In the Moonlight

Yaoying stole a glance at Luojia, her breath nearly catching in her throat.

Tanmoroqie’s body was still burning hot, sweat beaded on his face, his cheeks flushed with a rosy haze. His eyes were half-lidded as he breathed softly, his lips trailing a series of delicate, damp kisses along her neck. Beneath his thick lashes, occasional flickers of dark intensity gleamed. The scent of sandalwood was steeped in an unfamiliar aroma—cool, subtle, yet carrying a powerful, invasive presence.

His robes remained perfectly neat, just as they did when he studied Scripture Scrolls, yet the scorching desire in her palm silently spoke of his intoxication. His jade-green eyes watched her quietly, his lips pressed into a firm line. His gaze felt tangible, as though it were slowly devouring her.

A tangled, simmering heat rose around them, and the spacious, cool chamber suddenly felt stiflingly warm.

Yaoying’s body had warmed under his touch. He had been somewhat restrained these days, mindful of his Cultivation method, but she didn’t mind. She was waiting for him to gradually adapt to life after renouncing his ascetic practices. Yet the more he restrained himself, the more she enjoyed teasing him. Seeing him like this, however, her heart softened with concern. She leaned in, intending to press him down to rest.

He remained unmoving.

Undeterred, she wriggled against him playfully.

A rush of heat surged through Tanmoroqie. His iron-like arms tightened around her. "Stop moving," he murmured, his voice hoarse, devoid of any satisfaction from indulgence, instead even deeper than before.

Yaoying murmured a soft agreement, her own voice dry and raspy, but her hands continued their restless exploration.

Tanmoroqie gripped her firmly, sweat trickling down his temple and dripping into her thick hair. With a hint of helplessness, he said, "I haven’t fully mastered the Cultivation method yet…"

Hearing the strain in his voice, Yaoying lifted her head, her brow slightly furrowed. "How much longer will it take?" she asked.

No sooner had the words left her mouth than she felt his arousal intensify. His body tensed, and the darkness in his eyes deepened.

Realizing her question had been ambiguous and led to misunderstanding, Yaoying hurried to explain, "I’m just concerned about your health!"

She truly hadn’t meant to rush him.

Holding him close, entangled with him, while innocently trying to explain… Tanmoroqie closed his eyes for a moment, then cupped her face, pressing his forehead to hers. A faint smile touched his lips. "It’s alright. It’ll be fine in a few days."

He couldn’t stay with her just yet, but once they returned to the Holy City, things would be easier. Still, he couldn’t bear to be too far from her.

Gradually regaining his composure, he released Yaoying. Without summoning anyone, he personally attended to her, helping her wash and style her hair.

Yaoying’s body still felt languid and soft. Leaning back, she let him care for her without protest. She glanced in the mirror, nodded in satisfaction, then let her gaze drift to his head. "How do you even know how to style hair?" she wondered aloud. He had no hair of his own—who had he practiced on?

Tanmoroqie kissed her temple. "I’ve watched you do it," he replied.

On many mornings, she had sat with her back to him on the rug, combing her lustrous black hair that cascaded over her shoulders. Her movements were careful, and after finishing, she would always hold up the mirror, examining her reflection from every angle before wrapping a scarf around her head.

Yaoying’s eyes caught sight of a hair ribbon left on the desk, and she reached for it.

"We depart tomorrow," he said, taking her hand and kissing her delicate fingertips. "I have matters to attend to tonight and won’t be free. Let Xie Qing and the others accompany you for an evening stroll. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to bring you back here again."

Yaoying hummed in acknowledgment and rose to leave. But as she turned to go downstairs, a thought struck her. She turned back—and froze at the scene before her.Tanmoroqie sat before the desk, having just changed into his casual monk's robes. He picked up the silk ribbon he had pulled from her hair, winding it around his slender fingers before bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

The room still carried the lingering sweetness of her fragrance.

His expression remained solemn and authoritative, yet he was engaged in such an act.

As if fireworks were exploding in Yaoying's mind, a peculiar warmth surged from her feet. Not daring to breathe loudly, she took half a step forward, then reconsidered and silently turned to leave.

It would be better not to trouble him these days.

...

The guards spread the news that Princess Wenzhao wished to summon the young men of the city.

The youths were overjoyed, changing into new clothes—donning brocade robes, black leather boots, and precious sabers at their waists—before hurrying to the palace. The guards led them to the polo ground.

Two teams had already been set up on the field. Xie Qing, leading the left side, wore a narrow-sleeved robe and expressionlessly polished his polo mallet with deliberate slowness.

Yaoying stood at the front of the platform, also clad in a narrow-sleeved brocade robe, lightly made-up, radiant and poised as she smiled at the crowd.

Hearts drummed with anticipation among the spectators.

Yaoying said warmly, "The city lord tells me you all excel at polo. Ah Qing and his team often play as well—this is a perfect chance for you to test your skills and let me witness your prowess."

The young men's blood surged with excitement. After changing into the right army's polo attire, they rushed onto the field.

City Lord Damo sat in the shade and watched the entire match. Xie Qing and Xie Chong showed no mercy, grinning fiercely as they repeatedly drove the ball into the right army's goal. The spirited young men fought back with all their might but remained suppressed throughout the second half.

Damo clicked his tongue. If these youths couldn't even defeat the princess's personal guards, who would dare boast before Tanmoroqie about admiring the princess and aspiring to become her consort?

As the match concluded with ceremonial bells, drums, and music, a grand banquet commenced in the palace. The dejected young men sat gloomily before their tables.

Yaoying entered the banquet hall with Damo and Li Zhongqian. When her eyes fell upon the dispirited youths, she showed no mockery. Under everyone's gaze, she raised her wine cup, dipped her fingertips into the wine, and flicked it three times into the air.

The banquet attendees smiled and returned the gesture as the feast began.

"When you have achieved great deeds, I shall toast to your success again," she declared, then drained her cup in one go.

The young men flushed with shame or swelled with renewed determination, scrambling to raise their cups in response.

Damo chuckled inwardly.

Catching her meaningful glance, Damo shivered, his red hair trembling. "Princess, this is all a misunderstanding. Since Tanmo Wang has proposed marriage, those candidates I selected for you naturally became irrelevant. I never expected someone would be so eager to please you that they sought out the former Palace Secretary..."

The secretary had previously served a Northern Rong princess married into Gaochang, where he personally recruited strong and handsome young men to entertain her. Damo had merely casually instructed his attendants to prepare generous gifts, but the secretary took it upon himself to select a group of vigorous youths like choosing imperial consorts—each standing tall like straight poplar trees.

When Damo realized what had happened, he didn't intervene immediately. Tanmoroqie was practically a deity in their eyes, someone none dared profane. Now that the Buddha Prince had become Princess Wenzhao's husband, their curiosity was unbearable—after all, witnessing the Buddha Prince confronted by rivals wasn't an opportunity that came often.Yaoying didn't know whether to laugh or cry. After resolving the young man's matter, she saw that it wasn't too late yet. Putting on her mask, she left the palace with Xie Qing and her personal guards following closely.

To celebrate her wedding, the city had lifted its curfew these past few days. Merchants could enter and exit the city gates without paying taxes, and the most prosperous market districts remained lively all night. Traders from various regions flocked in, their shelves filled with an dazzling array of goods: tea from Chang'an, goldware from the Royal Court, Persian brocade carpets, scriptures from the Land of Brahma, pearls from the Southern Sea, animal hides from various tribes—rare and exotic items were all available. The entire long street was decorated with lanterns and streamers, bustling with crowds.

Everyone wore festive attire and masks. Blending in among them, Yaoying and her guards had no fear of being recognized.

After wandering for a while and buying some novel, exquisite trinkets, her cloth bag was soon full. Just as she thought about returning to the palace, passionate music drifted from a distant high platform—lively and rhythmic. Captivated, she followed the bustling crowd toward the platform.

Amid thundering drums and music, with lights bright as day, Hu dancers in sheer veils gracefully performed on stage while the audience below joined hands and danced along. With the war ended this year, provinces restored, and abundant harvests of fruits and grains, coupled with Yaoying and Tanmoroqie's wedding, the people spontaneously celebrated. Men and women gathered everywhere to dance hand in hand.

As Yaoying and her group stood watching, masked girls soon approached with smiles, inviting them to dance. Before they could finish speaking, they eagerly reached for their hands.

After several rounds of dancing in large circles, she grew tired and sweaty. Stepping back, she chatted and laughed with Xie Qing when a young man wearing a God Wolf Mask approached, arms outstretched, and bowed to her.

Yaoying stepped forward with a smile: "I—"

Before she could finish, a hand reached out, firmly grasping her wrist. A cool voice sounded: "She is my betrothed."

The young man shrugged, bowed to him, and hurried away.

The man stood beside her, wearing a Ghost Face Mask with blue-faced fangs. Dressed in a narrow-sleeved, waist-cinching brocade short robe common in Gaochang, the tight leather belt accentuated his tall, lean figure. His long legs were clad in close-fitting brocade trousers and long boots—broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted, agile and tall.

Holding her hand, his palm burning hot, his green eyes swept around. The watching young men nearby withdrew in disappointment.

Coming to her senses, Yaoying felt both startled and delighted. Beneath her mask, her bright eyes sparkled as she shook his hand: "How did you get here?"

Hadn't he said he was too busy to get away tonight? When had he secretly followed her?

Tanmoroqie looked down. Under the night sky, the Ghost Face Mask appeared particularly ugly and fierce, yet his green eyes brimmed with tenderness.

"I came to find you."

She had gazed at the market lights for a long time last night.

Tonight, he was her lover accompanying her.

Yaoying's eyes curved into smiles as she linked arms with Tanmoroqie, pulling him toward a mask vendor. After much deliberation, she selected a pair of identical yet uncommon masks.

A faint smile flickered in his eyes as he changed into the newly bought mask with her.

Yaoying looked up: "Do you still remember the customs here in Gaochang?"

Holding her hand, he replied, "I remember."

Yaoying grinned, shifting her mask aside before lifting his. Standing on tiptoe, she quickly kissed his cheek.

The long street was packed shoulder to shoulder, laughter and voices soaring to the skies. Fiery trees and silver flowers bloomed amid the bustling mortal world.

He looked down at her radiant eyes. "Another kiss."

His tone was calm and earnest.Yaoying glanced around, then resolutely shook her head and continued forward, pulling along Tanmoroqie whose eyes were slightly lowered. Suddenly, she raised her hand and, catching him off guard, lifted his mask, leaned in, and pressed her lips to his, gently nibbling on them.

Before he could react, she had already released his hand and turned away to browse the goods in the shop.

He would not let go again.

Yaoying held Tanmoroqie’s hand and avoided crowded areas. The two of them strolled slowly through the bustling streets, occasionally stopping to examine market stalls, inquire about the prices of grains and fabrics, and chat with merchants from various regions. When they came across stalls selling drinks and fruits, they bought some to quench their thirst.

Whenever she saw something she liked, she purchased it, stuffing her silk pouch until it was full. Sometimes, she hesitated and turned to ask Tanmoroqie for his opinion: “Which one is better?”

He had never experienced anything like this before, his eyes only on her joyful gaze. No matter what she asked, he nodded and said, “Both are good.”

Everything was good.

A foreign merchant laughed heartily and teased, “The gentleman truly listens to his lady. The lady is very fortunate.”

Yaoying glanced playfully at Tanmoroqie, her face illuminated by the brilliant lantern light, her eyes sparkling with charm and radiance. “He’s quite cunning!” she said.

His throat tightened slightly.

As the crowd on the long street gradually dispersed, the elderly and children returned home one after another, leaving mostly energetic young people. Xie Qing approached and informed them that it was already the hour of Chen.

Yaoying thought she had misheard and asked again for the time. She couldn’t help but laugh: they had been wandering for so long, and she hadn’t even noticed.

The road back was jam-packed, making it difficult for carriages and horses to pass. Yaoying, who had been busy with matters of the Western Army every day, felt drowsy. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she covered her mouth as she yawned.

Tanmoroqie stopped and bent down.

“Come, I’ll carry you back.”

Yaoying was truly tired, her eyes moist. She removed her mask, climbed onto his back, buried her face against his neck, and held him tightly.

Tanmoroqie lifted her and walked slowly.

“Are you tired?” she whispered, blowing softly against his neck.

He shook his head. “Not tired.”

Tanmoroqie did not wake her and carried her all the way back to the palace, the lantern light casting a long shadow behind them.

The next day, they set off to return to the Royal Court.

The people of Gaochang lined the streets to bid them farewell, watching the convoy depart, unwilling to leave for a long time.

Li Zhongqian accompanied them for another stretch of the journey. Yuanjue and others repeatedly urged him to turn back. He lifted the carriage curtain, gazed at Yaoying, and remained silent for a long while.

Li Zhongqian had given her many reminders along the way, but now his heart was heavy, and he could not utter a single word. After a long pause, he finally said, “If you ever face hardship, tell your elder brother.”

No matter how old she grew, she would always be the younger sister he cherished.

He waved his hand, signaling the convoy to continue.

Yaoying waved back at him until his figure disappeared from sight before returning to the carriage.

Golden sand dunes stretched endlessly, the Border Silver Crown stood tall and straight, and a narrow oasis valley lay nestled within the vast, boundless Gobi. The convoy gradually faded into the distance.

A short while later, Tanmoroqie rode over on horseback and spoke to Yaoying through the carriage curtain.

The melancholy of parting in her heart eased slightly. She removed her headdress and lay down to rest. For the next few days, she did not ride on horseback. On one such day, while she was deep in sleep, someone knocked on the carriage window. “Bright Moon Slave, we’ve reached the Royal Court.”

It was Tanmoroqie’s voice.

The wind seemed particularly strong today, whistling loudly outside the carriage window.

The maidservants helped Yaoying change into her splendid ceremonial robes and placed the modified crown on her head before lifting the curtain.

The sky was clear, the clouds sparse, and the sunlight blazing.Tanmoroqie stood outside the carriage, clad in the resplendent ceremonial robes of the Royal Court sovereign. His gaze rested calmly on Yaoying—though he wasn’t smiling, everyone could perceive the joy shimmering in his eyes.

Behind him, tens of thousands of Royal Court troops stood in solemn silence, a vast, dark expanse stretching beyond sight.

Across the hills, surging black lines flowed like rivers, while the roaring wind filled heaven and earth.

These were banners fluttering in the wind—snow-white with gold patterns, black backgrounds with crimson motifs—shielding the sky and sun, converging into undulating waves.

The banners of Tanmoroqie and Yaoying.

Tens of thousands of Royal Court knights dismounted in unison, each pressing a fist to their chest in salute to Yaoying. Their thunderous cries shook the very firmament.

Tanmoroqie assisted Yaoying onto her saddle, and the two rode side by side.

The massive army parted in orderly ranks, clearing a path as they escorted the pair back to the city.

From the border town to the Holy City, the people celebrated with song and dance, lining the roads to welcome their King and Queen. Banners fluttered atop houses, Eagle Scaffolds, and relay stations along the main thoroughfare—wherever a snow-white banner with gold patterns was raised, Yaoying’s own standard flew alongside.

Officials and tribal Chieftains gathered before the main road, crowding around the couple as they ascended a specially erected platform. Their reverent cheers rose like crashing tides.

Yaoying gazed at the bowing crowds below, her emotions swirling, and turned to Tanmoroqie beside her. "Did you issue some decree?"

Tanmoroqie reached out and gently brushed aside a string of gemstone beads obstructing her view.

He would never allow the people of the Royal Court to trouble her.

...

One elaborate ceremony followed another. Sensing Yaoying’s fatigue, Tanmoroqie allowed her to return to the inner hall for refreshments once the officials had paid their respects.

The palace had been refurbished anew. Following Tanmoroqie’s instructions, no grand constructions were undertaken—it was restored to its original form, with faint traces of wear visible in inconspicuous spots. Only the courtyard built exclusively for Yaoying had been constructed from the ground up.

After changing into lighter attire, Yaoying strolled through the garden.

Winding corridors, cool pavilions, blue-tiled eaves and latticed windows, landscape paintings adorning rolled-up blinds—every furnishing mirrored the place where she had grown up in Jingnan. A channel of flowing water had been diverted into the courtyard, forming a crystal-clear pond. All guards and attendants in the inner hall were her own trusted personnel. Were it not for Yuanjue leading servants carrying chests of congratulatory gifts, she might have believed she had returned to her old home in Jingnan.

"His Majesty personally oversaw all these arrangements before his departure. He even drew the blueprints for the garden himself," Yuanjue announced cheerfully.

A sweet warmth blossomed in Yaoying’s heart. She decided to wait for his return to explore the grounds together again. Returning to the inner hall, she began organizing her and Luojia’s personal belongings. The room was piled high with treasure chests and cases. Beside the couch were several tightly fastened boxes. As she pushed aside those requiring no immediate attention, a crate in the corner clattered to the floor.

Retrieving the box, worried its contents might have shattered, she located the key, unlocked it, and her eyes widened in surprise.

Inside, a book wrapped in brocade had fallen open, its exquisite illustrations directly meeting her gaze.

Yaoying’s eyelids twitched. She closed the box.

This seemed to be Luojia’s book chest… Were these the texts he had been reading in his leisure time lately?