In the Moonlight

The felt curtain was lifted, letting in the night breeze that gently swayed the candle flames in the tent.

Li Zhongqian, holding a luminous jade, turned around.

A smiling face peeked in, meeting his gaze, thick lashes fluttering: "Elder Brother."

Over a decade ago, when he returned to Wei Commandery from Jingnan, she was still so small—soft and delicate, dressed in a floral-patterned cross-collared gown, her hair tied into little buns like a tiny dumpling. Unable to walk steadily, she leaned against the doorframe, lifting her little face to call out: "Elder Brother."

He picked her up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her soft fingers brushing the snowflakes from his temples.

"Elder Brother is cold."

At that time, he had just finished handling his uncle’s family’s funeral arrangements and returned home, weary and covered in dust. He was indeed cold.

But he was the elder brother, responsible for taking good care of his younger sister. No matter how cold he was, he couldn’t let her freeze.

Li Zhongqian lost himself in thought for a moment, then sneered: "Tanmoroqie just left... and you’re already so concerned about him? Are you afraid I’ll bully him?"

Yaoying quickly suppressed her smile, lifted the curtain, and hurried into the tent. She took his arm and said seriously, "I’m not concerned about him—I’m concerned about you, Elder Brother. I was afraid his words might upset you."

Though Li Zhongqian knew she was just placating him, he still felt a warmth in his heart. He snorted lightly, then frowned as he thought of Tanmoroqie’s health. He opened his mouth to speak but paused, his gaze settling on Yaoying’s face.

Yaoying was curiously examining the treasure boxes and gift cases in the tent.

He swallowed the words that had risen to his throat.

She and Tanmoroqie had gone through so much to reach this day. There was no need to bring up anything that might sadden her.

...

After placating Li Zhongqian, Yaoying went straight to find Tanmoroqie.

The night was deep, the candlelight dim. Tanmoroqie sat cross-legged on a plush rug with his back to the felt curtain, his robes half-slipped off. The leather belt embedded with a short dagger lay beside him, his back crisscrossed with mottled scars. Hearing Yuanjue and Yaoying talking outside the tent, he pulled his open collar closed.

Yaoying walked around the screen, catching the scent of medicine. She sat down beside him, washed her hands, and said with a grave expression, "Luojia, let me see your wounds."

He was methodical in everything, always planning ahead. In a single day, he had renounced his monastic vows, issued edicts, and met with Li Zhongqian—all seamlessly accomplished. He had considered everything, except his own well-being, delaying until now to tend to his injuries.

Tanmoroqie shook his head: "They’re just minor wounds, nothing serious."

Yaoying stared intently at him, her brows slightly furrowed, her gaze solemn and stern: "Even if they’re not serious, I still want to see."

Her tone was firm.

Tanmoroqie remained motionless.

Without another word, Yaoying reached out and pulled open the collar of his riding attire, slipping his outer robe and undergarment down to his waist. Her gaze lingered on the inner garment stained with spots of blood. She bit her lip, her hands trembling slightly as she carefully peeled it away.

Tanmoroqie sat bare-chested in the dim candlelight, his sweat-drenched back gleaming like honey under the glow. From his shoulders to his waist, his skin was marred with bruises and swelling. In the flickering light, the marks left by the staff crisscrossed vividly, alongside several unhealed old wounds, the bruised flesh tinged purple—a sight that struck fear into the heart.

Yaoying’s heart ached with each glance. Gritting her teeth, she dipped her fingers into the ointment and gently applied it to his wounds. "How can you say it’s nothing when it’s this bad..."

Sitting beside him, her breath brushed against his bare shoulders and back as she spoke, her smooth fingertips tracing and softly caressing his skin."Luojia, does it hurt?"

She asked near his ear, her voice filled with tenderness and heartache.

The air seemed to ignite, suddenly becoming scorching and intimate.

Tanmoroqie lowered his gaze, fine beads of sweat covering his body. His shoulder and back muscles tensed, the muscles in his arms trembling slightly.

"It's better now."

He said softly, pausing for a moment before adding while watching Yaoying's fluttering eyelashes: "Bright Moon Slave helped apply the medicine, I feel better."

Truly, he felt much improved.

Yaoying's movements became even more gentle as she finished applying the medicine for him, then glanced at him.

His face was densely covered with sweat droplets that dampened his eyebrows. His features appeared sharper than usual, his aura carrying an added edge. His deep jade-green eyes were like still pools of water, fixed intently on her. The gaze resting on her face held a gentle pressure, as if it could see right through her.

"Princess, I just went to propose to your elder brother."

He spoke each word deliberately.

Yaoying froze.

Dark currents surged in Tanmoroqie's eyes as the dominance concealed within his cool demeanor emerged. Sitting upright and proper, a sweat droplet rolled from his bare back down to his waist, tracing clean lines. "I wish to marry you, Princess, and stay with you forever. I don't know how long I can live, nor do I understand how to be a worldly lover. Would you be willing to marry someone like me?"

Yaoying looked up, gazing at him for a long time until her eyes gradually reddened.

She didn't care about these formalities, nor whether he could fully embrace worldly life.

But he cared. He didn't know how long he would live, which was why he was rushing to settle everything so she wouldn't face difficulties.

Yaoying's heart swelled with emotion. She lowered her head, resting her cheek against Tanmoroqie's shoulder, nuzzling against him affectionately.

After waiting a moment, Tanmoroqie extended his arm, lifting Yaoying's chin with his fingers, his voice hoarse: "Bright Moon Slave, would you be willing to marry someone like me?"

These past days he had appeared calm and composed, strategizing as if everything was under control. But in truth, he wasn't nearly as tranquil as he seemed. He feared it might be too late, afraid that in this lifetime he might not be able to give her anything. He used to think life was but a fleeting moment, like morning dew or bubbles, that there was no need to care about life and death. Only now did he understand why all living beings cling so desperately to life.

Yaoying met his gaze, their eyes locking. Tears shimmered in her eyes as the corners of her lips lifted slightly, and she softly hummed in affirmation.

This sound was like celestial music drifting through paradise, like the harmonious chirping of the kalavinka bird. Divine light shone everywhere, trees bursting into full bloom.

His lotus flower had bloomed for him.

This strand of moonlight had been gathered into his palm.

Tanmoroqie gazed into Yaoying's autumn-water bright eyes, slowly drawing her closer. His hand pressed against her neck as he pulled her into his embrace, placing a cool kiss atop her hair.

Yaoying felt both heartache and bittersweet emotion, her heart overflowing with tenderness. She raised her hands to embrace his waist, her fingers accidentally brushing against his bare back. The arms holding her trembled slightly.

"Did I touch your wound?"

Yaoying quickly pulled away from Tanmoroqie's embrace, looking down to check the injury on his back.

"It's nothing."

Tanmoroqie shook his head, his fingers lingering greedily in her thick hair.

Suddenly, an electric current shot up from his back, his entire blood boiling and burning along with it. He froze completely, his fingers stiffening, veins bulging with surging blood.A warm, soft touch on his bare back. Yaoying lowered her head, her fingers parting his riding attire as she gently embraced the unblemished part of his waist. Her soft lips pressed against the prominent shoulder blades on his back, carefully avoiding the medicated wounds, kissing tenderly from top to bottom.

"Does this feel better?"

She murmured the question between kisses, her tone almost a whisper.

The kisses falling on his back were gentle and continuous.

Tanmoroqie remained motionless. The heat he had just suppressed surged up again, spreading from where Yaoying had kissed, causing faint tremors wherever it traveled. An uncontrollable restlessness swiftly coursed through his entire body. A burning flush abruptly rose on his pale face, his eyes darkening.

Unaware of his unusual state, Yaoying continued dotingly pecking kisses across his back.

"I'll let it slide this time... Luojia, promise me you'll listen to me from now on. When you're injured, you must apply medicine immediately... Don't you dare neglect yourself like this again."

Tanmoroqie closed his eyes for a moment, enduring with great effort. He turned his face away from Yaoying, his throat moving as sweat slowly traced the lines of his muscles.

Yaoying lifted her head, kissed his shoulder, then tightened her arms around his lean waist.

"From now on, you're mine. You have to listen to me."

She beamed with a charmingly willful tone.

Tanmoroqie turned his head, gazing at the upturned curve of Yaoying's lips as she spoke—fresh, glossy, and temptingly lush. When they parted slightly, her breath was sweet and delicate, softer and smoother than the finest cream.

Her body nestled against his like fragrant jade, a handful of fine snow—light and pliant, as if the slightest grasp would make her melt into his embrace, yielding completely.

The wicked thoughts that had once lingered in Tanmoroqie's mind suddenly surged forth, blazing like fire, growing and swelling uncontrollably. They roared through every vein, desperate to burst out. Waves of violent heat crashed and gnawed within him, urgently demanding release.

The veins on his neck bulged.

Yaoying, pressed against him, sensed the intense aura radiating from him and asked in confusion, "Luojia..."

Before she could finish her question, the next instant, the back of her neck tightened. Her chin was seized by scorching fingers as Tanmoroqie turned his whole body toward her, straightening up. His tall, imposing frame loomed over her, one hand pressing her neck, crushing her tightly against his chest.

Her mouth was sealed. A fervent tongue pried open her lips, stirring, sucking, colliding, and tangling in a relentless dance.

Like a long-lurking beast finally capturing its desired prey, eager to devour, fiercely invading and claiming.

Even through their clothing, Tanmoroqie could feel her softness and the fragrance that seeped into his bones. Her collar gradually loosened, revealing a glimpse of creamy white skin. As her flesh pressed against his bare, sweat-dampened chest, the scent grew richer and more intoxicating, tempting him to taste.

He couldn't help but hold her tighter, pressing her close, wishing he could meld her into his very flesh and blood.

Caught off guard, Yaoying let out a muffled whimper. Her lips and teeth intertwined with his, her body tightly imprisoned by his burning embrace. Her limbs grew weak, nearly dissolving into a pool of spring water.

With a thud, the small side table was knocked over. Yaoying sank deeply into the plush rug, the weight of Tanmoroqie's sturdy body pressing down on her as one hand slid inside her collar.

He watched her, his eyes growing darker, his forehead glistening with sweat, his breathing heavy.Yao Ying lay limp and pliant beneath him, her body melting into the softness as her hand brushed against his bare arm, slick with sweat.

A feverish warmth spread through her, accompanied by uncontrollable tremors.

Beads of perspiration dripped from Tanmoroqie’s face, soaking into the woolen rug.

His gaze remained fixed on her, brows tightly furrowed, his expression solemn and sacred like a Buddha’s, yet his eyes churned with suppressed intensity.

Yao Ying’s cheeks flushed hot. She lifted her arms, wrapped them around his neck, and drew him down to kiss his forehead.

Tanmoroqie struggled to restrain himself, his breathing ragged. His fingers clenched the rug beside her, then he abruptly shut his eyes, rolled off her, and snatched the embroidered quilt from the nearby couch. He wrapped Yao Ying tightly from neck to toe, cocooning her like a zongzi, before sitting cross-legged on the rug, closing his eyes, and reciting Scriptures.

Yao Ying lay stunned, immobilized within the quilt, unable to process what had just happened.

He had been asking for her hand moments ago—why was he chanting now?

Had he changed his mind? Did he not wish to break his vows?

After a long daze, Yao Ying began wriggling inside the quilt, struggling to sit up. Like a silkworm pupa, she squirmed her way to Tanmoroqie’s side, her long hair cascading around her, cheeks flushed, her enchanting peach-blossom eyes wide with disbelief.

“You…”

Before she could utter another word, she was pulled into a scorching embrace. Tanmoroqie wrapped his arms around her through the thick quilt.

“Forgive me, Princess. I… lost control.”

He held her, eyes squeezed shut, lashes trembling violently, his face drenched in sweat. As he spoke, he shifted his posture stiffly.

Yao Ying froze, then felt the burning heat against her and widened her eyes in astonishment.

She knew he was a man, and she knew his feelings for her—but only now, in this moment, did she truly feel the force of his desire.

Even like this… Her heart fluttered, unsure where to look. She bit back a smile, then blew a soft breath against his face and whispered, “Luojia, you don’t have to hold back… I’ve agreed to marry you.”

Tanmoroqie shuddered, his arms around her tensing like a drawn bow, taut with restrained strength.

“Princess, we are not yet wed…”

He shook his head, his voice low and hoarse.

Yao Ying stared blankly for a moment, then burst into laughter, squirming in his embrace. “That time I came from Gaochang to the Holy City to find you—didn’t that count as our wedding? Why did you kiss me then?”

Her soft, boneless movements brushed against Tanmoroqie, further unsettling his breath. He tightened his arms, holding her still.

“Bright Moon Slave, don’t move…”

He opened his eyes, his gaze profound. Sweat dripped from his brow, his expression pained with restraint. “I… I can’t control myself now. I might hurt you.”

As he spoke, a fierce, murderous aura seemed to surge around him, his muscles bulging with tension.

Just moments ago, he had nearly lost control and defiled her right here. When he was on the brink of death, he had consumed too many elixirs, causing his True Qi to overflow and nearly driving him to Qi deviation. After awakening, he had almost lost his sanity—and all sensation—as if he had truly become an indestructible iron body, just like General Saisang’er before his death. Bi Suo and the others had never seen him like that.

During those days, no one dared approach him too closely.

It was only when he saw Yao Ying that his senses returned.

He feared he might harm her.

Yao Ying grew still.

Tanmoroqie held her, closed his eyes, and resumed silently reciting the Scriptures.A long time had passed, yet his body remained rigid.

Listening to his heartbeat and gazing at his bare chest, Yaoying felt no drowsiness. Her eyes wandered restlessly until an accidental glance made her cheeks burn, swiftly averting her gaze.

Was he going to recite Scriptures all night like this?

"Luojia, are you suffering?"

Yaoying extended her hands from the brocade quilt, hooking them around Tanmoroqie's neck. Bringing her lips close to his ear, she whispered softly, "I know a way to ease your discomfort..."

Having cultivated since childhood, he might not understand matters between men and women.

Though she had no experience either, Princess Manda had indeed taught her many things... she remembered even when reluctant to learn.

In the hazy candlelight, a visible flush rapidly spread across Tanmoroqie's pale face, his earlobes tinged red, breath slightly uneven.

Seizing the opportunity, Yaoying broke free from his restraint, threw off the entangled brocade quilt, and knelt before him. With a light laugh, she pulled his head down, planting a kiss on his cheek. Pressing her forehead against his, their breaths mingled as her right hand gently traced his furrowed brows, straight nose, tightly pressed lips, and sweat-beaded bare chest. Suppressing nervousness and fear, she slowly moved downward.

Tanmoroqie shuddered violently, muscles trembling.

Though usually bold, Yaoying now flushed crimson, closing her eyes and burying her face against his shoulder.

Tanmoroqie held her tighter.