes.” Qin Mu nodded firmly, her eyes glowing with excitement. Since arriving here, Wei Hanyu had been busy day and night with military affairs. They had rarely been this close.

Wei Hanyu still tried to keep her voice steady, but Qin Mu only looked at her and smiled blankly. Unable to resist, Wei Hanyu poked Qin Mu’s nose. Qin Mu only laughed, gazing at her flushed face.

“Mu’er, you’re becoming more and more improper.” Wei Hanyu shot her a look, her words full of tender scolding. Qin Mu leaned in again and kissed her lips.

Outside, the silent night was suddenly torn apart by a thunderous boom. Lightning split the sky, followed by heavy rain pouring down on the parched frontier.

The storm, like their entanglement, lasted all night without pause.

By morning, Qin Mu pushed open the window. Outside was still as dark as night. She turned back to look at Wei Hanyu, still asleep on the bed. Her eyes softened with reluctance, but the sound of patrol footsteps drew near. She had no choice but to leave. Back at the firehead camp, Qin Mu kept to a quiet corner, silent.

The soldiers talked about the downpour, unsure how long it would last. But Qin Mu knew—the longer it rained, the better for them.

The rain lasted three days and three nights. When it finally cleared, the desert troops made their move. A hundred cavalrymen broke in through the west gate—the weakest point in the city’s defenses. Qin Mu knew this was no coincidence.

“Why are you standing there? Hurry and move the grain to the cellar before the savages take it all!” the firehead captain barked, slapping Qin Mu. She stood and pushed at the load before her.

But she suddenly froze, ears twitching. Her heart tightened. “Too late.”

Before the captain could urge her again, firelight flashed in his wide eyes. Flaming arrows whistled through the air, striking the piles of fodder. With a loud boom, the dry hay caught fire and spread fast. The captain rushed for the water tank, but Qin Mu grabbed him, her grip like iron.

She dragged him into the cellar and slammed the cover shut just as hoofbeats thundered overhead. The desert riders muttered in their own tongue. Hearing Wei’s troops approaching, they scattered.

When the firehead soldiers finally emerged, their faces were blackened with ash. Though the grain remained, the fodder for the horses was completely destroyed. The enemy’s aim was clear.

In the distance, a silver-armored figure led a great host forward, her presence dazzling under the sun. Wei Hanyu reined in her horse, lifted off her helmet, and cast Qin Mu a look full of concern.

Qin Mu gave a faint nod, signaling she was unharmed. Only then did Wei Hanyu breathe in relief. Yet Qin Mu knew—this was no time to relax. The desert army’s smooth entry meant there was a traitor inside.

After ensuring Qin Mu’s safety, Wei Hanyu turned her horse and led the troops in pursuit. Qin Mu fetched a horse from the stables and followed.

The desert cavalry did not linger in the city. They swept straight out the west gate into the endless sands.

“Princess, do we pursue?” her vanguard asked.

“Pursue.” Wei Hanyu’s eyes sharpened. She spurred her horse, leading the chase. The desert army, though half an hour ahead, kept a steady distance, never too far, never too near, drawing the Wei troops deeper into the sandstorms.

Then, from behind, a lone rider caught up—it was Qin Mu. Her firehead uniform looked thin among armored soldiers, but under it she wore the golden silk armor Wei Hanyu had given her. She glanced around. No sign of Lu Xu. Memories of Wei Hanyu’s recent words stirred her suspicions—was the fall of the west gate tied to Lu Xu?

She made a gesture to retreat. Wei Hanyu frowned, about to ask her more, when thunderous drums suddenly roared through the desert. The sound shook the ground, startling the horses into panic.

“Dismount! Fall back ten paces!” Wei Hanyu raised her banner, her voice firm. The soldiers obeyed, and soon the drums faded, calming the horses.

“Mount up! Return to the city!” she ordered at once.

The vanguard hesitated. “Princess, after chasing this far, with the enemy so close—should we not press on?”

“The enemy hides in shadow, we stand in the open. We are at a disadvantage. We must not act rashly.” Wei Hanyu’s voice was calm.

The troops obeyed. Like a storm, the army wheeled back to the city.

Back inside, the west gate guards had vanished. The fodder was gone, leaving less than ten days’ worth for the horses. Thankfully, the villagers donated their own livestock feed, easing the shortage. But Wei Hanyu’s heart remained heavy. Her first clash with the desert forces had revealed a cunning opponent. Every step ahead would demand caution.

“Hanyu.” Qin Mu slipped quietly to her side. Wei Hanyu glanced around warily. Seeing no one, she allowed herself a smile. The moment she’d heard of the west gate’s fall, her first worry had been Qin Mu’s safety. Now, with her safe before her eyes, even the heaviest burdens felt lighter.

“The desert will attack again. Mu’er, you must take care of yourself.” Wei Hanyu frowned, her gaze intent.

“You too, Hanyu. Be wary of those at your side.” Qin Mu’s dark eyes glimmered as she spoke softly.

The words struck Wei Hanyu like a heavy drum, awakening her. She turned to question Qin Mu, but Qin Mu pressed a finger to her lips, signaling silence. Then she blew out the candle. The room fell into darkness.

“Mu’er?” Wei Hanyu whispered. She reached out, only to have her hand caught firmly in Qin Mu’s grasp. The warmth steadied her heart.

“Walls have ears. Let’s talk in the bedchamber.” Qin Mu leaned close, her voice low. The matter was serious, yet Wei Hanyu’s heart still stirred from her nearness.