In the Moonlight

The resplendent evening glow dyed half the sky crimson, painting a brilliant rouge over the vast yellow sands.

The rebuilt Holy City, rising from ruins, remained majestic and magnificent. The intense heat had yet to dissipate, but citizens dressed in vibrant festive attire had already begun streaming out of their homes. The city was emptied of its inhabitants as they gathered in the streets and squares, where clusters of bonfires blazed.

Banquet tents, long carpets, and layers of curtains were densely arranged, with crowds jostling shoulder to shoulder, leaving almost no space to stand. Rotisseries were set over the bonfires, sizzling with glistening, plump lambs dripping with oil. Earthen ovens glowed red, baking fresh naan bread. Long tables were piled high like pagodas with fruits freshly picked from branches that very day—grapes, mulberries, foreign cucumbers, dates, and red plums. Large baskets filled with melons and fruits were stacked in corners, their sweet fragrance perfuming the air. Cauldrons simmered with large chunks of lamb bones and green vegetable soup. Elders tended to wooden barrels wrapped layer by layer in cotton cloth, occasionally lifting the lids to scoop out chilled Su Shan (a frozen dessert) exuding coolness, which they drizzled with cheese, thorn honey, raisins, crushed dried fruits, and sheep’s milk before handing it to young men and women sweating profusely from the heat.

The air was thick with the rich aromas of food and cosmetics, but even more potent was the mellow scent of wine.

Large carts moved through the long streets, each carrying an enormous wine barrel so heavy that two strong men could barely lift it. To celebrate the King and Queen’s wedding, the people offered their aged homemade grape wine. Anyone who came to ask for a drink only needed to utter a blessing for the King and Queen to drink their fill, and those who got drunk could simply lie down and sleep.

There were no prohibitions tonight; the celebrations would last until dawn.

Musicians played vertical harps, pipas, santurs, aijeks, and horse-head fiddles, while others blew on qiang flutes and bili pipes. Beautiful young girls brandished golden bells and beat small sheepskin drums and jie drums. Joyful, crisp melodies echoed in every corner of the Holy City. People drank wine from large bowls, ate meat in big bites, laughed and talked loudly, singing and dancing with high spirits. The girls’ light dance steps and colorful long skirts wove a brilliant rainbow of light.

Yaoying had changed her attire and, surrounded by her maids and personal guards, stepped into the main hall. The celebrating crowds along the road stopped and stepped back, bowing to her.

The customs of the Royal Court and the Central Plains were inherently different, and she had discussed it with Tanmoroqie beforehand: after marriage, she would not stay secluded in the deep palace waiting for his return. Tonight was her and his wedding banquet, and she would also host the various chieftains and envoys from other countries.

Jin Bo Prince rushed to be the first to offer his blessings. He had just spotted an acquaintance at the banquet who should not have been in the Royal Court and stood dumbfounded before approaching to chat.

The man smiled faintly and said, “Princess Wenzhao invited me. We had some dealings when she was imprisoned by Haidu Aling.”

In that moment, Jin Bo’s slow-witted mind pieced together many things, and he was seized with terror. Remembering Wahan Khan’s dying advice, he resolved to always curry favor with the Queen of the Royal Court—or at the very least, never offend her.

Especially since this Queen was also Xie Qing’s lord.

Jin Bo first glanced at Xie Qing beside Yaoying, eager to show off. After thinking hard for a long time, he puffed out his chest and declared boldly, “I wish the Princess and the Buddha Prince many healthy, chubby sons soon!”

Among the Northern Rong, the best blessing for a newlywed couple was to quickly have a brood of children.

Yaoying’s eyelid twitched, but she thanked him.

Jin Bo felt rather pleased with himself and shot a glance at Xie Qing.

Xie Qing remained expressionless.

Yaoying instructed Xie Qing and the others to go enjoy the wine and dancing, keeping only two personal guards with her.

Congratulations continued to pour in without end."May the Princess and the King grow old together in harmony, united in heart for eternity."

These words were spoken by envoys from various nations who understood the Han language.

"May the Queen and the King share sweet affection, with a hall full of descendants, like the abundant grapes weighing down the vines of Nile Valley."

This came from officials of the Royal Court.

"May the Princess and the Buddha Prince soon enjoy the joys of marital life."

This remark was uttered by Princess Manda, who had accompanied her husband to the Holy City to congratulate Tanmoroqie and Yaoying on their grand wedding.

Yuanjue’s face stiffened upon hearing this.

Princess Manda paid no heed to the sidelong glances from the surrounding Imperial Guards. Beaming with vigor, she raised her wine cup and approached, studying Yaoying with a cheerful smile.

"The Princess, adorned like this, resembles a celestial maiden descended from the temple murals."

The temples of Piluo Mo Luo enshrined many deities, including enchanting and radiant goddesses.

Yaoying smiled lightly. "Princess, you’ve traveled a long way. The journey must have been arduous."

"What’s a little hardship? How could I miss the Buddha Prince’s wedding?" Princess Manda waved her hand dismissively and winked playfully at Yaoying. "I am as beautiful as a flower, with dance skills unmatched in the world. No man could ever resist me—all these years, the only one I failed to win over was the Buddha Prince... And now, the Prince has been captured by the Princess..."

She let out a hearty laugh, tinged with schadenfreude.

Though she had failed and been unceremoniously driven away by the Buddha Prince, seeing the aloof and solemn Prince succumb to Princess Wenzhao’s charms gave her a faint sense of vindictive satisfaction.

She held grudges fiercely.

"Princess, have you seen the wedding gifts I sent?" Princess Manda lowered her voice. "Those are my most treasured possessions. It’s only for your wedding that I’m willing to part with them. You must make the most of them! If there’s anything you don’t understand, I can teach you... Princess, don’t be fooled by the Buddha Prince. Men are all the same when it comes to the bedchamber... The Prince clearly lacks experience. With his physique, if he gets too excited, he might hurt you. Martial artists tend to be particularly vigorous. You, delicate as you are, must prepare early and not let him have his way, or you’ll be the one suffering! In my homeland, both men and women should experience the delights of love for it to be called harmonious union..."

As her words grew increasingly explicit, the attendants from Maru broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly pulled her away.

Yaoying was caught between amusement and exasperation. Suddenly, she recalled Tanmoroqie’s chest of books and scanned the crowd, searching for his figure. He was on the high platform, receiving envoys from various nations. Amid the bustling celebration, filled with lively chatter and graceful music, he stood clad in resplendent ceremonial robes, surrounded by Imperial Guard officers, yet his demeanor remained transcendentally noble.

Sensing her gaze, he turned to look at her.

Through the flickering lanterns and the merry crowd, his face appeared somewhat blurred, yet Yaoying could perceive the subtle warmth in his eyes—a lightness that, though not intense, seeped deep into her bones.

Holding a gilded beast-headed wine jug, she ascended the high platform and took a seat beside Tanmoroqie. Envoys raised their cups to offer congratulations, and she exchanged pleasantries with a smile, drank a toast, then glanced sidelong at Tanmoroqie.

Yaoying shook her head slightly. She had been preoccupied with matters concerning the Western Army recently, striving to resolve several urgent issues before returning to the Royal Court. Now that everything was settled, she could steal a few days of leisure.

"What about you? Should you retire early to rest?"

Unless necessary, he seldom attended grand banquets.

A faint smile touched Tanmoroqie’s lips. "Today is our wedding."

Yaoying chuckled softly.

He still remembered her earlier words—"I want nothing, I care for nothing"—and was determined to give her the very best of everything.The two stood close, conversing without overt intimacy, yet their lingering gazes brimmed with unspoken affection. Envoys and guests around them erupted in good-natured laughter, showering them with flattery, calling them a celestial pair reborn as mortal lovers.

Tanmoroqie lifted his head, his eyes clear and bright.

The envoys marveled inwardly. In the past, they had exhausted themselves trying to curry favor with the Buddha Prince, but his mind dwelled beyond worldly attachments—he had no weaknesses, no preferences, leaving them no opening. Today, they finally glimpsed faint ripples of amusement in those wise eyes. Seeing his pleasure, they redoubled their efforts, seizing the chance to voice long-pondered requests and proposals.

Tanmoroqie listened with serene composure, offering neither approval nor dissent.

The crowd grew tense. Even at a wedding banquet, the Buddha Prince remained cool and silent.

Yaoying sipped her sweet-and-sour apricot nectar, a sly curve gracing her lips as she leaned toward Tanmoroqie. Parting her crimson lips, she whispered, "Luojia, while organizing the trunks this afternoon, I accidentally knocked over that lacquered bookcase. Worried the contents might be damaged, I used the key you gave me to take a look."

Tanmoroqie’s lashes fluttered abruptly.

She bit her lip. "I saw those booklets."

He lowered his gaze without a word.

Amid the revelry and laughter, Yaoying tilted her head, a teasing half-smile playing on her lips as she murmured softly in his ear, within earshot of all the guests, "Husband, what were you doing with those things?"

Her tone feigned shy reproach, yet it unmistakably flirted, the words lilting upward like a smug cat swiping a sharp claw at him—then retracting it to gently soothe with a soft paw, a flash of pink tongue hinting at mischief.

Tanmoroqie remained silent.

Hearing that deliberately drawn-out, delicate "Husband," he was momentarily dazed, an odd tingling pulsing in his chest.

Unaware of the undercurrents, the envoys continued racking their brains to flatter him.

As she spoke, her gaze drifted meaningfully downward, toward his lap.

Though she had touched him there a few times, she never dared look directly.

Tanmoroqie stiffened, his expression unchanged, yet his body turned rigid.

Avoiding her eyes, he shifted his posture nonchalantly.

She glanced up at him, a triumphant, mischievous grin on her lips. With so many watching, any frustration he felt would have to be suppressed.

Tanmoroqie met her gaze, the restrained authority beneath his calm demeanor surging forth like an impenetrable fortress—solid and formidable. His grip firm, he lifted his eyelids and swept a cool glance around.

The nearby guards bowed in unison and retreated down the jade steps. Following their cue, the envoys and guests rose, cupped their hands, and withdrew.

The once-bustling platform was now empty save for Tanmoroqie and Yaoying.

Yaoying stared in disbelief.

Below, the crowd continued carousing, the music fervent and lively, shadows swaying—but on the platform, only she and he remained.

He leaned in, his breath brushing her ear and temple.

"Bright Moon Slave, I entered monastic life young and know nothing of the ways between husband and wife."

He spoke these words with utter seriousness, making Yaoying’s heart drum and her earlobes burn.

"You’re so learned…"

She refused to believe he understood nothing—he could identify a Brahma-land bronze Buddha at a glance.

"I’ve only heard of esoteric practices from the Land of Brahma. I never studied the principles of marital intimacy, fearing I might hurt you."

To comprehend all things is to attain liberation; only through understanding can one let go. He had perused countless scriptures. To him, the pleasures of marriage were no different from the wealth and glory ordinary people cling to—merely another form of craving.Initially, when desire for her arose, he had never thought to defile her so—only wished to keep her by his side.

Later, as lust stirred, his cravings grew increasingly numerous and intense. At the sight of her, he could no longer restrain himself; even reciting scriptures failed to dispel these thoughts.

Tanmoroqie gripped Yaoying’s wrist, watching the smooth, pale nape of her neck revealed by her bowed head. His lean, robust frame loomed over her, his expression devoid of any smile as he spoke deliberately, word by word: "The joy of marital union, the pleasure of harmony, arise from nature. I am your husband. You married me. I wish to bring you happiness, hence I study those books."

He drew closer, taking her hand to his lips for a kiss. His cool voice turned hoarse, laden with implication: "Bright Moon Slave, when you caress me, I am filled with joy."

So much joy that he longed to lose himself in it forever—that sensation which made his waist ache with pleasure, so exhilarating he forgot all else, devouring his self-restraint like a demon.

Hearing such words from Luojia’s lips was especially stirring.

Even though she had been the one deliberately teasing him.

"I’ve heard that the male companions Damo selected for you are all skilled in these arts."

After a moment of silence, he suddenly remarked.

Yaoying’s eyes widened in disbelief, stunned as she lifted her head.

Tanmoroqie met her gaze, his eyes exuding authority: "Did you intend to keep several male companions in Gaochang?"

He had once believed that her happiness alone would suffice.

But later he realized that alongside love and desire inevitably come jealousy and hatred, loss and pain—they seep into every crevice, gnawing bit by bit at his entire being. Just as the Scriptures say, the seven emotions and six desires are intertwined, born of one another.

The delight of her companionship was matched only by the bitterness of letting her go and watching her depart.

Yaoying’s scalp prickled.

He was indeed cunning—he had long known of her past thoughts of keeping male companions, deliberately biding his time until now to voice it. Her shock had betrayed her instantly.

"Your Majesties, the auspicious hour has arrived."

The ceremonial official’s request drifted up from below the platform, dispersing the unspoken tension simmering between them.

The hall brimmed with laughter and cheer.

Yaoying finally regained her breath, snatching her hand back with a slap and pushing against Tanmoroqie as she stood. She hurried toward the balcony adorned with banners.

Tanmoroqie watched her retreating figure, then rose and followed.

On the balcony, torches blazed fiercely. The square below teemed with a sea of people who, after waiting half the day, erupted into excited shouts at the sight of the couple appearing side by side at the railing. They blessed them, thanked them, their countless voices merging into a roaring tide, wave upon wave, like mountains and oceans crashing.

Tanmoroqie and Yaoying acknowledged the crowd, and the cheers grew even louder.

From distant cliffs, tens of thousands of lotus lanterns inscribed with well-wishes ascended simultaneously. Myriads of golden lights drifted and floated in the boundless night sky, as if the Milky Way had descended to earth.

Standing together at the balcony’s edge, she and he seemed immersed in a vast sea of clouds and stars, within reach of plucking the glittering celestial bodies.

Gazing upon the magnificent scene, Yaoying felt a profound peace and serenity. Memories of all she had shared with Tanmoroqie surfaced in her mind, and she turned to smile at him. The resplendent radiance of countless lanterns paled in comparison to that single smile.

Tanmoroqie embraced her, lowering his head to kiss her brow.

As the banquet concluded, guests supported one another departing, continuing their revelry with wine and celebration.Yaoying felt somewhat tired and returned to the inner chamber first. As her maids attended to her washing, she was surprised to discover that the rear hall concealed a hidden gem—a hot spring pool. She thought it might be connected to the spring pool near the underground passage, as Tanmoroqie often needed to soak in hot springs while practicing his martial arts.

When Tanmoroqie returned, the hall was silent.

Dim, hazy lamplight filtered through the low-hanging curtains. The beaded curtain was half-drawn, and Yaoying lay sideways on the edge of the bed, loosely holding a book in her hand. Her eyes were closed, her breathing soft and even—she had already fallen asleep. Her jet-black hair cascaded like clouds, resting on the pillow like branches in repose, gathering snow under the moonlight. Her collar was slightly open, her gauze skirt hitched up, revealing half of a smooth, fair shoulder. From the full swell of her chest, her slender waist, and long legs, to the delicate ankles faintly visible through the gauze skirt, her figure traced an exquisite curve.

She was sleeping deeply, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

A radiant glow shimmered around her.

It was the unique, sweet fragrance emanating from her—light and elusive, yet when she shyly teased him, it would grow intensely strong, thick enough to drip like honey, enticing one to taste.

Tanmoroqie gazed at her for a long moment before leaning down and gently taking the book from her hand.

Yaoying’s eyelashes fluttered a few times. She opened her eyes, saw him, and asked drowsily, "Why are you here?"

Half-asleep, her voice was soft and delicate.

Without waiting for his reply, she closed her eyes and fell asleep again.

Perhaps she was too tired and had forgotten what day it was, or perhaps because he had been cautious about touching her too much these days, she assumed he would do the same tonight and not stay over. Or maybe, because he had asked about the male attendants, she was deliberately teasing him.

It was also possible she simply found him too warm and wanted to sleep peacefully.

Tanmoroqie smiled faintly, kissed her hair, and rose to enter the rear hall.

The sound of trickling water echoed softly.

Half an hour later, Yaoying woke up. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and took in the opulent bedchamber before her. Remembering that Tanmoroqie seemed to have returned earlier, she slipped barefoot out of bed, pushed aside the beaded curtain, and called, "Luojia?"

A muffled response came from within.

Yaoying walked in and peered inside.

The room was filled with steam, through which the shimmering ripples of bright water were faintly visible. Tanmoroqie sat in the pool with his back to her, bare-chested, his shoulders and back slightly arched like drawn bowstrings. His muscles were taut, covered in fine beads of sweat that trickled down the contours of his body and dropped into the water.

A soft plop echoed.

Yaoying jolted fully awake and turned to leave. Behind her, Tanmoroqie’s calm, steady voice called out, "Bright Moon Slave, bring me a robe."

Collecting herself, she acknowledged and selected a loose monk's robe for casual wear from the clothes rack before entering the bathing chamber.

The hot spring pool was set among jade steps, with water flowing from bronze animal-head spouts. The emerald water shimmered, and Tanmoroqie leaned against the edge of the pool, his back growing increasingly tense as if he were regulating his breath and circulating his energy.

He often did this at night.

"Luojia, don’t overexert yourself."

A powerful force suddenly gripped her wrist. Tanmoroqie opened his eyes, seized her arm, and pulled her into the hot spring pool, settling her in his lap. Water splashed everywhere, drenching her clothes and hair.

Startled, Yaoying thought he had accidentally bumped into her and struggled to get up. But Tanmoroqie held her shoulders firmly, preventing her from moving, his gaze fixed on her front.

Her clothes were thoroughly soaked, clinging to her body and outlining her graceful form.

He leaned in and took her into his mouth through the fabric.Yaoying was caught off guard, then her entire body went limp with tingling numbness. Fine goosebumps erupted across her skin as she trembled as if electrified. A soft moan resembling a sob escaped her lips as she collapsed weakly against him.

His solid arms crossed over her back, holding her tighter and tighter, his scorching heat pressing closer.

Yaoying had never experienced such intense stimulation before. Her hair was disheveled, her cheeks flushed crimson, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Her waist was slender, seemingly too delicate to grasp, soft and boneless like willow branches—graceful and light yet full of resilience. Like a flower stem, it trembled in his palm under his teasing.

The pool of green water rippled.

"Luojia..." She couldn't bear it anymore, nearly crying out as she reached to push him away.

He withdrew slightly, his emerald eyes deep and intense. His lips trailed upward, kissing her snowy chest, neck, the side of her throat, and her chin through her soaked garments. Then he gripped the nape of her neck, pried open her teeth, demanding more of those unbearable gasps that seemed both painful and pleasurable.

The bathing chamber was empty, aside from a few jade tables, with no other furnishings. Yaoying's suppressed cries echoed through the vast room, bouncing back from the walls.

Her head burned with fire, unaware of her surroundings. When he finally released her, panting, she stared blankly at him. Her lips glistened with moisture, her clothes half-removed, her skin flushed with a vivid red hue.

Tanmoroqie's eyes were deep and tranquil as he reached out to wipe away the traces he'd left on her lips. His voice was hoarse: "Bright Moon Slave, I'm better now. Stay tonight... and never leave again."

His hand that held the Buddhist beads began to undress her.

"If it hurts, don't hold back. Tell me."

Yaoying had melted into a puddle of water, her fingers trembling slightly.