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Thousand Miles of Bright Moonlight
Yaoying transmigrated into a novel.
In the chaotic and troubled times, many nations were at war. Her father happened to be the most powerful of those vying for supremacy, her brother turning out to be the male lead that finally dominated the Central Plains.
As the male lead’s younger sister, Yaoying was ready to accept this benefit that came without her having to lift a finger.
But it turned out that the male lead hated her to the bone, going as far as to have her marry the sixty-year-old grassland tribal chief in place of the female lead.
Yaoying was forced to marry. Wolves in front, tigers in the back, and wolves surrounding her, all coveting the lovely-as-a-flower Chinese princess.
At the moment of crisis, passing through with his troops was the novel’s young and legendary lord who was destined to die young.
Shivering, Yaoying pointed at the sickly lord in order to escape from their clutches: This princess fell in love with you at first sight. If you won’t marry, I’ll seek you out with a dowry!
The lord’s subordinates turned pale with alarm: Princess mustn’t speak so casually! Our king is a monk, a noble-blooded Buddha’s son!
Yaoying, with a face full of grievances: This princess doesn’t disdain that you’re a monk. In life, I am your person; in death, I am your ghost!
Monk: ….
From then on, the tale of the Buddha’s son and the Chinese princess began to circulate through the grasslands.
Monk whose reputation couldn’t be cleared even if he plunged into the Yellow River: ….
In the chaotic and troubled times, many nations were at war. Her father happened to be the most powerful of those vying for supremacy, her brother turning out to be the male lead that finally dominated the Central Plains.
As the male lead’s younger sister, Yaoying was ready to accept this benefit that came without her having to lift a finger.
But it turned out that the male lead hated her to the bone, going as far as to have her marry the sixty-year-old grassland tribal chief in place of the female lead.
Yaoying was forced to marry. Wolves in front, tigers in the back, and wolves surrounding her, all coveting the lovely-as-a-flower Chinese princess.
At the moment of crisis, passing through with his troops was the novel’s young and legendary lord who was destined to die young.
Shivering, Yaoying pointed at the sickly lord in order to escape from their clutches: This princess fell in love with you at first sight. If you won’t marry, I’ll seek you out with a dowry!
The lord’s subordinates turned pale with alarm: Princess mustn’t speak so casually! Our king is a monk, a noble-blooded Buddha’s son!
Yaoying, with a face full of grievances: This princess doesn’t disdain that you’re a monk. In life, I am your person; in death, I am your ghost!
Monk: ….
From then on, the tale of the Buddha’s son and the Chinese princess began to circulate through the grasslands.
Monk whose reputation couldn’t be cleared even if he plunged into the Yellow River: ….
Unknown Binding
First published January 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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July 3, 2024
April 25, 2022
A riveting love story of epic proportions spanning thousands of miles, from the bustling city of Chang'an in the Central Plains, across the sprawling grasslands and arid deserts, to the Royal Court of the Western Regions. Thousand Miles of Bright Moonlight is about the quest of two characters - Li Yaoying and Tumoroga - to safeguard their loved ones in a world of endless strife, changing dynasties and power-hungry warlords.
Yaoying and Tumoroga are both fascinating characters, each with their own talents. They are adept at navigating fearsome court politics, including assassination attempts, as well as the outbreak of war. But their sharpness and cunning did not come easy but rather, have been shaped by the traumas of their respective childhoods. Their love unfolds against the turbulent political situations of the Central Plains and Western Regions. And this love is one that is potentially SACRILEGIOUS (oh the tension!).
In many ways, our unfavoured Wei princess Yaoying resembles a Mary Sue: she's apparently the most beautiful person one has ever laid their eyes on; ALL the men revolve around her like planets around the sun; other women see her as a threat; she gets hurt all the time and has to be cared for, so on and forth. But in light of her circumstances, it isn't hard to understand why she MUST be "perfect"; anything less and she, her brother's and mother's heads will be on the chopping block. When you live life counting your days, you have to become someone beyond reproach.
The result of this careful tightrope walk? An unwanted marriage with the 60-year-old leader of a nomadic tribe. Thus begins her arduous journey into the vast world, where she gets kidnapped, imprisoned and meets with many crises. I slowly fell in love with her sheer tenacity, open-mindedness, intelligence, and warm heart. She is suave and stony when required, and soft for the people who deserve it. She bears her grudges well; and does not forgive past sins and mistakes made by others unto her and her loved ones. I enjoy that aspect of her.
Next: Tumoroga, oh, Tumoroga. A Buddhist monk-philosopher king who has sworn off all worldly attachments is certainly not a typical ML in a Chinese romance web novel. But it's precisely this tension that makes their budding relationship so damn intriguing. And it's also why I picked this up in the first place, wondering: how is the author going to write a persuasive forbidden love story? And BOY has she done it well! I love Tumoroga. He is a wonderful and compassionate king, a general, a religious icon, and a symbol of hope.
Throughout the novel, we see Tumoroga navigate and struggle with these multiple identities. He's definitely not perfect, but what he thinks are his flaws only make him even more human and likeable. He straddles the fine line between having to be above worldly affairs but also the need to protect his kingdom against aggressive nomadic tribes and internal politics. What is faith? What is salvation? What makes a just king? Even as the ever-wise "Buddha's son", Tumoroga finds no easy answer as he reckons with these questions.
Despite their seeming differences in culture and personalities, both leads share so many similarities; they've spent their entire lives living for and protecting others. They have similar beliefs and philosophies, and they RESPECT each other's boundaries and situations. Against all odds, they've crossed thousands of miles, finding home in each other's arms. Truly a love to remember.
To write a good love story, one has to write a good story first. And I think this novel is a good example of this. Its plot progression was really elevated by in-depth portrayals of the political strife and warfare; the different courts and their dynamics; and vivid character writing, so much so that I was happy to read it even if there wasn't a romance plotline. Admittedly, some political elements got a little draggy e.g. I couldn't care less about the other brother (yikes). But of course when the romance appeared, it came naturally, gently, uncontrollably. And I was all the more happy for it. Hehe.
4.5/5
Yaoying and Tumoroga are both fascinating characters, each with their own talents. They are adept at navigating fearsome court politics, including assassination attempts, as well as the outbreak of war. But their sharpness and cunning did not come easy but rather, have been shaped by the traumas of their respective childhoods. Their love unfolds against the turbulent political situations of the Central Plains and Western Regions. And this love is one that is potentially SACRILEGIOUS (oh the tension!).
In many ways, our unfavoured Wei princess Yaoying resembles a Mary Sue: she's apparently the most beautiful person one has ever laid their eyes on; ALL the men revolve around her like planets around the sun; other women see her as a threat; she gets hurt all the time and has to be cared for, so on and forth. But in light of her circumstances, it isn't hard to understand why she MUST be "perfect"; anything less and she, her brother's and mother's heads will be on the chopping block. When you live life counting your days, you have to become someone beyond reproach.
The result of this careful tightrope walk? An unwanted marriage with the 60-year-old leader of a nomadic tribe. Thus begins her arduous journey into the vast world, where she gets kidnapped, imprisoned and meets with many crises. I slowly fell in love with her sheer tenacity, open-mindedness, intelligence, and warm heart. She is suave and stony when required, and soft for the people who deserve it. She bears her grudges well; and does not forgive past sins and mistakes made by others unto her and her loved ones. I enjoy that aspect of her.
Next: Tumoroga, oh, Tumoroga. A Buddhist monk-philosopher king who has sworn off all worldly attachments is certainly not a typical ML in a Chinese romance web novel. But it's precisely this tension that makes their budding relationship so damn intriguing. And it's also why I picked this up in the first place, wondering: how is the author going to write a persuasive forbidden love story? And BOY has she done it well! I love Tumoroga. He is a wonderful and compassionate king, a general, a religious icon, and a symbol of hope.
Throughout the novel, we see Tumoroga navigate and struggle with these multiple identities. He's definitely not perfect, but what he thinks are his flaws only make him even more human and likeable. He straddles the fine line between having to be above worldly affairs but also the need to protect his kingdom against aggressive nomadic tribes and internal politics. What is faith? What is salvation? What makes a just king? Even as the ever-wise "Buddha's son", Tumoroga finds no easy answer as he reckons with these questions.
Despite their seeming differences in culture and personalities, both leads share so many similarities; they've spent their entire lives living for and protecting others. They have similar beliefs and philosophies, and they RESPECT each other's boundaries and situations. Against all odds, they've crossed thousands of miles, finding home in each other's arms. Truly a love to remember.
To write a good love story, one has to write a good story first. And I think this novel is a good example of this. Its plot progression was really elevated by in-depth portrayals of the political strife and warfare; the different courts and their dynamics; and vivid character writing, so much so that I was happy to read it even if there wasn't a romance plotline. Admittedly, some political elements got a little draggy e.g. I couldn't care less about the other brother (yikes). But of course when the romance appeared, it came naturally, gently, uncontrollably. And I was all the more happy for it. Hehe.
4.5/5
September 8, 2024
Read until ch. 150
Stayed up until 3 am just to read this and I can say that I am conflicted.
The thought going into this novel was that this would have an ample amount of romance and I think a part of me was disappointed that it didn’t (or not yet as of the latest translated chapter).
Although the other part of me was surprised of how good/great the FL was. I think if I went into this thinking that this would solely focus on Yaoying’s journey and that the romance was secondary, I would be over the moon. I think she is one of the better CN FLs written. I sympathized with her all the way and she didn’t have it easy.
With only 40 (+11) chapters remaining, I am afraid that the author might rush the romance (sorry I am a romance junkie so this is still important to me). Felt like some chapters we could’ve done without and also at this point, I think I’ve known a lot more about Buddhism than I would normally tolerate. Lol
Stayed up until 3 am just to read this and I can say that I am conflicted.
The thought going into this novel was that this would have an ample amount of romance and I think a part of me was disappointed that it didn’t (or not yet as of the latest translated chapter).
Although the other part of me was surprised of how good/great the FL was. I think if I went into this thinking that this would solely focus on Yaoying’s journey and that the romance was secondary, I would be over the moon. I think she is one of the better CN FLs written. I sympathized with her all the way and she didn’t have it easy.
With only 40 (+11) chapters remaining, I am afraid that the author might rush the romance (sorry I am a romance junkie so this is still important to me). Felt like some chapters we could’ve done without and also at this point, I think I’ve known a lot more about Buddhism than I would normally tolerate. Lol
November 1, 2021
This was such a well written story.The intricate plot, the world building was properly fleshed out and the male lead characters were so smart and well matched, even though the female lead was so beautiful I couldn't imagine her being with another one else apart from the male lead, their beautiful love was so beautiful.I loved the love between the female lead and her brother, they were completely there for each other.I love how everybody had there own motivation that being the way they were and there was no one dimensional characters.The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because the romance was one of the slowest burn ever and you really had to patiently wait to close to the end to see them happy,But every other part was well explained and leaving you to figure things out yourself.
October 13, 2023
the moonlight indeed travelled thousand miles away from her hometown, and returned with her thousand of names.
many parts are heart breaking, goosebumps giving, and heart melting.
the romance is slow burn and boring in the middle part as this is not the only main point of the story. the politics is oh so intricate.
maybe i'll read it again once completely translated as i skipped other parts that i couldn't understand with mtl.
4.5 stars
many parts are heart breaking, goosebumps giving, and heart melting.
the romance is slow burn and boring in the middle part as this is not the only main point of the story. the politics is oh so intricate.
maybe i'll read it again once completely translated as i skipped other parts that i couldn't understand with mtl.
4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
Overall, this is an unexpected sweet story about two completely different people who are both traumatized in their own way, but I liked it. It was a bit long, so take a breather if needed. Some chapters can make you question, "Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing here?" (haha), but I'm glad I finished it.
October 26, 2021
I never thought I'd spend two days binging a 200 chapter slow-burn romance about a princess and a monk, but here we are.
That said, the story is so much more than that! Really it's about unconditional love in all its forms, the will to survive, and the blood being thicker than water.
That said, the story is so much more than that! Really it's about unconditional love in all its forms, the will to survive, and the blood being thicker than water.
March 25, 2022
王甜甜久违地推荐的书。想说，不愧是她。
上兵伐谋，其次伐交，其次伐兵，其下攻城；攻城之法为不得已。
俄乌战争着实是政治家的无能。然而兴，百姓苦；亡，百姓苦。太虚伪了。太圣母了。
在家蹲的第四个星期。东航客机失事。今天狂风骤雨。
其实也没那么抑郁。
都会好的。不是撸到了邻居家的狗狗，还吃了一盒草莓嘛。
上兵伐谋，其次伐交，其次伐兵，其下攻城；攻城之法为不得已。
俄乌战争着实是政治家的无能。然而兴，百姓苦；亡，百姓苦。太虚伪了。太圣母了。
在家蹲的第四个星期。东航客机失事。今天狂风骤雨。
其实也没那么抑郁。
都会好的。不是撸到了邻居家的狗狗，还吃了一盒草莓嘛。
April 18, 2022
got me in tears but happy at the same time
January 1, 2024
Pretty good read.
June 3, 2025
i’ve finally finished this after like 2 whole years wow
April 22, 2021
It's quite lengthy, but nowhere near as long as the usual webnovels. Somewhere between The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage and Chu Wang Fei - Princess Consort Chu,...I think.
In fact, I liked it as much as The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage, and that's a compliment in and of itself.
Loved all the characters here. They're all so well-developed. The world-building is done quite well, and the politics is so intricate... the delicate balance between court politics, war and ascetism that the ML has to experience on a daily basis, was so well written. There are no stereotypical villains and cannon fodders, there are clear reasons and goals behind the actions of every character.
The relationship between Youying and her brother was simply too sweet and heartbreaking. Especially the flashbacks of him behaving as both father, mother and brother...the absolute love and trust between them were the highlights of the plot.
As for the main leads,... they were absolutely amazing,... each in their own rights. Tamara Gha has to be the most pitiful male lead out there without contest.
In fact, I liked it as much as The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage, and that's a compliment in and of itself.
Loved all the characters here. They're all so well-developed. The world-building is done quite well, and the politics is so intricate... the delicate balance between court politics, war and ascetism that the ML has to experience on a daily basis, was so well written. There are no stereotypical villains and cannon fodders, there are clear reasons and goals behind the actions of every character.
The relationship between Youying and her brother was simply too sweet and heartbreaking. Especially the flashbacks of him behaving as both father, mother and brother...the absolute love and trust between them were the highlights of the plot.
As for the main leads,... they were absolutely amazing,... each in their own rights. Tamara Gha has to be the most pitiful male lead out there without contest.
April 6, 2022
I totally underestimated this book..
What is so special with a romance between a princess and a monk?
Apparently EVERYTHING!
It’s a slow burn but totally worth it
One of the best cnovels out there, very well written. I just want to applaud the author here
What is so special with a romance between a princess and a monk?
Apparently EVERYTHING!
It’s a slow burn but totally worth it
One of the best cnovels out there, very well written. I just want to applaud the author here
September 1, 2023
Dnf chapter 60/200 couldn’t be bothered to wait for translation. It’s not an exceptional novel besides the MC and her bro’s relationship it’s so good ugh!
But the ML and FL are lowkey boring when left to their own devices since being perfect is their main personality trait.
But the ML and FL are lowkey boring when left to their own devices since being perfect is their main personality trait.
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