When Yaoying woke up, only a short piece of the candle was left on the table.

There was a dim candlelight floating in the cave.

The discomfort in her body had disappeared. She sat up and felt a slight coolness on her wrist. She looked down and saw a string of Buddhist beads hanging on her wrist, cool and bright, like flowing moonlight.

Isn’t this the jewel that Tanmaragha always carries with him?

When I first saw him in the dunes, he was wearing this string of beads on his hands.

How did it end up in her hands?

Yao Ying was a little surprised. She carefully took off the beads, wiped them with a handkerchief, held them in her palm, got up from the couch, and walked around the screen.

Tanmarajiva was sitting at the desk writing with his back to her, his back straight. Hearing her footsteps approaching, he raised his eyes and looked at her carefully.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

Yao Ying shook her head, sat down with her legs crossed, and said, "I'm not feeling unwell, but my head is still a little dizzy."

Tanmaraka nodded and said, "This is what happens after taking the medicine." He gestured for her to raise her wrist and took her pulse.

Yao Ying handed over a bead wrapped in a handkerchief: "Master, this is your bead."

Tanmarajika withdrew his fingers and continued writing, saying gently: "This pearl is called Snow Lotus. Wearing it will cool your skin and calm your mind. Princess, who often suffers from nightmares, can wear this pearl."

Yaoying let out an "oh", and it seemed like she really didn't have a nightmare just now. She smiled and said, "I'll make a note of it. I'll ask Lao Qi to find me a string like this when I get back..."

Tanmarajiva paused and glanced at her.

Yaoying was stunned by his gaze. Did the monk mean... to give this string of beads to her?

This is something he has worn since he was a child. It is so precious. Giving it to someone who does not believe in Buddhism seems a bit of a waste...

She was about to decline, but Tanmaraka said, "Put it on."

The tone was light, yet it had a tone that could not be refused.

Yaoying thought about it, and a warm feeling surged in her heart. She smiled, no longer being polite to him, and lowered her head to hold the beads. Her wrists were slender, and she wrapped the beads around several times before she put them on firmly. The beads were warm and moist, and wearing them on her hands seemed to really have a calming effect.

Tanmaraka watched her circle her beads, then looked away and pointed at a bowl of medicine: "Princess, you have dispersed the medicine. Give me another bowl of concentrated medicine."

Yao Ying drank the medicine in one gulp, waited for him to finish taking the pulse, and asked, "Master, I don't feel unwell. Can I go home now?"

Tanmarajiva put down his pen, stood up, and his cassock brushed across the desk.

"Come with me."

Yao Ying hurriedly got up and followed him. When they reached the door, Bami'er presented two gilded long-handled lanterns. Tanmaraka took them and handed one to Yao Ying.

She followed him, holding a lamp. The night was deep and the front porch of the corridor was dark. The two of them passed through the silent alleys and corridors and climbed up the stone steps, one step at a time. They didn't know how many steps they had taken. The steps became steeper and steeper.

Tanmarajiva walked for a while and then stopped to wait for Yaoying. The night wind blew his robes. He stood between the cliffs of the cave and looked down at her with a solemn face, like a Buddha statue walking out of a mural on the cliff.

Yao Ying followed him closely, panting.

In the quiet night, the sound of distant bells drifted in, and the two finally climbed to a high platform. Tanmaraka stopped in front of a pagoda, clasped his hands together and knelt down, then placed the lamp in his hand into the shrine.

He gestured to Yao Ying: "Put the light in."

Yao Ying followed his example, clasped her hands together, bowed a few times, and placed the lantern into the shrine, side by side with his own.

The atmosphere was solemn, she did not dare to speak loudly, turned around and asked quietly: "Is the master praying for me?"

Tanmarajiva nodded slightly, leaned forward, sat cross-legged on the cushion in front of the Buddha statue, closed his eyes and recited scriptures.

Yao Ying stepped back to his side, sat down like him, put her hands together, and looked up at the statue in the shrine.

In this small corner of the empty and silent pagoda shrine, there are two people, two lamps, and the night wind blowing in. It seems that they are the only two people left in the world.

Tanmarajiva was reciting the scriptures all the time. Yaoying didn't want to disturb him, so she sat for a while, her eyelids became heavy, and she fell asleep.

The candle burned, making a crisp sound. Yaoying was startled and came to her senses. She thought she was in the hall where she usually had morning classes. She straightened her back subconsciously and chanted Amitabha loudly to show that she was not distracted.

A gaze fell on her.

Yao Ying looked over and saw Tanmarajika turned his head to look at her with an indifferent expression. In the dim candlelight, the corners of his lips seemed to bend slightly.

Epiphyllum blooms at night, fleeting in beauty.

Yao Ying was stunned for a moment, her heartbeat suddenly quickened. When she came to her senses, Tanmarajiva had already turned her head away.

His smile just now seemed to be just her illusion.

After Tanmaraka finished reciting the sutra, he stood up and said, "Bami'er will send the princess back."

Yao Ying was still a little dazed. She stood up and walked out of the pagoda. She caught a glimpse of a bright light and stopped in her tracks.

The caves carved out on the opposite cliff are densely packed like a beehive. They don’t seem like much during the day, but now it’s late at night and everyone is asleep. From the foot of the mountain to the top, every cave has lit lamps for offering to Buddha, stacked up layer by layer, lighting up the entire cliff.

Looking from afar, there is a dazzling and holy golden light under the night sky, like a brilliant galaxy, dazzling and spectacular, with a kind of shocking power.

When Yaoying saw the beautiful scenery, she instinctively went to see Tanmaragupta.

"Master, look, the grotto is so beautiful from here."

She stood beside the stone steps, turned around and smiled at him, with a continuous strip of golden lights beneath her feet. The night wind blew up the colorful silk sash that bound her hair, and her clothes fluttered in the wind. Her figure was graceful, like a flying goddess, graceful and elegant.

Tanmaraka looked away and nodded.

Yes, it’s beautiful.

Bamir came over with a lantern and sent Yaoying back.

Tanmaraka stood in front of the platform, with his hands behind his back, watching her back blend into the dark night.

He had lived in the cave under the cliff for several years and had seen this magnificent scene of lights countless times.

When he was young, he knelt in front of the pagoda and accepted the questioning of his master, Paraliuchi.

"Luo Jia, once the identity of Sultan Gu is exposed, you will be spit on by thousands of people. Are you afraid?"

He said firmly: "Don't be afraid."

"Will you regret it?"

"I have no regrets."

Pololiuzhi looked at him for a long time with a solemn expression. He sighed and said, "Luojia, among all the monarchs in the royal court, you are the only one who has been carrying the name of a Buddhist and the responsibility of revitalizing the royal court since birth... You are destined to walk this road alone... If you can meet someone who understands you in the future, bring him here."

"As a teacher, I hope that he can always be by your side. When you are confused, having someone by your side will make you more resolute."

He agreed.

The tiny light from the lantern disappeared into the endless night.

Tanmarajiva looked in the direction where Li Yaoying left and recited scriptures silently.

She is not a monk and will not follow him like a believer or disciple. He brought her here today to recite sutras for her to fulfill his promise made in his youth and to tell Master that he met such a person on the path of cultivation.

Just a passerby.

When Bami returned, Tanmaraka was still standing in front of the long platform.

The night wind blew his wide monk's robes. He bathed in the cool moonlight, looking down at the towering Wang Temple at his feet and the holy city of Daxiaorifang sleeping in the distance.

"Pick up the fox from the zoo tomorrow."

It's time for him to shut down.

Bamir should be.

…

The next day, Yuanjue brought other pills and medicinal herbs to Yaoying.

"The doctor has read your pulse and added some tranquilizers. You won't feel as uncomfortable as you did yesterday next time you take it. Princess, keep it and remember to take it on time."

Yao Ying asked him to thank Tanmarajiva on her behalf and took the medicine.

She was writing a letter with her sleeves rolled up, revealing the light-colored beads on her wrist. Yuan Ji glanced at her and his eyes widened.

Yaoying quickly put down her sleeves. After returning in the early morning, she fell asleep and forgot to take off the beads.

"I often have nightmares, and the master was so kind that he gave me this string of Buddhist beads."

Yuan Jue was stunned for a moment, staring at her for a long time, and said, "This string of beads is not an ordinary bodhi, but a kind of bodhi seed called snow lotus. Each bead is very precious, and it is very rare to be able to collect so many beads. Princess must carry it with you, so that it can have a calming effect."

After saying this, he frowned. Isn't it inappropriate for the king to give his personal belongings to Princess Wen Zhao?

Yao Ying was distracted for a moment after hearing his serious words and put away the beads.

Since it is so valuable, everyone will surely be able to recognize it, so it is better not to let other people see it. She can only wear it at night when she sleeps.

Before leaving, Yuanjue told Yaoying: "The king will be in seclusion in two days. If the princess has anything to ask the king, remember to come to me and I will tell him. If you delay for a few days, you will miss the chance."

Yao Ying thanked him.

After a while, the guard came to report: "Princess Manda of Vimala sent a letter to invite you to the post house to talk."

Yaoying took the post and read it carefully.

Princess Manda said in the post that she was deeply moved when she saw her step into the fire altar with her own eyes on the day of the ceremony. She sincerely wanted to help her fulfill her wish of capturing Tanmaraka and even hinted that she could teach her some secret techniques.

Yao Ying raised her eyebrows, put down the post, and said, "I'm busy."

Princess Manda has not given up yet and said she would help her. He must be trying to use her to get close to Tanmaragha, but she will not be fooled.

…

When the news spread that Tanmarajavasa was about to go into retreat, believers flocked to the Wang Temple and asked him to attend the prayer ceremony again. They came from far away just to be able to admire his grace.

He agreed to attend several Dharma assemblies, and the believers were delighted, with crowds of people outside the Wang Temple every day.

Yao Ying didn't want to attract attention, so she changed into men's clothes every day and went to the martial arts arena to watch the competitions.

Of all the competitions, horse racing and archery are undoubtedly the most exciting and intense. Every time a competition starts, the sidelines are packed with spectators, and even diplomatic envoys from various countries that have not yet returned will come to watch the competition.

By the last day, all the other competitions had winners, except for the archery competition. Princes, nobles, ministers, and tribal chiefs all came to the sidelines. Tanmaraka also attended the meeting. After watching the last archery competition, he would present awards to the warriors.

After a burst of drumbeats like a sudden downpour, several warriors in light armor rode into the arena on horseback. The competition began, and the sound of galloping horses filled the arena, with dust rising high into the air.

From time to time, there were cries of surprise from the sidelines, and some people fell off their horses.

The competition lasted until the afternoon, and in the end there were only six people left on the field. Among the riders left on the field, Moppit was the youngest. He rode his horse left and right as fast as thunder, and the people on the sidelines cheered for him.

After several fierce competitions, Mobito won the game without missing a single shot, and the audience cheered loudly.

Holding a curved bow, he rode around the arena to the cheers of the crowd, and finally stopped in front of the stage, dismounted, and walked to the sidelines.

The people in the royal court guessed what he was going to do and laughed out loud, watching him to see who he would give the bow to.

On the stage, Bisha was standing guard behind Tanmaraka, watching the excitement with a smile. When he saw the direction in which Mobhido was heading, his expression suddenly changed.

Mobhido walked towards a man in a narrow-sleeved robe in the corner.

Bisa knew the person, although she was wearing a headscarf and men's clothes, so her appearance could not be seen clearly. But Yuanjue and his personal soldiers were standing beside her, so he recognized her at a glance.

Bisu raised his head and glanced secretly at Tanmaragha sitting on the treasure couch.

Tanmaraka's gaze fell on Mobito, his face expressionless.

…

Offstage.

Yaoying sat in a corner on the sidelines, watching the competition, discussing with her personal soldiers, and concentrating on studying the mounts and weapons of the warriors of each tribe. Suddenly, she found that the noisy training ground had become quiet, and everyone's eyes, inside and outside the field, were focused on her.

A black horse slowly rode up to her. On the horse was Mobito, who was wearing light armor and was tall and strong. Although he was covered in mud, he looked very heroic. He dismounted, walked to the edge of the field, and handed a black lacquered bow to her with both hands.

"Ujri Bumobito, I hope to share the honor of victory with you."

He straightened his back and shouted loudly, his young face showing a fearless frankness and his eyes were fiery, like a sword just out of the furnace, the blade was burning hot and sparks were constantly emitting.

It was extremely quiet inside and outside the venue.

Yao Ying was puzzled and looked at Yuan Jue behind her.

Yuan Jue was just as surprised as she was. He frowned as he looked at Mobido in the arena and explained in a low voice: "Prince Mobido won the game. According to the custom of the royal court, he can choose someone from the sidelines to share the victory with him."

Yao Ying asked, "Are there any other requirements?"

For example, it is a custom for engaged couples to wear the same mask to attend a banquet.

Yuan Jue shook his head. "It doesn't matter. The person who shares the victory can be a man or a woman. In the past, the winner usually chose his master or family. The king will reward him later, and the princess will also get a reward."

Yaoying felt relieved. Mobidu had no relatives or friends in the holy city, and Bisa had just lost the competition. He chose her probably because he only knew her.

She signaled her personal guards to take the bow, and secretly felt lucky that she was wearing men's clothes and a headscarf, so outsiders could not recognize her. Mobido also knew the seriousness of the matter and did not call out her name in public.

The personal soldier took the bow. Mo Biduo raised his head and smiled at Yao Ying, revealing a mouthful of snow-white teeth. He turned around and followed the personal soldier to the big tent.

…

In the big tent, Bisha looked down at the stage, watched Yaoying's personal soldiers take over Mobito's curved bow, and turned to look at Tanmaragha.

Tanmarajiva looked calm.

Mobito quickly strode into the tent and bowed respectfully to Tanmaraka.

Tanmarajiva glanced at him indifferently, waved his hand and asked the guards to bring the reward.

Bisa frowned slightly, and after Mobito received his reward and left the tent, he followed him.

"Why choose Princess Wen Zhao?"

Others don’t know who the person he has chosen is, but he and Tanmaraka know.

Mo Biduo turned around, curled his lips, and said, "Because I admire Princess Wen Zhao, I chose her."

He looked in the direction of the big tent.

"Princess Wen Zhao can admire the king openly, and I will not hide my admiration for Princess Wen Zhao. I will respect Princess Wen Zhao's wishes and choices and will not force her. If I go beyond the rules, I am willing to accept the punishment without complaint."

After saying this, he clasped his fists in the direction of the big tent, turned around and left.

Bi Suo watched his tall figure leave, then glanced at Li Yaoying in the audience, shook his head secretly, returned to the big tent, and looked at Tanmaragha nervously.

Tanmaraka's face was expressionless as he said, "I will be in seclusion from tomorrow on."

Bisa paused for a moment, and responded with respect.

Going to the battlefield.