Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 58

Wei Hanyu pulled Qin Mu up, and they slowly rose to the surface. Since they were in the middle of the lake, Qin Mu clung tightly to Wei Hanyu, not daring to let go, pressing against her shoulder and gasping for air. After catching her breath, Qin Mu tilted her face, staring at Wei Hanyu. Drops of water clung to her beautiful face, making Qin Mu’s heart stir—she leaned in and kissed her cheek.

When Wei Hanyu turned her head back at her, as if remembering Qin Mu’s mischievous stunt of sinking to the bottom of the lake just now, she had the urge to push her away. But Qin Mu instantly clung to her like glue, her warm breath brushing Wei Hanyu’s earlobe, making it turn red in an instant.

“Sister Hanyu, that day in the palace lake, did you save me like this too?”

Wei Hanyu pressed her lips together, nodded, and said, “Mu’er should really learn how to swim. If someone tries to harm you in the future, you’ll know how to escape.”

“Sister Hanyu, then teach me, alright?” Qin Mu felt she was right, and since there was an expert at her side, she wasn’t about to waste the chance.

“First, get off me.” Wei Hanyu frowned slightly, pinching Qin Mu’s shoulder as she spoke.

Only then did Qin Mu realize she was still clinging to her whole body. She quickly let go, and Wei Hanyu held her hands gently, saying softly,

“Mu’er, watch the way I move my legs—gently kick downward in rhythm, and your body will stay afloat.”

Qin Mu lowered her gaze under the water. The moonlight shone on the clear lake surface; though mist rose faintly, the water was transparent to the bottom. Wei Hanyu’s graceful figure was completely visible, making Qin Mu’s bl00d surge. How could she focus on swimming like this?

She forced herself to watch carefully. Wei Hanyu’s slender legs moved with steady rhythm, her pale ankles glimmering gold in the moonlight, dazzlingly alluring. Qin Mu only wanted to dive down and touch that beautiful body.

“Focus.” Just as Qin Mu’s thoughts drifted, a splash of water hit her face. Wei Hanyu raised an eyebrow, clearly seeing her distraction.

Qin Mu instantly collected herself and concentrated. Her understanding wasn’t bad—though she had never learned to swim, she wasn’t afraid of water. Mimicking Wei Hanyu, she kicked rhythmically and soon felt a force lift her body. Letting go of Wei Hanyu’s hands, she used both arms and legs together and to her amazement, floated on the water. Excited, she shouted,

“Sister Hanyu, I can do it!”

Wei Hanyu gave her a gentle smile. Qin Mu splashed around, circling her. From every angle, Wei Hanyu seemed beautiful beyond words. After several circles, Wei Hanyu caught her, carefully wiping the water from her face.

At that moment, Wei Hanyu felt Qin Mu’s burning gaze. Every touch carried warmth. The steam turned Wei Hanyu’s cheeks red. If she stayed longer, yesterday’s shameful memories would resurface. Her body was already tired from the day’s hunt—she couldn’t handle Qin Mu’s mischief. Quietly pulling her hand away, she said softly,

“It’s late. Let’s go back.”

But before she could turn, Qin Mu caught her hand again. Wei Hanyu turned to speak, only for her lips to be sealed by Qin Mu’s kiss. The warmth, the clean taste—she couldn’t resist. She loved Qin Mu’s purity, loved being held, loved being kissed, loved hearing her whisper softly by her ear: “Sister Hanyu.”

Under the moonlight, the hot pool seemed to boil from their passion.

***

After dinner, Lu Xu quietly left the palace. Deep in the woods, in a secluded spot, a man in a black cloak and hat stood waiting. Lu Xu approached. The man removed his hat—moonlight revealed a sharp face, handsome features, and deep eyes that mirrored Emperor Wei’s. He was the third prince of Wei, Wei Yanqing.

He was supposed to join the hunt with his father, being a general, but had feigned illness. So why was he at Mount Li? Because he couldn’t wait to know whether his younger brother, the Crown Prince Wei Yanhang, was dead.

“Did the plan succeed?” Wei Yanqing asked at once.

“There are guards patrolling everywhere. Third Prince, you really shouldn’t have come,” Lu Xu replied coldly, ignoring the question.

Wei Yanqing snapped angrily, “Why not? If not for you telling me to feign illness and stay in the palace, I would be hunting openly with Father now.”

“Heh. And when the Crown Prince died, the doctors discovered the sachet he carried was laced with Huigan Grass, a gift from you—then you would’ve been the first suspect.”

“Did the plan work or not?” Wei Yanqing brushed aside his excuses, demanding again.

Lu Xu flicked his sleeve, his eyes icy. “Dealing with the Crown Prince won’t be as simple as we thought.”

“General Lu, are you joking? You mean that worthless prince isn’t so simple?” Wei Yanqing sneered. Seeing Lu Xu’s failure, he mocked, “Perhaps your Huigan Grass didn’t work, and now you’re making excuses.”

Lu Xu’s eyes flashed with fury. He glared hard. “There’s an expert at the Crown Prince’s side. Their martial skills are unfathomable.”

“Who? Qingfeng?” Wei Yanqing’s face went pale at the thought.

“I don’t know,” Lu Xu frowned deeply.

“Then according to you, this assassination is finished?” Wei Yanqing asked, unwilling to accept it.

Lu Xu let out a cold laugh, confidence in his voice. “I promised to make you Crown Prince. I will not go back on my word.”

Wei Yanqing’s heart leapt. “General Lu, what’s your plan?”

“No hurry. Let him live another month,” Lu Xu said with a cold smirk. Then turning, he added slowly, “Rest assured, Third Prince. When the time comes, his death will be a hundred times more miserable.”

***

The next morning, Qin Mu was still asleep when loud knocking came at the door. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she sat up. Wei Hanyu was still fast asleep beside her, her face peaceful. Remembering the intimacy in the hot spring last night, Qin Mu couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her before getting up.

After a quick wash, she opened the door—only to find Wei Yanhang standing there, looking like he had lost his soul. Surprised, she asked,

“Your Highness, was yesterday’s matter not resolved?”

He nodded gloomily. Qin Mu frowned, but seeing him hesitate to speak in front of passing maids and eunuchs, she led him to a quiet corner.

“Your Highness, is there something you cannot say?” she asked.

Wei Yanhang sighed miserably. “Yesterday, Father saw my amazing archery and now wants me to represent Wei in a contest against the desert envoys. If that happens, I’ll be completely exposed!” He covered his face in despair.

Qin Mu, however, looked calm. His confusion grew. “Qin Mu, do you have a way out?”

She rubbed her chin, thinking. “I just find it strange—why would Emperor Wei suddenly suggest a contest with the desert?”

“It was Lu Xu’s idea,” he answered quickly.

At the name, Qin Mu’s brows knitted tight. That man hadn’t paid yet for tricking Wei Hanyu in the desert, and now he was targeting Wei Yanhang. If I don’t deal with him, he’ll keep causing harm.

As Qin Mu thought, Wei Yanhang, assuming she had no plan, turned to leave. But she stopped him.

“Your Highness, where are you going?”

“I… I’ll go to Father and confess the truth. Otherwise, my humiliation will be too great.” He looked pitiful.

But Qin Mu smiled faintly. “Does Your Highness trust me?”

Wei Yanhang froze, recalling her frail appearance, yet also remembering how she shot down three beasts in a row. The memory still made his heart race. After a pause, he nodded firmly. “Qin Mu, I trust you.”

“Then follow my instructions.” Qin Mu’s gaze sharpened, her lips curving with confidence. She beckoned him closer, whispered in his ear. Wei Yanhang kept nodding—gradually, the worry faded from his face.

Back at the palace, the next morning in court, Wei Yanhang suddenly requested Emperor Wei to appoint Qin Mu as his tutor, to stay by his side and teach him the way of governance.

Everyone was shocked—the Crown Prince, who always hated study, had changed?

But before the Emperor could answer, Lu Youwei and Song Liao immediately objected. According to Wei law, the imperial son-in-law could not hold office. If the Emperor agreed, it would mean breaking tradition.

The Emperor was torn, but finally compromised: Qin Mu could assist the Crown Prince for now, without an official title. In the future, once the Crown Prince had learned well, she would be formally granted a position.

The officials had no objection—only Lu Youwei and Lu Xu showed displeasure on their faces.