In the Moonlight

The horizon was tinged with a faint white, and the morning breeze brushed gently.

Bi Suo hurried down the steps after passing through the long corridor.

At the foot of the steps, a graceful figure stood in the cool dawn light. Her ink-black hair and limpid eyes stood out against her pale yellow floral skirt. She held a horsewhip, its tip tapping intermittently on the stone steps, her expression thoughtful.

"I wish to see the Dharma Master. I wonder if it would be convenient for him to receive me?"

Noticing Bi Suo, she put away the whip, removed her veil, and spoke directly.

Bi Suo hesitated for a moment. "The King showed some improvement yesterday, but it is inconvenient for him to see you, Princess."

"Why is it inconvenient?"

"The King is preparing to enter seclusion again. He said he likely won’t be able to see you off and has prepared a gift for you, Princess."

After Bi Suo finished speaking, silence fell before the steps.

Yaoying remained quiet for a while, then smiled and said, "That means the Dharma Master hasn’t entered seclusion yet. I only wish to speak with him briefly—it won’t take long. Please convey my request to the Dharma Master, General. I’ll wait here."

"Or perhaps I can only see the Dharma Master at night? Then I’ll come again after dark."

Her voice remained gentle, and her brows carried a smile, but Bi Suo felt a chill run down his spine. He immediately turned and entered the hall.

The physician had just finished applying acupuncture to Tanmoroqie. His face was pale, and his exposed shoulders and back were drenched in sweat, glistening with a sheen. Upon hearing the report, he sat in contemplation for a while.

Bi Suo said, "Your Majesty, the Princess is waiting for my reply… She also said that if it’s inconvenient for you to see her now, she will return tonight."

Yaoying had always been understanding, aware that she was an outsider and rarely pressed for details. But when she insisted on something, Bi Suo found it impossible to evade her.

Tanmoroqie wiped the cold sweat from his body, stood up, and draped his Kasaya over his shoulders. "Please invite the Princess in."

When Yaoying entered the hall, Tanmoroqie was seated at his desk, holding a Scripture Scroll, his back straight and his expression composed. He exuded an aura of solemn dignity, showing no trace of having just undergone acupuncture.

"I troubled you with your care the night before last, Princess. As the West Army Commander, you have many responsibilities and are eager to depart for Gaochang. Bi Suo should not have burdened you with my care, delaying your journey."

He lifted his gaze to Yaoying and spoke slowly.

"From now on, Bi Suo will not trouble you with such trivial matters. I have already reviewed the documents sent from Gaochang and met with the Duke of Weiguo. You are no longer the Girl of Matanga and may set off at once."

Yaoying’s eyes swept around the room.

Beside his desk, it was empty—the small desk she had often used was gone.

She remembered that small desk was lacquered in black with gilded designs, adorned with lotus flowers, treasure ponds, scrolling vines, and small seated Buddhas. All the writing tools on it were ones she had grown accustomed to. She had often leaned over that desk to read or write letters, while Tanmoroqie sat nearby perusing scriptures. Whenever she encountered a question, she would turn to ask him directly. He would explain patiently, the wide sleeves of his golden-patterned Kasaya occasionally brushing against the back of her hand.

He had been so gentle with her. By his side, she felt completely at ease, without a hint of guard. Over time, she had unconsciously grown to trust and feel close to him, sometimes even teasing him. Deep down, she felt he would not be angry—or if he was, it would be for her own good, and his displeasure would not last long.

The small desk was gone.

Yaoying took a seat somewhat distant from Tanmoroqie, in a lower position, and said, "Matters concerning the Dharma Master’s health are by no means trivial."

Tanmoroqie replied indifferently, "You are not a physician, Princess, and are unfamiliar with medical principles. I have attendants and close aides around me. There is no need to trouble you."

Yaoying lifted her eyelids and stared at him for a long moment."Venerable One, Prince Mobi Duo has proposed to me."

She spoke calmly.

The room abruptly fell into silence, with only the faint rustling of the crystal curtain swaying gently.

Bi Suo stood by the door, rigid and not daring to make a sound.

Shortly after, Tanmoroqie set down the scripture scroll, his expression serene, and said, "I know. Mobi Duo's request was approved by me."

"So, does the Venerable One approve of this marriage? If I accept the proposal, the alliance between the Royal Court and the Western Army could be strengthened."

Tanmoroqie tightened his grip on the Buddhist beads, his emerald eyes unwavering as he looked at Yaoying.

"The princess's marriage should be decided by the princess herself and has nothing to do with others."

In other words, it had nothing to do with him either.

Yaoying gazed at him for a long moment, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. "I was too hasty. The Venerable One is an enlightened monk, and I spoke of such worldly matters as marriage. Please do not blame me."

Tanmoroqie remained silent.

Yaoying smiled, stood up, and said, "I won't disturb the Venerable One any further... You are right—you have your personal physicians, and I know nothing of such matters..."

She took her leave and, upon reaching the door, turned back, her eyes slightly curved.

"Having been stranded in foreign lands, I am glad to have met someone like the Venerable One and to have had the chance to know you."

"You saved me, and I am deeply grateful."

"Your health is not well, so you must take good care of yourself. No matter how busy state affairs are, please pay attention to your well-being."

"I have caused you much trouble during this time... Venerable One, take care."

She spoke each word deliberately, her gaze fixed on Dharmaraga. After looking at him for a long while, she turned and left.

Her gilded clamp-resist dyed flower cage skirt brushed against the threshold as her figure vanished into the shimmering morning light.

Bi Suo watched her walk away without looking back, his heart pounding with dread.

The farewell was so calm, so ordinary, yet he had a terrible premonition: once Princess Wenzhao left, she would never return to the Holy City again!

Anxious and frantic, he turned and strode into the hall. "Your Majesty—"

Before he could finish his warning, his expression changed drastically. He rushed forward to support Tanmoroqie, who had collapsed in front of the desk.

Tanmoroqie braced himself against the desk, sat up straight, and waved his hand to indicate he was fine. Clenching his teeth, he broke out in a cold sweat from the pain.

Bi Suo urged urgently, "Your Majesty! I will go and bring Princess Wenzhao back—"

"No."

Tanmoroqie lifted his pale face.

"I am the king of the Holy City, the Buddha Prince of the Royal Court."

"If I do not enter the mortal world, how can I keep her?"

His voice was hoarse, his back drenched in cold sweat, soaking the kasaya he had just changed into.

Bi Suo sighed inwardly, helped him to his feet, and escorted him back to the inner chamber.

He sat cross-legged on the couch, as usual, waiting for the pain to pass. Shivering, alternating between chills and fever, he groped for his Buddhist beads and accidentally touched a small bundle. He opened his eyes.

The handkerchief had come undone, and the amber-colored thorn honey spilled out. Sticky and clumped together from the stifling heat in the room.

She had bought it especially for him, knowing he loved thorn honey.

Tanmoroqie lowered his gaze, carefully wrapped the handkerchief, tucked it back beside the pillow, found his Buddhist beads, and clutched them tightly as he closed his eyes and sat in meditation.

A gentle breeze wafted, and the incense smoke curled delicately.

...

Yaoying rode away from Wang Temple. Ahead, the thunder of hooves approached as a fast horse galloped toward her and halted by her side.

"What were you doing at Wang Temple? Did the Buddha Prince summon you?"

Li Zhongqian frowned deeply as he asked.

Yaoying shook her head, her face pale, and whispered softly, "It wasn’t the Buddha Prince who summoned me. I went to seek an audience with him...""What did you two talk about?"

"Nothing..." Yaoying tightened her grip on the reins, her eyes distant. "Elder Brother, we should leave now."

A strange light flashed in Li Zhongqian's eyes as he nodded.

"Alright."

The siblings returned to the silk shop where their luggage had long been prepared. Yaoying had come to the Holy City specifically to bring Li Zhongqian to meet Tanmoroqie while handling some official business related to cooperation with the Royal Court. Tanmoroqie had approved all documents concerning Gaochang overnight and resolved the matter of redeeming prisoners and slaves as well—almost as if he were urging her to leave. The remaining affairs could be handled by the merchant caravan, so there was no need for her to stay longer.

Li Zhongqian asked: "The envoy from Wujili Bu is waiting for your reply. How should we dismiss them?"

Yaoying seemed distracted.

Frowning, Li Zhongqian repeated his question.

"How do you plan to respond to Mobi Duo's marriage proposal?"

Yaoying snapped back to attention, raising a hand to smooth her hair and feeling a slight coolness on her arm.

She was wearing the Buddhist beads Tanmoroqie had given her.

That morning, Bore had told her that every year during the Buddhist assembly, devotees would request blessings from the Buddha Prince. Tanmoroqie would order Wang Temple to distribute clothing, food, money, or scriptures to the common people, but he had never before given away any of his personal belongings.

Standing by the railing, Yaoying gazed toward the direction of Wang Temple and smiled faintly.

"I'll write a letter for the envoy. When Mobi Duo returns from the battlefield, he'll know my answer."

"Won't you reconsider? Mobi Duo isn't pressing for an immediate response—he can wait."

Yaoying shook her head. "I've made my decision."

She finished writing the letter and had her guards deliver it.

The siblings set off immediately, leaving the merchant caravan behind.

Before departing, Yaoying instructed her guards to deliver the medicinal herbs she had collected during this period to Bi Suo's residence.

"Princess, should we leave any message?"

Yaoying replied indifferently: "No need. General Ashina will know who these medicines are for."

"Should we leave a visiting card?"

"Unnecessary. Just say they're from the merchant caravan."

Yaoying glanced back at the pagodas standing silently in the sunlight, then tugged the reins and turned her horse around.

Monks do not speak falsehoods.

She had never imagined that Tanmoroqie would lie to her.

...

Traveling day and night, the siblings passed through tribal towns that had received advance notice, where horses and provisions were prepared for them.

At every post station Yaoying reached, someone would send word to the Holy City reporting her location, while simultaneously blocking the roads to prevent unauthorized passage.

Noticing this, Li Zhongqian asked the post station staff why such extensive measures were necessary.

The attendant replied awkwardly: "This place isn't like the Holy City. Many commoners are ignorant and can be easily stirred up by a few words."

Understanding dawned on Li Zhongqian—Tanmoroqie had sent advance notice to all towns to prevent another incident of civilians surrounding Li Yaoying.

Several days later, the party safely reached Sand City.

The horse bandits from Black Spring Tribe were still waiting desperately in Sand City for Li Zhongqian. Upon learning of his return, they eagerly sought him out.

A guard approached with a register to report: "Princess, we've verified everything. We didn't accept those particularly vicious ones—the recruits are all displaced refugees."

Before leaving, Yaoying had ordered her guards to register and screen those who voluntarily offered their services. They had been busy with these tasks all these days.

As they were speaking, hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase, and a tall figure rushed into the room.

"Princess, great victory at Shazhou!"

Yaoying looked up, recognized the newcomer, and beamed with joy: "General Yang!"Standing before her was a young man in a round-collared robe, a long sword at his waist—it was Yang Qian, whom she had not seen for a long time.

Yang Qian clasped his hands toward Yaoying. "Your Highness."

He had grown thinner and much tanner, with a few more scars on his face, but his entire demeanor was radiant. The untimely arrogance he once carried had vanished completely, replaced by a spirited and vibrant energy.

"Has Shazhou been captured?"

Yang Qian beamed. "It has! The Northern Rong are in chaos. The Crown Prince's Liangzhou Army is guarding the eastern strategic routes, intercepting Northern Rong reinforcements. Zhang Jiu took the opportunity to join forces with local noble families, recaptured Shazhou, and drove out the Northern Rong forces entrenched there! The messenger has already reached Gaochang. Damo sent me to escort you back to Gaochang."

Yaoying’s lingering despondency lifted instantly, replaced by exhilaration.

Only with the smooth progress in Shazhou and Guazhou could they truly secure Helong and reclaim all the lost territories.

She sought out Li Zhongqian and said, "Brother, Shazhou has achieved a great victory, and Gaochang has also been restored. Next, we must capture Yi Province, unite with the Liangzhou Army, and secure the northern route through Gan, Su, Gua, Sha, and Yi Provinces... From Hexi to the Western Regions, reclaiming the lost lands is within reach!"

Li Zhongqian looked at his sister, her eyes shining brightly, and inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. "The Western Army is too small. We must guard against the Northern Rong making a comeback."

Yaoying frowned slightly. She had been worrying about this very issue. The Western Army was currently concentrating its forces to recapture key strongholds, leaving them stretched thin. They had to hold the cities and could not afford to split their troops to pursue the Northern Rong. If the Northern Rong regrouped, they could counterattack at any moment.

"Now we need to expand the Western Army, stockpile more provisions and military supplies, and find a way to reopen the central plains' postal routes..."

Yaoying glanced at Li Zhongqian and swallowed the rest of her words.

Additionally, they had to establish contact with Li Xuanzhen of the Liangzhou Army. Only through close coordination between the Western Army and the Liangzhou Army could they secure their current gains.

Yang Qian grew impatient. "The powerful families in Gaochang have been compliant and understand the greater cause. As soon as Damo imprisoned Lady Yina, they immediately offered grain and funds. However, Luntai, Jingcheng, Qianshu City... and Nanzhou at the foot of Kunlun refuse to submit to the Western Army. Their leaders are puppets of the Northern Rong. Please hurry to Gaochang, Princess, and join the messenger in proclaiming to all provinces, urging them to pledge allegiance."

Yaoying nodded.

After bidding farewell to the garrison commander of Shacheng, they left the city. Li Zhongqian donned his armor and led the bandits who had stubbornly insisted on following him, heading straight for Wuquan.

Yang Qian wanted to go as well, but Li Zhongqian instructed him to stay and protect Yaoying.

Yaoying continued south.

On the third day, Li Zhongqian caught up with them with his troops. He had led the refugees in an attack on the occupied Wuquan, helping them reclaim their homeland. Wuquan had now changed hands. Those refugees who wished for a stable life returned to their homes, while the others continued to follow him.

Yaoying smiled and asked, "Brother, are you willing to be their leader now?"

Li Zhongqian glanced at her. "No matter which ethnic group they belong to, as long as they can be of use to us, they can join the Western Army."

A warm feeling surged in Yaoying’s heart. Li Zhongqian had not wanted to involve himself in the chaotic situation in the Western Regions, but once he decided to join the Western Army, he would strive to do his best.

As they traveled, they gathered scattered volunteer forces along the way, and their ranks grew steadily.

Along the route, the towns and tribes they passed through had recently been ravaged by Northern Rong marauders, suffering heavy casualties.

By day, Yaoying comforted the people; by night, she worked by lamplight handling official documents and discussing military affairs with Li Zhongqian and Yang Qian. Unnoticed, time flew by.That day, they traversed the endless expanse of the Gobi, weary and parched, when they finally spotted a small oasis ahead, encircled by lush, dense forests. Delighted, they urged their horses forward. But as they drew near, earth-shaking clashes of battle erupted from the distance. They hastily reined in their mounts, sent out scouts, and rested on the spot.

Soon, the scouts returned and reported that two forces were engaged in battle ahead—one was the Western Army, the other likely Northern Rong troops. Both sides had similar numbers, and the fighting was deadlocked.

Yang Qian immediately mustered his troops and led several hundred men around the forest, launching a surprise attack from the rear of the battle formation. The Western Army, thinking reinforcements had arrived, was greatly emboldened. The two forces coordinated from within and without, pinning the Northern Rong army in a pincer attack. Caught between two fronts, the Northern Rong soldiers soon discarded their armor and fled in disarray.

After the battle ended, Yang Qian brought several young officers to see Yaoying. He chuckled and said, "Princess, we're not far from Gaochang now. Recently, remnants of the Northern Rong and their vassal tribes have been ambushing merchant caravans and civilians. They came out to assist after receiving a plea for help, but they didn't expect this Northern Rong remnant force to be so large. Fortunately, they encountered us."

Several captains stepped forward to pay their respects to Yaoying, their expressions somewhat awkward.

Yaoying assumed they were unaccustomed to discussing military affairs with a woman and thought little of it. The group reorganized, drank their fill of water, and escorted the merchants and civilians to Gaochang city.

The people in the city had already received the scouts' report and led the citizens out to welcome them. The broad road outside the city was packed with a surging crowd, swarming with people.

Damo had specially dispatched a team of personal guards to escort a ornate canopy carriage waiting on the road. "Would the Princess like to ride in the carriage? This Jeweled Carriage was commissioned by the city lord at great expense, crafted by skilled artisans—even Lady Yina has never ridden in it!"

Yaoying laughed lightly. "No, I'll enter the city on horseback."

When Yang Qian and the captains escorted her onto the main road, thunderous cheers erupted. The people surged forward, singing and dancing as they showered them with flowers.

Yaoying rode into the city on a spirited, noble steed, her head and body adorned with petals. Her snow-white skin and flower-like beauty radiated such brilliance when she glanced around that it was almost blinding. The citizens stared in awe, shouting her title as they pressed forward. For a moment, the rain of flowers was so dense it nearly obscured her vision.

Li Zhongqian signaled his guards to part the crowd and urged his horse forward, shielding Yaoying as they pushed through the tidal wave of people.

Damo approached with a smile. "The people have been longing to catch a glimpse of the Princess's grace. Why are you leaving so quickly?"

Yaoying caught her breath—any slower and she would have been buried in flowers.

"By the way, the Wei envoys have also arrived. They say they are old acquaintances of the Princess."

"Oh? Which family's scions have come?"

Yaoying looked toward the gate tower.

Below the gate tower, several men in brocade robes galloped up on horseback, reining in only when they were a horse's length away from her. They stared at her uniformly—some with agitated expressions, others silent and calm-eyed.

Yaoying was stunned.

Li Zhongqian, beside her, swept a glance over the men and curled his lips. "Zheng Jing is here too?"

Zheng Jing gazed at Yaoying, his expression filled with emotion.

"Seventh Princess..."

He had intended to say "long time no see," but when he thought of the hardships Li Yaoying had endured, the words stuck in his throat. A thousand thoughts clogged his chest, leaving only a long, deep sigh.

The others also didn't know what to say and could only stare at Yaoying with foolish grins.

Yaoying found herself torn between laughter and exasperation.Among the men before her, apart from Zheng Jing, the others seemed to be young nobles who had once ridden after her in pursuit.

"How did you come to Gaochang City, Third Young Master?"

Yaoying asked Zheng Jing first, her tone calm.

It was as if there were no vast distances between them—as if she had merely encountered them by chance in the markets of Chang'an, reined in her horse, and chatted and laughed with them.

Zheng Jing inwardly let out a long sigh.

No matter the time or place, whenever he saw the Seventh Princess, he would feel somewhat at a loss.

Suppressing his emotions, Zheng Jing replied, "His Majesty is sending envoys, and a few of us wanted to personally assess the situation in the Western Regions. Coincidentally, we were concerned about you and the Duke of Wei, so we came."

As he spoke, while Li Zhongqian was distracted, he winked at Yaoying.

Understanding his meaning, Yaoying guided her horse a short distance away.

Zheng Jing whispered, "Princess, the Crown Prince is investigating the Xie family."

Yaoying's heart tightened. "Why is he investigating the Xie family?"

"I'm not sure about that," Zheng Jing said. "The Crown Prince has located some of the Xie family's old retainers and is also looking into the old servants who served Empress Xie."

"Thank you for warning me."

Yaoying frowned slightly. Was Li Xuanzhen still plotting to harm Li Zhongqian?

Before they could exchange more words, they were interrupted by others. A man dressed as a Royal Court guard rode over and saluted Yaoying. "Princess Wenzhao!"

Yaoying stared at the newcomer in surprise.

Yuanjue glanced at the eager young nobles trailing behind Yaoying, then clasped his hands toward her. "Princess, I was sent by the King to deliver a message to Gaochang City and have remained here since. A few days ago, I received orders to continue staying in Gaochang."

Yaoying collected herself and gave a soft hum in acknowledgment.

Tanmoroqie knew she had arrived in Gaochang.

Yuanjue straightened his posture, urging his horse to stay close to hers while vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

He had heard that these men had all once admired the Princess, and one of them had nearly been betrothed to her... He needed to inform Bi Suo about this.