In the Moonlight

The cold wind howled fiercely, whipping the military banners into a fluttering frenzy.

Yaoying slept in a daze, kicking off the brocade quilt in her dreams and feeling a chill. She stretched out her arms, turned over, and her fingertips brushed against something warm and solid beside her.

The familiar scent made her feel secure. She wrapped her arms around him, burrowing into his embrace and rubbing the top of her head against his chest.

The person beside her stiffened slightly, gently pried her hands away, pulled up the brocade quilt to cover her shoulders, and tucked it firmly around her.

Yaoying mumbled a few incoherent words, her tone fierce.

The person froze.

A low, almost imperceptible chuckle sounded by her ear, like ripples spreading across a calm lake under the moonlight—inaudible, yet shimmering with silvery light.

Yaoying lifted her leg and plopped it onto him with a soft thud, then fell back asleep.

When she woke again, it was still dark. A lamp glowed softly by the bedside, casting a gentle, rippling light throughout the room.

Before her was a sharply defined face—gaunt and deeply etched, as if sketched with ink. A faint, cold bluish hue lingered between his brows, and his jade-green eyes were slightly lowered, the tips of his lashes trembling with faint golden candlelight. With each breath, his warm exhalation brushed against her neck.

He leaned over her, the brocade quilt that had separated them now crumpled at the foot of the bed. She felt a chill and glanced around, realizing her clothes were half undone, her legs and arms exposed, her socks gone at some point. In contrast, he remained fully dressed, still wearing his Kasaya. His fingers brushed her sleeve as he slowly sat up, his other hand moving downward to lift her gauzy skirt.

A strange, heated sensation traveled along her leg—the calloused pad of his thumb grazing her delicate skin. A shiver ran through her, leaving her body cold except where his fingers touched, which burned like fire. She trembled uncontrollably, her toes curling taut.

Yaoying stared blankly for a moment before a soft, distressed moan escaped her lips.

The person above her stilled, his breath growing heavy as he withdrew his hand.

Her mind foggy, Yaoying gazed at him dazedly for a while, then raised her hands to hook around his neck and pull him down. Her soft lips pressed against his slightly furrowed brow, her hands caressing the sides of his neck as she fumbled to cradle his face.

"Dharma Master, I’ve missed you so much."

She murmured tenderly, as if in a dream.

Tanmoroqie tensed, his gaze fixed on the drowsy Yaoying. The usually impassive depths of his eyes churned with turbulent emotions, darker than the night outside. He leaned fully over her, pressing down.

A flush spread across Yaoying’s face.

His warm, soft lips landed on her forehead, drifting slowly downward to linger at the tip of her nose before finally capturing her mouth in a gentle, lingering kiss. The cool fragrance of sinking incense invaded her lips and cheeks—a restrained yet greedy exploration, as if he could never get enough, sucking and tasting.

A spring-like warmth flowed between them, accompanied by soft, murmuring sounds.

Dazed, Yaoying lifted her arms to embrace Tanmoroqie’s shoulders. Her collar slipped, baring half of her chest.

In the candlelight, her skin appeared snowy and smooth, like a budding blossom trembling in the wind—tender and radiant.

Tanmoroqie froze for a moment, then abruptly released Yaoying, snatched the brocade quilt to cover her, rose from the bed, and turned his back to her.Yaoying finally snapped back to reality, sat up, and rubbed her hair. Her fresh, moist lips glistened as she glanced at Tanmoroqie, then at the slightly hitched hem of her skirt, her eyes slowly widening in stunned disbelief.

The monk had actually... while she was asleep...

Just as she was reeling in shock, Tanmoroqie turned around, sat back on the edge of the bed, placed his hand over her bare calf, and gently kneaded it with his fingers.

A wave of soreness shot through her, making Yaoying wince in pain.

Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze to her, his eyes having regained their usual calm composure. "Where else hurts?"

Yaoying froze for a moment, catching an unfamiliar scent. She sniffed and realized it was coming from herself. Looking down, she saw a layer of pale green ointment applied where his fingers had just touched her leg, and also on her arm.

So Tanmoroqie had been applying medicine for her earlier... She had misunderstood.

Yaoying stared blankly for a while, then a slight smile touched her lips. Hugging the brocade quilt, she chuckled softly, "How did you know my legs hurt?"

Tanmoroqie looked at her, his brows slightly furrowed. "You said you were in pain in your dream."

Exhausted, she had fallen asleep shortly after lying down. He couldn’t bear to sleep, quietly holding her while listening to the howling wind outside. In the middle of the night, she had suddenly turned restlessly, kicking off the quilt. When he covered her again and accidentally touched her arm, she immediately frowned.

"It hurts."

Tanmoroqie’s heart trembled faintly. "Where does it hurt?"

"My legs hurt, my back hurts, my waist hurts... everything hurts..."

In her dream, she had clung to him, murmuring softly and acting spoiled.

In that moment, even the hardest diamond-like heart softened. He pushed up her sleeves and skirt, revealing several bruises and red marks on her arms and legs, along with a few scabbed wounds.

She looked utterly exhausted, and he didn’t want to wake her. So he lit a lamp, applied medicine, and massaged her injuries.

He had asked her retinue: to avoid the Northern Rong Allied Army scouts, they had taken a mountain path known only to herdsmen. She had to trek through mountains and rivers just like her guards, climbing hills and barely dismounting for days on end. Covered in wounds, she needed proper massage; otherwise, she would be complaining of pain for the next half month.

Yaoying didn’t remember what she had said in her sleep. She tried moving her arm and said, "It’s not that bad. A night’s rest, and I’ll be fine by tomorrow."

Tanmoroqie remained silent. After applying the medicine, he put her socks on, smoothed her robes, and continued massaging her calf over the fabric.

Yaoying stared at him with wide, bright eyes, her gaze intense.

Tanmoroqie said softly, "Alright, go back to sleep now."

Yaoying hummed in agreement, lay down facing him, and closed her eyes. She could feel the soreness and numbness where his fingertips pressed—the pressure was just right, very soothing.

She wanted to talk to him, didn’t want to sleep, and opened her eyes again, directly meeting his gentle gaze.

He had been watching her all along.

"Was the journey very difficult?"

Seeing her unwilling to sleep, Tanmoroqie asked.

Yaoying shook her head on the pillow and said lightly, "It was a bit tough when crossing the mountains."

Tanmoroqie fell silent.

His guards had told him that the Royal Court forces had ambushed the Western Army, seizing several tribes and manors, which greatly angered the noble families of Gaochang. Yet her first thought had been that something had happened to him.

"As long as the Buddha Prince remains in power, the Royal Court would never betray the alliance and ambush us. Something must have happened to him—the garrison troops at the border are already out of control."Yaoying's heart burned with anxiety. In just a few short days, she had to pacify the Western Army generals, rally troops, gather provisions, and deploy forces.

Everyone knew Haidu Aling's hundred-thousand-strong army was marching toward the Holy City. Any forces approaching would be attacked by the allied army, and the Western Army was blocked to the east, unable to advance. She made a decisive call: ordering the main army to bide their time while she rushed to the Holy City with just a few hundred guards.

These past days, she had argued vehemently with Western Army commanders, clashed with Li Zhongqian, mobilized every available soldier, braved snowstorms on a grueling journey, and executed diversionary tactics right under the nose of a hundred-thousand-strong army...

How could this merely be "a bit taxing"?

Tanmoroqie closed his eyes for a moment. "Haidu Aling will regroup his scattered troops tomorrow. His forces guard all strategic routes—if large reinforcements arrive, he'll divide and encircle them. No aid can break through while he conserves his strength. The Holy City's arrows are depleted. If this continues, the gates will fall... Tomorrow, before he reacts, you and your guards must break through the siege with everyone."

Yaoying froze as if doused in icy water. "What about you?"

Tanmoroqie replied calmly, "I'll hold off Haidu Aling. As long as I remain in the Holy City, he won't dare lead the pursuit personally. Head east without stopping—join forces with Li Zhongqian."

Her face darkened. "And then? If the defenders and I break out, barely anyone will be left in the city."

He lowered his gaze. "The Holy City is easily defensible. It can hold out awhile longer. I've given orders: after your breakout, join Li Zhongqian's army and find a way to harass the Northern Rong Allied Army."

Yaoying stared at him blankly, the tender warmth in her eyes fading bit by bit.

"Luojia, are you sending me away again?"

Tanmoroqie fell silent. The candlelight cast a hazy glow across his profile—aloof and serene as a statue of Buddha.

Her expression grew increasingly cold as she watched him.

He had arranged everything... While she bathed and ate, his disappearance had been to plan the breakout. She had just arrived at the Holy City, and already he was scheming to send her away. That kiss before the armies, that unabashed grip before the faithful—all while contemplating how to eject her from the Holy City!

Just like last time, when she'd been so joyfully convinced Mengda Ti Po could cure him, only to learn it was all his deception!

He'd instructed Mengda Ti Po and the physicians to deceive her, forbidding her to remove the blindfold, letting her believe he was improving.

He'd secretly revealed his identity to Li Zhongqian, provoking him until Li Zhongqian urgently pressed her to leave the Holy City.

He'd even made Yuanjue write all those "all is well" letters, keeping her in the dark.

Since that night he chased beyond the Holy City to rescue her from Li De's men, she had never doubted him. She'd naively thought everything was improving—handling Western Army affairs, even cheerfully visiting tribal markets, buying gifts she wanted to give him.

Now all the frustration and helplessness of those days came surging back—a tidal wave of bitterness crashing over her.

Yaoying trembled with rage, heart aching, eyes stinging as tears instantly flooded her vision."Luojia, do you know... when I was excitedly packing my trunks to return and see you, I heard you had met with misfortune... I rushed to find you, but the Royal Court said you were abandoned by all and disappeared, likely perished in the turmoil stirred by the noble families..."

That day, amid swirling snow, she stood on the main road outside Sand City, her heart aching as if pierced by blades.

He had departed alone in solitude. She would never see him again.

Yaoying's face tightened, recalling the moment she confirmed his misfortune, still feeling a chill through her body, tears glistening in her eyes.

"You deceived me time and again—did you ever consider how I would feel?"

"I didn't want you to be alone..."

Her voice trembled with a sob.

The room fell silent, the candlelight dim.

Yaoying suddenly sat up, pushed Tanmoroqie away, rolled off the bed, and laughed coldly.

"Fine, I'll leave right now..."

Trembling with anger, she reached to pull open the door. A cold gust swept in, extinguishing the candle. Shivering, she raised her voice to call for attendants.

Two urgent, heavy footsteps sounded behind her. His tall figure caught up, his presence suddenly intense as his solid arm wrapped around her shoulders, holding her tightly against him.

He held her with desperate strength, as if fearing something. Her back pressed against his chest, she struggled briefly, but he only tightened his embrace, firmly gripping her wrists to still her.

"Bright Moon Slave."

A soft sigh whispered by her ear, followed by cool lips brushing against her neck.

She froze.

Tanmoroqie held her from behind, lowering his head to let his lips graze her cheek and the side of her neck.

He had wanted to call her this many times. Among all the princesses under heaven, only she was different to him.

"Bright Moon Slave, I won't deceive you again."

He murmured by her ear, his lips gently teasing her earlobe as he spoke.

Yaoying's body softened.

Tanmoroqie lifted her chin with his fingers, making her look up, and pressed a kiss to her curled lashes, kissing away her tears.

"Whatever happens from now on, I will never hide anything from you."

Yaoying met his gaze, turned in his arms, and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"You're a revered monk—you must keep your word."

Tanmoroqie looked down at her, hummed in agreement, and kissed the top of her head.

They held each other quietly for a while. When the wind surged in, Yaoying shivered. Tanmoroqie picked her up, carried her back to the bed, then turned to close the door before returning to the inner chamber.

Yaoying tugged at his sleeve: "Luojia, I must stay. Haidu Aling fears you and desires to possess me. Only by remaining together in the Holy City can we stall him. These days we can continuously send attempts to break the siege, drawing Haidu Aling's attention so he cannot discern our true intentions."

Tanmoroqie frowned, pondered for a long moment, then nodded.

In the past, when she resolved to do something, he couldn't change her mind—he could only conceal things from her. Now he could no longer hide anything from her, much less lie.

Yaoying's anger melted away. She smiled, hugged the brocade quilt as she lay down, and closed her eyes: "I feel much better. You should rest too—don't exhaust yourself. Tomorrow you must defend the city."

Tanmoroqie softly agreed, continuing to massage her calves. When she fell asleep, he leaned against the bed rail, gazing down at her while his fingers quietly turned the Buddhist beads in his sleeve.

His path, his Bright Moon Slave.

Everything he cared about was right here with him.

...The next morning, Haidu Aling was indeed occupied with rallying scattered soldiers from various tribes and reorganizing the cavalry, so he did not launch an immediate attack on the city.

Yaoying woke up before dawn. Thanks to the medicine applied the previous night and Tanmoroqie’s massage to improve her circulation, the soreness in her body had eased considerably.

She and Tanmoroqie went out together. When the common people saw Tanmoroqie, they crowded around him, offering food they could hardly spare. Their eyes fell on Yaoying, but after a moment’s hesitation, they dared not approach her.

The two of them ascended the city wall together. Tanmoroqie summoned his generals, while Yaoying led the Western Army soldiers in discussions on how to assemble weapons using the Holy City’s remaining functional equipment, aiming to maximize the effectiveness of fire bombs.

Upon hearing that Tanmoroqie intended to send a feigned breakout force, Bi Suo immediately stepped forward without hesitation, knelt on one knee, and said, “Your Majesty, allow this humble general to lead the mission.”

Tanmoroqie replied, “The breakout force could be encircled and annihilated by Haidu Aling at any moment. After one failure, we must attempt breakouts repeatedly to deceive Haidu Aling.”

Bi Suo nodded firmly, his gaze resolute.

As a lieutenant general of the Imperial Guards, a son of both the Tanmo and Ashina families, and the Buddha Prince’s personal guard, it was his duty to resist foreign invaders and defend the Holy City. He was willing to sacrifice his life for this cause—bloodshed was his honor, and if the price was his life, he would not hesitate.

As long as Tanmoroqie lived, the people in the city would not despair, and the defenders could continue to hold on. He was merely a lieutenant general; his life or death would not alter the overall situation.

Taking advantage of the lingering darkness before dawn, Bi Suo led a cavalry unit out of the city, charging eastward. Scouts of the Northern Rong Allied Army detected the movement and immediately sounded the alarm. A troop of iron cavalry swiftly emerged from the main camp, galloping like the wind and surrounding Bi Suo and his men in the blink of an eye.

Standing atop the city wall, Yaoying watched as Bi Suo and his troops were scattered by the Northern Rong Iron Cavalry. The two sides engaged in fierce combat, and Bi Suo’s felt robe was soon stained with blood. Upon hearing the rapid drumbeats, he immediately led his men back into the city.

That afternoon, perhaps fearing that Yaoying and the others might actually break through, the Northern Rong Allied Army quickly assembled their forces and launched another attack on the city.

The Northern Rong Iron Cavalry charged at the forefront, followed by soldiers from other tribes and several smaller vassal tribes. The defenders fought a bloody battle throughout the day. As dusk fell, the Northern Rong Allied Army withdrew, leaving a mountain of corpses beneath the city gates.

The next day, Tanmoroqie sent another breakout force, again heading east. The Northern Rong Allied Army dispatched their iron cavalry in pursuit, inflicting heavy losses on the troops, who fled in panic back to the Holy City.

Meanwhile, the Western Army, blocked to the east, was also attempting to break through the Northern Rong Allied Army’s defenses to rescue the Holy City. However, Haidu Aling had prepared in advance, stationing a force at a narrow pass where one man could hold off ten thousand. Though the Western Army outnumbered the defenders, they could not advance even half a step.

The battle reached a stalemate, and morale in the city gradually waned. The Northern Rong Allied Army, frustrated by their prolonged failure to capture the city, grew increasingly impatient and restless. Their soldiers swarmed the city walls like locusts, seemingly endless no matter how many were killed.

After each day’s fighting, Yaoying, clad in armor, would patrol the battlefield with her personal guards, comforting the wounded soldiers and helping to bandage their injuries.

One day, Bi Suo led his troops in another breakout attempt but failed again. When his personal guards rescued him and brought him back to the Holy City, his back was riddled with arrows.

The next morning, as dawn barely broke, Haidu Aling led his iron cavalry to the city gates, drew his bow, and shot a letter onto the wall.The letter contained only one sentence: as long as the Buddha Prince handed over Princess Wenzhao, he would withdraw his troops.

Tanmoroqie and Yaoying exchanged a glance, a glimmer of light flashing in Yaoying's eyes.

Haidu Aling was also beginning to grow anxious.