In the Moonlight

When Yaoying awoke, the candle by the desk had burned down to a short stub.

The cave chamber was bathed in a dim, flickering candlelight.

The discomfort in her body had vanished. She sat up and felt a cool sensation on her wrist. Looking down, she saw a string of Buddhist beads encircling her wrist—cool, smooth, and luminous, like flowing moonlight.

Wasn’t this the rosary Tanmoroqie always carried with him?

The first time she saw him on the sand dune, he had been wearing this very string of beads.

How had it ended up on her wrist?

Puzzled, Yaoying carefully removed the beads, wiped them with a handkerchief, and cradled them in her palm. She rose from the bed, stepped around the screen, and found Tanmoroqie seated at the desk with his back to her, writing. His posture was upright. Hearing her approach, he lifted his gaze and studied her intently.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

Yaoying shook her head, sat down cross-legged, and said, "No discomfort, but my head still feels a bit heavy."

Tanmoroqie hummed in acknowledgment. "That’s normal after taking the medicine." He gestured for her to extend her wrist so he could check her pulse.

Yaoying handed over the handkerchief-wrapped beads. "Venerable, your rosary."

Tanmoroqie withdrew his hand and continued writing, his tone gentle. "These beads are called Snow Lotus. They cool the skin and calm the spirit. Since you often suffer from nightmares, you may wear them."

Yaoying made a sound of understanding. Now that he mentioned it, she realized she hadn’t had any nightmares earlier. Smiling, she said, "I’ll remember that. When I return, I’ll have Old Qi find me a similar string…"

Tanmoroqie’s hand stilled mid-motion, and he glanced at her.

Yaoying was taken aback by his look. Did the monk mean… to give this rosary to her?

But he had worn it since childhood—it was far too precious. Giving it to someone like her, who didn’t even follow Buddhism, seemed almost wasteful…

Just as she was about to politely decline, Tanmoroqie said, "Wear it."

His tone was light, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Yaoying thought for a moment, warmth spreading through her heart. She smiled, deciding not to stand on ceremony, and lowered her head to slip the beads onto her wrist. Her wrist was slender, and the beads had to be wrapped several times before they sat securely. Each bead felt smooth and soothing, as if they truly had a calming effect.

Tanmoroqie watched as she coiled his rosary around her wrist, then averted his gaze. He pointed to a bowl of medicinal broth. "The princess has already taken the dispersing medicine. Now, drink this astringent tonic."

Yaoying downed the medicine in one go and waited for him to finish writing the medical notes. "Venerable, I’m feeling fine now. May I return?"

Tanmoroqie set down his brush and stood, his Kasaya brushing against the desk.

"Follow me."

Yaoying quickly rose and followed him to the entrance, where Bā mǐ ěr presented two gilded long-handled lanterns. Tanmoroqie took them and handed one to Yaoying.

Holding the lantern, she trailed behind him. The night was deep, and the corridor ahead was pitch-black. They passed through silent, narrow passages and long halls, ascending stone steps one after another. She lost count of how many steps they climbed as the staircase grew steeper.

Tanmoroqie would pause occasionally, waiting for Yaoying to catch up. The night breeze rustled his Kasaya as he stood between the cave walls, looking down at her with a solemn expression—like a statue of the Buddha stepping out from a mural.

Yaoying, panting, kept close behind him.

Distant bell chimes drifted through the quiet night. Finally, they reached a high platform. Tanmoroqie stopped before a stupa, pressed his palms together in reverence, knelt, and placed his lantern inside a shrine.

He gestured to Yaoying. "Place your lantern inside as well."

Imitating him, Yaoying pressed her palms together, bowed several times, and placed her lantern inside the shrine, setting it side by side with his.The atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Not daring to speak loudly, she turned her head and asked softly, "Is the Dharma Master praying for me?"

Tanmoroqie nodded slightly, then bent down and sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion before the shrine, closing his eyes and chanting the Scriptures.

Yaoying retreated to his side, sitting down just as he did, with her palms pressed together and gazing up at the deity in the shrine.

In the vast, silent space between the pagoda and the shrine, within this small corner, there were two people and two lamps. The night breeze gently swept in, and it seemed as though the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them facing each other.

Tanmoroqie continued chanting the Scriptures. Not wanting to disturb him, Yaoying sat for a while until her eyelids grew heavy and she began to doze off.

A crisp crackle from the burning lamp jolted her awake. Thinking she was in the main hall for morning lessons as usual, she instinctively straightened her back and loudly recited "Amitabha" to show she hadn’t been distracted.

A gaze fell upon her.

Yaoying looked over. Tanmoroqie had turned his head to look at her, his expression serene. In the hazy candlelight, the corners of his lips seemed to curve slightly upward.

Like a night-blooming cereus, a fleeting moment of radiance.

Yaoying was momentarily stunned, her heartbeat quickening abruptly. By the time she regained her composure, Tanmoroqie had already turned his head away.

That brief smile of his seemed nothing more than an illusion.

After finishing the Scriptures, Tanmoroqie rose and said, "Bā mǐ ěr will escort the Princess back."

Still somewhat dazed, Yaoying stood up as well and stepped out of the pagoda. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a brilliant expanse of lights and paused in her steps.

Across the cliff face, densely packed grottoes, like a honeycomb, stretched from the foot to the summit of the mountain. In the deep silence of the night, each grotto was lit with lamps offered to the Buddha, layer upon layer, illuminating the entire cliff.

From afar, under the night sky, the dazzling and sacred golden glow resembled a brilliant Milky Way—resplendent, magnificent, and profoundly awe-inspiring.

Captivated by the beautiful scene, Yaoying instinctively turned to look at Tanmoroqie.

"Dharma Master, look—from here, the grottoes are truly beautiful."

She stood by the stone steps, turning back to smile at him. Below her feet stretched a continuous expanse of golden lights. The night breeze lifted the colorful ribbons in her hair, her sleeves fluttering, her figure graceful like a celestial apsara soaring through the heavens, ethereal and enchanting.

Tanmoroqie averted his gaze and nodded.

Yes, truly beautiful.

Bā mǐ ěr approached with a lantern to escort Yaoying back.

Tanmoroqie stood before the high platform, hands clasped behind his back, watching her figure merge into the deep night.

He had lived in the grottoes beneath this cliff for several years and had witnessed this spectacular display of lights countless times.

In his youth, he had knelt before the pagoda, facing the questioning of his master, Boluoliuzhi.

"Luojia, if the identity of Su Dan Gu is exposed, you will be reviled by thousands. Are you afraid?"

He replied firmly, "I am not afraid."

"Will you regret it?"

"This disciple will not regret it."

Boluoliuzhi gazed at him for a long time, his expression grave, and sighed. "Luojia, among all the rulers of the Royal Court throughout history, only you were born bearing the name of Buddha Prince and the responsibility of revitalizing the Royal Court... This path, you are destined to walk alone... If someday you meet someone who understands you, bring them here."

"This master hopes that they will remain by your side. When you are lost, having someone accompany you will make you more steadfast."

He agreed.

The faint glow of the lantern vanished into the boundless night.

Tanmoroqie gazed in the direction Li Yaoying had departed, silently reciting the Scriptures.She was not a follower of the Sramana, nor would she stay by his side like a devotee or disciple. Today, he had brought her here, chanted scriptures for her, fulfilled the promise of his youth, and told his master that on his path of cultivation, he had encountered such a person.

She was merely a passerby.

By the time Bā mǐ ěr returned, Tanmoroqie was still standing before the high platform of the long steps.

The night wind billowed through his wide Monk's robes as he bathed in the cold moonlight, gazing down at the majestic Wang Temple beneath his feet and the sleeping districts of the Holy City in the distance.

"Tomorrow, bring A Li back from the Beast Garden."

It was time for him to enter seclusion.

Bā mǐ ěr acknowledged the order.

...

The next day, Yuanjue brought Yaoying other pills and medicinal herbs.

"The physician has reviewed your pulse records and added some calming herbs. You won’t experience the same discomfort as yesterday when you take them next time. Please keep them safe, Princess, and remember to take them on time."

Yaoying asked him to convey her gratitude to Tanmoroqie and accepted the medicine.

She had been writing letters earlier, her sleeves rolled up, revealing the light-colored rosary on her wrist. Yuanjue’s eyes swept over it and widened in surprise.

Yaoying quickly pulled down her sleeves. She had fallen asleep immediately after returning in the early morning and had forgotten to remove the rosary.

"I often suffer from nightmares. The Dharma Master, out of kindness, gifted me this string of Buddhist Beads."

Yuanjue stared blankly for a moment, watching her intently before saying, "This rosary is no ordinary bodhi—it is made from snow lotus bodhi seeds, each one extremely rare. Gathering so many of them is truly extraordinary. You must carry it with you at all times, Princess, for it to have its calming effect."

After speaking, he frowned slightly. Was it appropriate for the King to give such a personal item to Princess Wenzhao?

Hearing his serious tone, Yaoying fell into a brief daze before storing the rosary away.

Since it was so precious, surely everyone would recognize it. It would be better not to let others see it—she could wear it only at night while sleeping.

Before leaving, Yuanjue told Yaoying, "The King will enter seclusion in a couple of days. If you have any matters to discuss with him, remember to come to me. I will relay your messages. If you delay any longer, there won’t be another chance."

Yaoying thanked him.

Shortly after, a guard came to report, "Princess Manda of Piluo Mo Luo has sent an invitation, requesting Your Highness to meet her at the guesthouse."

Yaoying took the invitation and read it carefully.

In the letter, Princess Manda mentioned how deeply moved she had been to witness Yaoying step into the fire altar during the ceremony. She sincerely wished to help her win Tanmoroqie’s heart and even hinted at teaching her a few secret techniques.

Yaoying raised an eyebrow, set down the invitation, and said, "I don’t have time."

Princess Manda still hadn’t given up. Claiming to help was undoubtedly a ploy to use her to get closer to Tanmoroqie—she wouldn’t fall for it.

...

News of Tanmoroqie’s impending seclusion spread, and devotees flocked to the Wang Temple, begging him to preside over more blessing ceremonies. They had traveled from afar just to catch a glimpse of his grace.

He agreed to attend several ceremonies, and the devotees rejoiced. The area outside the Wang Temple was packed with crowds every day.

Not wanting to attract attention, Yaoying changed into men’s clothing daily to watch the competitions at the martial arena.

Among all the events, mounted archery was undoubtedly the most thrilling and intense. Every time it commenced, spectators crowded the arena, and envoys from various countries who had not yet departed also came to watch.

On the final day, winners had been decided in all other competitions except for mounted archery. Nobles, ministers, and tribal Chieftains gathered at the arena. Tanmoroqie also attended the event. After watching the final mounted archery competition, he would present awards to the victorious warriors.After a rapid drumroll resembling a sudden downpour, several warriors in light armor rode into the arena. As the competition began, the thunder of hooves filled the grounds, kicking up clouds of dust.

Gasps erupted intermittently from the sidelines as riders were thrown from their horses.

The contest lasted until afternoon, leaving only six participants in the field. Among the remaining knights, Mobi Duo was the youngest, darting left and right on his steed with lightning speed, drawing roaring cheers from the crowd.

After several intense rounds, Mobi Duo emerged victorious with unerring archery, igniting thunderous applause across the arena. He circled the field on horseback, holding his curved bow aloft to acknowledge the cheers, before halting before the platform. Dismounting, he strode toward the edge of the field.

The Royal Court audience guessed his intention, chuckling as they watched to see whom he would offer his bow to.

On the platform, Bi Suo stood guard behind Tanmoroqie, amused by the spectacle until he noticed Mobi Duo’s direction. His expression shifted abruptly.

Mobi Duo was heading toward a figure in a narrow-sleeved robe seated in a corner.

Though the person wore a headscarf and male attire that obscured their features, Bi Suo recognized them instantly—Yuanjue and guards were stationed nearby. He glanced furtively at Tanmoroqie seated on the jeweled dais.

Tanmoroqie’s gaze rested on Mobi Duo, his face impassive.

…

Below the platform, Yaoying sat in a corner, engrossed in discussing the steeds and weapons of tribal warriors with her guards while watching the matches. Suddenly, she noticed the boisterous arena had fallen silent—every eye, on and off the field, was fixed on her.

A black horse approached slowly. Mobi Duo, clad in mud-spattered light armor, looked imposing and vibrant despite the grime. Dismounting, he presented a black-lacquered curved bow to her with both hands.

“Mobi Duo of Wujili Bu wishes the honor of sharing this victory with you,” he declared, his back straight and voice clear. His young face radiated fearless sincerity, his eyes blazing like a freshly forged sword, its edge scorching hot and sparking.

The arena remained utterly still.

Puzzled, Yaoying glanced back at Yuanjue, who was equally surprised. Frowning at Mobi Duo, he explained quietly, “Prince Mobi Duo won the contest. By Royal Court custom, he may choose someone from the sidelines to share his victory.”

“Are there any particular rules?” Yaoying asked, recalling customs like matching masks symbolizing betrothal.

Yuanjue shook his head. “None. The person can be male or female. Past winners usually selected their mentors or family. Later, the King will reward him, and you’ll receive a prize as well.”

Relieved, Yaoying reasoned that Mobi Duo, having no kin in the Holy City and with Bi Suo just defeated, likely chose her because she was the only one he knew. She signaled a guard to accept the bow, grateful for her male disguise and headscarf that concealed her identity—and that Mobi Duo had discreetly avoided using her name publicly.

As the guard took the bow, Mobi Duo lifted his head, flashing Yaoying a bright, toothy grin before turning to follow the guard toward the main tent.

…

Inside the tent, Bi Suo watched from above as Yaoying’s guard accepted Mobi Duo’s bow, then turned to observe Tanmoroqie.

Tanmoroqie’s expression remained tranquil.Mobi Duo soon strode into the great tent and respectfully saluted Tanmoroqie.

Tanmoroqie gave him a brief glance and waved for his guards to bring the rewards.

Bi Suo slightly furrowed his brows. After Mobi Duo received his reward and exited the tent, he hurried after him.

"Why did you choose Princess Wenzhao?"

Others might not know who the chosen one was, but he and Tanmoroqie knew.

Mobi Duo turned around, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "Because I admire Princess Wenzhao, so I chose her."

He glanced toward the direction of the great tent.

"Princess Wenzhao can openly admire the king, and I will not hide my admiration for her either. I will respect Princess Wenzhao's feelings and choices, and will not force anything upon her. If I overstep any boundaries, I am willing to accept punishment without complaint."

After saying this, he cupped his hands in salute toward the great tent and turned to leave.

Bi Suo watched his tall figure depart, then glanced down at Li Yaoying below the platform, shaking his head imperceptibly. He returned to the great tent and stole an uneasy glance at Tanmoroqie.

Tanmoroqie's expression remained unchanged as he said, "Starting tomorrow, I will enter seclusion."

Bi Suo stiffened and respectfully acknowledged the order.

They were going to the battlefield.