In the Moonlight

Yaoying felt as if her entire body were ablaze.

Tanmoroqie’s reaction was far more intense than she had imagined.

Beside her ear came his suppressed, heavy, and ragged panting; her nostrils were filled with his faint, distinctive scent. His well-defined muscles were scorching hot, his shoulders taut and rigid. Beads of sweat rolled down his bare back, his body trembling uncontrollably.

As their body temperatures rose, the tent suddenly felt stiflingly hot. The flickering candlelight cast a hazy, golden glow over the two tightly entwined figures.

It was sweltering.

Every part of Tanmoroqie radiated heat.

His breath, warm and lingering, brushed against Yaoying’s ears and neck.

His powerful embrace was both solid and searing.

The surrounding air seemed to ignite—scorching and thin, making it hard for her to breathe.

Yaoying, relying on her worldly knowledge—though inexperienced, she had at least heard of such matters—had initially intended to tease Tanmoroqie, a devout ascetic who knew little of these affairs. But gradually, her playful words died on her lips. Her limbs grew weak, a fine sheen of sweat broke out on her face, and her hands trembled uncontrollably.

When she instinctively tried to pull away, Tanmoroqie let out an unconscious, restless groan and pressed closer to her. His sweat-drenched forehead nuzzled against the side of her neck, his scorching breath sweeping over her earlobes, mingling with hers.

"Bright Moon Slave…"

A murmur laden with agony, urgency, and restraint escaped his lips—the same lips that always devoutly recited the Scriptures. The veins in his neck bulged, his breath turned fierce and sharp, his blood surged wildly like an unbridled stallion. He trembled against her, his arms tightening around her relentlessly.

Yaoying opened her eyes and stole a glance at him.

Tanmoroqie held her close. His usually serene and impassive eyes were now clouded with desire, crimson and disoriented—restrained yet struggling. His face was drenched in sweat, making his sharp, handsome features even more pronounced. The blend of his masculine scent and the cool, soothing fragrance of sandalwood stirred something deep within her.

……

……

……

Under his intense gaze, a tingling sensation surged from the depths of her heart. Yaoying shivered, her face flushing crimson. All thoughts of teasing him vanished as she closed her eyes.

Tanmoroqie shuddered, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on her, so near yet so far.

She leaned against his bare shoulder, not daring to look up. The ribbon tying her hair had come loose, and her dark tresses tangled chaotically in his embrace. Her eyes were tightly shut, her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, a few damp strands of hair clinging to her face. Her lush lips were pressed tightly together, not daring to make a sound.

In the pond of three lives, a lotus bloomed for the first time, swaying gently, as if unable to bear the weight of its own beauty.

The flower was alluring and full.

He gazed at the delicate petals, wicked thoughts overflowing, sinking deeper into depravity.

From desire arises sorrow; from sorrow arises fear. If one is free from desire, what sorrow or fear remains?

He could not break free.

Since he could not, he would acknowledge his longing—to become one with her, to seek from her the purest bliss in this world.

……

Yaoying’s mind was in disarray. Everything she had read in Princess Manda’s booklet was long forgotten. In her dazed state, a low, hoarse groan reached her ears.

She froze, completely stunned.

Tanmoroqie trembled several times, his arms tightening around her as he buried his face in her lush, thick hair, his breath hot and damp.It took a long while for his ragged breathing to settle. His arms loosened slightly as he pressed delicate, lingering kisses along her neck and temples, his brows tightly furrowed.

Yaoying’s heart pounded like a drum. With a soft thud, she turned her back to him and lay down, pulling the embroidered quilt over herself until even her eyes were hidden, curling into a tight ball with her eyes squeezed shut.

Reading about such things in books was one matter—experiencing them firsthand was entirely different.

Her entire body felt feverish, as though she were a lamb roasting over a fire, about to burst into smoke.

Tanmoroqie emerged from his passionate haze, staring blankly at his empty embrace.

Yaoying remained rigid, not daring to move a muscle, even her breaths soft and shallow. The candlelight flickered in the room, enveloping them in utter silence.

Soon, a pair of large hands slipped beneath the quilt, gripping her shoulders and turning her whole body to face him.

Yaoying’s gaze darted nervously, as if pinned to the velvet rug, refusing to look up.

"I’m sorry."

A hoarse whisper sounded above her head.

Yaoying froze for a moment before lifting her gaze.

Tanmoroqie sat before her, the flush of desire still lingering on his face, the corners of his eyes tinged with red. His bare body glistened with sweat, shimmering like honey in the candlelight, his eyes dark and filled with remorse.

She had wanted to pull away earlier, but he had been unable to restrain himself, forcing her to continue.

Yaoying stared blankly at Tanmoroqie, her lips gradually curving into a smile. Wrapped in the quilt, she sat up and whispered, "I’m not angry."

She had simply been caught off guard.

Tanmoroqie remained silent, his slightly reddened eyes fixed intently on her delicate hands.

Yaoying instinctively hid her hands beneath the quilt, then straightened up and pressed a soft, warm kiss to Tanmoroqie’s cheek.

"Really, I’m not angry…" Her cheeks flushed slightly, her bright eyes sparkling with amusement, her voice gentle. "You’re my beloved, and I enjoy being close to you."

A wave of heat surged through Tanmoroqie. He closed his eyes briefly before reaching into the quilt, capturing Yaoying’s hidden hands. He took a clean cloth, moved the bronze basin closer, and began carefully wiping her fingers.

Yaoying’s face burned, and she found herself completely devoid of any playful thoughts.

Once her hands were clean, she prepared to lie down and sleep when a sudden warmth spread across her palm.

Yaoying’s heart fluttered.

Tanmoroqie cradled her hand, bringing it to his lips. He kissed her palm, her fingertips, each finger one by one, his eyelashes trembling slightly, his expression reverent.

After kissing every part of her hand, his gaze fell to her wrist.

It was bare.

Tanmoroqie’s brows furrowed slightly as he rolled up Yaoying’s sleeve. His fingers slid along her skin, searching until he found the string of Buddhist Beads he had given her, the one she had always kept hidden beneath her clothes. He removed it and carefully placed it back on her wrist, winding it around slowly, coil by coil, as though performing a solemn ritual.

Yaoying watched him without a word.

The moonbeam-like Buddhist Beads encircled her wrist, each bead smooth and lustrous, accentuating the snow-white purity of her skin.

After securing the beads, Tanmoroqie kissed her fingers once more and looked up. "Wear them like this from now on. Don’t hide them anymore."

Yaoying’s mind buzzed, her heart overflowing with tenderness. She wrapped her arms around Tanmoroqie’s neck, pulling him down to plant a kiss on his forehead.

Tanmoroqie’s breath hitched. Suddenly, he released her, helped her lie down, and covered her with the quilt.

Yaoying froze, her gaze drifting downward, her eyes widening in surprise.

It seemed he was reacting again.

She reached out her hand.Tanmoroqie's breath hitched. He quickly pressed down her restless hand, his face calm and composed though his breathing was somewhat ragged. "It's late, you should sleep early."

As he spoke, he put on his inner robe and lay down beside Yaoying, fully clothed and on his side, closing his eyes.

Yaoying rolled her eyes, turned over, and had just stretched her hand out from under the brocade quilt when Tanmoroqie's hand reached over and grasped hers.

"I'm feeling better..." He didn't dare look at her smiling eyes, keeping his own shut as he silently recited scriptures. He sighed, his voice low and husky, "Be good, sleep now."

He had nearly lost control earlier. If it happened again, he would take her right here tonight, and she wouldn't be able to handle it.

Hearing the exhaustion in his voice, Yaoying stopped teasing him. She rested her hand on his arm and closed her eyes to sleep.

When her breathing became long and even, Tanmoroqie opened his eyes. He held the hand she had placed on him, gazed at it for a long moment, his throat moving slightly, then gently tucked it back under the brocade quilt.

The candle had long gone out, leaving the tent dimly lit.

He watched her peaceful sleeping face in the darkness, calming himself before reaching out to gently stroke her cheek. His fingers brushed over her delicate brows, rosy cheeks, and lingered on her soft lips before he couldn't resist leaning in to kiss her.

In her dream, Yaoying felt something press against her and swatted at it.

Smack.

Tanmoroqie took the hit on his arm, coming to his senses. He drew back, looking at her as a faint smile touched his lips.

She had the worst temper when asleep.

...

The light filtering through the felt curtain grew brighter.

When Yaoying woke, the space beside her was empty - Tanmoroqie had already gotten up and left. She didn't know when he had slept last night, as when she'd woken up groggy during the night, he hadn't been beside her.

Maids entered the tent bringing hot water and fresh clothes, helping her wash up. A brazier warmed the tent, making it cozy.

Yaoying ached all over. Though Tanmoroqie had been restrained last night when holding her tightly, her arms, shoulders, and waist still bore several red marks from his grip. After bathing and changing clothes, she felt refreshed.

Servants brought in a large dining table laden with gilded plates, bowls, and dishes piled high - lamb, beef, venison, butter, pilaf, millet porridge, meat and vegetarian naan, a plate of pomegranates, a plate of A Yue Hunzi (pistachios), a plate of smoked grapes, a plate of thorn honey, and various pastries and sweets - a dazzling array.

Yaoying was startled. Tanmoroqie usually ate simply - just a plate of lamb with some vegetarian naan. Why was today's breakfast so lavish? The other items were one thing, but pomegranates and thorn honey were rare at this time of year.

"I can't finish all this. Take it away and distribute it to others."

"This was ordered by the King the day before yesterday," the maid said, bowing to Yaoying before withdrawing.

Puzzled, Yaoying only ate some naan and porridge, leaving everything else untouched. She left the tent and headed toward the Western Army's camp.

Along the way, everyone in the Royal Court - whether servants, commoners, soldiers, or officials - stopped what they were doing, placed their left fist over their chest, and bowed respectfully to her.

Yaoying grew even more perplexed. After finishing her tasks, she summoned Yuanjue.

Before Yuanjue even approached, he bowed deeply, smiling as he said, "This humble servant pays respects to the Queen."

Yaoying froze, utterly shocked.

"What queen?"

Yuanjue looked up, his expression even more bewildered than hers. "The Queen is you, Princess."Yaoying smiled and said, "It hasn't been announced to the public yet, nor have the diplomatic documents been exchanged. Don't call me that—just call me Princess as before."

Yuanjue scratched his head. "Your Majesty, when the King brought you to the ceremony yesterday, it was to declare the establishment of the queenship. The day before yesterday, His Majesty ordered that from today onward, breakfast would be sent to you daily. Everyone in the Royal Court knows..."

So accompanying him at the ceremony yesterday was the public announcement? And he had arranged for the meal delivery even before the ceremony?

Yaoying frowned slightly and asked, "What's special about this morning's breakfast?"

Yuanjue's face flushed slightly. "According to Royal Court customs... that meal was prepared for the bride... Starting from yesterday's ceremony, the daily meals for the next three months will all be like this..."

Yaoying's lips twitched.

No wonder this morning's breakfast was so lavish—there was so much that the long table couldn't hold it all.

"Your Majesty, Royal Court customs differ from those of the Central Plains. Here, if a man wishes to marry a maiden, as long as she is willing, he can take her home with his companions, and that counts as marriage. For the following months, the finest things must be offered to the bride. After several months..."

Yuanjue suddenly paused, coughed twice, and continued, "The groom brings the bride back to her family for a visit, and that completes the ceremony. When you and the King received the officials' homage at the ceremony, in the eyes of our Royal Court people, you are already our Queen."

Yaoying remembered: the Royal Court practiced marriage by capture.

Among the tribes, the custom of marriage by capture was followed. If a groom wanted to marry a family's daughter, they would meet privately, and the groom would take the daughter home to live together. After some time, he would bring the bride back to her family to pay respects. Usually, both families would tacitly consent to the marriage beforehand.

She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

After yesterday's ceremony, in the eyes of the Royal Court people, she was considered "captured" by Tanmoroqie as his bride?

When Yaoying returned to the main tent, Tanmoroqie had already returned and was sitting inside, reviewing state documents. Dressed in fine robes, he sat upright, and from behind, he still resembled a monk studying Scriptures.

She tiptoed to his back, leaned over, avoiding his wound, and draped her slender arms over his shoulders. "Luojia, Yuanjue says the Royal Court people already see me as the Queen."

Tanmoroqie continued writing calmly. "The Princess is my Queen."

Yaoying smiled gently. "But you said we weren't married yet..."

These were his words from last night.

Tanmoroqie paused his hand, set down the brush, turned his head, and looked into Yaoying's eyes.

"Last night... to me, the Princess was already my wife. Once the diplomatic documents arrive, the Royal Court will hold the formal ceremony."

He spoke softly, his expression solemn.

Yaoying was first taken aback, feeling a bit amused, but seeing how serious he was, she didn't dare laugh aloud. She simply smiled and hugged him. To him, because she helped him like that last night, he felt responsible, and she became his wife?

She planted two kisses on his cheek and the top of his head, straightened up, and was about to step away when her wrist was grasped tightly. He pulled her into his embrace, his lips warm on her forehead, then gradually sliding down to meet hers in a deep kiss.

Footsteps sounded outside the tent as Bi Suo reported from beyond.

Tanmoroqie released Yaoying, watching her figure disappear beyond the Felt Curtain, his gaze lingering on the direction she had gone.Bi Suo entered the tent, cleared his throat, and said, "Your Majesty, all areas have been properly settled. Prince Jin Bo is responsible for gathering the Northern Rong prisoners. The various tribes have begun withdrawing to their territories one after another. Mobi Duo has returned to the military department, and the stationed troops in various regions are also gradually returning to their posts..."

After reporting several matters, he produced a piece of parchment.

Tanmoroqie took the parchment, read the letter, and with an unchanged expression, said, "If anything unexpected happens, follow my instructions exactly."

Bi Suo let out a long sigh, clasped his hands in acknowledgment, hesitated as if wanting to say more, his expression conflicted.

Tanmoroqie lowered his head and continued reviewing documents.

Bi Suo thought for a moment but ultimately remained silent and withdrew from the tent.

The former guards of the princess's residence approached him and asked quietly, "General, what did the King say?"

Bi Suo shook his head: "I didn’t tell His Majesty. Such trivial matters need not be mentioned to him."

"But what about the princess’s honorary title?"

Bi Suo gazed into the distance.

Princess Chima was dead, having perished in the chaos of battle.

He had long known this would be the outcome, but as she was his own elder sister, he had still sent people to inquire about her whereabouts and eventually found her corpse.

"Death extinguishes a life like a lamp going out. No matter how many evil deeds Chima committed, she was still a princess of the Royal Court and deserves some dignity. However, she colluded with noble families, causing turmoil in the court. Before the Northern Rong army besieged the city, she fled with the Imperial Guards, abandoning the city... How could I persuade Luojia to grant her an honorary title?"

Luojia was benevolent. If Bi Suo pleaded earnestly, perhaps Luojia would agree to retain Chima’s title. But would the people accept it? Bore, A Li, and the other fallen guards had been honored for their loyalty and righteousness, enshrined in Buddhist temples and praised by the people. Chima and the other noble families who fled with their private troops had brought about disaster, committed grave sins, and were despised by the people. They deserved punishment. Only by clearly distinguishing rewards from penalties could the people’s hearts be soothed. He should not trouble Luojia for his own selfish reasons.

Bi Suo exhaled deeply and said.

The guard lowered his head.

Bi Suo stepped away and said calmly, "She always said she was a daughter of the Tanmo family. Bury her beside our mother."

The guard acknowledged the order.

...

Meanwhile, in the Western Army camp, a light cavalryman delivered a letter sent from the Central Plains thousands of miles away.

"A letter for Bright Moon Slave? Who sent it?"

Li Zhongqian took the letter, glanced at the handwriting on the envelope, and frowned slightly.