Upon hearing this, Xuanzang was completely stunned. “The Third Prince is so obsessed that he disregards the fate of the nation?”
“Indeed! It’s worse than that!” Qu Wentai was infuriated by Qu Zhisheng’s actions. “This wretch… I sent Ren Shu to persuade him, and he used David’s Vase to threaten Ren Shu! De Yong was furious and led the palace guards to seize him, but he refused to back down. Faced with the David’s Vase, no one dared to approach. As a result… the Yanchi coalition is sharpening their swords, while he lounges in the palace without a care.”
Xuanzang frowned. “Your Majesty, did you go to persuade him?”
“I did,” Qu Wentai said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “I went with the queen to persuade him, but he ignored us and declared that he was determined to have Shuangyue Zhi, even if it meant the collapse of heaven and earth, the destruction of the nation and family. Anyone who dared to enter would have their entire family annihilated by the devil in the vase! This wretch…” Qu Wentai’s face flushed with anger as he pounded his thigh. “He said this right in front of me! He was threatening me!”
“Right now, the palace is filled with anxiety. I can’t sleep at night, consumed with worry.” Qu Wentai rubbed his tired eyes and clasped his hands together toward Xuanzang. “I heard that the master is in Yiwu, so I had no choice but to trouble you to travel day and night to the royal city, hoping you can guide me.”
Now Xuanzang understood why he was not allowed to stay in Baili City and was urged to rush to the royal city. Qu Wentai had been waiting all night to share his troubles. He pondered for a moment. “What does Your Majesty need me to do?”
“Anything the master can do will suffice, as long as it helps me resolve this disaster. I and the eight generations of my ancestors will surely be grateful for your compassion.” Qu Wentai bowed again. “You are a renowned monk from the Tang Dynasty, famous in Chang’an, and even the emperor treats you with great respect. All the countries in the Western Regions are Buddhist nations, and you can surely use your Buddhist teachings to persuade Yanchi, Kuizhi, and others to resolve this matter smoothly. Moreover, that wretch is familiar with you and holds you in high regard. With your profound Buddhist wisdom, you can surely suppress the devil and restore peace to Gaochang…”
Qu Wentai’s tears flowed, his voice choked with emotion, unable to continue. Xuanzang realized that he was not only a respected monk in the Western Regions but also had a good relationship with Li Shimin, which could exert invisible political pressure. Yanchi was also planning to ally with the Tang Dynasty, so having him intervene was indeed the best choice for Qu Wentai. As for suppressing the devil… it seemed that in the eyes of the faithful, all monks possessed supreme powers. Xuanzang did not wish to argue this point further.
He fell silent, as he clearly distinguished between religion and royal power. He was merely a monk seeking the Dharma, unwilling to get involved in royal disputes. However, this situation was somewhat special; he could not just stand by and watch as war broke out and the common people suffered. After hesitating for a while, Xuanzang finally nodded. “Very well, I will do my best.”
Qu Wentai was overjoyed, bowing down to the ground, tears of gratitude streaming down his face. Xuanzang hurriedly helped him up, feeling a heavy weight in his heart, uncertain whether he had made the right decision.
By this time, the sky had brightened. Xuanzang and Asu had traveled all day and spent the night talking with Qu Wentai, and they were already exhausted. Qu Wentai repeatedly apologized, urging Xuanzang to rest well before taking his leave. Xuanzang escorted him to the door, and as Qu Wentai turned to leave with his attendants, he noticed Qu Ren Shu leaning against the door frame, dozing off.
Seeing Qu Wentai come out, Qu Ren Shu immediately woke up and bowed deeply. “Father, I pay my respects to you.”
“Hmm?” Qu Wentai was taken aback. “What are you doing here?”
A palace servant nearby whispered, “Your Majesty, you and Master Xuanzang were having a long conversation, and the Young Master was worried about your health, so he stayed here all night.”
Qu Wentai grunted in acknowledgment and said lightly, “Get up. Just do your things; there’s no need to worry about me.” After saying this, he did not even look at Qu Ren Shu and left for his quarters.
Qu Ren Shu respectfully got up and said, “I bid farewell to Father.” He then turned to Xuanzang, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply before retreating.
Asu glanced at him coldly. “It seems this Young Master is not in his father’s good graces!”
Xuanzang patted his head. “You were tired last night; you should hurry and get some sleep!”
The two rested until noon. Qu Wentai and the queen personally accompanied them for a meal. Even the royal cuisine was quite simple. Since Xuanzang did not eat meat, they mainly had fruits and grapes, supplemented with flatbreads. The drinks included two types: one was tea made with salt and ginger in a white porcelain teapot, and the other was fresh grape juice in a silver pot.
After the meal, Qu Wentai summoned the palace steward, Zhu Gui, and ordered him to accompany Xuanzang to meet Qu Zhisheng.
Zhu Gui, nearing fifty, was a Caucasian with pale yellow eyes, a white face without a beard, and sagging skin that gave him a sorrowful appearance. Perhaps accustomed to servitude, he always wore a submissive expression, but occasionally, a flash of sharp intelligence would gleam in his eyes.
Zhu Gui lowered his head and obediently led Xuanzang and Asu through the palace. The Gaochang Palace was certainly not comparable to the Tang imperial palace, but it was much larger than the palace in Yiwu. There were hundreds of rooms, all built with thick rammed earth walls, resembling ordinary houses. However, unlike common dwellings, the doors and windows were inlaid with jade, and intricately carved. Moreover, unlike the palaces in the Central Plains, every building here had two or three stories, giving it an exceptionally grand appearance.
Upon reaching the northwest corner of the palace, they came to a courtyard composed of three palaces, separated from other areas by a wall over a yard high. However, the arched main gate in the center of the wall was blocked by thick earthen bricks.
Zhu Gui bowed and said, “Master, this is the Third Prince’s residence. As you can see, the courtyard is sealed off.” His voice was high-pitched, and Xuanzang, coming from the Central Plains, could tell without a doubt that he was a eunuch.
Xuanzang was surprised. “The Third Prince has sealed the courtyard; how does he manage his daily meals?”
Zhu Gui smiled bitterly. “Although he disrespects Your Majesty, he cannot go without food. Do you see that ladder in the corner? His meals and water are sent over the wall three times a day.”
Xuanzang shook his head in disbelief. Zhu Gui climbed the ladder to the top of the wall and shouted, “Third Prince, Master Xuanzang has come to visit!”
After a moment, a figure appeared on the second-floor balcony of the palace, and it was Qu Zhisheng. He looked out and, upon seeing Xuanzang standing outside the courtyard, was instantly delighted. He eagerly clasped his hands together and bowed. “Ah, Master, you have come from Yiwu to Gaochang? Oh, why didn’t you say so earlier? I should have gone out to greet you!”
This Qu Zhisheng was no longer the disheveled, lovesick figure from outside Yiwu. He was now radiant, with a joyful expression that seemed to sparkle in his eyes. Xuanzang smiled. “You are too kind. Third Prince, it seems you are not only well but in even better spirits.”
“Indeed!” Qu Zhisheng beamed, peeking behind Xuanzang to see if anyone was following. Seeing no one, he withdrew his head and cupped his hands to his mouth, whispering, “Shuangyue Zhi has agreed to marry me!” He was overjoyed, as if a child had finally received a long-desired toy. “She has been in the palace with me these days. I… I truly feel like I’m dreaming! Thank you, Buddha! Thank you, Bodhisattva! Thank you, Master! Thank you, the omnipotent heavens!”
“Congratulations, Third Prince,” Xuanzang said with a smile.
“Wait a moment! I will have Shuangyue Zhi come out to greet you…” He suddenly slapped his forehead in frustration. “I forgot, the courtyard gate is sealed… Please wait a moment; I will have someone take it down. Zhu Gui, go find some people and hurry to remove it! Hurry!”
Zhu Gui was stunned, not expecting that upon Xuanzang’s arrival, the normally unyielding Third Prince would order the removal of the earthen bricks sealing the courtyard. It took him a moment to come to his senses, and he hurried off to find people.
“Amitabha,” Xuanzang asked, “Third Prince, are you not afraid that someone might take advantage of the opening to come in?”
“Afraid? Why should I be?” Qu Zhisheng’s eyes widened. “I have the David’s Vase in my possession; I fear no one! The reason for sealing the courtyard is simply to avoid noise and disturb Shuangyue Zhi’s peace.”
At that moment, Zhu Gui returned with a dozen palace guards, and they hurriedly began removing the heavy earthen bricks. Just as Xuanzang was about to enter, Qu Zhisheng had already reached the courtyard, shouting at the guards, “Don’t leave! Clean up the dust on the ground! The Master is particular about cleanliness; how can he walk through this dirty place?”
Zhu Gui had no choice but to lead the guards in cleaning up, sweeping away the dust, and sprinkling water on the ground. Only after Qu Zhisheng was satisfied did he personally go to the entrance to welcome Xuanzang, inviting him and Asu into the palace. Zhu Gui hesitated at the door, not daring to enter. Qu Zhisheng sighed, “Come in, Zhu Gui! You have watched me grow up. If everyone is against me, why would I reject you?”
“Third Prince, I…” Zhu Gui was moved to tears, his eyes reddening as he silently wiped them away.
“Come on,” Qu Zhisheng said, equally emotional, pulling Zhu Gui inside. “You are the only one who treats me well; even my father and two brothers cannot compare.”
Xuanzang and Asu followed Qu Zhisheng into the palace, kneeling on the thick Persian carpet. The palace maids immediately presented various fruits. Qu Zhisheng ran to the inner hall to fetch Princess Long Shuangyue. After a moment, footsteps echoed in the corridor of the inner hall, and Qu Zhisheng’s voice could be heard softly saying, “This Xuanzang Master is the most charming monk I have ever met; you will surely be delighted to meet him.”
The princess’s voice sounded somewhat melancholic. “I am now residing in your palace, which is a betrayal of Yanchi. How can I face the Master?”
“Alas,” Qu Zhisheng sighed deeply, “do not worry. I will find a way to have your father acknowledge our marriage. Master Xuanzang’s profound Buddhist teachings can surely bless us, and we will receive the protection of the Buddha…”
“Is that so…” the princess murmured, lost in thought.
The two fell silent and entered together. Xuanzang had seen this princess in Yiwu; at that time, she was proud and noble, exuding an air of superiority. But now, although she remained as beautiful and dignified as before, there was a hint of melancholy and timidity in her expression, making her appear pitiful and gentle. If it weren’t for her striking resemblance, one might think they were two different people.
“Shuangyue Zhi pays her respects to the Master,” Princess Long Shuangyue said, bowing deeply.
Xuanzang quickly rose to return the greeting. “Amitabha, it has been a long time since we last met. The princess is as radiant as ever.”
Princess Long Shuangyue smiled faintly and knelt beside Qu Zhisheng, her azure eyes fixed on Xuanzang. “Master, have you come today as a messenger for the Gaochang King, urging me to return?”
Qu Zhisheng was taken aback, looking at Xuanzang with suspicion. Xuanzang smiled. “Amitabha, if one endures a hundred calamities, the deeds one has done will not perish. When causes and conditions are met, the results will naturally follow. Love and separation, resentment and hatred, are merely the results of karma. Since there is this result, there must be a cause. How could I, as a monk, not inquire about the cause and forcefully separate the two of you?”
“Yes, yes,” Qu Zhisheng finally relaxed. “Shuangyue Zhi and I are destined to be together in this life.”
However, Princess Long Shuangyue did not share his optimism. “Master, Zhisheng and I truly love each other, but the grievances between our two nations are difficult to resolve, and I am deeply troubled every day. I ask the Master for guidance.”
“Yes, yes, I seek the Master’s guidance,” Qu Zhisheng echoed, completely becoming a parrot in front of the princess.
Xuanzang smiled. “Since the Third Prince possesses the David’s Vase, why not make a wish to the devil? Who would dare oppose you? You could eliminate all opposition!”
Qu Zhisheng was dumbfounded. “How could that be? I only want to be with Shuangyue Zhi; how could I kill indiscriminately just because others oppose us? That would be utterly unacceptable!”
Xuanzang continued, “I have heard that the devil in that vase is named Akamana, who excels at manipulating hearts. Why not command the devil to ensure that no one opposes your marriage? Isn’t that what it specializes in?”
“Is that so…” Qu Zhisheng seemed tempted, glancing at the princess.
But the princess replied earnestly, “Master, those who oppose us are precisely our dearest relatives. Although David’s Vase is extraordinary, it is ultimately an evil object. As children, how can we allow a devil to control our parents and siblings?”
“Yes, yes…” Qu Zhisheng suddenly understood, looking at the princess with admiration. “You see things so clearly.”
“Then the princess need not worry,” Xuanzang said lightly. “Because after you fell in love with the Third Prince and stayed in the royal palace, it is the most beneficial thing for Yanchi and your father.”
Zhu Gui’s eyes revealed admiration; this master had cleverly cornered Shuangyue Zhi, and now the blade was drawn. This monk was truly remarkable.
Princess Long Shuangyue frowned slightly. “What does the Master mean by that?”
“Nothing more than this: you are well aware of the relationship between Yanchi and Gaochang. The two nations often clash over the Silk Road trade, with Yanchi scheming to reroute it while Gaochang employs all means to sabotage it. Your staying in the Gaochang palace provides Yanchi with an excellent excuse. The Yanchi King can use the pretext of the Gaochang Prince forcibly taking the princess to gain support from other nations and justifiably provoke war, using force to reclaim the Silk Road. As long as they regain the Silk Road, Yanchi will prosper for a hundred years, and your staying in Gaochang would be a great filial act toward your father! Why must you insist on your father’s approval for your marriage?”
Xuanzang spoke calmly as if discussing the weather, but each word struck at the heart, even subtly accusing Princess Long Shuangyue of deliberately leading Qu Zhisheng into a trap, providing the Yanchi King with a pretext to wage war!
Qu Zhisheng was dumbfounded, glancing between Xuanzang and Princess Long Shuangyue, unsure of what to do.
Princess Long Shuangyue stared at Xuanzang, her azure eyes brimming with tears as she choked out, “Is this how the Master views Shuangyue Zhi? I admit that during my time in Yanchi, I considered the nation’s affairs deeply, but that was merely as a daughter, seeing my father toil over state matters, often irritable and anxious, wanting to share his burdens. If it weren’t for my love for Zhisheng, would I tarnish my reputation for the sake of Yanchi?”
Zhu Gui interjected, “Master may not know, but the Yanchi King has always wanted to marry the princess to the Xituqie’s Ashina Nishu. Nishu is a descendant of the Datuo Khan, serving as a high-ranking official in the Xituqie, enjoying a prestigious reputation and the support of the ten clans. The marriage has been delayed only because the princess wishes to assist the Yanchi King in restoring the nation’s power.”
Xuanzang nodded but remained silent. Perhaps this political marriage between nations was indeed the best fate for this Western Region phoenix!
Princess Long Shuangyue smiled sadly. “The Master only criticizes Shuangyue Zhi, but have you considered that if I marry Nishu, with his infatuation for me, it would be easy for Yanchi to thrive among the Western nations? But by abandoning Nishu and loving Zhisheng, Yanchi will surely incur the hatred of the Xituqie. Even if their army breaks through the Gaochang royal city, what then? You must know that the Gaochang King’s eldest daughter is married to the son of the Tongyehu Khan. Would the Tongyehu Khan stand by and watch Gaochang be destroyed by Yanchi? Why should I ruin my reputation for such a flawed plan?”
Xuanzang fell into deep thought. Zhu Gui and Princess Longshuang’s claims should not be dismissed. The countries of the Western Regions were well aware of the pros and cons of political marriages; no one could deceive anyone else. For both Yanchi and Princess Longshuang herself, a marriage with Nishu was the best choice. However, Princess Longshuang had fallen in love with Qu Zhisheng, which did not align with Yanchi’s interests. So where did the problem lie? Was it truly the devil’s temptation?
“Master, you are overthinking this,” Qu Zhisheng said, seeing the princess’s sadness. He anxiously scratched his head, and if not for the presence of others, he would have embraced her to comfort her. “Shuangyue Zhi is certainly not that kind of person. You may not understand, but I have been with her day and night. How could I not know how deeply she loves me?”
Xuanzang looked at him with compassion and said softly, “Third Prince, Buddhism speaks of cause and effect. Beyond the initial cause and the effect, there is also a connection, which is the cause-and-effect relationship. I only believe in Buddha, not in demons. The David King’s bottle is shrouded in mystery and difficult to measure. Since you wish for me to help you and Princess Longshuang, I must first understand the reasons behind this.”
“Everything is up to you, Master!” Qu Zhisheng expressed deep respect for Xuanzang. “Master, the first time I saw you, I admired you. You possess a certain Buddha nature; whenever I am near you, I feel completely relaxed, as if bathed in the light of the Buddha. But Master, you must not hurt Shuangyue Zhi’s heart. Otherwise, I do not wish to know about causes or connections; just the result is enough!”
Xuanzang smiled and nodded, asking, “May I see the David King’s bottle?”
“Uh…” Qu Zhisheng hesitated slightly but then agreed, “Alright!”
Under Qu Zhisheng’s guidance, everyone rose and followed the long corridor into the inner palace. In the center of the inner palace stood a Buddhist hall. It was unclear what Qu Zhisheng was thinking, but he had placed the bottle containing the demon in the Buddhist hall. He did not care whether Buddhist law and magic conflicted, nor did he consider whether the demon Akamana inside the bottle would feel stifled.
“Master, please look; this is the David King’s bottle.” Qu Zhisheng lifted the yellow curtain, revealing a tall brass giant bottle. The David King’s bottle stood about two feet tall, with a wide belly and a slender neck. The bottle was divided into two layers: the outer layer was intricately carved with exquisite patterns, while the inner layer was polished to a mirror finish. Under the sunlight, it seemed as if the patterns on the outer layer were slowly flowing. The bottle’s mouth was sealed with tin, bearing the famous six-pointed star seal of King Solomon.
This was the national treasure of the Sasanian Persian Empire, a divine object that could fulfill any wish! All humans have desires, and David King’s bottle struck at the most vulnerable secrets of the human heart, magnifying their desires to the extreme. For a moment, everyone felt as if their breath had stopped. The David King’s bottle quietly displayed itself before them, exuding a seductive allure. The patterns on the bottle seemed to reveal a beguiling smile, speaking to them.
Do you wish to obtain all the wealth in heaven and earth? Release me, and I can fulfill you!
Do you desire the supreme power on this earth? Make a pact with me, and I can fulfill you!
Do you want the most beautiful woman in the world? Make a vow, and I can fulfill you!
What else do you desire?
In heaven and earth, I am omnipotent; for all eternity, I am immortal!
Even with Xuanzang’s Zen mind as solid as a rock, he could not help but feel his Buddhist heart waver at the sight of this enchanting bottle. Looking at Zhu Gui, his eyes were glazed, as if he might faint. Even the child Ashu was completely entranced, his eyes revealing a deep longing and fear.
“Amitabha,” Xuanzang asked, “Third Prince, are you not afraid that someone will steal the David King’s bottle, left here in the Buddhist hall?”
“I am not afraid,” Qu Zhisheng replied. “The demon inside the bottle has already made a pact with me. If someone steals it, it would be useless. No matter how far away, with a thought, the demon will come out.”
“How did you awaken the demon?” Xuanzang inquired.
Qu Zhisheng did not hide anything, saying, “Master, you see, the center of this six-pointed star seal is a hexagon, slightly recessed, with no gaps. But when I dripped my blood inside the hexagon, it miraculously absorbed it in an instant. Then the intricate patterns on the outer layer filled with blood, forming a strange design, as if countless ghostly eyes had opened. After that, the demon awakened.”
Xuanzang nodded, “You did not conceal from the princess that it was through a pact with the demon that she was made to love you?”
Qu Zhisheng shook his head, looking content as he gazed at Princess Longshuang. “No. How could I deceive Shuangyue Zhi?”
“Princess, do you not feel that your heart has been controlled by the demon?” Xuanzang asked Princess Longshuang.
The princess also shook her head, a look of confusion on her face. “No, the feeling of loving Zhisheng is wonderful. I only wish to be with him day and night.”
The two exchanged smiles, their fingers tightly intertwined, their eyes filled with unspoken affection. Yet Xuanzang felt an increasingly inexplicable strangeness, his scalp tightening. He stared at the David King’s bottle before him, the echo of Yezidin’s dying cry ringing in his ears: “There is a demon in the bottle—”
“Master, have you made any progress?” Upon Xuanzang’s return, Qu Wentai rushed in, eagerly asking.
Xuanzang pondered for a moment and shook his head. “Your Majesty, I may have underestimated this matter last night. The reasons behind it are likely very complex and will require some time and opportunity.”
“Oh.” Qu Wentai felt slightly disappointed, but he understood that matters could not be resolved so quickly. He forced a smile and said, “Master, please do not blame me for urging you. It’s just that… this morning, Yanchi’s three countries sent a final ultimatum, demanding the release of the princess within three days, or they would march north.”
Xuanzang felt a heavy weight in his heart and asked, “Your Majesty, have you sought help from the Turkic court? I remember you and Tongyehu Khan are in-laws, right?”
“Yes!” Qu Wentai shook his head repeatedly. “Now Yanchi has the moral high ground and is receiving widespread sympathy. Tongyehu Khan cannot show too much favoritism… Master, look,” he took out a scroll of parchment from his bosom, “this is the royal edict sent by the Turkic court’s envoy, Tuitun, who just arrived in the city. It requires me to properly handle the dispute with Yanchi and release the princess. This indicates that the royal court has already made its stance. If the three-country coalition attacks, the Turkic court will only mediate but will not send troops to intervene.”
Xuanzang understood that political marriages like that of Qu Wentai and Tongyehu Khan prioritized national interests. Tongyehu would never allow the Western Regions to become divided over a single Gaochang.
“Here’s what we’ll do,” Xuanzang thought for a moment. “I will write a letter to the King of Yanchi, inviting him to send a delegation to Gaochang. Your Majesty should meet him openly, and it would be best to take him to see Princess Longshuang, allowing him to witness her for himself. If we can avoid resorting to arms, it would be akin to building a seven-story pagoda!”
Qu Wentai was overjoyed. “I have already drafted a state letter outlining this matter, but the King of Yanchi dismissed it as absurd and nonsense. He does not believe it at all, and I am left helpless. Since Master is willing to act as a mediator, that would be excellent.”
The two returned to the main hall, where Qu Wentai personally ground the ink. Xuanzang wrote one letter each in Chinese and Sanskrit, handing them to Qu Wentai. Qu Wentai wanted to seal it with the state seal, but Xuanzang stopped him. “Your Majesty, it would be better to send a monk to deliver it.”
Qu Wentai suddenly realized, “Master, you are indeed meticulous!”
Yanchi was also a Buddhist nation. With Xuanzang’s status personally writing the letter, the King of Yanchi, even out of reverence for Buddhism, would not be able to ignore it. However, given the current strained relations between the two countries, if it were sent as a state letter from Gaochang, the King of Yanchi would first assume that this monk from the Tang Dynasty had taken Qu Wentai’s seat, leading to inner resistance.
“Master, what will you do next?” Qu Wentai asked.
Xuanzang thought for a moment. “I plan to visit Jiaohe City and Zheshi Slope.”
“Why go there?” Qu Wentai asked in surprise.
Xuanzang smiled. “To seek the connection between cause and effect.”
Qu Wentai, being quite clever, did not press further. He pondered, “Jiaohe City is over eighty miles from the royal city, where various Hu tribes intermingle, and the power dynamics are complex… How about this? I will send General Zhang Xiong to escort you. He is a valiant warrior, the best general in the Western Regions. With him around, you will surely be safe.” Seeing Xuanzang about to refuse, he immediately waved his hand. “Master, your safety is extremely important to me. It is not only because you are helping me; for the kingdom of Gaochang, any mishap with a high monk would be a calamity. Please do not decline.”
Xuanzang had no choice but to agree. Qu Wentai immediately summoned Zhang Xiong, ordering him to lead a cavalry escort for Xuanzang to Jiaohe City, specifically assigning Zhu Gui to accompany him and take care of Xuanzang’s daily needs.
Zhang Xiong was in his forties, with a scholarly appearance and a strong physique. He walked with slightly bow-legged legs, clearly a soldier who had spent much time on horseback. At first, Xuanzang was unaware but later learned from Qu Wentai that Zhang Xiong was quite remarkable, a powerful figure in Gaochang.
Zhang Xiong styled Taihuan, hailed from Nanyang in Henan and had long resided in Gaochang. His aunt was the princess of the late King Qu Boya, making him a cousin of Qu Wentai. His wife, the Qu family, also came from royal lineage. During the “Yihe Coup” in Gaochang, Qu Wentai and his son escaped Gaochang under Zhang Xiong’s protection. Seven years later, it was also with Zhang Xiong’s help that Qu Wentai and his son defeated the rebels and reclaimed the throne.
Zhang Xiong treated Xuanzang with great respect. As they passed through the royal city, he continuously introduced the sights of Gaochang, and the two enjoyed a lively conversation.
Last night, when Xuanzang entered the royal city, it was nighttime, and he did not have a significant impression of Gaochang. Now, riding on horseback, he truly felt that Gaochang’s prosperity was not an exaggeration. The royal city of Gaochang was several times larger than Yiwucheng and divided into three parts: the palace city, the inner city, and the outer city. As the cavalry passed through the north-south main street, they saw bustling crowds everywhere, with merchants from the south and north, speaking a myriad of languages and wearing colorful clothing, crowded on the streets, haggling fiercely.
As the cavalry passed, they drove away the merchants blocking the road. However, within the royal city, these merchants were not particularly afraid of the military. Xuanzang witnessed a Hu merchant being pushed aside by a knight with a spear, still shouting with five fingers outstretched toward the seller, “Six hundred and fifty jin! I want six hundred and fifty jin of this spice… and the niter is also mine, two hundred jin…”
Zhu Gui laughed, “Master, the previous Sui Dynasty referred to Gaochang as the ‘Gateway of the Western Regions.’ Look at these merchants coming and going; besides those from the Sogdian region, such as Kang, He, Cao, An, and Shi, there are also the Gaochen people with the surname Zhai, the Kuche people with the surname Bai, the Cheshir people with the surname Che, as well as merchants from the more distant regions of Tocharia and Persia. Now that the Tang Dynasty and Eastern Turkic are embroiled in war, the number of merchants is still relatively low. Once the war settles, I fear their numbers will double.”
“Oh?” Xuanzang recalled the hundreds of thousands of troops clashing on the vast grasslands thousands of miles away and felt a sense of worry. He remembered hearing Li Shimin mention that the entire nation’s army would be sent to annihilate the Eastern Turkic, completely resolving this long-standing issue for the Central Plains dynasty. He wondered if Li Shimin would succeed and could only pray in his heart.
“Gentlemen, do you hope for the Tang Dynasty to win or the Eastern Turkic?” Xuanzang asked with a smile.
He thought this question might be sensitive, but to his surprise, Zhang Xiong answered without hesitation, “Of course, we hope for the Tang Dynasty to win! Our Gaochang people’s ancestors came from Hexi; we are proper Han people. How could we wish to bow to these barbarians? Moreover, for the Silk Road, only a strong and prosperous Central Plains dynasty could produce more silk and porcelain, allowing for the purchase of more gold, silver, and spices, making the Silk Road even more prosperous. However, with the frequent internal wars in the Central Plains, the rise and fall are as unpredictable as the flickering of a lamp. Although we Gaochang people are Han, we cannot rely on the Central Plains dynasty and must seek survival in the cracks between foreign tribes.”
Xuanzang felt deep compassion; for the first time, Gaochang’s fate truly tugged at his heart. As a Han nation surviving alone in the Western Regions, the hardships were indeed unimaginable.
Xuanzang asked Zhu Gui, “What about you, Chief Steward?”
Zhu Gui smiled, “I am neither Han, nor Western Region, nor Turkic. As long as Gaochang is well and Your Majesty is healthy, I never consider the struggles of these great nations.”
Xuanzang looked at him with curiosity. “Chief Steward, where do you hail from?”
Zhang Xiong laughed, “Master, Chief Steward Zhu is a Yeda person.”
“Yeda?” Xuanzang thought carefully and realized he had never heard of this country.
Zhu Gui’s face revealed a nostalgic expression. “It’s no wonder you don’t know, Master. My country was destroyed over thirty years ago by Persia and the Western Turkic. My people scattered, long gone like the flame of this lamp, the light of incense, disappearing into the night.”
Zhang Xiong, well-versed in this history, explained, “Master, the Yeda people were a branch of the Dayue tribe during the Han Dynasty. Centuries ago, they dominated the Western Regions, having defeated the Byzantines and Persians, and even conquered India, establishing the largest empire in the region. However, thirty years ago, the Yeda’s power waned, and they were ultimately destroyed by a joint force of the Persians and the Western Turks.”
Xuanzang sighed deeply, while Zhu Gui added, “After our nation fell, a group of us protected the young princess as we journeyed east to Gaochang, where we were treated kindly by the Gaochang people and settled here. Later, the princess married the then heir, who is now the emperor. To care for her, I became a eunuch and entered the palace.”
Xuanzang inquired, “And what of the Yeda princess?”
Zhu Gui’s face filled with sorrow. “She passed away twenty years ago.”
“Amitabha,” Xuanzang murmured, “all beings suffer, and so do nations. When will the Pure Land of Maitreya arrive? Mountains and rivers will vanish, flowers will bloom, and all will thrive. Rice will ripen without cooking, and people will live long without suffering. Clothing will not need to be woven by hand; the earth will grow heavenly garments, and trees will bear soft clothes for all to wear. Houses and palaces will be formed by the Dharma, with no filth or impurity in sight…”
Zhu Gui listened quietly, his sorrowful gaze softening as he smiled. “Master, have you visited the Buddhist temples within the royal city?”
Xuanzang shook his head. “I only entered the city last night and have not yet had the chance to pay my respects. Where are the Buddhist temples in Gaochang? I must visit them upon my return from Jiaohe.”
Upon hearing this, Zhu Gui laughed. “Master, there are over three hundred temples in and around Gaochang. If you wish to visit them all, it might take you a year!”
Xuanzang was taken aback. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, Buddhism flourished, yet even then, the Tang poets lamented, “Four hundred eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties.” But here in Gaochang, with a population of just over thirty thousand, there were three hundred temples! That meant one temple for every hundred people—truly astonishing!
A sense of unease washed over Xuanzang. He had resolved to promote Buddhism, even risking a journey to India to seek the teachings. But if he were to return and establish Buddhism to the extent seen in Gaochang—three hundred temples for thirty thousand people—would that truly be a blessing for Buddhism? He furrowed his brow, realizing that this question was not easily answered.
As the three continued their conversation, they exited the city through the Xuande Gate in the north. The oasis was lush, with dense vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see. It was winter, and the grapevines were bare, their leaves a dull yellow, hinting at the bounty of the harvest season.
Suddenly, they noticed the northern mountains ablaze with a fiery red hue, the rocks glowing as if the entire sky were on fire. Xuanzang was taken aback, halting his horse. “General, what is happening? Why does that mountain appear to be… burning?”
Zhang Xiong was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, joined by Zhu Gui and even the young A Shu, who laughed heartily. Zhang Xiong explained, “Ah, I forgot that Master passed through the New Star Valley at night, so you missed the Flame Mountain.”
A Shu added, “Master, that mountain is called Flame Mountain, but it isn’t burning. The rocks are a reddish hue, and with no vegetation, the heat from the sun causes steam to rise, creating the illusion of flames. The first time I passed here with my uncle, I thought it was on fire too.”
Xuanzang marveled while Zhu Gui chuckled, “Master, although the mountain isn’t on fire, during the summer, the heat is so intense that you can cook an egg on the sand in no time. Some locals even bake their flatbreads directly on the stones, and they come out perfectly cooked.”
The road from the royal city to Jiaohe lay beneath Flame Mountain, extending westward for sixty to seventy li. They had left the city at dusk, and after traveling thirty li, night had fallen. Zhang Xiong ordered the cavalry to set up camp at the mountain’s base, where they rested for the night. The next morning, they arrived outside Jiaohe City.
Jiaohe City had been the capital of the Chushi Kingdom two hundred years prior, situated on an island formed by the confluence of two rivers. Over time, the island had risen higher due to erosion, creating a solid platform about ten zhang high, shaped like a giant willow leaf, stretching five hundred zhang north to south and up to one hundred zhang wide east to west.
Due to the intense heat and dryness of summer, there were no buildings on the surface of Jiaohe City. To escape the heat, residents dug into the ground, creating cave-like homes that interconnected, forming underground streets. Uniquely, the buildings here did not rise upwards but rather descended. The initial homes and courtyards were close to the surface, and as more space was needed, they dug deeper, using the excavated earth to build walls and earthen houses. The ventilation holes of these underground dwellings are connected to wells, allowing the cool air from the wells to regulate the indoor temperature, providing relief from the heat. Thus, the platform was artificially carved, with sheer cliffs at the entrance and the ground above forming natural walls, making the entire city a complex military fortress.
Jiaohe City was the most fortified city in the Western Regions. The deep river gorge surrounding it made it impossible to see the city’s defenses from either the bottom of the gorge or the heights on the opposite bank. Nearly two hundred years ago, the powerful Xiongnu besieged the Chushi Kingdom for eight years, and it was only when the Chushi people voluntarily retreated that the fortress was finally taken.
Thus, this intricately designed fortress served as the most reliable base for successive Central Plains dynasties to expand into the Western Regions. Currently, Jiaohe City is the largest county in Gaochang, traditionally governed by the heir, who was titled the Duke of Jiaohe. This meant that the highest official in Jiaohe City was Qu Ren Shu.
Zhu Gui led the way into the city to notify the governor of Jiaohe, while Xuanzang and Zhang Xiong walked slowly. As they approached the city, Zhang Xiong suddenly asked, “Master, I heard that a few months ago, after the Tang Emperor dispatched troops against the Eastern Turks, he composed a poem: ‘The winds of sorrow blow outside the pass, the ice of Jiaohe has formed. The vast sea has a hundred waves, and the Yin Mountains are covered in snow.’ Does this imply that the court has territorial claims over Gaochang?”
“Oh?” Xuanzang was taken aback. Zhang Xiong smiled at him, but Xuanzang sensed a hint of fear regarding the Tang dynasty in his expression. After a moment of thought, Xuanzang replied, “I am merely a monk and do not understand state affairs. However, for us Tang people, poetry is a means of expression and does not carry direct implications. Poems about Jiaohe are quite common; for instance, Lord Yu Shinan wrote a poem a few years ago: ‘The flames of war stir the frost, the sword’s rainbow shines bright. The Tianshan Mountains are snowy in winter and summer, the Jiaohe flows north and south.’ Some poems say: ‘I fear the tailor will cease, and there will be no trust in Jiaohe.’ I believe the Tang court cannot possibly have a unanimous desire to conquer the Western Regions and occupy Jiaohe, can they?”
Zhang Xiong laughed heartily. “Master, your eloquence is impressive; I admire you. It was merely a jest, so please don’t take it seriously.”
Xuanzang couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. The people of Gaochang, on one hand, sought the protection of the Central Plains Han regime, while on the other, they wished to maintain their independence—truly a conflicting desire.
At that moment, Zhu Gui returned with the governor of Jiaohe to greet them. The group entered the city through the south gate, which was narrow, and upon entering, it became even narrower, flanked by towering earthen walls that obscured any view of the residences. After navigating several turns, they finally emerged into a broad street that ran through the city. Strangely, the sides were still lined with earthen walls, with no visible homes.
As they turned onto the main road, they finally saw layers of houses stacked along the sides, bustling with merchants and travelers. Inns, temples, government offices, and markets were all meticulously organized. However, looking at the earthen walls and cliffs beside them, and gazing up at the narrow strip of sky above, Xuanzang felt a peculiar sensation, as if he were walking underground.
The place where Qu Zhisheng had gone to the Zheshi Slope was outside the east gate. They had already exited Jiaohe City, and the edge of the riverbank rose steeply, forming a vertical cliff.
“Master, this is the Zheshi Slope,” Zhu Gui pointed to a deep red cliff. “The Third Prince stood here.”
Xuanzang nodded and asked Zhang Xiong, “Could you and the soldiers step back a bit?”
Zhang Xiong and Zhu Gui exchanged surprised glances but did not question him. They waved their hands, instructing the cavalry to retreat thirty paces, and moved to a distance to wait. A Shu whispered, “Master, why did you ask them to leave?”
Xuanzang hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Qu Zhisheng caught the Dragon Frost Princess here. I suspect human scheming is more likely. If it is human scheming, it must involve a struggle for national interests, and the relationships among the Western Regions are complex and must be approached with caution.”
A Shu asked curiously, “Master, do you seem to be certain that the devil in David King’s bottle is fake?”
“Fake?” Xuanzang replied, surprised. “I do not think so, as many things cannot be explained by human scheming. By the way, A Shu, you are agile; can you climb the cliff and see if there are any embedded… wooden pegs or holes? It would be best to bring a length of rope so that you can pull me up later.”
A Shu agreed, found a piece of rope from Zhang Xiong, tied it around his waist, and began to climb. The cliff was three to four zhang high and steep, with few handholds or footholds, but this did not hinder A Shu. His agility allowed him to dangle from the cliff like a large gecko. After a while, A Shu called down, “Master, there’s nothing!”
“Good, lower the rope!” Xuanzang waved to him.
A Shu found a dead tree stump on the cliff, tied the rope securely, and tossed the other end down. Xuanzang wrapped it around his waist and climbed up, occasionally scraping the soil from the cliff face but finding no signs of human activity. Xuanzang felt a moment of doubt and climbed directly to the top of the cliff.
Standing on the edge, they gazed out over the vast oasis plain, looking across the river valley at Jiaohe City. Xuanzang knelt to closely examine the ground. It had been nearly half a month since the Dragon Frost Princess fell from her horse over the cliff, yet the hoofprints remained visible.
The hoofprints appeared intermittently, stretching for thirty to forty zhang. From their distribution, it seemed to indicate a normal galloping speed, but as they neared the cliff’s edge, the prints became chaotic, with a long drag mark suggesting that the princess had desperately pulled on the reins upon realizing the cliff was ahead.
Xuanzang smiled and suddenly asked, “A Shu, if I told you to ride a fast horse and charge off the cliff, assuring you that I would catch you below, would you dare to do it?”
A Shu was startled and quickly moved away. “Master, you wouldn’t have me ride down like that, would you? Not!”
“Why not?” Xuanzang asked with a smile.
A Shu shook his head vigorously. “Master, think about it. You’ll be standing below, and I’ll be riding down. With such a large area at the bottom, how could you possibly know where I would land? And if I fell with the horse, you might not even reach me before being crushed! Furthermore, if you did catch me, would you hold my head or my legs? If I fell headfirst, I might end up with my head stuck in my chest! No, no, absolutely not!”
Xuanzang stood up, brushing the dust off his hands. “You wouldn’t dare, and neither would I! Alright, let’s head back!”
A Shu was taken aback. “Master, you’ve found the truth.”
Xuanzang smiled but said nothing, walking toward the cliff.
At that moment, a faint voice called from a distance, “Master, are you leaving now?”
The two turned in surprise to see a young girl leading a red horse, smiling as she approached. Xuanzang and A Shu exchanged glances—this girl was none other than the Dragon Frost Princess!
—
**Notes:**
1. Tang measurement: one zhang is approximately 3.6 meters.
2. The Tujue court sent inspectors to various countries to oversee taxation and monitor their functions.
3. The Yechi script belongs to the Indo-European family of Tocharian languages, a branch of Sanskrit.