In the Moonlight

After seeing off Li Xuanzhen, Yaoying felt a weight lifted from her mind.

Li Zhongqian's trade negotiations with the Royal Court were nearly concluded, with documents already being drafted.

Her eyes had not yet recovered, making it impossible for her to read or write letters. She could only have her guards read correspondence aloud, and for official documents requiring her personal seal, she temporarily used a stamp instead.

Li Zhongqian forbade her from going out, insisting she remain at the posthouse to recuperate properly.

Every day, she sent General Jin to Wang Temple with letters written by her maid, containing trivial updates about her daily activities—how her eyes were healing, what she had eaten, and other mundane matters.

Tanmoroqie's replies were equally ordinary. Knowing she couldn't read them, his letters mostly contained brief greetings and reminders to change her bandages. Their content was so commonplace that even if intercepted, it wouldn't reveal their identities.

Thus, they exchanged letters daily like migrating geese.

One day, as Yaoying sat waiting by the Eagle Scaffold in the corridor for General Jin's return, she heard footsteps approaching from outside the courtyard.

"Princess, someone from Wang Temple has come to fetch you."

Yaoying had just returned to her courtyard and entered her room when she caught a familiar whiff of agarwood scent. She reached out, grasped the sleeve of the approaching figure, and gently tugged it with a soft smile.

"Venerable One."

For the past few nights, Tanmoroqie had been visiting her. She didn't know how he had convinced Li Zhongqian, but her brother had tacitly allowed it without blocking his entry. Today, when Bā mǐ ěr came to fetch her, Li Zhongqian knew yet didn't rush back to stop them—he merely sent guards with a few instructions.

Tanmoroqie remained silent but slowed his pace.

Yaoying continued holding his sleeve as they walked inside.

Soon, Tanmoroqie paused and said, "Princess, please sit here. Mengda Ti Po is coming to examine your eyes."

She had initially claimed eye pain only to worry Li Zhongqian, expecting to recover in a few days. But after days without improvement, Tanmoroqie grew concerned. With Li Zhongqian's permission, he brought her back to convalesce. Yuanjue had spoken so gravely—as if she might go blind—that Li Zhongqian, fearing permanent damage, reluctantly agreed.

Yaoying sat as instructed. Tanmoroqie leaned close, his robes rustling softly, his breath brushing her forehead.

He unwrapped the bandage over her eyes and frowned slightly.

Mengda Ti Po arrived to examine Yaoying's eyes. After reviewing the physician's prescription and smelling her usual ointment, he said, "This ointment is mild and the prescription is appropriate. Continue applying it externally, and I'll add one internal medicine. Your Majesty need not worry—the Princess should regain her sight within half a month."

Tanmoroqie gazed silently at Yaoying.

Just then, Bi Suo appeared at the door, breathless, and signaled to him with a look. Leaving Yuanjue to care for Yaoying, Tanmoroqie stepped out.

Mengda Ti Po continued applying medicine for Yaoying.

Yaoying dismissed her attendants and asked, "Venerable One, how is the Buddha Prince's health?"

Exchanging glances with Yuanjue, Mengda Ti Po looked at Yaoying's hopeful—yet unseeing—face and replied, "Princess, according to recent pulse readings, the new prescription shows significant effect."

Yaoying was overjoyed.

Mengda Ti Po continued, "Though the medicine causes unbearable pain during ingestion, it activates the properties of Water Mang Grass and reduces toxicity. As long as the Buddha Prince refrains from using his inner strength and maintains careful regimen, he should remain stable for several years."

Yaoying was ecstatic.Now that Tanmoroqie no longer needed to personally go to the battlefield, he could refrain from using his inner energy. Since the new prescription was effective, as long as he stopped exerting his energy, he would surely recover his health!

"Your medical skills are divine, Master Physician! We’ve troubled you greatly."

"You flatter me, Princess."

Mengda Ti Po’s eyes flickered slightly before he excused himself. Shortly after, a physician from the Land of Brahma delivered the medicinal brew.

Yuanjue took the medicine and handed it to Yaoying. She groped for the bowl and began sipping it slowly.

Footsteps echoed at the doorway as Bā mǐ ěr entered and spoke to Yuanjue: "The King has urgent matters to attend to. The Princess’s eye injury hasn’t healed yet, so the King instructed you to stay by her side and ensure she is never left unattended."

Yuanjue acknowledged and asked, "General Ashina rushed off in such a hurry earlier—what happened?"

"Princess Chima requested an audience. The King has returned to see her."

At these words, both Yuanjue and Yaoying, who was sitting and drinking her medicine, froze in surprise.

Yaoying hadn’t heard any news about Princess Chima for a long time.

Princess Chima and Tanmoroqie had grown distant. During the Royal Court’s crisis, she had taken her personal guards and secluded herself in a private estate, avoiding all responsibilities. Once the army returned victorious, she immediately came back to the Holy City, spending her days feasting and carousing with noble youths, while Bi Suo often visited her.

Yuanjue asked Bā mǐ ěr, "Why did Princess Chima seek an audience with the King? Is it because of Prince Mobi Duo?"

"I don’t know about that."

Yuanjue frowned.

Yaoying turned toward him. "What does it have to do with Mobi Duo?"

Yuanjue replied, "Prince Mobi Duo isn’t from a noble family. His appointment to the military governorship has stirred discussions among the court officials. Princess Chima previously sought an audience with the King over this matter... She claimed the King was showing favoritism and that it was unfair to General Ashina."

Yaoying frowned.

Years ago, Princess Chima had broken with Tanmoroqie after he stopped her from slaughtering innocent people. Since then, she had directed all her resentment toward the Zhang family onto Tanmoroqie, dissatisfied with everything he did.

Footsteps approached along the corridor, and a guard clasped his fists to report: "Princess, Princess Consort Manda requests an audience."

Princess Manda had been confined for several days. After physicians from the Land of Brahma pleaded on her behalf and guards searched her residence, confiscating another batch of items, she was finally released.

After a moment’s thought, Yaoying placed her hand on Yuanjue’s arm and said, "Please escort her to the adjacent residence."

Whenever she received outsiders, she met them in the neighboring estate. Though it was connected to this mansion, from the outside, they appeared as two separate villas.

Princess Manda, who had spent days crying out in vain and fuming with resentment, burst into loud complaints as soon as she entered the room: "The Buddha Prince not only sent people to search my trunks but also ordered the envoy group to return to our country as soon as possible! I must leave tomorrow! The last time I left the Royal Court, I departed in disgrace. This time, he treats me with such disrespect again!"

The last time she left the Royal Court, she had been ridiculed and secretly nursed a grudge. This time, she had come to the Royal Court dressed exquisitely and entered the city on an elephant, hoping to erase her past humiliation and make a grand impression. Yet, the Buddha Prince was driving her away again!

Just from Princess Manda’s frantic tone, it was clear how furious she was.

Yaoying could only sympathize helplessly. She had already exchanged diplomatic documents with the Maru envoy group. Since Princess Manda had come with the envoys to present their credentials, there was no legitimate reason for her to prolong her stay. If Princess Manda were heading to Gaochang, Yaoying might have been able to host her a while longer."I am indisposed and will have my guards escort you tomorrow, Princess. There is no need for you to concern yourself with my affairs. Should you encounter any difficulties in Maru, simply seek out the local merchant guilds—they will do their utmost to assist you."

Princess Manda gazed at Yaoying. Though her eyes were veiled by a cloth strip, the curve of her lips held a smile, and her face glowed with a soft radiance like luminous pearls, revealing genuine happiness.

She cared not at all that the Buddha Prince could grant her no official status.

"I don’t understand."

Princess Manda sat beside Yaoying, recalling the scene of her stepping resolutely into the fire altar. Puzzled, she said, "The princess is utterly devoted to the Buddha Prince, and he clearly holds affection for you as well. Yet he hesitates, burdened by too many considerations, and dares not share intimacy with you. Are you truly content to be with him without any formal recognition? A beauty like you—even I feel fondness at the sight. How can the Buddha Prince remain unmoved? If you don’t employ some clever tactics, when will you ever achieve your heart’s desire?"

She spoke with earnest concern: "Princess, when you adore someone, you must use every means at your disposal without holding back! Life is short—seize joy in time."

Yaoying smiled. "I appreciate your concern, Princess. But the fulfillment I seek is not what you imagine."

"Does the princess desire only the Buddha Prince’s heart?" Princess Manda pursed her lips. "If you have his heart, why not claim his person as well? Having only the heart without the person is dull!"

A faint smile touched Yaoying’s lips as she replied lightly, "The Dharma Master is a monk. That he can share half of his devout heart with me is already enough."

Princess Manda was stunned for a moment, then felt a pang of exasperation.

"Princess need not trouble yourself over this matter any further."

Yaoying spoke cheerfully, her tone gentle, yet an unmistakable aura of dignified authority emanated from her.

Princess Manda had often witnessed such presence among those who wielded power over life and death. She shivered slightly, reminded of Yaoying’s current status, and straightened her posture. "I have been presumptuous."

...

Wang Temple.

Princess Chima, adorned in vibrant robes and a jeweled floral crown, entered the brightly lit front hall with a beaming smile.

"With the Northern Rong surrendered, peace reigns. I wish to marry, Luojia." She signaled her chronicler to present the wedding invitation to the guards. "My consort is named Akelie, a commander in the Imperial Guard. He is not from the Kang, Xue, An, or Meng families—does that set your mind at ease?"

Tanmoroqie responded indifferently, "As long as he is a person of upright character, it matters not which family he comes from to be your consort."

Princess Chima sneered. "I have already chosen him and set the wedding date. You are my brother, and though you are detached from worldly affairs and often indifferent, I felt obliged to inform you."

With that, she swept her sleeves and departed.

Bisu, standing at the entrance, frowned deeply upon hearing this and made to follow her, but Tanmoroqie stopped him: "Under whose command is Akelie?"

Bisu quickly turned back. "He serves in the Right Guard. I know him—his family has served as Imperial Guard officers for generations. He is loyal and honest, married at fifteen, and his wife passed away a few years ago without children. During Haidu Aling’s surprise attack on the Holy City, he was responsible for guarding the princess’s residence."

Tanmoroqie acknowledged with a hum, set aside the invitation, and asked, "Did Mobi Duo enter the military governorship office the day before yesterday?"Bi Suo snapped back to attention and said, "On his first day reporting to the military department, he had a minor clash with a few officers. Someone mocked his heavy accent, they exchanged heated words, but nothing serious came of it."

Everyone knew the heavy accent was merely a pretext. Even if Mobi Duo were flawless beyond reproach, he would still find it difficult to advance within the military department.

The aristocratic families were not to be overthrown in a day or two—they were deeply entrenched, like maggots clinging to bone.

The candle flames flickered, and incense smoke curled lazily through the hall.

Tanmoroqie opened a memorial—a document petitioning for trade relations with the Wei dynasty. Once he signed and issued it to the various ministries, Li Zhongqian could return to Gaochang.

He stared at the memorial, brush poised but unmoving for a long while.

"Your Majesty." Bore bowed outside the hall door, holding a stack of Scripture Scrolls. "In ten days at the Great Dharma assembly, several traveling monks wish to debate with our temple Monks. The temple Monks cannot determine whether the scriptures they carry are heretical. We seek your judgment."

A breeze drifted into the inner hall, causing the Felt Curtain to sway gently.

"Bring them in."

Tanmoroqie spoke indifferently, dipping his brush to write his endorsement on the memorial before handing it to his guards with orders to deliver it. After sitting in contemplation for a moment, he picked up a wedding invitation nearby, glanced at it briefly, then rose and left the inner hall.

Bā mǐ ěr waited in the narrow passage.

"Has the princess had her dressing changed?" he asked.

Bā mǐ ěr replied, "It has been changed. Just now, Consort Manda came by. She departs tomorrow. Princess Wenzhao drank her medicine, spoke with her for a while, and saw her off."

Tanmoroqie's brow furrowed slightly. Returning to the courtyard, he found the rooms brightly lit but utterly empty.

His residence should have been like this—serene and undisturbed, free from attachments.

Her presence should not have been here.

"Has Princess Wenzhao not returned?"

Tanmoroqie asked.

"She is in the neighboring residence, accompanied by Yuanjue. The princess said she would rest there tonight and not return. Your Majesty need not worry."

Tanmoroqie glanced at the vacant rooms, then walked toward the corridor leading to the neighboring house.

The vast sky stretched endlessly, a silver disc hanging high above. The wilderness lay in profound silence, broken occasionally by the calls of night birds. Moonlight cascaded like frost, illuminating the outlines of plants and trees beyond the corridor. A cold breeze whispered, stirring the shadows of trees as silver radiance flowed and drifted through the night.

Tanmoroqie brushed aside the vines entwined around the arched gate, when suddenly a clear, melodious sound of a pipa reached his ears.

The flickering light of courtyard torches fell upon his face, highlighting his handsome and noble features.

He instinctively stepped back, but his gaze traversed the quiet corridor, drifting toward the courtyard. His footsteps abruptly halted.

In front of the courtyard, Felt Curtains were hung high, and a tent was set up. Under the bright moonlight, unknown flowering trees filled the air with their rich, intoxicating fragrance, its sweetness weaving through the night.

Inside the tent, shadows moved—several maids sat on the ground, some holding pipas or jie drums, others holding flutes or golden bells, playing a soft and mellow melody that broke the deep silence of the night, spiraling and curling through the heavy darkness.

The gauze curtains billowed in the gentle wind, revealing a graceful figure faintly visible. Her slender arms lifted lightly as she spun and swayed leisurely to the music, her supple waist twisting gently. An indescribable, enchanting charm flowed through the darkness, like layers of blossoms unfurling one after another, casting even the brilliant moonlight in the courtyard into shade.The music grew lingering and tender. Within the gauzy curtains, the dancing figure stretched out her arms, her silhouette indistinct and swaying like trembling flower branches. Suddenly, the drumbeats ceased, the silk curtains fluttered lightly, revealing a section of snow-white, smooth arm. A golden jade-inlaid armlet shimmered with radiant light, making her skin appear as pure as ice and snow.

Night breezes blew, lifting the gauzy curtains.

Under the dim moonlight and flickering lanterns, she danced in the darkness with a cloth blindfolding her eyes. Swaying to the melody, her movements were graceful and enchanting, like a flower gently trembling in the wind—teetering, captivating, and evoking pity. She seemed as if about to ride the wind and depart, ethereal and noble.

The fragrance of flowers in the air grew increasingly rich.

Tanmoroqie’s gaze deepened.

As the music drew to a close, delicate as fine drizzle, the woman behind the curtains moved with lotus-like steps. The dark clouds parted, and a beam of moonlight poured down, enveloping her shoulders.

Her hair was styled in a high chignon, tied with a pomegranate-red silk ribbon that reached her ankles. Her eyes remained covered by the cloth, and she wore a lightweight, soft Land of Brahma-style gown embroidered with gold and silver floral patterns and trimmed with golden lace. The edges of the robe were adorned with golden leaves and silver bells, reaching only to her waist. Between the shimmering silver bells, her waist, smooth as congealed fat, was visible. The long skirt was sheer, wrapping around her legs like gossamer, outlining her delicate figure.

The gown was densely embellished with pearls and gemstones of various colors. As she danced, countless hues shifted and glittered, brilliant as rosy clouds, dazzling and resplendent.

Graceful and alluring, she embodied the pinnacle of beauty.

The music slowed and softened, and her movements grew increasingly light and tender, like a flower in full bloom.

She glanced back with a smile, her face glistening with fragrant sweat, her beauty transcendent.

The surroundings were as silent as deep water; everyone in the tent stared up at her, mesmerized.

Suddenly, the melody rose sharply, becoming bright and joyous. The drumbeats fell like a sudden downpour, and the silver bells chimed. She smiled faintly, spinning to the rhythm, faster and faster, whirling like tumbleweed in a swift dance. The colored ribbons and sashes fluttered high, rustling in the air, while the fragmented shadows of her gown formed a rainbow of shimmering colors. Her hand movements shifted endlessly, yet her feet never strayed from their spot—vivid and dazzling, a breathtaking spectacle.

She resembled a celestial maiden dancing in the blissful paradise depicted on murals.

As the song ended, she breathed lightly, her robe slipping halfway off her shoulders, revealing a glimpse of snow-white skin glistening with fine sweat.

From within the tent came Princess Manda’s cheerful laughter. Holding a wine bowl, she stepped forward, her face beaming with joy, and said a few words.

Yaoying smiled, accepted the wine bowl, and lifted her head, her face turning precisely toward the direction where Tanmoroqie stood.

Tanmoroqie stood in the cold, dim shadows, his figure still and unmoving. Though he knew the distance was great and her eyes were blindfolded—her gaze merely coincidental—his entire body tensed slightly.

Princess Manda ordered the attendants to continue playing and pulled Yaoying into a dance. The two performed a vigorous dance, blending strength and grace, agile and lively.

Yaoying smiled, occasionally whispering a few words to Princess Manda. Had her eyes not been injured, those bright orbs would surely have been brimming with joyful laughter.

The fragrance was intoxicating.

Tanmoroqie had never seen her like this—youthful, lively, and captivating.

Perhaps she had always been this way, but out of regard for him as a monk, she had never revealed this side of herself in his presence.

He stood dazed for a while, tightened his grip on the Buddhist Beads, turned his back, and remained in the shadows, lost in thought for a long time.

The corridor was dim and silent.Someone knelt outside the tent urging Princess Manda to rest early since they had to travel tomorrow. Princess Manda muttered a few words, the music stopped, and the girl's charming laughter lingered in the night air, drifting endlessly.

Tanmoroqie stepped onto the stone stairs. He had only taken a few steps when chattering voices sounded behind him—a group of people approached.

"Princess, who won between you and Princess Manda?"

Yaoying chuckled lightly, "We were dancing as friends—why must there be a winner or loser?"

"The Tuozhi dance performed by the Princess and Princess Manda was truly beautiful..."

The voices drew nearer but suddenly stopped.

"I forgot to take..."

Footsteps hurried away into the distance.

Tanmoroqie waited a moment before emerging from the shadows.

"Who's there?"

A soft inquiry.

Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze.

Yaoying stood before the pillar, her cloud-like hair disheveled, cheeks flushed. Colored ribbons hung low, her gown as light as mist, subtly revealing her graceful figure. Moonlight traced her curves, her fair skin glistening with fine sweat as she softly questioned in his direction.

Under the moonlit night, she was blindfolded, her lips strikingly crimson.

Tanmoroqie closed his eyes briefly.

"Is that Yuanjue?"

When he remained silent, Yaoying asked again, reaching out and walking toward him.

She happened to be standing beneath an arched dome where a staircase descended from a pillar painted with lush green foliage. Unable to see, she missed a step and stumbled forward.

Tanmoroqie stepped forward and caught her arm.

Through the thin gauze, her smooth, delicate arm slid within his grasp.

Yaoying lost her balance, tumbling into his embrace. She clutched his sleeve, looked up, and smiled slyly, "Master, I knew it was you."

Supporting her soft form, Tanmoroqie asked, "How did you know it was me?"

"There should be guards here... They only retreat when you arrive..."

Exhausted and languid, Yaoying sniffed his Kasaya sleeve and said, "Besides, I recognize the scent you carry."

Suddenly, an electric current surged through him. Tanmoroqie lowered his gaze, tightening the Buddhist beads in his sleeve.

Blindfolded and unaware of his tension, Yaoying asked, "What time is it? Why have you come, Master?"

Tanmoroqie watched her.

She breathed lightly, holding his arm, her colored ribbons tangling around him.

The floral fragrance, mingled with sweat, grew more intense.

Hurried footsteps approached—her attendants were searching for her.

As Yaoying turned to speak, Tanmoroqie, as if compelled, raised his hand to her shoulder, turning her to hide behind the flowering vines where he had stood.

Twining branches, damp with night dew, enveloped them both.

Yaoying looked up bewildered, whispering, "What's wrong?"

Tanmoroqie said nothing. In the confined space, they stood facing each other. Unsteady, he held her waist, letting her lean against him. She felt like soft jade, delicate as spring water—as if a gentle breeze might melt her in his arms.

Their breaths intertwined, merging. She tilted her face up to him, red lips slightly parted.

Tanmoroqie bent his head, drawing closer.

Moonlight filtered through the vines, casting a serene glow upon him, as if a Buddha's light gently enveloped him.

Yaoying sensed a warmth from him and stared at him in a daze.The next moment, his burning fingers pressed against the nape of her neck, gently urging her into his embrace. His lips brushed against her hair, just like that time in the canyon—lightly, restrained, a fleeting touch before parting.

Yaoying gradually grew warm as well, nestling against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, trembling slightly.

"Princess! Princess?"

Yuanjue's voice echoed through the corridor.

Tanmoroqie released Yaoying, the tightly clenched Buddhist beads leaving an imprint in his palm.

That night, Yaoying still returned to sleep in this courtyard.

Tanmoroqie sat in meditation in the quiet room.

After staying up late with Princess Manda, she was utterly exhausted. After washing up, she felt even more fatigued, tossing and turning for a while before finally falling asleep.

Hearing her breathing become long and even, Tanmoroqie opened his eyes, stood up, walked around the Felt Curtain screen, approached the long couch, and sat down.

She actually fell asleep just like that, not worrying at all about what he might do just a room away.

Since she didn't care about anything, naturally she wasn't afraid.

Tanmoroqie gazed at Yaoying for a long time, subtle ripples stirring in his emerald eyes. He raised his hand, fingertips gently brushing across her lips.

Her lips were softer than the finest cream.

The scriptures described how the three demonesses who tempted the Buddha were enchantingly beautiful, transforming into alluring beauties to seduce him, yet the Buddha remained unmoved, facing them with cold indifference.

She had done nothing, yet he had already conceived desires.

Before, his desires were merely about keeping her by his side, hoping she would stay with him long-term, with eyes only for him.

Now, his desires were mixed with a physical craving for her. He had practiced Buddhist Dharma since childhood, his temperament naturally detached, and he had never experienced such an uncontrollable physical desire before—like a raging fire that only she could extinguish.

Tanmoroqie didn't sleep all night.

The next day, before she woke, he went to Wang Temple first.

Bore came to collect yesterday's Scripture Scrolls and asked, "Your Majesty, will you be attending the Buddhist debate assembly?"

Tanmoroqie closed the Scriptures and shook his head.

"The Great Dharma assembly will be presided over by other Monks."

The path he cultivated was destined to be different from others'.

Bore withdrew in disappointment.