In the Moonlight

A flurry of chaotic footsteps echoed as personal guards rushed up and down the stairs.

Yaoying glanced downstairs and saw that Zhu Lvyun’s personal guards had been subdued. She released Zhu Lvyun, took out several pieces of parchment, and spread them on the long table.

Zhu Lvyun, terrified and disoriented, tried to flee the moment she was let go but was immediately stopped by the guards after taking just one step.

“Since you’ve repeatedly sought an audience with our princess, why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

A guard sneered, forcing Zhu Lvyun to sit by the open window.

Yaoying sat opposite Zhu Lvyun without even lifting her eyelids. Holding a dagger in her right hand, she tapped the parchment with her left. “Make her sign.”

The guard complied, lifting Zhu Lvyun’s hand and forcing her to press her seal on each piece of parchment.

Zhu Lvyun struggled briefly but couldn’t break free, watching helplessly as her fingerprints marked the documents.

It was over in the blink of an eye.

Before Yuanjue could recover from his shock, and while Zhu Lvyun still wore a panicked expression, Yaoying had already collected all the parchments. She examined them carefully and handed them to Yuanjue.

“The Northern Rong princess attempted to harm me during her mission to the Royal Court. My guards caught her red-handed. The evidence is clear and undeniable.”

Zhu Lvyun, who understood some of the Hu language, turned deathly pale upon hearing this. “Seventh Sister, you’re framing me!”

Yaoying smiled faintly, raised the dagger, and swiftly brought it down toward Zhu Lvyun’s hand, which was pinned to the table.

The blade gleamed coldly, swift as lightning.

Zhu Lvyun was terrified out of her wits, letting out a sharp scream.

With a thud, the dagger missed her hand and pierced her sleeve instead.

Yaoying tilted her eyes slightly, meeting Zhu Lvyun’s fear-filled gaze. She gently moved the dagger, its sharp tip tearing through Zhu Lvyun’s sleeve.

“You’re right. I am framing you.”

Amid the soft rustle of fabric being cut, Yaoying enunciated each word clearly, “And I could just as easily kill you right here.”

Zhu Lvyun, trembling with fear, forced herself to stay calm. “Seventh Sister, I am now a princess of Northern Rong. If you kill me, Northern Rong will not let this slide.”

Yaoying curled her lips. “You came to the Royal Court under the pretense of seeking me out as the Fukang Princess. I agreed to meet with the Fukang Princess, not the Northern Rong princess. Zhu Lvyun, I am not from the Royal Court, and this is not the Wang Temple or a guesthouse. This is a private meeting between old acquaintances. If I kill you, I alone will bear the responsibility.”

She paused, then continued, “Northern Rong’s diplomatic missions have always included chief and deputy envoys, usually officials or nobles. Yet, for your mission to the Royal Court, Northern Rong didn’t send any noble-born officials to accompany you. You are nothing but a pawn to them. Northern Rong would never go to war with the Royal Court over you.”

Zhu Lvyun fell silent for a moment before trembling, “If you kill me, you’ll pay with your life too. Seventh Sister, have you gone mad?”

Yaoying gently stroked the dagger. “If I were swayed by your and your aunt’s words, believing you truly came to atone and make amends, that would be true madness.”

Zhu Lvyun bit her lip, her face pale and ashen.

Yaoying looked up at Yuanjue. “Keep these safe.”

Yuanjue held Zhu Lvyun’s “confession” in his hands, torn and uncertain.

The king said Princess Wenzhao knew her limits—but is this what he meant?!

Should he intervene? But the princess hasn’t actually harmed anyone yet… If the king were here, would she be more restrained? It seems the princess isn’t afraid of the king at all…

Yuanjue stood frozen, his mind in turmoil, his jaw hanging open in disbelief.At that moment, a commotion of shouts arose from downstairs.

A faint smile touched Yaoying's lips as she lightly tapped the back of Zhu Lvyun's hand with her dagger. "Look downstairs."

A chill ran down Zhu Lvyun's spine. She glanced downward, her eyes widening in shock.

Below, guards were dragging several of Zhu Lvyun's personal attendants into the snowy ground, forcing them to kneel. Among them was the Han attendant who had frequently exchanged glances with Zhu Lvyun earlier. Another guard drew his long blade, pointing it directly at the attendant.

"What are you trying to do, Seventh Lady?" Zhu Lvyun asked, her voice trembling.

Yaoying replied leisurely, "I will ask you several questions. Your attendants must answer the same questions. If any of your answers differ, it means someone among you is lying. For each discrepancy, I will have one of your attendant's fingers severed. When all their fingers are gone, it will be your turn."

Zhu Lvyun's teeth chattered. "Seventh Lady, I admit I wronged you, but I never intended to harm you! I swear to heaven, I bear you no ill will! My aunt told me that the Royal Court people despise the Han and would never treat you sincerely. The Buddha Prince is a monk—once the year is over, you'll have nowhere to go... I am Han, you are Han too. Here in this foreign land, shouldn't we let bygones be bygones... Were you imprisoned by Haidu Aling? Don't be afraid. Haidu Aling fears my uncle—if my uncle speaks up, Haidu Aling won't dare..."

Before Zhu Lvyun could finish, Yaoying stood up, bringing the dagger close to her face.

The cold tip of the blade approached, and Zhu Lvyun shrank back in terror.

Yaoying smiled faintly. "Just because you're Han, I should trust you? I've been away from Chang'an for over two years now. Among Han or Hu people, there are good and bad. I've met many kind souls and encountered plenty of villains. I've made many new friends. To those who treat me well, whether Han or Hu, I repay with sincerity. As for those who have harmed me, I remember every one clearly."

She leaned closer, tapping Zhu Lvyun's cheek with the flat of the blade.

"Zhu Lvyun, if you were truly remorseful and knew what I've been through these years, you wouldn't be foolish enough to think a few simple words could move me."

Yaoying stared directly into Zhu Lvyun's eyes.

"You never bothered to learn about my circumstances, did you? In your eyes, I'm just a fourteen-year-old girl forced into a political marriage—someone who would weep at the sight of an old acquaintance from the Central Plains, believe a few promises, reconcile with you immediately, and beg you and your aunt to save me from my misery. Isn't that right?"

Zhu Lvyun had no reply.

...

Back then, after Li De and Li Xuanzhen rescued Zhu Lvyun, they obeyed her every whim. Whatever she requested was granted—she received the finest food, clothing, and provisions, surpassing all the Li family's daughters. Li Yaoying, frail and often ill, had lived in Jingnan with Li Zhongqian for years. Preoccupied with her conflicts with Li Xuanzhen, Zhu Lvyun knew little about Li Yaoying, only hearing that Seventh Lady was a great beauty.

Later, as Li De defeated his rivals one by one and became the overlord of the Central Plains, Li Yaoying grew older, her reputation for beauty spreading throughout Guanzhong. Zhu Lvyun saw her a few times at banquets and confirmed she was indeed as stunning as the rumors claimed. By then, Zhu Lvyun harbored deep resentment toward the Li family and had no friendship with Li Yaoying.

Around the time Li De declared himself emperor, the conflict between Li Xuanzhen and Li Zhongqian intensified. Advisors led by Wei Ming frequently clashed with Li Yaoying. Zhu Lvyun witnessed Li Xuanzhen and Wei Ming arguing over Li Yaoying on several occasions.At that time, she still didn't take the Li family's Seventh Lady seriously.

Later, when Zhu Lvyun quarreled with Li Xuanzhen and was manipulated by her aunt's loyal servant, she agreed to the marriage alliance in a fit of grief and indignation, only to regret it immediately. To protect her, Li Xuanzhen and his advisors arranged for the lustful Chieftain of the Yelu Tribe to catch sight of the breathtakingly beautiful Li Yaoying at the Buddha's Birthday Dharma Assembly...

After several twists and turns, Li Yaoying replaced Zhu Lvyun in the marriage alliance, and Zhu Lvyun breathed a sigh of relief.

She thought it was all over.

Li Xuanzhen deeply hated Xie Guifei and bore intense hatred for Li Yaoying as well. Having the daughter of his enemy take her place was killing two birds with one stone, and she could watch Li Yaoying marry far away with a clear conscience.

However, after Li Yaoying left for the marriage alliance, Li Xuanzhen remained sullen all day, showing no signs of having achieved vengeance.

Zhu Lvyun knew she was fickle, torn between hatred and her desire to restore her kingdom, which made things difficult for Li Xuanzhen. He had even resorted to underhanded means to push his own sister into the fire just to keep her. Deeply moved, when Crown Princess Zheng Biyu forcibly brought her into the Crown Prince's Palace, she resisted and struggled for a few days before beginning to waver, thinking: Why not let it be? Li Xuanzhen saved her, and she had no way to repay him except with her body.

Li Xuanzhen did not touch her.

Zhu Lvyun cried all night.

She didn't understand what was happening. Li Xuanzhen was her enemy—she should be glad he didn't touch her. Hadn't she refused to marry him all these years precisely because she hated the Li family?

So why did she weep bitterly when Li Xuanzhen preferred to read military texts all night in the adjacent room rather than step into her chamber?

The next morning, Zhu Lvyun pretended nothing was wrong, dressed in fresh clothes, and went to pay respects to Zheng Biyu.

When she lifted her face, she saw no jealousy on Zheng Biyu's face, only mockery and pity.

Zhu Lvyun felt as if she had been struck on the head. All her pretense instantly became a joke. Her eyes reddened, and she could barely stand steady.

Zheng Biyu held a teacup, glanced at her indifferently, her face showing no surprise: "Yunniang, do you know what you did wrong?"

Zhu Lvyun looked at her blankly.

Zheng Biyu took a sip of tea. "You made one mistake: the one who replaced you in the marriage alliance was none other than the Seventh Princess."

After arriving in Northern Rong and reuniting with her only relative, her aunt, Zhu Lvyun often recalled the Crown Princess's words.

She didn't understand the underlying meaning.

What was so special about the Seventh Princess?

When she heard that this beautiful princess had fallen into Haidu Aling's hands, imprisoned by him for half a year, Zhu Lvyun felt a mix of emotions. Then her aunt told her how the Buddha Prince of the Royal Court rescued her, defying gossip to issue proclamations to various kingdoms, enduring criticism to protect her. Gradually, Zhu Lvyun began to understand.

The Seventh Princess's uniqueness lay in her beauty. The Yelu Chieftain had been captivated at first sight, and everyone in Northern Rong knew Haidu Aling loved to possess beauties. The Buddha Prince must have also been bewitched by her beauty to make exceptions for her.

So, when her aunt asked about Li Yaoying's character, Zhu Lvyun replied: "The Li family's Seventh Lady is frail and sickly. She grew up dependent on her brother and was raised to be spoiled and willful."

Zhu Lvyun didn't mention how Li Yaoying had seen through Haidu Aling's plans and sent troops back to the Central Plains to warn them. While everyone in the Central Plains knew of Princess Wenzhao's heroic deeds, these matters were little known in Northern Rong—clearly, Haidu Aling didn't want to be ridiculed and had deliberately kept it quiet.After much deliberation, the aunt decided to send Zhu Lvyun to the Royal Court to meet Li Yaoying and uncover the secrets between her and the Buddha Prince.

"The Buddha Prince of the Royal Court strictly observes monastic precepts—he has never glanced at any beauties sent by various kingdoms, yet he repeatedly makes exceptions for the Seventh Lady Li. There must be something extraordinary about her."

Zhu Lvyun initially refused to agree. Having just mustered the resolve to leave Li Xuanzhen and reunite with her aunt, she had no desire to trek thousands of miles on a diplomatic mission to the Royal Court.

But her aunt insisted, so she had no choice but to go.

...

Yaoying was right—Zhu Lvyun hadn’t bothered to inquire about Yaoying’s experiences over the past few years, only hearing general accounts. Projecting her own feelings onto Yaoying, she assumed that Yaoying, now isolated and helpless, would surely agree to the terms she proposed.

However, before she could even state her conditions or voice the words her aunt had taught her, Yaoying turned hostile upon their meeting and detained her immediately.

Though Zhu Lvyun was a princess of the former dynasty, she had been pampered since childhood and had never endured hardship. After joining the Li family, she lived in even greater comfort and had never been treated so roughly. Faced with Yaoying, who was younger yet completely overpowered her, she felt humiliated, furious, and speechless for a long while.

Yaoying turned and went downstairs.

Yuanjue hurried after her.

Yaoying signaled for him to show the parchment to Zhu Lvyun’s personal guards and said to them, "This is what your princess has admitted to."

After reading the parchment, the guards were both shocked and enraged: The Fukang Princess was truly foolish! With these confessions, Princess Wenzhao could now twist the truth at will! Before their departure, the Yiqing Grand Princess had repeatedly warned them, but the Fukang Princess hadn’t heeded a single word!

Yaoying stood at the foot of the stairs and signaled to the guards with her eyes.

The guards dragged Zhu Lvyun’s personal attendants away, covered each of their faces with black cloth hoods, and took them to separate rooms. Only the Han Chinese guard was left in plain sight, allowing Zhu Lvyun to witness his punishment. Then, simultaneous interrogations began: "How did the Fukang Princess become a princess of the Northern Rong?"

Blindfolded and isolated in different rooms, the guards hesitated briefly, unsure of what the others might say. Deeming the question non-confidential, they answered softly.

After they finished, a guard entered the room of the one who had answered last and slashed down with his blade. A pained scream erupted from the guard’s mouth.

The agony in that cry drained the color from the others’ faces.

Yuanjue tightened his grip on his longsword, hesitating whether to intervene, but Yaoying shook her head at him.

He sighed inwardly, thinking: The princess hasn’t killed anyone... only injured them... surely she knows her limits?

Upstairs, Zhu Lvyun watched the Han Chinese guard kneeling in the courtyard and listened to the agonized cries coming from different rooms, her face pale as a sheet.

The guards continued their questioning. This time, as soon as the questions were posed, several guards answered simultaneously.

After a few rounds, the tone of the questioning abruptly shifted to matters concerning the Yiqing Grand Princess.

The guards’ responses noticeably slowed.

Once they finished, a guard hurried upstairs and soon appeared at the window, shaking his head at those below.

Zhu Lvyun’s answers did not match those of the guards.

Immediately, a guard raised his blade and severed a finger from the Han Chinese guard, who writhed in pain on the ground. A severed finger lay on the snowy ground, blood staining the snow.

The guards in the rooms trembled with fear.

The interrogations continued.

Upstairs, Zhu Lvyun stared at the bloodied fingers on the snow, realizing that Yaoying hadn’t been bluffing earlier. She was on the verge of collapse.

"Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll answer! Just stop this now!"

The guard grinned.An hour later, Yaoying obtained several confessions, compared them briefly, and handed them to Yuanjue.

Yuanjue’s face was full of astonishment.

The personal guards were well-trained individuals; this method of cross-referencing confessions wouldn’t have been very effective against them, as they had already coordinated their stories. However, Yaoying had the soldiers interrogate Zhu Lvyun, the guards, and the menial servants separately—some upstairs and others downstairs. Among the three groups, Zhu Lvyun and the servants consistently gave answers that differed from the guards’. Seeing the people upstairs shake their heads repeatedly, the guards realized Zhu Lvyun’s statements didn’t match theirs and assumed she had confessed. Their resolve gradually wavered, and their defenses were quickly broken.

But the cost was cutting off the fingers of the Northern Rong guards… If the Northern Rong refused to let this go, the Royal Court would find it difficult to shield the princess…

Yuanjue stole a glance at Yaoying, his heart heavy.

Yet Yaoying acted as if nothing had happened. She returned upstairs and ordered the soldiers to release Zhu Lvyun.

Zhu Lvyun collapsed to the floor, unable to stand for a long time.

Yaoying walked over to her, pressing a dagger against her cheek. “Zhu Lvyun, I know you’ve never felt remorse because you believe you never actively harmed me. You’ve always been like this—no matter how many people suffer innocently because of your willfulness, you never take it to heart. You think the whole world has wronged you.”

Zhuoyun bit her red lip tightly.

Yaoying applied a little more pressure with her hand.

A chill ran down Zhu Lvyun’s spine.

Yaoying patted her cheek. “Your father was licentious and immoral, neglected state affairs, was incompetent and foolish, and imposed exorbitant taxes. The Zhu dynasty’s time was up. The world belongs to the people, not to your father. You’ve been treated favorably as a descendant of the Zhu family, yet you’ve repeatedly made grave mistakes. No one owes you anything.”

A flicker of grief and indignation passed through Zhu Lvyun’s eyes.

Yaoying looked down at her from above, her gaze cold. “The matter of the marriage alliance is between me, Li De, and Li Xuanzhen. How you and Li Xuanzhen entangle yourselves is your own affair.”

With a light flick of her dagger,

A cold gleam flashed, and a lock of Zhu Lvyun’s black hair was severed by the blade, drifting slowly to the ground.

Zhu Lvyun trembled uncontrollably.

Yaoying spoke slowly, “This is just a warning. From now on, you’d better stay away from me. Don’t throw yourself in my path, and don’t even think about using me. Otherwise, next time, it won’t be a lock of hair I cut off.”

After saying this, she tapped the dagger lightly against Zhu Lvyun’s forehead.

“Escort the Fukang Princess downstairs.”

Zhu Lvyun shuddered a few times before being hauled up by the soldiers and taken downstairs.

…

Yaoying asked Yuanjue for the pieces of parchment from earlier and threw them into a brazier, reducing them to ashes.

Yuanjue was taken aback. “Princess, why did you burn them? Weren’t you… weren’t you planning to frame the Northern Rong princess?”

Yaoying smiled. “Did you really think these fabricated confessions would be useful? I was just intimidating Zhu Lvyun earlier.”

By confronting her immediately, she could separate Zhu Lvyun from her guards. Without her guards, Zhu Lvyun was defenseless. Once Zhu Lvyun broke down, finding flaws in the guards’ stories became easy.

Yuanjue stared blankly for a moment, then shook his head and laughed. A sudden gleam flashed in his eyes as he turned and hurried downstairs to the snowy ground. After searching for a while, he found the bloodied fingers, picked them up, and examined them closely.

A moment later, he scratched his head and grinned sheepishly.

The fingers were fake.

The King was right—Princess Wenzhao indeed knew where to draw the line.Yuanjue finally set his mind at ease and ran back upstairs, clasping his hands toward Yaoying. "Princess, did you prepare those fingers in advance?"

Yaoying nodded. "After all, they are people sent by the Northern Rong. With the current tense situation in the city, if I were to harm the Northern Rong delegation at this time, wouldn’t that put the Buddha Prince in a difficult position? Rest assured, the Northern Rong delegation is unharmed—they only suffered a few needle pricks, with no internal or external injuries."

Yuanjue didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: the personal guards had screamed so miserably earlier that he thought their fingers had truly been cut off!

Yaoying said, "Now that we have these confessions, we can return to Wang Temple."

Yuanjue hummed in agreement and carefully stored away the confessions.