In the Moonlight

Bi Suo hurried to the main hall, where the guards inspected his bronze token before permitting entry.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and reverent, with prayer flags fluttering and sandalwood incense curling upward.

Before the hall, crowds had gathered. Bore stood at the entrance announcing arrivals, as envoys from various nations entered in turn to formally present their credentials.

Inside, Sanskrit chants swirled, candle flames flickered, and golden light glinted off Buddhist statues and treasures. Seated upon the Dharma platform, Tanmoroqie wore a crimson kasaya. Below, monks in ceremonial robes encircled him, chanting scriptures in unison. Bathed in the sacred sounds and candlelight, his features appeared sharply defined, his countenance handsome yet serene, as if he dwelled upon lofty clouds—aloof and holy.

Members of the Piluo Mo Luo envoy, clad in brocade robes and golden crowns, stepped forward one by one to prostrate themselves before the Buddha statue.

After paying homage, the Piluo Mo Luo envoy approached Tanmoroqie to salute him, then gestured discreetly to an attendant behind.

A delicate chiming of ornaments sounded as a woman stepped forth, lifting her veil to offer an elegant salute. She wore a silk gown embroidered with vine patterns in gold and silver thread, edged with pearls and turquoise. Her brown skin and distinct features complemented her graceful figure, while her vibrant attire was adorned with a forehead jewel, golden bracelets, pearl ornaments at her neck, hands, waist, and ankles. Upon entering the hall, she slowly raised her gaze, her gray-green eyes settling on Tanmoroqie. With a subtle sway in her movements, her every gesture seemed to follow a rhythm, exuding an enigmatic allure.

Members of other envoys watched her with undisguised fascination.

The Piluo Mo Luo envoy listened with satisfaction to the suppressed murmurs of admiration around him and declared proudly, "This is our Princess Manda."

A stir rippled through the crowd outside the hall, accompanied by hushed whispers.

Under the collective gaze, Princess Manda advanced with lotus-like steps, holding a golden tray laden with rare seasonal flowers. She approached the Dharma platform to present the offering. Her gray-green eyes lingered on Tanmoroqie for a moment before she suddenly smiled, lowering her gaze as if shy and demure, radiating boundless charm.

The envoys watched, utterly captivated.

Tanmoroqie slightly lowered his eyes, his glance sweeping over Princess Manda before he signaled a monk to place the golden tray before the Buddha statue.

Princess Manda’s expression stiffened.

Blessed with natural beauty and exceptional grace, she had trained under the finest temple dancers since childhood, mastering dance to perfection. A single performance of the Celestial Demon Dance could enthrall half the noblemen in the city, leaving them at her mercy. She had encountered all types of men—noble royalty, shrewd merchants, and disciplined monks—and all had regarded her with unconcealed desire. Yet, this ruler of the Royal Court gazed upon her with such detachment, devoid of emotion or ripple of interest.

Unlike other monks she had met, who averted their eyes in her presence, he remained unshaken, seated upon the Dharma platform, looking down at her as he would a flower, a clump of sedge, a stone—an ordinary mortal no different from any other.

Such solemn composure, Princess Manda had only ever witnessed in temple Buddha statues.

Her heart sank slightly; it seemed this Royal Court monarch would be difficult to sway.The envoy failed to notice Princess Manda's stiffness and said with a smile, "Princess Manda has studied Buddhist Dharma under the monks of Wang Temple since childhood and is an upāsikā. The princess has long admired the Buddha Prince, having studied the Scriptures translated by him, yearning day and night. On this visit to the Royal Court, she wishes to emulate the Girl of Matanga by entering the temple for cultivation. We hope the Buddha Prince will grant permission."

In an instant, the atmosphere turned deathly still.

Those in the hall lifted their heads one by one, struggling to conceal the jealousy and resentment surging within them: though their own princesses were also great beauties with flower-like appearances, none could compare to the princess from the Land of Brahma. Not only was she beautiful, but her every movement carried a subtle, enchanting charm. If the Land of Brahma princess stayed, all other princesses would become mere foils—would the Buddha Prince even glance at them again?

Outside the hall, Bi Suo and Yuanjue frowned deeply, while Bore, who had been announcing the visitors, bristled with anger, nearly hopping in fury.

The envoy from Piluo Mo Luo paid no mind to the scornful glances around him, wearing a smug expression. Princess Manda had visited many nations, and wherever she went, kings and princes became infatuated with her. He was confident that the ruler of the Royal Court would be no exception to her charms.

Amid the silence, Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze.

Princess Manda watched him, her heart tightening with nervousness.

Tanmoroqie said indifferently, "Since the benefactor is an upāsikā, she should devote herself to Buddhist Dharma."

After speaking, his eyes swept across the hall, causing everyone inside and outside to hold their breath.

"This matter shall not be mentioned again."

His tone carried implicit authority, brooking no doubt.

This time, the hall fell into profound silence. All were struck dumb, speechless for a long while.

The Piluo Mo Luo envoy had not expected Tanmoroqie to refuse so outright and was momentarily stunned. He wanted to argue: If the Han's Princess Wenzhao could stay, why not Princess Manda?

Before he could speak, meeting the gaze of the sword-bearing guards before the hall, the envoy abruptly sobered, his limbs stiffening.

He had nearly forgotten—the Buddha Prince was the ruler of the Royal Court. With his direct refusal and command to never raise the matter again, how dare any visiting nation defy him in his presence?

The Buddha Prince could keep whomever he wished; they had no right to question him.

As the envoy calmed down, he wondered in confusion: Princess Manda was so beautiful, yet the Buddha Prince remained utterly unmoved. What kind of remarkable figure was that Princess Wenzhao, to have made him break his rule?

While he pondered, an envoy from a tribe could not help but step forward and ask loudly, "Since your nation could keep the Han's Princess Wenzhao, why can't our princess stay? Our relations with your nation span nearly a hundred years, with deep friendship—how can we compare less favorably than the distant Han? Your nation should not favor one over the other!"

The envoy's mouth twitched. In international relations, powerful nations could indeed show favoritism—these tribal folk were truly crude to voice such a question aloud.

While inwardly scornful, he looked up at Tanmoroqie, curious how he would respond.

Envoys from other nations reacted similarly, countless gazes converging once more on Tanmoroqie.

Tanmoroqie's expression remained tranquil as he said, "There is only one Girl of Matanga."

At these words, the crowd was incredulous, and even the monks in the hall showed astonishment.

Outside, Bi Suo staggered as if struck by a whip, barely able to stand steady.

...

After accepting tribute gifts from the nations, Tanmoroqie rose and departed.

The envoys withdrew from the hall, buzzing with discussion.Someone cast a scornful glance at the envoy from Piluo Mo Luo. The envoy felt anger rising within him and glanced back at Princess Manda, saying, "We still have a chance. When he sees your Celestial Demon Dance, even the Buddha Prince will be moved."

Princess Manda asked softly, "Have you ever seen Princess Wenzhao?"

The envoy replied, "No, I haven't. Since the Dharma assembly began, this princess has rarely appeared in public. On the few occasions she has ventured out, she always wore a veil, so our people haven't seen her true face."

He chuckled lightly, his tone dripping with disdain.

"How could a Han princess compare to you?"

Princess Manda shook her head. "You're underestimating her too much. I had my maidservants inquire about Princess Wenzhao from the Buddha Prince's personal guards. Do you know how they described her beauty?"

The envoy frowned.

Princess Manda continued slowly, "They said Princess Wenzhao is radiantly beautiful. When they see her, they think of pomegranates and honey, of the bright moon and the azure sea, of the Jetavana Grove paved with gold. Her smiling face can turn every battle-hardened warrior back into a youth."

The envoy's expression turned serious. "I have indeed underestimated the Han princess. If she truly possesses such legendary beauty, no wonder the Buddha Prince said there is only one Girl of Matanga."

Princess Manda put on her veil and said, "Send someone to keep watch on Princess Wenzhao and find out what makes her so special."

The envoy nodded.

...

Meanwhile, as soon as Yaoying returned to her courtyard, a personal guard immediately approached her: "Princess, have you heard? That princess from the Land of Brahma came to Wang Temple today!"

Yaoying was taken aback. "Princess from the Land of Brahma?"

Was this why Yuanjue didn't want her to go to the main hall? Was he afraid they might clash?

The guard continued, "Princess, I've heard that the princesses from these envoy delegations are each more beautiful than the last. If they all stay, what will you do?"

Yaoying shook her head, entered the room and sat down, picking up a brush to write a letter. "The Dharma Master is a highly accomplished monk. No matter how beautiful those princesses may be, in his eyes, they are merely physical forms."

She recalled an old woman with a twisted mouth and slanted eyes, whose ugly appearance kept others at a distance. Yet Tanmoroqie showed no concern for her ugliness or foul odor, blessing her without discrimination between beauty and ugliness.

The guard brought a brazier and placed it before the desk, whispering, "Princess, even highly accomplished monks are human. On the day of the martial arts tournament, the Buddha Prince will attend the ceremony as monarch. The princess from the Land of Brahma will perform a dance for him then. I've heard people say that even stones would be moved after seeing her Celestial Demon Dance."

Yaoying paused in her writing. "Celestial Demon Dance?"

She remembered the mural "Subduing the Demons," which depicted the demon king sending his three beautiful daughters to seduce the Buddha. The demon girls danced around the Buddha with transparent veils as their only covering, striking alluring poses with utmost seduction.

Was the princess from the Land of Brahma trying to seduce Tanmoroqie and shake his resolve?

Yaoying's brows furrowed slightly.

She knew Tanmoroqie wouldn't be swayed, but ultimately this situation arose because of her. It was precisely because Luojia made an exception for her that these troubles emerged.

After pondering for a moment, Yaoying asked, "Is everything I requested prepared?"

The guard replied, "Everything is ready. Old Qi handled this matter personally."

Yaoying nodded, took out some gold-flecked paper recently produced by the shop, and wrote a proper birthday congratulatory letter, blowing on the ink to dry it.

The next day, she brought the state documents to find Yuanjue.

People along the way were watching her.Yaoying thought to herself: The recent hostile gazes from the Royal Court made it clear she must find a way to leave Wang Temple as soon as possible.

...

Yuanjue, on duty in the Zen room, heard that Yaoying was looking for him and told the messenger, "Please ask Princess Wenzhao to return first. I won't be available until noon."

Tanmoroqie, who had been reviewing memorials with his head lowered, glanced up at the sound.

Yuanjue hurried forward and bowed in explanation, "Your Majesty, Princess Wenzhao wishes to discuss matters with me."

Tanmoroqie looked down at the parchment scroll and said, "Let her in. You may go out to meet her."

Yuanjue was momentarily stunned before assenting.

Soon, the messenger led Yaoying over.

Not daring to disturb Tanmoroqie, Yaoying stood outside the hall waiting for Yuanjue. When he emerged, she asked quietly, "I heard that on the first day of the ceremony, ministers, commoners, all tribes, and delegations are to present gifts to the Buddha Prince?"

Yuanjue nodded.

Yaoying pressed further, "And the Princess from the Land of Brahma will perform a dance that day?"

Yuanjue's expression changed abruptly. He said in one breath, "His Majesty has declared that you are the only Girl of Matanga. The Princess from the Land of Brahma won't succeed. Please set your mind at ease, Princess!"

Yaoying stared blankly.

"What does 'the only Girl of Matanga' mean?"

Yuanjue was equally surprised. "Has the Princess not heard?"

He recounted yesterday's events, concluding, "After the ceremony concludes, all princesses must leave the Holy City by the end of the month and return to their tribes and countries - including the Princess from the Land of Brahma."

Yaoying stood before the hall, lost in thought for a while.

Had Tanmoroqie rejected her as directly as he did the Princess from the Land of Brahma back then, she could never have escaped Haidu Aling's grasp.

...

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yuanjue returned to the Zen room and took his position in the corner.

Without looking up, Tanmoroqie asked, "What was it about?"

Yuanjue guessed he meant Li Yaoying and replied, "Princess Wenzhao said she also wishes to present a gift to Your Majesty during the ceremony, and asked if we could arrange a seat for her. She's even prepared the tribute speech... This humble servant was about to seek Your Majesty's instruction - should we add a seat for Princess Wenzhao?"

Tanmoroqie's brush paused momentarily.

Yuanjue scratched his head and tentatively asked, "Shall we add it?"

Tanmoroqie continued writing and gave a slight nod.

...

The first day of the ceremony arrived in the blink of an eye.

The Holy City was emptier than usual as crowds flocked to the parade grounds, packing the area inside and out in an unprecedented spectacle of bustling activity.

Yaoying followed Yuanjue into a felt tent on the high platform.

The tent was spread with Persian velvet carpets where noblewomen sat before low tables. At a glance, the room glittered with jewels and gold.

Yaoying hadn't dressed specially for the occasion, wearing her usual attire - a brocade robe with long boots, her hair styled in a masculine bun without ornamentation except for a single lotus jade hairpin, her face still veiled.

Yuanjue studied her for a long moment, thinking to himself: Why isn't Princess Wenzhao wearing heavy makeup like she did in Gaochang? Though she looks beautiful like this too, all the other princesses are adorned with pearls and jewels, vying to outshine each other, while Princess Wenzhao hasn't even worn a single flower - isn't this too plain?

The Princess's merchant trains travel the trade routes, her silk shops introduce new patterns every month that noblewomen from various countries flock to purchase - she shouldn't lack gold, pearls, or jewels.

Could it be that the Princess is deliberately going against convention by appearing in masculine attire to stand out?

Unaware of Yuanjue's internal critique of her outfit, Yaoying found her seat and sat down.The noblewomen and princesses on the dais were draped in brocade silks, layers upon layers of pearl adornments hanging from them. Yaoying, in her dashing narrow-sleeved robe, drew everyone’s attention the moment she appeared.

Princess Manda and the princesses from other kingdoms turned to look at her.

Several princesses from smaller kingdoms whispered among themselves, "She is Princess Wenzhao from the Han lands…"

"She is the Girl of Matanga the Buddha Prince spoke of."

"Is that her?" one princess scrutinized Yaoying with a critical eye and snorted lightly. "Nothing special."

"She doesn’t even dare to remove her veil—she must know her looks are no match for Princess Manda’s, so she hides her face."

"I’ve heard merchants say that women from the Han lands know ways to bewitch men. Princess Wenzhao must have used such tricks to win the Buddha Prince’s favor."

"Yes, Han women practice sorcery!"

Their mocking words drifted into Yuanjue’s ears. He glanced around, frowned, and stepped out.

Yaoying knew the princesses from various kingdoms would also attend the ceremony. As soon as she entered the felt tent, she looked toward them.

Though she couldn’t understand their whispers, their expressions told her they were discussing her. She smiled faintly, her brows relaxed and her gaze sharp.

With that smile, the entire tent seemed to brighten instantly.

The princesses, recalling the rumors of Yaoying publicly whipping the Northern Rong princess and intimidated by her composed demeanor, grew fearful that she might resort to violence. They averted their eyes, not daring to meet her gaze.

Yaoying swept her gaze around, making the guilt-ridden princesses from smaller kingdoms blush. Sensing a prolonged stare fixed on her, she looked back openly.

Princess Manda, reclining against an armrest, met Yaoying’s eyes. Today, she wore no veil. Her gray-green eyes held Yaoying’s for a moment before she looked away.

Yaoying sat upright, continuing to observe the other princesses with a smile.

The princesses from smaller kingdoms felt their scalps prickle and fell silent.

…

Yuanjue hurried into the main hall on the high platform. Tanmoroqie had already arrived and was speaking with Mobi Duo, who was clad in military attire.

After Mobi Duo withdrew, Yuanjue approached and said quietly, "Your Majesty, I believe Princess Wenzhao’s seating should be changed."

Tanmoroqie lifted his eyes to him.

Yuanjue explained, "The princesses and noblewomen of the Royal Court are gossiping about Princess Wenzhao. Some of their words are… hard to hear."

He feared that, if provoked, Princess Wenzhao might order her guards to strike, just as she had with the Northern Rong princess.

Tanmoroqie glanced toward the felt tent of the noblewomen and said, "Invite the princess here."

Yuanjue was taken aback.

…

A short while later, Yuanjue arrived at the tent and signaled for Yaoying to follow him.

Puzzled, Yaoying rose and followed him up the long steps to the main hall on the high platform. The area was heavily guarded by sentinels, white banners fluttering sharply in the wind, the atmosphere solemn and hushed.