The turmoil subsided, but with a new ruler came new ministers. After Li Xuanzhen took over state affairs, the court was filled with anxiety.
He showed no mercy, purging the court and promoting those who had rendered meritorious service. Several edicts of accusation were issued consecutively, and overnight, the prisons were overcrowded.
Some families rejoiced while others grieved. As some clans declined in this conflict between father and son, others rose to prominence. Like the ebb and flow of tides, Chang'an saw a new crop of nobles emerge, akin to tender shoots sprouting on branches—thriving with just a little rain and dew. Generation after generation, life continued unceasingly.
Li Xuanzhen leaned against the couch, reviewing memorials.
The weather was sweltering, and he could smell the faint, foul odor emanating from his wounds. Attendants brought him medicinal broth morning and night, filling the hall with the bitter scent of medicine.
A memorial was presented before him.
Zheng Jing knelt before the desk and said, "Your Highness, King Tanmo of the Royal Court has come to Chang'an in person to propose marriage. The envoy requests entry into the city."
Li Xuanzhen paused his writing, unrolling the marriage proposal.
The document was written in Tanmoroqie's own hand. As expected, he was well-versed in Chinese, his calligraphy robust, elegant, and unrestrained—clearly the result of years of diligent practice.
Li Xuanzhen could easily imagine how exhilarated Tanmoroqie must have felt as he penned this marriage proposal, stroke by stroke.
Yaoying loved him and was willing to marry him.
Li Xuanzhen closed his eyes for a moment.
This marriage proposal was merely a formality, yet by a twist of fate, he was the one who had to approve it.
Once again, he was sending her off to be married.
The wound on his back split open, sending a piercing pain deep into his bones. Li Xuanzhen opened his eyes, picked up his brush, and fine beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
No matter how unwilling he was, he could not intervene. She was no longer the person she once was. To act against her would risk destabilizing the Western Regions. Moreover, behind Tanmoroqie stood the powerful Royal Court—he stood no chance.
Time flowed like water; once missed, it was gone forever, with no chance to turn back.
If he remained obstinate, he would become the next Li De.
Steeling himself, Li Xuanzhen was about to put brush to paper when a eunuch entered the hall with bowed head.
"Your Highness, Princess Wenzhao has sent someone over."
Li Xuanzhen was taken aback and quickly asked, "Invite them in. What is the matter?"
The eunuch replied, "Princess Wenzhao says that since Your Highness is injured, there is no need for you to approve the Royal Court's marriage proposal. King Tanmo proposed to her, and she can reply herself."
Li Xuanzhen was stunned for a moment, then set down his brush. The corners of his lips twitched upward, but there was no smile.
That was just like her.
Her marriage was her own decision.
…
The news quickly spread throughout Chang'an.
Princess Wenzhao's consort had arrived.
However, it was not the consort who entered the city first, but the betrothal gifts sent by the Royal Court.
Amid the joyous music played enthusiastically by musicians, elephants adorned with jewels entered the city with graceful steps. Following them were carriages inlaid with gold and gems, laden with open chests filled with precious gifts—silks, satins, jewels, and jades. Under the sunlight, they glittered brilliantly, dazzling to the eye. Men and women dressed in Royal Court attire stood beside the chests, smiling as they held golden trays, scattering flowers and celebratory coins to the crowds along the roadside.
Wherever the procession passed, a rich, fragrant aroma filled the air.
The capital's residents had not witnessed such a grand spectacle in years. The entire city was abuzz as people rushed out of their homes, chasing after the Royal Court envoy. The streets echoed with lively chatter, and children followed the elephants, their faces full of curiosity.
Li Zhongqian stood atop the city tower, watching the cumbersome elephants stroll leisurely down the main street. He rolled his eyes skyward—how had he never noticed before that the monk was so well-versed in worldly customs?
Beside him, a few clear, melodious laughs rang out, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.Yaoying gazed at the seemingly endless procession of bridal gifts, her eyes crinkling with delight. Noticing Li Zhongqian’s displeased expression, she quickly added, “Brother, these are all funds for the Western Army! Weren’t you planning to form an infantry unit specializing in battle formations? The location is already chosen—all that’s left is for you to return and select the troops.”
Li Zhongqian lifted his chin and snorted coldly. “Keep these betrothal gifts for yourself. They are, after all, a token of the Royal Court’s sincerity.”
After the betrothal gifts were presented, the Royal Court’s envoy entered the city.
The city gate was packed shoulder to shoulder, and the broad main street was jammed with onlookers.
Morning dew still clung to the branches as the crisp chimes of bells echoed in the breeze, their lingering notes weaving through the cool dawn light. In the faint morning mist, the leisurely clip-clop of hooves gradually drew nearer.
Countless gazes converged like a vast ocean, fixed intently on the approaching procession.
As the hoofbeats drew closer, slanting golden rays of sunlight cut through the haze, illuminating a corner of a brocade robe shimmering with gold and silver embroidery. A tall, upright figure emerged from the thick summer dawn, his face half-lit, half-shadowed.
The crowd stared, mesmerized, at the rider emerging from the mist, unable to snap out of their daze for a long moment.
The wind whispered all around.
Li Xuanzhen slowly descended from the high platform, glanced at the young officials standing frozen on either side, and turned his gaze toward Tanmoroqie.
The peerlessly elegant figure, surrounded by officials and guards, approached him. Dressed in an embroidered robe woven with gold and silver threads, a leather belt cinched at his waist adorned with a dagger and curved blade, he was strikingly handsome, poised, and exuded an aura of noble grace. His lofty, almost ethereal presence seemed to transcend the mundane. Standing there without a word, a single glance from him instantly dimmed the radiance of the spirited young men who had dressed up specifically to compete with him.
The few defiant young officials stiffened briefly, then silently retreated, crestfallen.
Everyone marveled inwardly: such a celestial gentleman was a perfect match for Princess Wenzhao.
A Ministry of Rites official stepped forward to offer flattery. Tanmoroqie nodded graciously in response, and when he spoke, his elegant, flawless Chang’an dialect bore no trace of a foreign accent.
The crowd was stunned once more.
Li Xuanzhen stepped forward, his gaze meeting Tanmoroqie’s midair.
For a moment, neither yielded.
Li Xuanzhen’s eyes held scrutiny, while Tanmoroqie exuded an unshakable composure. His expression was gentle, yet his deep jade-green eyes held a sharp, silent intensity—like a Buddha, dignified and profound.
Amid the officials’ escort, the two entered the hall.
At the banquet, young officials racked their brains to challenge Tanmoroqie, but he responded with ease, displaying a thorough grasp of Han classics and effortlessly discussing local customs.
The officials grew disheartened. Not only did they fall short in appearance and demeanor, but they couldn’t outmatch the consort in knowledge—and in martial arts, they were even less comparable.
Exchanging resigned glances, the Ministry of Rites officials conceded inwardly: proceed with the wedding preparations.
While the Royal Court’s envoy negotiated with court ministers, Yaoying busied herself with Western Army affairs.
She had disclosed her origins, and though the court retained her title, she was granted additional honors due to her marriage to Tanmoroqie. The common people still addressed her as princess. General Qin, stationed in Southern Chu, pacified the region in her name, and the remaining resisting forces soon surrendered, gradually stabilizing Southern Chu.
Southern Chu, known for its literary culture, celebrated Yaoying’s roots there. Tales glorifying her deeds spread like bamboo shoots after rain, one after another, throughout the streets and alleys.Yaoying had improved the printing of storybooks. Now, once scholars wrote their articles, they could quickly be carved and printed for sale. The common people flocked to these storybooks, and before long, the tale of her marriage alliance in the Western Regions and her union with Tanmoroqie had spread far and wide. The twists and sorrows of the story were so poignant that even Yuanjue, who grew up beyond the borders, immediately found the rumors among the Western Regions' populace dull by comparison.
She paid no mind to this matter and busied herself packing, preparing to return to Gaochang.
Yang Qian adamantly refused to marry a princess and forbade his brothers from doing so as well. She advised him, "The Hexi region has been cut off from the Central Plains for too long. It wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Yang family to take the lead in integrating into the imperial court."
Thanks to her efforts, the policies and laws of the Western Regions' prefectures now mirrored those of the Central Plains, and trade among the people had already begun to flourish widely. The road back to the east was no longer just about reclaiming territory.
Yang Qian scratched his head and laughed heartily. "Your Highness, you don’t understand... Princesses are noble and delicate, each more refined than the last. I’m a stubborn ox by nature and fear I wouldn’t get along well, offending such esteemed ladies."
Before he could finish, remembering that Yaoying was also a princess, he darted away to find Li Zhongqian for a drink.
Yaoying chuckled wryly.
One day, someone suddenly sent a litter of fine hounds. When she asked the attendants, they said it was a congratulatory gift from the palace.
"His Highness went out of the city specially to pick them for you himself! Each one is full of spirit."
Yaoying was lost in thought for a moment before instructing the attendant, "Take them to the Eagle Keeper and have him raise them."
The attendant looked regretful. "Why doesn’t Your Highness keep them yourself?"
Yaoying replied indifferently, "The fine hound I raised before is gone. I won’t keep any myself from now on."
The hounds were sent away, and the news was relayed back to the palace.
Later, Li Xuanzhen took the hounds back and raised them himself.
After handling major and minor tasks, Yaoying wrote a letter of marital consent in her own words and summoned Yuanjue, instructing him to deliver it to Tanmoroqie.
Yuanjue grinned from ear to ear, carefully cradling the letter as he returned to the embassy.
Outside the window, a pond of lotus flowers stood graceful and elegant, filling the courtyard with their fragrance.
Only such beautiful landscapes could nurture his Bright Moon Slave.
Tanmoroqie took the silk scroll, his fingers tracing her handwriting as if caressing her fair skin. Gazing at the radiant lotuses under the bright sun, the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
Once they returned to the Royal Court, he would find a way to cultivate a pond of lotuses like these.
On the eighteenth of that month, the sky was clear, the wind gentle, and the air pure.
The Royal Court envoy formally came to welcome the bride.
Battle flags fluttered, and music soared through the clouds. Tanmoroqie, dressed in magnificent robes and standing tall, waited at the city gate. His usually calm face showed a hint of barely perceptible anxiety.
The long street swarmed with crowds. Knowing that Yaoying would be married that day, the people donned their brightest clothes, adorned their hair with fresh flowers, and carried gifts, lining both sides of the street to welcome her.
The lush locust and elm trees along the street were draped with colorful silks, creating a scene of splendor and festivity.
Before dawn, Zheng Biyu had ordered bright candles lit and led noble ladies in adorning Yaoying. After a full two hours, amid gasps of admiration, they helped her into the carriage.
Yaoying sat upright inside the carriage, her hair styled in a high chignon crowned with twelve hairpins of flowers, pearls and jade adorning her temples. She wore a deep blue pheasant-patterned ceremonial robe over a plain silk undergarment and a crimson skirt embroidered with golden phoenixes. A green dot graced her forehead, and delicate makeup adorned her cheeks and lips. Clutching a round fan, she concealed her face.
As the carriage moved down the long street, the people cheered and rejoiced, chasing after it and calling out Yaoying’s title. Their congratulations rose and fell like ocean waves.
"May the Princess and her Consort grow old together in harmony, flying side by side like lovebirds!""May the Princess and her Consort have a son early!"
"Princess, you must come back to visit often!"
Yaoying couldn't help but recall the scene when she was forced into a political marriage and left Chang'an in a carriage. Back then, she thought she would never return in this lifetime. The common people wept as they bid her farewell, their cries shaking the heavens.
She had returned. Her family was safe and sound, and the world was at peace.
This time, everyone was all smiles. Li Zhongqian rode at the front of the procession, his vibrant robes and spirited horse making him look dashing and heroic. Freed from Li De's shadow, he had become much more cheerful.
The main road before the city gate was carpeted with flowers, while several snow-white banners with golden patterns fluttered in the wind.
Yaoying's gaze fixed on those banners, and the day she first met Tanmoroqie surfaced in her mind, her lips curving slightly.
In her desperation back then, she had rushed forward without a second thought.
A faint smile graced her face, her cloud-like hair lush and glossy, radiant and captivating like a goddess descended to earth.
The cheers of the common people grew even more fervent.
The ceremonial official ascended the high platform and read aloud the imperial decree.
Tanmoroqie waited patiently. Behind him, the Royal Court's guards in blue shirts and white robes pressed a fist to their chests with one hand, paying solemn and respectful homage to their queen.
When the ceremonial official read the final word, declaring the rites complete, Li Zhongqian winked at Yaoying. "If anyone wrongs you, your elder brother will avenge you!"
With that, he withdrew along with the Western Army generals.
Tanmoroqie urged his horse forward, dismounted, and approached the carriage window, leaning down.
This was a Royal Court custom.
A pair of delicate hands parted the carriage curtain, and Yaoying's smiling face reflected in his eyes.
Tanmoroqie stared blankly at her in her splendid attire.
Yaoying smiled joyfully, her beauty so dazzling that the blooming trees along the street paled in comparison. Her eyes sparkled, and with every glance, she radiated a brilliance from within. Every feature and expression was exquisitely beautiful.
A goddess had descended to the mortal world.
He remained silent for a long moment, his heart filled with an indescribable, peculiar joy.
Yaoying grinned, tugged at his sleeve to draw him closer, and pecked him on the cheek.
The Royal Court musicians played their instruments with even greater vigor.
Tanmoroqie snapped out of his daze, watched the carriage curtain fall, and slowly curved his lips into a smile.
The Royal Court guards surged forward, surrounding their king and queen, and headed west.
The common people chased after them for mile after mile, reluctantly watching the procession fade into the distance.
Many years later, this grand wedding remained one of the most talked-about events among Chang'an's citizens.
Just after the procession left the capital prefecture, the bride signaled for the carriage to stop.
Tanmoroqie immediately reined in his horse.
The carriage curtain swayed as Yaoying leaned out of the window, brushing aside the swaying golden phoenix pearl strands at her temples. "Luojia, wearing this is too exhausting. I want to change clothes and ride a horse."
Tanmoroqie gazed at her, his eyes gentler than the breeze brushing through flowers.
Xie Qing brought Yaoying's mount. She removed the heavy phoenix crown, took off the ceremonial robes, changed into a lightweight brocade robe, mounted the saddle, and cracked her long whip. Galloping across the boundless plains under the brilliant sunlight.
After riding some distance, she stretched her limbs, let out a long sigh of relief, and glanced back with a smile.
Tanmoroqie urged his horse to a gallop, riding alongside her. He reached out and grasped her whip-holding hand, clasping it tightly.
"Bright Moon Slave, I don't know how to be a good husband. You must teach me."
Yaoying raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "I don't know how either."
Her tone was playful.
She wouldn't be fooled again. When he had helplessly claimed he didn't know how to be a good lover, she had softened immediately—but in truth, he had plenty of ideas of his own!Tanmoroqie couldn't help but smile, leaning down to kiss Yaoying's hair.
Hand in hand, they rode their horses at a leisurely pace, their two shadows cast on the ground clinging closely together, inseparable.
Just like them—walking the same path hand in hand, accompanying each other for a lifetime.
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