Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 57
Wei Hanyu twisted Qin Mu’s ear, making her grin through the pain and finally sit upright, smiling cheekily at her.
“Mu’er, why didn’t you stay quietly in the camp?” Wei Hanyu raised an eyebrow, questioning her. Qin Mu only stuck out her tongue and glanced away without answering, thinking: If I had really stayed in the camp, by the time you arrived the Crown Prince would already be dead.
“Promise me—don’t put yourself in danger again, alright?” Seeing Qin Mu remain silent, Wei Hanyu sighed. Ever since that incident in the desert, she worried even more for Qin Mu’s safety. Sometimes she woke in the middle of the night, only relaxing when she saw Qin Mu sleeping soundly at her side. She knew she feared losing Qin Mu more than anything.
Qin Mu nodded, but noticing the faint crease on Wei Hanyu’s brows, her thoughtful and heavy expression, an idea sparked in Qin Mu’s mind to chase away her worries.
Snatching the reins from Wei Hanyu’s hands, Qin Mu squeezed the horse’s sides, and it bolted forward. But this road didn’t lead out of the forest—instead, it carried them deeper.
As the sky dimmed, Wei Hanyu tapped Qin Mu’s shoulder softly. “Mu’er, it’s late. There may be beasts in the woods.”
Qin Mu only smiled. “Everyone knows the forest is dangerous at night. That means no one will come disturb us.”
Wei Hanyu pressed her lips together. Qin Mu’s plan seemed reckless, but her riding was masterful. In her hands, the horse moved as if flying on clouds. The jolts of the gallop forced Wei Hanyu to hold tightly onto her. Together, they rode through the forest until it opened up to a vast plain blanketed in snow. Their horse left crisp hoofprints across the untouched expanse. No sign of human tracks—few had ever come here.
Beyond the plain rose a winding mountain path leading straight to Mount Li’s towering summit. At the peak, Qin Mu tied their horse to a tree, then led Wei Hanyu by the hand to the cliff’s edge. Before them stretched endless snowcapped ridges, rising and falling without end.
“Sister Hanyu, isn’t this beautiful?” Qin Mu embraced her, whispering by her ear.
“It is,” Wei Hanyu smiled gently, pinching Qin Mu’s cold-red nose. She had come to Mount Li many times, yet this was her first time reaching its summit to witness such a view. Seeing the clouds of worry lift from her face made Qin Mu beam with joy. She let go, spreading her arms wide toward the scenery, as though trying to hold the world, and inhaled deeply.
“When the sun sets, it will be even more beautiful.”
Wei Hanyu nodded, a faint smile on her lips. Qin Mu went on, “I already wanted to bring you here yesterday.” She had lived on mountains before—she knew the higher you climbed, the grander the view, especially in snow.
The sun sank, dyeing the peaks crimson. The chain of mountains glowed like a sea of fire, dazzling and magnificent. Qin Mu turned to look at Wei Hanyu, her face bathed in the sunset glow. Drawing closer, she pressed a kiss to her eyes, as if to lock the beauty within them forever.
“Sister Hanyu, I want to watch the sunrise and sunset with you every day.” Her voice was earnest, from the heart. After facing death that day, Qin Mu realized how fragile life was. She vowed not to leave her desires unsaid—to seize every moment with Wei Hanyu, so she’d never regret later.
“Foolish girl,” Wei Hanyu chuckled softly, bringing Qin Mu’s hand to her lips and blowing warm air onto her chilled skin. “When we return to the capital, the sun will rise and set every day. Too often, and its beauty may lose its charm.”
Her love was always like this—delicate, careful, steady as flowing water. No grand declarations, no fiery passion, yet it seeped into Qin Mu’s heart. Flashes of memory stirred in her mind: Wei Hanyu’s tenderness, her gaze the day they parted in the desert, her prayer before the Buddha to bear her a child.
Qin Mu held her close, breathing in her familiar fragrance. To have my Hanyu in this life… I am surrounded by happiness.
***
Meanwhile, in the palace hall, the day’s hunt had crowned a victor: none other than Crown Prince Wei Yanhang. Six exhausted guards carried in the massive six-hundred-jin bear and dropped it with a heavy thud. Gasps filled the room.
Even Emperor Wei was stunned, stepping down from his throne to circle the beast twice before turning to his son.
“Han’er, how did you manage to capture such a monster?”
Wei Yanhang stepped forward, lifting his sleeves, wearing a confident smile. “Reporting to Father, your son first scattered Huigan Grass around a trap to lure the bear, then shot it with arrows.”
“Huigan Grass?” The Emperor frowned, unfamiliar with the term.
Yanhang, expecting the question, pointed to Lu Xu. “General Lu is well-traveled. Surely he knows.”
Lu Xu lifted his head calmly. “Huigan Grass is a lure used by hunters to attract beasts—no different than releasing rabbits during a hunt.”
The Emperor nodded, looking at Yanhang with approval. Smiling, he patted his son’s shoulder. “Han’er, you’ve truly grown.”
Relief washed through Yanhang—he had followed Qin Mu’s instructions well enough to pass. But Lu Xu’s voice cut in again.
“Who would have thought the Crown Prince’s archery is so precise? Truly, hitting the mark every time.” He rose and joined them. Yanhang’s stomach clenched, but he kept his chin high. “Naturally.”
Lu Xu continued smoothly, “Next month, envoys from the desert will arrive. Their people are famed for mounted archery, and a contest will be held between our nations. I hope the Crown Prince will represent Wei.”
The Emperor nodded, clapping Yanhang’s shoulder again. “Han’er, show them our prince is not only fit to rule but also unmatched in skill.”
Yanhang’s face drained of color. He nearly collapsed. This time, I’m finished…
***
That night, Consort Su Wanying passed by Qin Mu and Wei Hanyu’s chamber, hoping to overhear noises again. But the room was dark—its occupants had yet to return. Disappointed, she turned to leave, only to bump into someone. With a startled cry, she lit a lantern—only to see Wei Yanhang’s miserable face.
“Your Highness, why are you here at this hour?” she asked in surprise.
“I’m waiting for my sister,” he muttered, his face carved with worry, unwilling to speak further.
Su Wanying, hiding her own guilt, only nodded slightly and slipped away.
***
On their way back, Qin Mu and Wei Hanyu passed a cave in Mount Li. Many caves dotted the mountain, but this one was unusual—it alone was free of snow. Curious, Qin Mu dismounted, pressed her hand to the stone wall, and her face lit up.
“Sister Hanyu, look—the stone is warm.”
Wei Hanyu jumped down to inspect. “Sulfur,” she said after sniffing the air. Qin Mu inhaled too and caught the faint scent. Wei Hanyu smiled knowingly. “Mu’er, there must be a hot spring inside.”
Eyes shining, Qin Mu followed as they entered the dark cave with a firebrand. The deeper they went, the damper the air grew, mist curling around them. Soon, they heard water. Ahead, moonlight streamed through cracks above, illuminating a lake in the cavern. Fireflies flickered around the shore like stars.
Qin Mu crouched to touch the water, then exclaimed in delight, “Sister Hanyu, it’s warm!”
Wei Hanyu smiled. “Legend says Mount Li was once a volcano. When it fell dormant, it left hot springs behind. Though I’ve visited often, this is the first I’ve found one.”
Qin Mu, eager after the day’s sweat and struggle, quickly stripped off her clothes and splashed into the water. Wei Hanyu frowned in concern. “Mu’er, be careful. The lake is deep.”
But Qin Mu popped up, grinning. “Come in! It’s so warm!”
Wei Hanyu knelt by the edge, sprinkling water over her head with a laugh. “Enough mischief. Come up already.”
Instead, Qin Mu kicked off, sliding deeper into the pool. “Sister Hanyu, come find me at the bottom!” she teased, then dove under.
Wei Hanyu could only sigh at her childlike antics.
Beneath the surface, Qin Mu lay flat on the heated stone floor, watching the shimmering water. Soon ripples stirred—the silhouette of Wei Hanyu gliding toward her, dark hair flowing like ink, her graceful form bathed in moonlight. To Qin Mu, she was one with the water itself. Mesmerized, she didn’t react until Wei Hanyu’s hand clasped hers, pulling her close. Their faces nearly touched.
Qin Mu forgot to hold her breath—water flooded her mouth, choking her. Then soft lips pressed against hers. Fresh air flowed into her lungs. Opening her eyes, she saw Wei Hanyu’s long lashes flutter like wings underwater, her kiss tender yet breathtaking.
The sight was so beautiful Qin Mu felt as if she were dreaming.