Destined Hearts of Mu and Yu (GL) - Chapter 6

When Wei Hanyu entered Qianqing Palace once more, she carried herself with flawless grace and regal composure. Draped in resplendent crimson robes of noble splendor, her hair adorned with exquisite, delicate ornaments, she seemed untouchable. The beauty mark at the corner of her right eye lent her otherwise cold features a touch of allure, making her all the more captivating. With a touch of light makeup, even the faintest smile from her was breathtaking.

It was precisely this beauty that made Emperor Wei reluctant to let her marry. Nowhere in the world had he yet found a man worthy of his daughter.

“Hanyu, you’ve come just in time. Look at this memorial! That Lu Youwei dares lean on his seniority to press me again,” the emperor said, delighted by her arrival. He waved her over eagerly.

Wei Hanyu approached with calm elegance, opening the memorial with slender hands. Her expression stiffened slightly. The emperor caught it at once and snatched the scroll back.

“Don’t mind him. Forget it.”

“Father, if I recall correctly, this is the fifth time Lu Youwei has raised this matter.” Wei Hanyu lifted her gaze, meeting his evasive eyes with calm composure.

“And what of it? Even if he submits fifty memorials, it is useless. His son may have some talent, but how could he ever be worthy of my daughter?” The emperor spoke not as a ruler, but as a doting father.

Wei Hanyu remained serene, though her thoughts stirred. If he truly dismissed it, he would not have shown her the memorial at all. He was testing her, probing whether she bore any affection for Lu Xu.

Seeing her calm, the emperor quickly shifted his words, tapping the scroll with a sigh. “Still, Lu Youwei was a founding hero of Wei, a brother who fought by my side. And as the saying goes, ‘A tiger sires no dog.’ His son Lu Xu cannot be so poor a match.”

“Father, are you simply weary of my presence here in the palace? Is that why you are so eager to marry me off?” Her brows furrowed as she faced him directly.

“Of course not.” Realizing her displeasure, the emperor rose at once, taking her hand as if afraid she might slip away. “But you are already past twenty-five. If you do not marry soon, then…” He trailed off. In Wei, women typically wed at eighteen. At twenty-five, she was considered well past the proper age. Though his daughter was unmatched in beauty and bearing, he feared that if she continued to refuse suitors, she would grow old alone.

“Father, Lu Xu and I were childhood companions, comrades who fought side by side. But between us there is nothing more than sibling affection. I beg you, reject this proposal once and for all.” Her voice was cold and firm. Inwardly, she thought: her body was no longer untouched. To wed Lu Xu—or anyone—would bring only shame to the throne.

“I see. But tell me truthfully—have you already given your heart to another?” The emperor pressed, noting her unusual resolve.

“Of course not.” Panic stirred within her, but outwardly she remained calm.

“Good. If even Lu Xu is not worthy in your eyes, then let no other man dream of becoming my son-in-law.” His voice rang with imperial authority once more.

Wei Hanyu inclined her head, excused herself, and left. But as she stepped outside the palace, her chest felt stifled. Seeking air, she wandered into the rear garden—only to meet Lu Xu, on his way to an imperial audience.

At the sight of her, Lu Xu’s eyes softened with deep affection. To him, she was everything: childhood playmate, comrade in battle, the reason he lived and fought.

“Princess, His Majesty has summoned me to reward me for escorting you safely back to the capital,” he said, unable to hide his excitement.

Wei Hanyu only smiled faintly and gave a small nod.

But Lu Xu could not forget her pale, cold expression when she had been sent down from the mountain. His brows furrowed. “Princess, during your time at Huangming Mountain… were you mistreated?”

“It is nothing. Do not speak of it again.” Her words were cool, her frown faint.

“If not for bringing you back quickly, I would have crushed Huangming Mountain myself. Those bandits will pay!” His fists clenched, anger sparking.

She turned away, disinterested.

In his desperation, Lu Xu reached to seize her hand. She recoiled as if stung, shaking him off with icy fury.

“Presumptuous!”

“Hanyu…” In the solitude of the garden, his longing spilled over at last, her name heavy with yearning.

But her face remained distant, unreadable.

“When His Majesty asks what reward I desire, I will ask for nothing but this—that he grant me your hand in marriage.”

“Impossible.” Her eyes were cold, her tone sharper still.

“Hanyu, why will you not be my wife?” His voice broke with pain. He was already twenty-eight, long past the age of marriage, but he had waited only for her. If he could not have her, he would marry no one.

Her heart twisted faintly. She admired his devotion, but her feelings for him were still as water, never stirred into waves. She could not give him what he sought. Yet, unwilling to wound him outright, her gaze softened as she said gently:

“Prime Minister Song’s daughter, Song Qingshu, is but eighteen. Skilled in the arts, gentle and virtuous—if you were to wed her, it would be a fine match.”

“Hanyu, you know my heart has always been only for you.” His brow furrowed, his eyes searching hers with desperate sincerity.

Wei Hanyu turned away without a word.

Alone in the garden, Lu Xu stood rooted, fists clenched tight as he watched her retreating figure, sorrow heavy in his chest.