Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 59

After court was dismissed, Wei Yanhang ran faster than a rabbit, eager to share the good news with Qin Mu. But when he reached Biyue Pavilion, Qin Mu was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he bumped into Wei Hanyu, who was tending flowers in the garden.

Since returning from the desert, Wei Hanyu had stopped concerning herself with court affairs, living peacefully in Biyue Pavilion with Qin Mu.

When Wei Yanhang rushed into Biyue Pavilion so recklessly, Wei Hanyu wasn’t surprised. He had clung to her since childhood, and every time he came in, it was as if he were entering his own chambers. But this time, his gaze lingered on her for just a moment before darting around, searching other rooms. That stirred Wei Hanyu’s curiosity. When Wei Yanhang circled back to the garden, Wei Hanyu called to him.

“Yanhang, come have some tea.”

The two sat in the pavilion. Wei Hanyu poured him a cup of cold tea. Drenched in sweat, Wei Yanhang drank it in one gulp. He expected bitterness, but instead it was refreshingly sweet. His eyes brightened.

“Good, isn’t it?” Wei Hanyu smiled.

Wei Yanhang nodded, holding out the cup for more. After finishing the second cup, he sighed in admiration.

“Elder Sister, I’ve lived in the palace for so long, but this is the first time I’ve ever had such good tea.”

“The capital’s weather is dry. Mu’er specially brewed this with pu’er, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, licorice, and rock sugar. It clears heat and detoxifies.”

At the mention of Qin Mu, the corners of Wei Hanyu’s lips lifted. Their secluded life in the palace had been leisurely.

Hearing Qin Mu’s name reminded Wei Yanhang of his purpose. “Where is Qin Mu? Why isn’t she here in Biyue Pavilion?”

Just as he spoke, a lively voice called from nearby:

“Sister Hanyu!”

They turned to see Qin Mu hurrying over, holding a steaming bowl. Her face was covered in sweat. She plopped down beside Wei Hanyu, took her soft hand, and said excitedly,

“Try this! I made rose honey dew—it beautifies the skin.”

Behind her, a little eunuch from the imperial kitchen followed, bringing smaller bowls. Qin Mu poured some out, scooped a spoonful, blew on it, and naturally held it to Wei Hanyu’s lips.

Wei Hanyu took a sip. Qin Mu looked at her eagerly. “Sweet?”

“Sweet.” Wei Hanyu’s smile was tender as she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe Qin Mu’s sweaty forehead. Qin Mu fed her another spoonful, laughing.

“Sister Hanyu, drink more.”

Their affectionate display in public was almost blinding. Seeing Wei Yanhang staring, Wei Hanyu’s cheeks reddened. She quickly took the spoon from Qin Mu and said,

“Mu’er, it seems Yanhang came looking for you.”

“The Crown Prince?” Qin Mu turned and, finally noticing him, realized she’d been treating him like air. Wei Yanhang, relieved, let out a long breath and said,

“Qin Mu, Father has agreed to restore your position as my tutor, to accompany me in my studies.”

He was thrilled—now their plan could begin openly.

Qin Mu nodded, smiling broadly. Wei Hanyu said nothing until Wei Yanhang left. Then she asked,

“Mu’er, is there something between you and Yanhang I don’t know?”

“Sister Hanyu, why do you ask?” Qin Mu teased with a smile.

“I know his temperament. He avoids study like the plague, hates discipline. How could he be so happy to have you as his teacher?” Wei Hanyu shook her head.

Qin Mu clasped her hands behind her back, leaned close proudly, and raised her brows.

“Sister Hanyu, believe it or not, starting tomorrow, the Crown Prince will listen to me and study properly.”

Wei Hanyu chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Yanhang’s nature won’t change overnight.”

“So Sister Hanyu doesn’t believe me?” Qin Mu said with a sly smile.

Wei Hanyu sighed. “Since the desert, the Lu family’s power has grown stronger. Lately, Lu Xu has grown close to Third Prince Yanqing. I fear they may harm the Crown Prince.”

Qin Mu smiled bitterly. “Though you’ve stepped away from court affairs, Sister Hanyu, your heart still worries for the realm.”

“Father is old now. Even during the desert hunt, his strength was not as before. I fear that if one day he passes, Yanhang won’t be able to bear the weight of Wei.”

She looked at Qin Mu, eyes full of helplessness. The Wei family’s influence in court was dwindling—only her uncle, Wei Hai, remained, but his unruly nature made him difficult to rely on. The Prime Minister Song Liao disliked Yanhang and only obeyed out of fear of the Emperor’s authority. Should the Emperor fall, Song Liao would never submit. As for the Lu clan, ambitious as ever—Lu Zhanyun now commanded the Imperial Guards, power firmly in his hands. The Lu family was becoming a dire threat to the throne.

Though Wei Hanyu wasn’t at court, her heart was heavy with worry. Qin Mu gently smoothed the crease between her brows with her fingertip, then held her hand firmly.

“Sister Hanyu, as long as I’m here, I won’t let the Lus run wild.”

Wei Hanyu clasped her hand in return, shaking her head with a sigh.

“Mu’er, if this were before, I’d be glad to see you help Yanhang. But after what happened in the desert, I don’t want you dragged into Wei’s power struggles.”

She gave a faint smile. “Honestly, in terms of ability, Yanhang is no match for Yanqing. If Yanqing ruled, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing.”

“No.” Qin Mu’s brow furrowed. “Wei Yanqing isn’t a good man. The sachet from the Li Mountain hunt came from him—he’s tied to the plot against the Crown Prince.”

“Why not report this to Father?” Wei Hanyu asked.

“The sachet is destroyed. We have no proof,” Qin Mu replied. Then she added firmly, “Sister Hanyu, please believe me. The Crown Prince has grown from this ordeal. I’m willing to bet on him.”

Wei Hanyu looked at Qin Mu’s determined eyes, but inside, unease lingered. She didn’t want Qin Mu hurt again on her behalf.

***

In the following days, Qin Mu went to the royal study punctually to tutor Wei Yanhang. Wei Hanyu often brought snacks and found him truly studying classics like The Doctrine of the Mean and The Art of War.

But as the date of the contest with the desert drew near, Wei Yanhang grew restless. He tossed his book aside, face clouded with worry.

“Qin Mu, the contest is coming closer every day. When will we carry out your plan?”

“Don’t rush. Memorize The Strategies of the Warring States first,” Qin Mu said calmly, pointing to his book.

“I won’t read anymore.” Wei Yanhang slammed the book down. “I’ve been reading day and night—my eyes are going blurry. At this rate, I won’t even hit the target.”

“If the Crown Prince wants to practice archery, why not today?” Qin Mu smiled faintly, hands behind her back, standing tall.

But Wei Yanhang grinned sheepishly. “Today, I already promised the Sixth Prince to wrestle. Why not teach me how to beat him first?”

“The Sixth Prince’s grandfather was Mongol. He trained him in wrestling since childhood. Beating him won’t be easy.” Qin Mu stroked her chin, pretending to think hard.

“Exactly! Every time he tosses me like a rag. This time, Qin Mu, you must help me.”

“You can beat him—it’s not that hard.” Qin Mu smiled. “Mongol wrestling relies on leg strength—stable but slow. The neck, elbows, and ankles are weak spots. Attack quickly with speed, and you’ll win.”

“Really?” Wei Yanhang was doubtful.

“If you beat him, then tomorrow, memorize The Strategies of the Warring States,” Qin Mu said.

Wei Yanhang slapped his chest. “Fine! If I beat him, I’ll memorize it tomorrow.”

The next morning, Qin Mu arrived at the study and found him already there, holding the book she had assigned. Qin Mu only smiled—Wei Yanhang was not hopeless after all.

***

That day, Qin Mu received a letter from outside the palace—it was from Qiuchan, saying there was progress on the matter she’d been researching. Qin Mu was delighted, changed into plain clothes, and left for a teahouse.

Inside, Qin Lao’er and Qin Laosan had prepared hot wine and beef for her. After drinks, Qiuchan pulled Qin Mu into a hidden room.

The room was full of strange things, but what caught Qin Mu’s eye were cages of white mice. Qiu Chan came up with a book in hand.

“I followed the formula from this book, fed the medicine to these mice. Guess what happened?”

Qin Mu looked at her with expectation. Qiu Chan lifted a black cloth, revealing cages of newborn pups.

“It worked?” Qin Mu was stunned.

“Yes.” Qiu Vhan smiled. Qin Mu hugged her in excitement.

“You’re truly a miracle doctor!”

“Don’t celebrate yet. I need more tests on other animals to be sure it’s harmless.” Qiu Chan pushed her away, diving back into her medical texts.

Though not certain, Qin Mu’s worries were eased. By the time she returned to the palace, it was already late. All other palaces were dark, but in Biyue Pavilion, every lamp from the corridor to the chambers was still lit. Qin Mu knew Wei Hanyu was waiting.

She pushed the door open—Wei Hanyu sat beneath the light, sewing. Qin Mu’s breath carried wine, making Wei Hanyu frown slightly.

“Drinking again?”

“I was happy today, so I had a little.” Qin Mu sat grinning. Wei Hanyu put down her work, fetched a bowl of sober-up soup, and set it before her.

“Drink it, or your head will ache tomorrow.”

Qin Mu took it, smiling with happiness, her eyes fixed on Wei Hanyu under the candlelight, more enchanting than ever. Curiously, she asked,

“Sister Hanyu, what are you sewing?”

Wei Hanyu clipped the last thread and handed her a book bag. Qin Mu’s face filled with emotion.

“You made this especially for me?”

Wei Hanyu nodded. Qin Mu leapt forward, kissing her cheek deeply. She often carried brushes and ink to the study, staining her hands. With this bag, everything could be neatly packed away.

She rushed to the study, filled the bag with papers and pens, and ran back, fumbling clumsily until she tangled herself like a zongzi.

Wei Hanyu laughed, stood up, steadied her hands, and helped her wear it properly. The dark blue bag gave Qin Mu a scholar’s aura, which pleased Wei Hanyu.

Qin Mu suddenly hugged her tightly, inhaling her faint fragrance, whispering by her ear:

“Sister Hanyu, thank you for being by my side.”

Then she added, “We might be able to have a child of our own.”

At those words, Wei Hanyu’s hand stiffened slightly, her face breaking into a glow of joy.