Yao Ying lifted her eyes to steal a glance at Luojia, her breath almost stopping. Tanmoluojia’s body was still burning hot, his face covered in sweat, cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, eyes half-lowered as he breathed softly. Delicate, dense, moist kisses fell on her neck, while beneath his thick eyelashes, occasional flashes of deep dark currents appeared. The agarwood fragrance was infused with an unfamiliar scent – cold, subtle, yet carrying a strong sense of dominance.

His clothes were perfectly arranged, looking just as he did when studying sutras, yet the burning desire in her palm silently spoke of his intoxication. His jade eyes quietly watched her, lips pressed into a line, his gaze almost tangible as it seemed to devour her bit by bit.

A sensual atmosphere permeated the air, turning the spacious, cool room suddenly stifling hot.

Yao Ying’s body had also been warmed by him. Mindful of his cultivation, he had been somewhat restrained these days. She didn’t mind, waiting for him to slowly adjust to secular life, but the more he held back, the more she liked to tease him. Yet seeing him like this made her heart ache. She leaned in, wanting to press him down.

He remained unmoved.

She recklessly twisted against him.

Tanmoluojia’s blood surged as his iron arms held her tight. “Stop moving.”

His voice was hoarse, showing no satisfaction after release, instead becoming even deeper than before.

Yao Ying softly agreed, her voice dry and rough, but her hands continued their restless movement.

Tanmoluojia firmly gripped her hands, sweat dripping from his cheeks into her thick hair as he said half-helplessly: “I haven’t fully mastered the cultivation technique yet…”

Yao Ying heard his intense restraint and looked up with slightly furrowed brows, asking: “How much longer?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt his excitement surge as his body tensed, his eyes darkening further.

Yao Ying realized her words were unclear and had been misunderstood. She hurriedly explained: “I’m concerned about your health!”

She wasn’t trying to rush him.

While still holding him, intertwined closely, she innocently tried to explain… Tanmoluojia closed his eyes for a moment, then raised his hands to cup her face, pressing their foreheads together as his lips curved slightly.

“It’s fine, just a few more days.”

He couldn’t share quarters with her now, but things would be better once they returned to the Holy City. Still, he couldn’t bear to be too far from her.

As he slowly recovered, he released Yao Ying but didn’t call for servants, instead personally helping her wash up and arrange her hair.

Yao Ying was still limp and soft, sitting still and contentedly letting him attend to her. Looking in the mirror, she nodded with satisfaction before her gaze circled his head. “How do you even know how to arrange hair?”

He had no hair himself – who had he practiced with?

Tanmoluojia kissed her temple, “I watched you do it.”

On many mornings, she would sit before the velvet rug facing away from him, her rich black hair flowing over her shoulders as she carefully combed it. After finishing, she would always look in the mirror, examining herself thoroughly from all angles before wrapping her headscarf.

Yao Ying caught sight of one of her hair ribbons left on the desk and reached for it.

“We set out tomorrow, and I have matters to attend to tonight that I can’t put off.”

He took her hand, kissing her delicate fingertips. “Have Xie Qing and the others accompany you to explore tonight. Who knows when I’ll next be able to return here with you.”

Yao Ying made a sound of agreement and rose to go downstairs. Remembering something, she turned back but stopped abruptly at the sight before her.

Tanmoluojia sat at his desk, having changed into casual monk’s robes, holding the ribbon he had pulled from her hair. He wound it around his long fingers before bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

Her sweet fragrance still lingered in the room.

His face maintained its calm dignity even as he did this.

Fireworks seemed to explode in Yao Ying’s mind as an unusual heat rose from her feet. She didn’t dare make a sound, took half a step forward, then thought better of it and quietly withdrew.

Better not to exhaust him these few days.

…

Word spread that Princess Wenzhao would receive the young men of the city.

The young nobles were overjoyed, hurriedly changing into new clothes – wearing brocade robes, black leather boots, and jeweled daggers at their waists as they rushed to the palace. The guards led them to the polo grounds.

Two sides had already been arranged on the field. At the front, Xie Qing stood expressionless in narrow-sleeved robes, head lowered as he methodically polished his polo mallet.

Yao Ying stood before the platform, also wearing narrow-sleeved brocade robes, with light makeup that highlighted her brilliant beauty. She smiled at everyone.

The crowd’s hearts began to race.

Yao Ying smiled and said: “I hear from the City Lord that you gentlemen are skilled at polo. Ah Qing and the others often play as well – you can test your skills against each other, allowing me to witness your abilities.”

The men’s blood was boiling as they changed into the right army’s polo uniforms and charged onto the field.

City Lord Damo sat in the shade, watching the entire polo match as Xie Qing, Xie Chong, and the others showed no mercy, grinning fiercely as they repeatedly struck the ball into the right army’s goal. Despite the spirited young men attacking with all their might, they remained suppressed throughout the second half.

Damo clicked his tongue several times. If these young men couldn’t even defeat the princess’s guards, who would dare brazenly declare their admiration for the princess before Tanmoluojia, hoping to become her companion?

As the match ended, bells and drums sounded in ceremonial music. A grand palace feast began, with the young men sitting dejectedly at their tables, dispirited.

Yao Ying entered with Damo and Li Zhongqian. Seeing the young men, she showed no mockery. Under everyone’s gaze, she raised her wine cup, dipped her finger in the wine, and flicked it into the air three times.

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

“Another day, when you gentlemen have achieved something, I will toast to you again.”

After speaking, she drained her cup in one drink.

The young men either blushed with shame or were inspired with renewed spirit as they hurriedly raised their cups in response.

Damo smiled secretly.

Startled by her look, Damo’s red hair trembled as he said: “Princess, this is all a misunderstanding. Now that Dharma King has proposed marriage, naturally the potential consorts I selected for the princess are unnecessary. I didn’t expect some would be so eager to please the princess that they would seek out the former palace secretary…”

The secretary had previously served a Northern Rong princess who married into Gaochang, personally gathering strong and handsome young men to please her. Damo had only casually mentioned finding some generous gifts, but the secretary had taken it upon himself to select young men as if choosing imperial consorts. Each was vigorous and handsome, standing like a grove of straight poplars.

When Damo realized what had happened, he didn’t immediately stop it. To them, Tanmoluojia was almost divine – no one dared profane him. Now that the Buddha’s son had become Princess Wenzhao’s husband, they couldn’t contain their curiosity. The sight of the Buddha’s son being troubled by romantic rivals wasn’t something one could see just by wishing.

Yao Ying didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Having resolved the matter of the young men, she saw it wasn’t too late and put on a mask to leave the palace, with Xie Qing and her guards following.

To celebrate her wedding, the city had no curfew these days, and merchants didn’t need to pay taxes at the city gates. The busiest market district was alive throughout the night as merchants from all regions flocked there. The stalls were filled with goods: tea from Chang’an, gold items from the royal court, Persian carpets, sutras from India, pearls from the South Seas, and furs from various tribes. Everything imaginable could be found. The entire street was decorated with lanterns and streamers, packed with people.

Everyone wore festival attire and masks, so Yao Ying and her guards could mingle without fear of recognition.

She browsed for a while, buying some novel trinkets until her cloth bag was full. Just as she thought of returning to the palace, spirited music drifted from a distant high platform. The lively rhythm caught her attention, and she followed the crowded flow of people to the platform’s base.

Drums and music filled the air as bright as day, while dancers in thin silk performed on the platform. Below, the watching crowd joined hands and danced. This year had seen the end of warfare, the recovery of various prefectures, and a bountiful harvest of grains and fruits. With Yao Ying and Tanmoluojia’s wedding, the common people spontaneously joined in the celebrations, with men and women gathering to dance everywhere.

Yao Ying’s group stood to the side watching. Soon, masked young women approached with smiles, inviting them to dance together. Before they could finish speaking, they had already enthusiastically taken their hands.

After several large circles, she was tired and sweating as she stepped back to chat with Xie Qing. A young man wearing a divine wolf mask approached, extending both arms horizontally as he bowed to her.

Yao Ying stepped forward with a smile: “I…”

Before she could finish, a hand reached out, firmly gripping her wrist as a cool voice announced: “She is my betrothed.”

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

The man stood beside her, wearing a fierce demon mask with a blue face and fangs, dressed in the tight-sleeved, waist-cinched brocade short robe common in Gaochang. The tight leather belt accentuated his tall, lean figure, long legs wrapped in close-fitting brocade trousers and boots, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, graceful and athletic.

He held her hand, his palm burning hot, jade eyes sweeping around as disappointed young men in the vicinity withdrew.

Yao Ying came to her senses, both surprised and delighted, her bright eyes sparkling behind her mask as she shook his hand: “How did you come here?”

Hadn’t he said he was too busy tonight? When had he secretly followed?

Tanmoluojia lowered his head. In the night, the demon mask looked particularly ugly and fierce, only his jade eyes brimming with tenderness.

“I came to find you.”

She had stared at the market’s lights for a long time last night.

Tonight, he was her lover accompanying her.

Yao Ying’s eyes curved in happiness as she took Tanmoluojia’s arm, pulling him to a mask stall. After browsing for a while, she chose a matching pair of uncommon masks.

A faint smile flickered in his eyes as they changed into their newly purchased masks together.

Yao Ying looked up: “Do you remember the local customs here in Gaochang?”

He held her hand. “I remember.”

Yao Ying smiled, moving her mask aside and pushing his mask away to quickly kiss his cheek on tiptoe.

The street was packed shoulder to shoulder, laughter and voices reaching the clouds, brilliant lanterns everywhere, the mortal world bustling.

He looked down at her sparkling eyes. “Kiss me again.”

His tone was calm, completely serious.

Yao Ying glanced around and firmly shook her head, pulling along Tanmoluojia, whose eyes were slightly downcast, as they continued walking. Suddenly she raised her hand and, catching him off guard, lifted his mask to lean in and press her lips to his, gently nibbling.

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

He would never let go again.

Yao Ying held Tanmoluojia’s hand as they avoided the crowded areas, slowly walking among the flow of people, occasionally stopping to look at stalls, asking about grain and cloth prices, chatting idly with merchants from various regions, buying refreshments from soup and fruit vendors when they saw them.

She bought whatever she liked, her silk bags stuffed full. Sometimes she would turn to ask Tanmoluojia’s opinion: “Which is better?”

He had never experienced anything like this before, seeing only her happy eyes, nodding at whatever she asked: “They’re all good.”

Everything was good.

The foreign merchant laughed heartily, teasing, “The young master truly listens to his lady, what good fortune she has.”

Yao Ying gave Tanmoluojia a loving glance, her face lit by the brilliant lanterns, eyes sparkling with charm and beauty as she said: “He’s quite cunning!”

His throat bobbed.

As the crowd on the long street gradually dispersed, elderly and children returning home, mostly energetic young people remained. Xie Qing approached to say it was already the fifth watch.

Yao Ying thought she had misheard and asked the time again, laughing in surprise: they had been browsing for so long without her noticing.

The return path was packed tight, impossible for carriages to pass. Yao Ying, busy daily with Western Army matters, was growing drowsy, her eyelids heavy as she covered a yawn.

Tanmoluojia stopped and bent down.

“Come, I’ll carry you back.”

Yao Ying was truly tired, her eyes moist as she removed her mask and climbed onto his back, burying her face in his neck, and holding him tight.

Tanmoluojia carried her, walking slowly.

“Are you tired?” she asked, breathing against his neck.

He shook his head: “Not tired.”

Tanmoluojia didn’t wake her, carrying her back to the palace as the lights cast a long shadow.

The next day, they set out to return to the royal court.

The people of Gaochang lined the roads to bid them farewell, watching the convoy leave, reluctant to disperse.

Li Zhongqian accompanied them for another stretch. Despite Yuanjue and others’ repeated persuasion, he lifted the carriage curtain to look at Yao Ying, speechless for a long while.

Li Zhongqian had given her many instructions on the road. Now his heart felt heavy, unable to speak for a long time before finally managing: “Tell your brother if you face any grievances.”

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

He waved, signaling the convoy to continue.

Yao Ying waved to him until his figure disappeared before returning to the carriage.

Golden dunes rolled endlessly, silver frontier towers stood straight, and tall, and narrow green oasis valleys nestled amid the vast desert as the convoy gradually departed.

Soon after, Tanmoluojia rode over on horseback, speaking with Yao Ying through the curtain.

The melancholy in her heart faded somewhat. She removed her crown to rest, not riding for the next few days. One day while she was sleeping, someone knocked on the carriage window: “Mingyuenu, we’ve reached the royal court.”

It was Tanmoluojia’s voice.

The wind seemed very strong today, a chorus of tinkling sounds outside the window.

Maids helped Yao Ying change into elaborate ceremonial robes and don the modified crown before lifting the curtain.

The sky was clear with scattered clouds, sunlight blazing.

Tanmoluojia stood outside the carriage in magnificent royal ceremonial robes, watching Yao Ying. His expression was calm and unsmiling, but everyone could see the joy in his eyes.

Behind him, tens of thousands of royal troops stood in solemn formation, a black mass stretching beyond sight.

Among the hills, black lines surged and flowed, the wind’s roar filling heaven and earth.

These were countless fluttering banners – snow white with gold patterns, black with red patterns – covering the sky like undulating waves.

Tanmoluojia and Yao Ying’s banners.

Tens of thousands of royal cavalry dismounted simultaneously, placing their fists against their chests as they bowed to Yao Ying, shouting her title in unison, their mighty voices shaking heaven and earth.

Tanmoluojia helped Yao Ying mount, and they rode side by side.

The vast army parted in order, making way as they escorted them back to the city.

From the frontier to the Holy City, people sang and danced along the road, respectfully welcoming their King and Queen’s return. Flags flew from houses, hawk perches, and post stations along the grand road. Wherever a snow-white gold-patterned flag was raised, Yao Ying’s banner flew beside it.

Officials and tribal chiefs waited before the main road, escorting them up the prepared high platform as respectful calls crashed like waves.

Yao Ying watched the bowing crowd below, emotions surging as she turned to Tanmoluojia: “Did you issue some decree?”

Tanmoluojia reached out to brush aside a string of jewels blocking her view.

He would not let the royal court’s people trouble her.

…

As one elaborate ceremony followed another, Tanmoluojia knew Yao Ying was tired. After the officials finished paying respects, he had her return to the inner palace to eat.

The palace had been renovated, but following Tanmoluojia’s instructions, no major construction was undertaken. It was restored to its original form, with traces of age visible in many inconspicuous places. Only the courtyard built specially for Yao Ying had been constructed anew from the foundation.

Yao Ying changed into lighter clothes and walked around the garden.

Winding corridors and cool pavilions, green-tiled windows, landscape paintings on rolled screens – all the furnishings were like her childhood home in Jingnan. The courtyard even had running water and a clear pool. All the inner palace guards and attendants were her people. If not for Yuanjue leading people carrying boxes of wedding gifts, she might have thought she was back in her old Jingnan residence.

“His Majesty arranged all this personally before leaving, and even drew the garden’s plans himself,” Yuanjue said cheerfully.

Yao Ying’s heart melted with sweetness. She wanted to wait for his return to tour it again together. Returning to the inner palace to organize her and Luojia’s items, she found the hall filled with treasure chests and boxes. Several tightly sealed boxes sat by the couch. She pushed aside boxes that didn’t need immediate attention, and with a clang, one box from the corner rolled down.

She picked it up, worried its contents might have broken, found the key, and opened the lock. Her eyes widened.

The silk-wrapped book inside had partially opened, revealing exquisite illustrations directly to her eyes.

Yao Ying’s eyelid twitched as she closed the box.

This seemed to be Luojia’s book box… So this was what he had been reading in his leisure time?