In the Moonlight

The snow had ceased.

Nestled against the mountains, the Buddhist temples and monasteries stood majestically amidst a pristine expanse of white. Their towering pagodas and glazed pinnacles reflected the brilliant golden sunlight after the snowfall.

The common folk outside the temple gates had not dispersed; they knelt in the snow, offering devout prayers day and night.

Bi Suo stood at the entrance of the main hall, lifting his head to take in the resplendent grandeur.

Prayer flags of various designs, adorned with illustrations and script, hung throughout the long corridors and courtyards. The fierce winter wind whipped against the banners, creating a continuous rustling sound that echoed both inside and outside the Wang Temple.

These were all prayer flags dedicated to Yaoying’s recovery.

She had suddenly fallen into a deep slumber, her pulse faint and weak.

The physicians had never encountered such a peculiar condition. The medical officer from the Land of Brahma was especially baffled—he had already cured Yaoying’s chronic illness, she had been diligent in taking her medicine, and she had not suffered any serious internal injuries during this period. Her body was as healthy as any ordinary person’s. How could she, in perfect health, remain unconscious for no apparent reason? Without identifying the cause of her coma, there was no way to prescribe treatment. They could only brew tonics to replenish her energy and feed them to her.

After the snow, the skies had cleared, and the Royal Court welcomed a long-awaited spell of warm weather. The great river thawed, glacial meltwater rushing downstream. Spring was approaching, with new buds greening the landscape, and vitality returning along the riverbanks. Yet Yaoying remained cold and lifeless.

Li Zhongqian mentioned that Yaoying had experienced a similar episode years before. At that time, the physicians advised him to prepare for the worst. His heart had turned to ashes, but unexpectedly, after a few days, Yaoying miraculously awoke and recovered fully, even managing to eat two bowls of hot soup noodles with duck fat in one sitting. The personal guards recalled the time when martial assassins attempted an assassination—Yaoying had also fainted then, lying at death’s door just as she was now, but she quickly improved.

Yuanjue said hopefully, “Perhaps Princess Wenzhao was so overjoyed that she became emotionally overwhelmed. She might recover in a couple of days.”

But three days had passed, and Yaoying still had not awakened.

Bi Suo turned and entered the inner chamber.

Personal guards stood watch outside the felt curtain, their eyes red-rimmed and their spirits dejected.

He continued further inside.

From behind the lowered felt curtain came low, urgent voices. Li Zhongqian, his expression dark and grim, pointed at several Han Chinese physicians who had rushed from various regions, urging them to prepare medicine. The physicians responded cautiously with affirmatives.

Without disturbing Li Zhongqian, Bi Suo skirted around the screen and lifted the beaded curtain.

A wave of dry warmth greeted him, accompanied by the crackling of charcoal in the brazier.

Though Yaoying’s body was cold, Tanmoroqie had ordered braziers lit, filling the room with spring-like warmth that even coaxed green buds from the withered branches in the bronze vase. Yet her body remained icy.

The felt rug was strewn with prayer flags, covering the floor entirely.

A figure knelt with his back to Bi Suo before the Buddha statue, holding Buddhist beads in one hand and a brush in the other, meticulously inscribing prayers onto the prayer flags.

May the Buddha’s compassion protect and remember, with mighty divine blessings.

All Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas, Maha Prajna Paramita.

Boundless life, boundless blessings.

Eternal health, peace, and prosperity.

He wrote the scriptures over and over—in Sanskrit, Han Chinese, and Turkic scripts. His robes were stained with ink, his fingers twisted and cramped, bleeding from the effort, yet he did not cease.

Bi Suo stared blankly at Tanmoroqie.

He had never seen Luojia like this.

Luojia appeared calm on the surface, but this calm was different from before—like ice concealing searing magma and flames, ready to erupt at any moment and consume everything in its path.

He had been copying scriptures without rest, his rationality lost, his mind deranged, bordering on madness.

Bi Suo felt a pang in his heart.

After enduring life and death, hardships and setbacks, they had finally glimpsed a ray of dawn. Yet Yaoying, who had always stayed by his side, had collapsed right before his eyes. How could Luojia not be driven to madness?After finishing writing a prayer text, Yuanjue, whose eyes were swollen like small hills, stepped forward and sent the prayer flags out to be hung.

The prayer flags fluttering in the wind before the hall were all personally inscribed by Tanmoroqie.

From the Holy City to nearby towns and tribes, all the people followed suit in erecting prayer flags. If one could look down upon the Royal Court from above, they would see prayer flags waving across tribes and city-states large and small, with people of different faiths making vows to their gods, praying for Princess Wenzhao to return to their king's side.

"Your Majesty..." Bi Suo felt a tightness in his chest, "You haven't slept for days and nights. Please rest for a while."

Tanmoroqie raised his head, his emerald eyes empty and vacant, devoid not only of worldly air but even of vitality.

He gazed at Yaoying lying on the bed, her sleeping face serene yet without a trace of breath, the fingers of his right hand dripping with fresh blood.

Why wouldn't she wake up?

Tanmoroqie reached out, grasping her cold hand beneath the brocade quilt, holding it tightly, vainly attempting to warm her with his own body heat.

She remained motionless, the corners of her lips slightly upturned as if smiling.

Tanmoroqie stared intently at her, his blood dripping from between his fingers onto her palm. Afraid of staining her, he picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped her clean, then bowed his head to kiss her cold palm.

"Have you heard that she prayed before the Buddha, offering her life in exchange for mine?"

His voice was deep, as if emerging from beneath the earth.

Bi Suo's heart skipped a beat, "Your Majesty, those are just rumors."

Among the people, it was rumored that Princess Wenzhao had prayed for Tanmoroqie before the Buddha, willing to exchange her life for his. The Buddha, moved by her devotion, miraculously allowed Tanmoroqie to comprehend the cultivation method, while she immediately passed away fragrantly.

Kneeling before the bed, Tanmoroqie's emerald eyes resembled the perpetually cloud-shrouded peaks of snow-capped mountains - utterly desolate.

At the brink of death, he had witnessed the various horrors of the Avici Hell and the magnificent solemnity of the Pure Land. He saw another version of himself - a Tanmoroqie struggling through internal and external difficulties, barely holding on, ultimately completing his life in loneliness.

That Luojia never met her.

In the dream, he was dying, with no place in the world to call home.

Suddenly, a calling voice drifted over, halting his steps and recalling his consciousness.

He remembered - in this lifetime, he wasn't that Luojia who achieved nirvana at Wang Temple. He had met a woman who came to the Royal Court from thousands of miles away. She stood at the foot of a sand dune, looking disheveled and trembling slightly, calling out to stop him.

"Luojia."

I came for you.

As Tanmoroqie's memories revived, he realized he wasn't alone - she was waiting for him.

He awakened from the illusion of death, endured the torment of the cultivation method, and survived.

But she was gone.

Just as suddenly as she had arrived.

Like a gentle breeze, like flowing clouds, completely disregarding the tremendous waves she had stirred in his heart.

He had pleaded with the Buddha, copied scriptures, summoned all physicians...

Still she refused to wake up.

Tanmoroqie held Yaoying's hand, placing her palm upon his head.

She had always enjoyed examining his head, as if she could never get enough. Later, growing bolder, she would occasionally sneak touches. When embracing and kissing him, her face would flush, her cloud-like hair would become disheveled, her slender waist would twist in his palm, her fingertips would quietly climb to his head and gently caress it, sometimes even kissing it, leaving behind damp kisses. He sometimes wondered if she would be disappointed when he grew his hair out.

His hair was starting to grow back. Didn't she like to touch it? Why wouldn't she wake up?Li Zhongqian said she had been like this before, but never had she slept for so long.

So long that she might never wake again.

He lowered his head, burying his face in Yaoying's loose hair, and closed his eyes.

An unprecedented fear gripped his heart fiercely.

He was afraid.

Tanmoroqie held Yaoying's cold body tightly and fell into a deep sleep.

He no longer copied scriptures, no longer chanted sutras. He stayed by her side, washing her, combing her hair—today like this, tomorrow like this, day after day, year after year.

Time slipped away swiftly, fleeting as a finger snap.

It felt like only a blink, yet also as if a long time had passed.

Suddenly, a soft murmur escaped her lips, and her eyelashes fluttered.

She had returned.

Joy filled Tanmoloqie's eyes and brows.

The next moment, he saw himself waiting by the bedside—aged and frail, with a face full of wrinkles.

He had waited for her his entire life.

Wind blew through the cracks into the inner hall, a wisp of blue smoke rose from the candlestick, the candle flame went out, and the cool moonlight poured in through the Felt Curtain.

Tanmoloqie jolted awake from the dream, gazing at Yaoying with her eyes tightly shut.

Li Zhongqian and the guards said this had happened a few times... When she woke, she seemed relieved... She asked him and Li Zhongqian to take good care of themselves. There was no surprise in her eyes, only worry and reluctance... The last time she woke, she acted as if nothing was wrong, smiling and saying it was just a minor ailment... She stopped Li Zhongqian from killing Li Xuanzhen...

His jade-green eyes widened slightly, dark undercurrents swirling silently within, fixed unblinkingly on her.

No matter where she came from, no matter who brought her to his side, no matter how many secrets she carried.

Since she had come, she must not think of leaving.

If she dared to leave, he would find her and bring her back.

Gods blocking, kill gods; demons blocking, slay demons.

...

Yaoying slept a long sleep.

It was deep and heavy, a profound and restful slumber, like the peaceful sleep of her childhood under the care of her mother and brother—back when she was free of worries, needing only to obediently take her medicine and eat each day.

Later, she became aware of her circumstances and began struggling against fate time and again.

Her brother lived, the monk lived, the Western Regions were restored, the chaotic times had settled. Relieved of her burdens, her body drifted lightly among soft clouds, floating farther and higher, memories slowly fading.

Pain, hardship, bitterness, joy—everything drifted away from her.

She felt a bit tired and wanted to continue sleeping like this, but deep in her mind, a faint voice reminded her that she had to wake up.

She could not resign herself to fate. If once wasn't enough, she would try again. No matter how many times, she would never give up hope.

She wanted to live.

A golden light pierced through the clouds, and she felt pulled back by an invisible force. Her weary body filled with strength once more, warm currents flowing through her limbs, followed by soreness and stiffness.

Countless voices flooded her ears.

Anxious, urgent, fearful, chattering.

Yaoying slowly opened her eyes and met a pair of bloodshot eyes.

He knelt by the bedside, his face gaunt and haggard, jade-green eyes fixed unblinkingly on her. Within them, vast mists swirled and dark undercurrents surged silently, a cold gleam gradually rising.

Yaoying lifted her hand, "Monk..."

As she spoke, she realized her voice was hoarse, her throat burning as if on fire.Tanmoroqie straightened up, gazing at her with a chilling aura as he slowly drew closer. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace, his hold tightening gradually yet gently, careful not to hurt her. Yet his presence grew increasingly fierce and unyielding, as if he would never let go again.

"The princess is awake!"

The stunned crowd snapped back to reality. Bi Suo, Mengda Ti Po, and the others let out long sighs of relief. Yuanjue shrieked, darting frantically around the room before finally kneeling toward the east, kowtowing in gratitude to the gods.

Cheers erupted from outside, rising and falling in waves.

Li Zhongqian burst into the room, rushing straight to the bedside. His stubble was unkempt, dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his expression was almost ferocious. After staring at Yaoying for a long moment, the anger on his face gradually faded.

"Are you hungry?"

He asked, his voice gentle.

His personal guards stood behind him, wiping their eyes.

Yaoying collected her thoughts and indeed felt a gnawing hunger.

Tanmoroqie released her, allowing the physician to step forward and check her pulse first. After the physician nodded in approval, he signaled to Yuanjue with his eyes.

Throughout the entire process, he did not utter a single word.

Yuanjue dashed out and soon returned carrying a large bowl—a steaming serving of Soup Noodles. Each strand was distinct and snow-white, the broth clear enough to see the bottom, with tender duck fat spreading into golden, shimmering swirls. A fragrant aroma wafted from the bowl.

Yaoying hadn’t expected to see the long-missed duck broth Soup Noodles upon waking. After rinsing her mouth, she took the chopsticks and began to eat. The noodles were freshly made—refreshing, chewy, and tender, with a rich and savory broth.

Tanmoroqie and Li Zhongqian remained silent, watching her eat.

Once she finished, Yaoying set down her bowl and chopsticks, smiling. "I’m fine now. You’ve all been exhausted these past few days—go and rest."

Everyone’s worries eased. The physician checked her pulse again, marveling in amazement, before they all dispersed. Li Zhongqian gave her a few words of caution and left with his guards.

The room grew quiet, the bead curtain swaying gently, leaving only Tanmoroqie and Yaoying alone.

Yaoying knew he must have been terrified. Her eyes curved slightly as she said, "Luojia, I…"

She had informed Bi Suo that something might happen to her and asked him to take good care of Luojia. She had just inquired with Bi Suo and Yuanjue and learned that Luojia had refused to listen to any advice these past few days.

Before she could finish her sentence, Tanmoroqie suddenly leaned down, pressing toward her like a predator on the hunt. He spread his arms, lifted her entirely, and cupped the back of her neck, firmly embedding her into his embrace. They pressed tightly together, cheek to cheek, inseparable.

Only like this could he be certain she had truly returned—that this was not a dream.

Li Zhongqian had mentioned that she ate Soup Noodles the last time she woke up, so he had someone prepare them daily, waiting for her to wake and eat. He feared that if he missed even one detail or made a single mistake, she might not choose to return.

His Buddha had taken pity on him.

The man holding her trembled slightly, his muscles tense. The kisses he pressed to her temples were fervent, relentless, and filled with fear.

Yaoying was momentarily stunned, then patted Tanmoroqie’s back.

"I’m fine… Luojia, I told you—I just needed to sleep it off."

She reached up to touch his face, her fingertips brushing against dampness. She froze completely.

Yaoying pushed Tanmoroqie away.

He gazed directly at her, his features exquisitely defined, long lashes quivering slightly. Deep within his eyes shimmered a glistening sheen of tears.

Tanmoroqie was actually crying.

She had never seen him shed tears before.

What does it look like when a Buddha weeps?He was never meant for the mundane world, yet for her, he had tasted every facet of human emotion—joy, anger, sorrow, contemplation, grief, fear, and shock.

A deafening roar erupted in Yaoying’s mind, shattering her thoughts into fragments. She lifted her hands to cradle Tanmoroqie’s face and kissed him with tenderness and affection.

Tanmoroqie closed his eyes briefly, reining in his tears, and held her tightly, his arms like iron clamps restraining her. "Don’t frighten me like that again."

He couldn’t bear it.

He held her so firmly that Yaoying could barely breathe. Nodding against his chest, her voice muffled, she replied, "I won’t."

Tanmoroqie was still trembling. "Bright Moon Slave, was your fainting spell this time related to me?"

His tone was calm, not quite a question.

Yaoying lifted her gaze to meet his.

His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, their intensity heavy as towering mountains pressing down upon her.

Yaoying parted her lips.

Tanmoroqie lowered his head, capturing her mouth in a kiss that radiated overwhelming force—deep, possessive, and unyielding. His scorching breath mingled with hers.

Yaoying tasted the saltiness of tears.

After a long while, he released her, breathing raggedly.

In the candlelight, his gaze was profound and dark, his finely chiseled features half-lit and half-shadowed, like a Yaksa—half Buddha, half demon. Tears glistened in his eyes, lending him an aura of chilling authority.

Yaoying stared at him, stunned.

"You understand Haidu Aling well. You understand Wahan Khan. Even before you met me, you understood me. You are wary of Li Xuanzhen."

He spoke each word deliberately, his lips lingering near her temple.

Yaoying remained silent.

Tanmoroqie cupped her chin, his breath brushing her face.

"You know many things others do not—who can be trusted, who is unworthy of great responsibility. The Taoists and craftsmen developing weapons for the Western Army obey your commands. Though you did not formulate the elixir recipes, you were the one who sought out the rare minerals and herbs."

"I once thought you were sent to me by the Buddha. I would not pry into your secrets or question your reasons…"

He gazed into her bright eyes as if trying to see into her very soul, his voice strained, hoarse, each word weighted with emotion.

"Li Yaoying, do not leave me again. Otherwise, I will search for you to the ends of heaven and earth."

A soft snap echoed as the candle flame went out. The night breeze rustled the beaded curtain, filling the chamber with its whisper.

In the darkness, Tanmoroqie’s eyes seemed to burn with an eerie blue flame—icy restraint warring with fervent madness.

Yaoying’s heart pounded wildly. Her eyes reddened gradually as she hooked her arms around his back, using her strength to flip him over and press him down. Clutching him tightly, she buried her face in his chest, rubbing her nearly escaped tears into his robes. Lifting her head, she kissed him in a frantic, desperate manner.

Tanmoroqie turned on his side, embracing her. Feeling her soft, warm lips brush against the top of his head, he slowly, gently let out a sigh of relief.

Only at this moment did he truly feel at ease.

…

Yaoying’s recovery brought jubilation throughout the Royal Court, a celebration shared by all.

Households did not take down their prayer flags, continuing to offer blessings for Tanmoroqie and Yaoying, eagerly awaiting their wedding day.

Congratulatory gifts from various tribes arrived at the Holy City one after another. Princess Manda also specially sent an envoy with lavish presents to congratulate Yaoying on achieving her heart’s desire. In addition to the state gifts, she included a chest of exquisitely illustrated and inscribed precious volumes.

Li Zhongqian delivered the queen’s crown to Yaoying’s tent. When she saw the strands of gemstone beads hanging almost to her feet, her scalp tightened. If she wore that crown, the weight would surely bend her neck.

"The two strands of beads on the crown are too heavy," she told Tanmoroqie."Then remove it."

He said earnestly.

"What would be suitable to replace it? Are there any taboos in the Royal Court?"

"No taboos," he said. "I'll listen to everything you say."

No matter what requests Yaoying made, Yuanjue would cheerfully rush to fulfill them. As long as the princess didn't dislike the groom, any request was nothing!

The palace was renovated anew. Following Tanmoroqie's instructions, Han Chinese craftsmen were specially invited to build a courtyard in the central plains style within the inner palace. The ceremonial officials were bustling with activity, preparing for the wedding with intense urgency.

Seeing that Tanmoroqie's cultivation method had advanced further after his power dissipation and Yaoying's health was improving day by day, Li Zhongqian packed his belongings and prepared to return to Gaochang with his subordinates.

Yaoying also intended to return and asked him to wait a few more days.

Li Zhongqian said: "There's nothing for me to do staying here. I might as well return first to make arrangements. As your elder brother, I can't trust others with your wedding preparations. You still have a slight fever, so there's no need to rush back. Wait for my letter after I've made all the arrangements."

As he spoke, he ruffled her hair.

Yaoying thought this made sense and saw him off: "Elder brother, remember to write me letters every few days."

"Understood, little manager."

Li Zhongqian said with a laugh.

Under the blazing sun in a cloudless sky of pure azure, he wore light armor with a white cloak over his shoulders. Riding down the hillside, he turned back and waved to Yaoying, his demeanor as vibrant and spirited as in years past.

Just after leaving the Holy City, Li Zhongqian immediately dismissed the Western Army, ordering them to send daily letters to Yaoying so she would think he was still on the road. Taking only his personal guards, he raced back to Gaochang at full speed.

"Where's the edict from Chang'an?"

Yang Qian had already returned to Gaochang and was waiting for him outside the city, presenting the imperial edict.

After reading the edict, Li Zhongqian sneered coldly.

Just as he expected - while Li De didn't dare refuse Tanmoroqie's marriage proposal, he implied that Yaoying must abandon everything to marry.

Li De was dreaming.

Yaoying could marry whomever she wanted - she didn't need his permission at all. The marriage proposal was merely to inform him.

Li Zhongqian casually threw the edict to the ground. "Is the fourth young master going to become a royal consort? I haven't congratulated him yet."

Yang Qian immediately frowned and said seriously: "General, rest assured. I'm but a rough man with unrestrained temperament, unworthy of marrying a golden branch and jade leaf. I would never marry a princess."

Li Zhongqian curled his lips: "Using two peaches to kill three warriors. Even if you have no intention to marry a princess, what about other family scions? Your cousins? Previously, Hexi aristocratic families valued pedigree above all, but after years of war, they've gradually stopped emphasizing background. Now that the world has stabilized, when Li De offers to make you royal consorts, some powerful families will inevitably be tempted."

Yang Qian's sword-like eyebrows tightened, understanding that Li Zhongqian spoke the truth.

Not long ago, the emperor had issued a decree intending to send a princess to marry in Gaochang. The emperor had begun dividing the Hexi aristocratic families, inserting his people among them. Bestowing marriages was just the simplest and most effective method. Next, the emperor would certainly continue sowing discord.

"I'm returning to Chang'an," Li Zhongqian said without entering the city. "Don't tell Bright Moon Slave."

Before Yang Qian could respond, he sharply pulled his reins and disappeared in a cloud of dust.

Back when he had gone beyond the frontier searching for Yaoying, he had sworn an oath - whether she was alive or dead, he would find her and bring her home, then have a final reckoning with Li De.

Now he had found her, and she was living well - with a beloved, friends, retainers, and people who adored her.

Yaoying was his younger sister, yet she had always been protecting him, her elder brother.

This time, let him be the one to protect her.