The brilliant sunset painted half the sky crimson, brushing the vast yellow sands with a layer of vibrant rouge. The Holy City, rebuilt from ruins, remained magnificent and grand. Though the scorching heat had not yet dissipated, citizens wearing bright ceremonial clothes had already begun leaving their homes in groups. The city streets emptied of regular activity as people gathered in the squares where bonfires were lit one after another.

Banquet tents, long felt carpets, and layers of curtains spread densely across the space. The crowds stood shoulder to shoulder, leaving barely any room to step. Above the bonfires, rotating spits held glistening roasted lambs dripping with fat. Earthen ovens glowed red-hot, baking fresh nang bread. Long tables were piled with fruits picked fresh that day, stacked like pagodas – grapes, mulberries, cucumbers, dates, and red plums. Large baskets full of fruits were piled in corners, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air. Huge pots simmered with chunky lamb bone soup with leafy vegetables. Elderly attendants watched over wooden barrels wrapped in layers of white cloth. Occasionally they would lift the lid to scoop out large portions of ice-cold dessert, pouring yogurt, honey, raisins, crushed dried fruits, and sheep’s milk over it before passing it to young men and women who were sweating from the heat.

The air was thick with the strong fragrances of food and cosmetics, and even more potent was the rich aroma of wine. Large carts threaded through the long streets, each carrying an enormous wine barrel so big it took two strong men to barely lift it. For the Wang and Wang Hou’s wedding, citizens offered up their home-brewed grape wine. Anyone who came asking for wine needed only to say a blessing for the Wang and Wang Hou to drink freely to their heart’s content, and if they got drunk they could simply lie down and sleep.

Tonight there were no prohibitions – the celebrations would continue until dawn. Musicians played the vertical zhuxianqin, pipa, santur, Tajik, and matouqin while blowing on the Qiang flute and bili. Beautiful young women waved golden bells and beat small sheepskin drums and jie drums. The clear, joyful music echoed through every corner of the Holy City as people drank from large bowls, ate meat heartily, talked and laughed loudly, singing and dancing with great cheer. Young women danced with light steps, their colorful long dresses weaving a brilliant rainbow of light.

Yao Ying had changed her attire and entered the main hall surrounded by palace maids and guards. People celebrating along the road stopped and stepped back to bow to her. The customs of the Wang Ting differed from those of the Central Plains, and she had discussed this with Tanmoluojia beforehand – after marriage, she would not stay in the deep palace all day waiting for his return. Tonight was their wedding feast, and she needed to help receive the tribal chiefs and envoys from other nations.

Prince Jinbo rushed to be the first to offer his congratulations. He had just seen a familiar face at the banquet who should not have been in the Wang Ting, leaving him dumbstruck when he went to talk to them. That person had smiled faintly and said, “Princess Wenzhao invited me to come. The Princess and I became acquainted when she was imprisoned by Haidou Aling.”

Jinbo’s slow mind suddenly understood many things at that moment, filling him with terror. Remembering the Kehan of Wahan’s instructions before his death, he decided he must curry favor with the Wang Ting’s Wang Hou in the future, or at least never offend her. Especially since this Wang Hou was also Xie Qing’s master.

Jinbo first glanced several times at Xie Qing beside Yao Ying. With a mind to show off, he thought for a long while before declaring boldly and proudly, “I wish the Gongzhu and Fozi have several big fat sons soon!”

In the Northern Rong, the best blessing for newlyweds was to have a nest of children quickly.

Yao Ying’s eyelid twitched as she thanked him.

Jinbo felt somewhat pleased with himself and glanced at Xie Qing.

Xie Qing’s expression remained unchanged.

Yao Ying told Xie Qing and the others to go eat, drink, and dance, keeping only two guards with them.

The congratulatory wishes continued endlessly.

“We wish the Gongzhu and Wang a long life together in harmony,” said the various national envoys who knew the Han language.

“We wish the Wang Hou and Wang sweet love and many descendants, like the abundant grapes on the vines of Nile Valley,” said the Wang Ting officials.

“We wish the Gongzhu and Fozi soon share the pleasures of marriage,” These words came from Princess Manda, who had come with her husband to the Holy City to congratulate Tanmoluojia and Yao Ying on their marriage.

Yuanjue’s face froze upon hearing these words.

Princess Manda paid no attention to the sidelong glances of the guards around her. Her face glowing red, she raised her wine cup and came closer, smiling as she carefully observed Yao Ying.

“The Gongzhu dressed like this looks just like a goddess stepped down from a temple mural.”

The temples of Piluomoluo enshrined many gods, including charming and beautiful goddesses.

Yao Ying smiled, “The Gongzhu has come from far away, the journey must have been tiring.”

“What’s this bit of tiredness? How could I miss the Fozi taking a wife?” Princess Manda waved her hand and threw a flirtatious wink at Yao Ying, “I am beautiful as a flower with unparalleled dancing skills, no man could resist me, yet in all these years I only failed with the Fozi… Now the Fozi has been captured by the Gongzhu…”

She let out a laugh, gleeful at others’ misfortune.

Though she had failed and been chased away ingloriously by the Fozi, seeing the cold and dignified Fozi fall under Princess Wenzhao’s pomegranate skirt still gave her a subtle sense of vengeful satisfaction.

She was just that grudge-holding.

“Gongzhu, have you seen my wedding gift?” Princess Manda lowered her voice, “Those are all my prized treasures, I only parted with them for the Gongzhu’s wedding. The Gongzhu must make full use of them! If there’s anything you don’t know how to use, I can teach you… Gongzhu, don’t be fooled by the Fozi, all men are the same in bed… The Fozi is inexperienced, with his physique, he could easily hurt you when excited. Those skilled in martial arts need special vigor, seeing how delicate you are, you must prepare early, can’t let him have his way, or you’ll be the one suffering! In my homeland, both men and women should enjoy the wonderful pleasures of love – that’s what makes it truly fish and water harmony…”

As her words grew increasingly explicit, the Ma Lu country attendants broke out in cold sweat and hurriedly pulled her away.

Yao Ying was caught between laughter and tears. Suddenly remembering Tanmoluojia’s box of books, her eyes searched the crowd, looking for his figure. He was on the high platform receiving envoys from various countries. Even in such a lively setting, with voices thundering and songs and dances all around, he wore magnificent ceremonial robes surrounded by imperial guard officers, yet still maintained his pure and transcendent bearing.

Sensing her gaze, he looked over at her.

Across the flickering firelight and laughing crowds, his face was somewhat blurry, but Yao Ying could feel the faint smile in his eyes. Though it didn’t appear intense, it penetrated to the bone.

She carried a gilt beast-headed wine vessel, stepped onto the high platform, and sat down beside Tanmoluojia. The envoys raised their cups one after another to congratulate her. She smiled and exchanged pleasantries, drank some wine, and then glanced sidelong at Tanmoluojia.

Yao Ying shook her head. She had been busy with Western Army matters earlier, all to handle several important affairs before returning to the Wang Ting. Now that everything was settled, she could steal a few days of leisure.

“What about you? Want to go rest early?”

Unless necessary, he would not attend grand banquets.

Tanmoluojia’s lips curved slightly upward, “Today is our wedding.”

Yao Ying laughed softly.

He cared about her previous words of “wanting nothing, caring for nothing,” and insisted on giving her the very best of everything.

The two leaned close together talking, without other intimate gestures, but their brows and eyes were suffused with affection. The surrounding envoys and guests let out good-natured laughs, flattering them by saying they were a pair of divine beings coming to earth.

Tanmoluojia raised his head, his expression bright and clear.

The envoys marveled inwardly. Before, they had racked their brains trying to please the Fozi, but the Fozi’s heart was detached from worldly matters – he had no weaknesses or preferences, making it impossible to know how to approach him. Today they finally saw faint traces of a smile floating in those wise eyes. Seeing him happy, they worked even harder to please him, taking the opportunity to raise requests and proposals they had pondered over for a long time.

Tanmoluojia’s expression remained calm as he listened without comment.

Everyone felt nervous – even at his wedding banquet, the Fozi remained cool and silent.

Yao Ying sipped the sour-sweet apricot drink, her lips curving as she leaned close to Tanmoluojia. Her red lips parted as she whispered, “Luojia, this afternoon while organizing the boxes, I accidentally knocked over that black lacquer book box. Afraid the contents might be damaged, I used the key you gave me to check inside.”

Tanmoluojia’s eyelashes suddenly trembled.

She bit her lip, “I saw those books.”

Tanmoluojia lowered his eyes without speaking.

Amidst the hall full of songs and laughter, Yao Ying tilted her head with a meaningful smile. In front of all the guests, she murmured in his ear: “My lord, why do you look at such things?”

As if shyly reproaching him, yet her tone was teasing. Her voice lifted slightly at the end like a smug cat, one paw scratching him hard before extending soft pads to gently soothe him, her tender pink tongue flashing briefly.

Tanmoluojia remained silent.

Hearing her deliberately drawn out, coquettish “my lord,” he was dazed for a long while, a strange tingling dancing in his chest.

The envoys at the banquet didn’t understand, continuing to rack their brains thinking of ways to flatter him.

Speaking thus, her gaze swept over his lap meaningfully.

Though she had touched it a few times, she never dared look down directly each time.

Tanmoluojia shuddered, his facial expression unchanged though his body had already stiffened.

He didn’t dare look at her, casually changing his position as if nothing had happened.

She raised her eyes to look at him, a successful mischievous smile on her lips. With so many people watching them, he had to endure even if he felt aroused.

Tanmoluojia looked at her, the power hidden beneath his composed calm instantly radiating out like copper walls and iron fortifications, masculine and profound. His grip remained firm as he lifted his eyelids, sweeping a faint gaze around.

The nearby imperial guards all nodded and withdrew to below the jade steps. The seated envoys and guests also rose and withdrew at the guards’ signal.

The high platform that had been bustling just moments ago was suddenly left with only Tanmoluojia and Yao Ying.

Yao Ying was dumbfounded.

Below the platform, people continued their grand feast, the music playing passionately while figures moved in the shadows. Above, only the two of them remained.

He leaned close, his breath lingering near her ear.

“Mingyue Nu, I have lived in temples since childhood and know little of married life.”

Speaking such serious words, Yao Ying’s heart pounded like a drum, her earlobes burning.

“You’re so learned…”

She didn’t believe he knew anything – he could recognize a Tianzhu bronze Buddha at a glance.

“I have only heard of Tianzhu’s secret methods but never studied the ways of husband and wife. I fear hurting you.”

To understand all things was to achieve liberation. Understanding leads to letting go. He had read countless scriptures. To him, marital joy was like glory and wealth that others found hard to forsake – just another form of desire among many.

At first, when the desire for her arose, he never thought to dishonor her so – he only wanted to keep her by his side.

Later his feelings grew stronger, wanting more and more intensely. Seeing her, he could not contain himself. Even chanting sutras could not dispel these thoughts.

Tanmoluojia held Yao Ying’s wrist, gazing at the pure white neck revealed as she lowered her head. His lean but strong frame supported beside her as he spoke each word slowly and deliberately: “The joy between husband and wife comes naturally. I am your husband. You married me. I want to make you happy, so I studied those books.”

He moved closer, taking her hand to his lips. His cool voice grew hoarse with meaning: “Mingyue Nu, when you touch me, I am very happy.”

Happy enough to want to lose himself in it completely, that pleasure that made his lower back tingle and overwhelmed him to forgetfulness, like a demon devouring his self-control.

Coming from Luojia’s lips, such words were especially stirring.

Yet she had been the one teasing him deliberately.

“I heard that those companions Datuo chose for you were skilled in such ways.”

He fell silent for a moment, then suddenly said.

Yao Ying’s eyes widened in disbelief as she raised her head, stunned.

Tanmoluojia met her gaze, his eyes showing authority: “How many companions do you wish to keep in Gaochang?”

He had once thought that as long as she was happy, that was enough.

Later he discovered that love and desire are inevitably accompanied by jealousy and hatred, loss and pain. They seep in everywhere, gradually corroding his whole being. Just as the scriptures say – the seven emotions and six desires are born together.

The joy of having her company was matched by the bitterness of watching her leave.

Yao Ying’s scalp tingled.

He was truly cunning – he had known all along about her thoughts of keeping companions, deliberately holding back until now. She was so shocked that she immediately gave herself away.

“Wang, Wang Hou, it is the auspicious hour,” the ritual official called from below, his voice drifting up to disperse the unspoken feelings flowing between them.

The hall remained filled with joyous voices and laughter.

Yao Ying finally found her breath, quickly pulling back her hand. She pushed Tanmoluojia and stood up, walking swiftly toward the flag-adorned terrace.

Tanmoluojia watched her departing figure, then rose to follow.

The terrace lanterns burned brightly. Below in the square, seas of people who had waited long hours finally saw the two appear side by side at the railing. They called out excitedly, blessing and thanking them, thousands of voices merging into waves that crashed like mountains and seas.

Tanmoluojia and Yao Ying acknowledged the people, the cheers growing even louder.

In the distance on high cliffs, tens of thousands of lotus lanterns covered in blessings rose simultaneously. Countless points of bright yellow light drifted in the vast, boundless night sky, like the Milky Way falling to Earth.

She and he stood at the terrace as if floating among endless clouds and stars, able to pluck bright stars with just a reach of their hands.

Yao Ying gazed at the magnificent scene before her, her heart peaceful and content. All their moments since first meeting Tanmoluojia floated through her mind as she turned to smile at him.

The brilliant lanterns across the sky could not match that smile.

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

After the banquet dispersed, guests supported each other, continuing to drink and celebrate.

Yao Ying had grown tired and returned to the inner chamber first. As her maids helped her prepare for bed, she was surprised to discover a hidden hot spring pool in the rear chamber, thinking it might connect to the spring pool by the secret passage where Tanmoluojia often needed to soak in hot springs while practicing martial arts.

When Tanmoluojia returned, the chamber was silent.

Through the lowered curtains filtered dim, hazy lamplight. The pearl curtains were half-raised. Yao Ying lay on her side by the bed, still loosely holding a book, her eyes tightly closed, breathing deep and even. She had fallen asleep, her cloud-black hair spilling down, branching across the pillow like snow gathered beneath the moon. Her collar was slightly open, and her gauze dress rolled up revealing half a smooth white shoulder. From her full curves to her slender waist, long legs, and delicate ankles glimpsed through the gauze dress, she drew an exquisite silhouette.

She slept deeply, her face showing a slight flush.

A sensual glow flowed.

It was a unique sweet fragrance emanating from her body – faint, barely there, yet becoming especially intense when she shyly caressed him, thick enough to drip honey, tempting one to taste.

Tanmoluojia gazed at her for a long while before bending down to gently remove the book from her hand.

Yao Ying’s eyelashes fluttered several times before she opened her eyes. Seeing him, she asked drowsily, “Why have you come?”

Half-asleep, her voice was soft and sweet.

Before he could answer, she closed her eyes and fell back asleep.

Who knew if she was too tired and forgot what day it was, or because he had been careful not to touch her these past days, she thought tonight would be the same and he wouldn’t stay. Or perhaps because he had asked about the companions, she was deliberately teasing him.

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

Tanmoluojia smiled, kissed her hair, and rose to enter the rear chamber.

The sound of water trickled softly.

Half an hour later, Yao Ying woke, rubbing her eyes as she got up. Seeing the magnificent sleeping chamber, she remembered Tanmoluojia had seemed to return earlier. She got up barefoot and pushed aside the beaded curtain. “Luojia?”

A deep voice answered from within.

Yao Ying walked in and peered inside.

The room was filled with steam, faintly revealing bright rippling water. Tanmoluojia sat in the pool with his back to her, his upper body bare. His shoulders and back were slightly arched like a drawn bowstring, muscles taut, dense beads of sweat following the rising and falling contours one by one before dropping into the water.

A soft plinking sound.

Yao Ying snapped fully awake, turning to leave, but Tanmoluojia’s calm, steady voice came from behind: “Mingyue Nu, help me get some clothes.”

She came back to her senses, agreed, and chose a loose monastic robe from the clothing rack before walking into the bath chamber.

The hot spring pool was set among jade steps, spring water spouting from beast-headed bronze pipes. The pool of clear water rippled as Tanmoluojia leaned against its edge, his spine growing increasingly taut as if practicing breathing exercises.

He often did this at night.

“Luojia, don’t tire yourself.”

A tremendous force suddenly gripped her hand as Tanmoluojia’s eyes flew open. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the hot spring pool to sit in his embrace. Water splashed up, soaking her clothes and hair.

Yao Ying was startled, thinking he had touched her by accident. She struggled to get up but Tanmoluojia held her shoulders, preventing her from moving as his gaze fixed on her front.

Her clothes were completely wet, revealing the graceful body beneath.

He leaned forward to taste her through the cloth.

Yao Ying was caught off guard, then her whole body tingled as tiny goosebumps exploded across her skin. Her body trembled as if electrified, a sob-like moan escaping her lips as she collapsed against him.

His solid arms crossed behind her back, holding her tighter and tighter as his burning body pressed against her.

Yao Ying had never experienced such intense stimulation. Her hair was disheveled, her cheeks flushed deep red, and tears welling in her eyes.

Her waist was so slim it could barely be grasped, soft and boneless like a willow paper strip, graceful and light yet full of resilience. Like a flowering branch, she trembled in his grasp at his teasing.

The pool of clear water surged.

“Luojia…” she couldn’t take it anymore, almost crying out as she pushed against him.

He pulled back slightly, his jade eyes deep and dark. His lips moved upward, kissing her snow-white breast through the wet clothes, then her neck, throat, and chin, before gripping her nape and parting her teeth to seek more of her unbearable gasps of pain and pleasure.

The bath chamber was empty except for a few jade tables. Yao Ying’s suppressed sounds echoed through the vast room, reflecting.

Her head burned like fire, lost to all sense of place. When he finally released her, panting, she stared at him dazedly, her lips glistening, clothes half-removed, skin flushed red.

Tanmoluojia’s eyes were deep and calm as he reached out to wipe away the traces he had left on her lips. His voice was hoarse: “Mingyue Nu, I am ready. Stay tonight… and never leave again.”

His hand which usually held prayer beads began removing her clothes.

“If it hurts, don’t endure it. Tell me.”

Yao Ying had melted into water, her fingers trembling slightly.