Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 53

When Qin Mu heard this, her body trembled slightly. Her gaze fell on Wei Hanyu, seeing her with hands clasped devoutly, and her heart was deeply moved. Hearing Wei Hanyu say that if her wish came true, she was willing to become vegetarian for life as repayment, Qin Mu’s eyes reddened. She knew that though Wei Hanyu’s nature was cold, her love for her was so deep.

The two sat in the carriage on the way back. Qin Mu tightly held Wei Hanyu’s hand, refusing to let go even when their palms were sweaty. The longing from so many days apart was too much. In her heart, she silently vowed that from this moment on, she never wanted to leave Wei Hanyu’s side again.

At night, Qin Mu washed up and changed into the clothes Wei Hanyu had prepared for her. Smelling the clean scent on them, she finally returned to the palace. Her wandering heart finally felt a sense of belonging—and this belonging came from Wei Hanyu. Back at Huangming Mountain, though she had lived carefree and knew every tree and stone, she always knew one day she would leave. But here was different. Though the surroundings weren’t familiar, there was someone waiting for her every day and night.

Climbing onto the bed, Qin Mu lay playfully against Wei Hanyu’s chest, resting her damp head close. Seeing Wei Hanyu gently wipe her hair dry with a towel, Qin Mu narrowed her eyes in comfort, her face full of happiness and contentment.

“Mu’er, you’re really like a child,” Wei Hanyu said softly, her voice filled with affection.

Qin Mu opened her eyes and looked at her, seeing the faint smile at her lips, and her heart felt sweetly full. Mischievously, she wrapped her arms tightly around Wei Hanyu’s slender waist. Hearing Wei Hanyu let out a soft gasp and slap her hand away, Qin Mu laughed cheerfully. Away from Wei Hanyu, she was still the great chief of Huangming Mountain, commanding countless followers. But by Wei Hanyu’s side, she was willing to be a child forever, because Wei Hanyu would take care of her, protect her.

Candlelight lit up Wei Hanyu’s face, beautiful and dazzling. Qin Mu couldn’t help her heart stirring. She leaned in close to Wei Hanyu’s ear and asked in a whisper:

“Sister Hanyu, you said about having children—how do we have one?”

Wei Hanyu’s face instantly turned crimson. Qin Mu’s heart moved, and she was about to pounce on her when Wei Hanyu pulled a book from under the bedding and handed it to her. Qin Mu froze, took the book wrapped in aged cowhide paper, and opened it. It was well-preserved despite its age. Wei Hanyu explained:

“This is an ancient secret method passed down in the palace. It’s said that if an emperor cannot have heirs, this method can be used.”

Qin Mu nodded and began reading. It was detailed—listing herbs and how to refine them into pills, requiring the bl00d and bones of two people. But seeing most of the herbs were poisonous snakes and insects, she frowned and quickly closed it, shaking her head.

“This method is too strange.”

Wei Hanyu took the book back, glanced at it, and said softly.

“Strange, yes. But it is still a glimmer of hope.”

“No. These snakes and insects are highly poisonous.” Qin Mu frowned firmly, shaking her head. “If these are refined into pills, they must be taken orally. With such ingredients, it’s no different from poison. I won’t let you risk this.”

“Silly girl, the reason snakes and insects are used is written very clearly in the book.” Wei Hanyu handed the book back. Qin Mu refused to look at it again. She hugged Wei Hanyu and pouted.

“Sister Hanyu, isn’t it enough with just the two of us? Even if we don’t have children, we can still live happily.”

“Wouldn’t it be even better if we could have a child of our own?” Wei Hanyu pinched her cheek gently.

“No, no. If it could harm you, I won’t allow it,” Qin Mu said stubbornly. But seeing the strange look in Wei Hanyu’s eyes, she quickly grew serious. She realized Wei Hanyu was the eldest princess of Wei and already married. If she never bore children, the emperor might grow suspicious, and Qin Mu’s true identity as a woman might be exposed. Thinking this, Qin Mu frowned deeply, her heart aching. Why must Sister Hanyu be the daughter of an emperor, destined never to live like ordinary people?

“Sister Hanyu, I know a skilled doctor. This book should be shown to her.” Qin Mu put it away seriously. Seeing Wei Hanyu did not object, she felt a little relieved.

That night, after so long apart, they lay together, sharing warmth and expressing their deepest longing.

The next morning, Qin Mu left the palace with the book and went to a teahouse where Qin Lao’er and Qin Lao’er were busy. She sought out Qiu Chan and gave her the book. Qiu Chan flipped through it, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Where did you get this treasure?”

“From Sister Hanyu.” Qin Mu rested her cheek on her hand, asking quickly, “Does it work? Would it kill someone?”

Qiu Chan studied it intently, ignoring her. Annoyed, Qin Mu snatched it back. Only then did Qiu Chan focus on her again. Qin Mu repeated her question.

Shaking her head, Qiu Chan said, “I don’t know. But I can say this is a true ancient text, even an original copy.” She took it back eagerly, whispering, “If this method can really let two people conceive, it would be a miracle in medicine. But… the ingredients are all highly poisonous. Extremely dangerous.”

Qin Mu nodded, agreeing. She reached to take it back, ready to give up on the idea, but Qiu Chan quickly protected it.

“But it can be tested on animals first,” Qiu Chan said.

Seeing Qin Mu’s doubtful look, she added, “Leave the book with me. I’ll study it for a while, then give you an answer.”

Knowing Qiu Chan was one of the best in medicine, Qin Mu agreed.

Back at the palace, Qin Mu saw Emperor Wei and Wei Yue’er. The emperor beamed at her like a father seeing his son.

“You’ve been eating vegetarian and chanting sutras—it’s true, you’ve grown thinner,” he said warmly.

Wei Yue’er smirked. “Yes, being a scholar has its benefits. No need to fight and kill—quite a peaceful life.”

Hearing the jab, Qin Mu pretended to sigh and rolled up her sleeve. “Blame my parents for giving me such a weak body. I was never cut out for martial arts.”

The emperor laughed heartily. “In these times of peace, the nation needs talents skilled with the pen, not just the sword.”

Qin Mu realized he might restore her official post. But before he could continue, he asked Wei Yue’er, “Where’s Hanyu?”

“She’s at the Buddha hall,” Yue’er replied lazily. “Since returning from the border, she prays two hours daily.”

Sensing the awkwardness, Qin Mu volunteered to fetch her.

At the hall, she stopped at the doorway, hearing Wei Hanyu praying softly.

“Mu’er and I are far apart in age. One day, if I pass away, I hope someone will care for her. May the Buddha bless us with a child.”

Qin Mu’s eyes welled with tears. She bit her lip to keep them from falling. Wei Hanyu wasn’t seeking a child for reputation or imperial duty—she was thinking of her. Afraid Qin Mu would be left with no one. Qin Mu forced her tears back, entered, and when Wei Hanyu turned, she quickly walked forward to lift her up.

“You’re so light…” Qin Mu thought, holding her tighter, her heart aching. She carried her to the garden pavilion, set her down gently, and gazed at her deeply. She felt she could never repay Wei Hanyu’s devotion, no matter what she gave.

“What is it, Mu’er?” Wei Hanyu touched her cheek softly.

“The Emperor and Yue’er are here,” Qin Mu smiled.

As Wei Hanyu tried to rise, Qin Mu pressed her down gently, half-kneeling before her. “Sister Hanyu, can you spend less time at the hall? You hardly have time for me.” (What she really meant was: your knees hurt, and it pains me to see it.)

Wei Hanyu smiled faintly, patting her shoulder in comfort. They returned together to the hall.

There, Prince Wei Yanhang had arrived. He rushed over happily: “Sister, tomorrow Father is going hunting at Mount Li. Come with us.”

Wei Hanyu glanced at Qin Mu, saw her expectant face, and nodded in agreement.

But Wei Yanhang looked at Qin Mu with disdain. “With all the beasts at Mount Li, this bookworm had better stay in the palace.”

“Yanhang, mind your words,” the emperor scolded, frowning. Wei Yanhang stuck out his tongue at Qin Mu.

“I agree with the prince this time,” Wei Yue’er added, siding with him.

Qin Mu raised a brow, replying lightly, “I never said I wanted to go.”

“If Mu’er doesn’t go, I’ll stay with her in the palace,” Wei Hanyu said softly.

At once, Yue’er and Yanhang deflated. Yue’er tugged Qin Mu’s sleeve. “Brother Mu, hunting at Mount Li is so fun. Please come.”

Qin Mu pretended to be aloof. “Is it really?”

“Of course! There are mountains, rivers, and rare beasts,” Yanhang chimed in.

“Then let’s all go.” Qin Mu looked at Wei Hanyu with a smile. Seeing her nod, she agreed. The others cheered.

That night, Wei Hanyu found Qin Mu busying herself inside and outside, sweating. She called her over, wiping her forehead.

“Mu’er, what are you doing?”

Qin Mu grinned. “On Huangming Mountain, there were many mosquitoes. I used these herbs for baths to repel them. I just gathered some for you, so when we go to Mount Li, you won’t get bitten.”

Wei Hanyu tapped her nose with a smile. “Mount Li is cold. There are no mosquitoes there.”

“Oh.” Qin Mu looked disappointed, then quickly pouted. “But these herbs are also good for beauty. I worked so hard to gather them—you can’t waste them.”

Seeing her expectant face, Wei Hanyu smiled softly. “Alright. Since you prepared it, I’ll use it.”

Qin Mu’s eyes lit up. Beaming, she watched Wei Hanyu walk to her chambers. “Sister Hanyu, I’ll prepare the hot water for your bath!”

“That’s what the maids are for,” Wei Hanyu said with a raised brow. But Qin Mu shook her head stubbornly.

“No. I want to bathe my Sister Hanyu myself.”