Long Shuangyue walked gracefully, her smile bright, yet her expression held a cold intensity.
A Shu whispered, “Master, she’s here to kill you! Hurry, grab the rope and jump down!”
Xuanzang shook his head with a wry smile and approached Long Shuangyue, his demeanor calm and untroubled. “Amitabha, Princess, what brings you here?”
Long Shuangyue laughed lightly, her stunning face no longer reflecting the vulnerability she had shown in the Gaochang Palace. Instead, she exuded the same cold confidence she had displayed outside of Yiwucheng. “Since you believe I harbor a grand conspiracy, how could I dare to avoid coming?”
At that moment, Long Shuangyue led her horse closer, tossing aside the reins as she gazed down the cliff. She did not stand at the edge, so Zhang Xiong and the others below could not see her.
Xuanzang looked at her calmly. “You exaggerate, Princess. I have been entrusted by King Gaochang to ascertain the authenticity of the David King’s bottle. I have no intention of opposing you.”
Long Shuangyue regarded him mockingly. “So, have you figured it out?”
Xuanzang replied, “I dare not make rash claims, but I have a few questions for you.”
Long Shuangyue smiled. “Go ahead! I came here to speak openly with you.”
“When you were on the slope that day, your horse was startled and charged toward the ochre stone slope. From the hoofprints on the slope, it seems you began to rein in the horse once you reached the cliff,” Xuanzang said. “My first question is, if you could see the cliff from afar, why didn’t you rein in the horse when it was startled?”
Long Shuangyue nodded. “Good question. What’s your second?”
“This slope is riddled with ravines and cracked earth, with ditches everywhere,” Xuanzang pointed to the plain before them, his eyes fixed on Long Shuangyue. “Yet the route you took to ride down is relatively smooth. My second question is, how could a startled horse choose this smooth path?”
“You truly live up to your reputation!” Long Shuangyue exclaimed. “I heard tales of you while in Yanchi. It is said you traveled through hell with the Emperor of the Tang and even rescued him. I didn’t believe it then, but now I see that your insight is indeed profound. My little scheme has not escaped your notice!”
Xuanzang smiled, but A Shu was taken aback. “So, it was your scheme to be swayed by the David King’s bottle?”
Long Shuangyue looked at him with a smile. “Of course. I have been pondering how to reclaim the Silk Road, but I lacked a strategy. Unexpectedly, on my way back from Yiwucheng to Yanchi, I heard that Qu Zhisheng, that fool, had somehow acquired a broken bottle and made a wish for me to fall in love with him! Ha! Very well! I shall fall in love with him! That cursed bottle will have him come to the bottom of the ochre stone slope to catch me, and I will leap from this cliff!”
Seeing her disdainful tone when mentioning Qu Zhisheng, and recalling how tenderly she had acted toward him in the palace yesterday, Xuanzang couldn’t help but shiver. This princess was truly a master of performance, appearing as two entirely different people!
Xuanzang chuckled wryly. “Princess, you truly possess extraordinary courage. I cannot imagine having the bravery to shatter myself in such a scene.”
“Hmph, for the sake of my Yanchi’s hundred-year fortune, what does it matter if I shatter myself?” Long Shuangyue laughed. “If I do not disregard my own life and death, how could this conspiracy deceive Qu Wentai?”
Xuanzang sighed. “Princess, you risk your life and pretend to be swayed by Qu Zhisheng, all to make your Yanchi’s schemes against Gaochang appear justified. Truly admirable!”
Long Shuangyue reflected, “If the Silk Road does not change course, my Yanchi will surely vanish into the desert. But Gaochang is powerful, backed by Khan Tongyehu. If we do not employ some schemes, how can we destroy Gaochang and allow Yanchi to control the Silk Road?”
Xuanzang nodded. “I see. I did not expect the princess to attempt to destroy Gaochang. I thought you merely sought to reclaim the Silk Road by force. It seems I underestimated you.”
Long Shuangyue declared proudly, “If we do not destroy Gaochang, how can we reclaim the Silk Road? In that case, both nations would fall into a prolonged war of attrition, leading only to mutual destruction. Hmph, as the phoenix of Yanchi, I must swallow Gaochang, control the Silk Road, and make Yanchi the most powerful nation in the Western Regions!”
Xuanzang still felt puzzled. “I admire your ambition, but as you mentioned yesterday in the palace, your father intends to marry you to Nishu. You are deeply entrenched in the Gaochang palace, losing your honor. Are you not afraid Nishu will call off the marriage?”
Long Shuangyue laughed. “Nishu? If I cannot conquer him, how can I call myself the phoenix of the Western Regions? Think carefully, Master. The Turkic men value their pride. If they know their fiancée has been captured, even if they call off the marriage, it will be after they have destroyed Gaochang! Besides, as long as I remain a virgin, he will only respect me more. How could he call off the marriage?”
“You are quite calculating, Princess. If I were to investigate this matter, I truly wouldn’t know how long it would take to uncover the truth,” Xuanzang admitted, genuinely impressed. “But why not hide in the shadows to undermine Gaochang instead of coming here to lay everything bare?”
Long Shuangyue smiled. “In the Central Plains, there is a saying: discuss mountains with the benevolent and talk about water with the wise. With these fools of the Western Regions, I can easily deceive them.” She said lightly, “But Master, with your keen insight, you must have already seen through my little tricks, right?”
Xuanzang smiled wryly. “Though I suspect, I cannot find evidence. Before coming to the ochre stone slope, I knew I wouldn’t uncover much. My intention was merely to stir the winds behind the scenes, hoping they would reveal themselves, but unexpectedly, it led to you.”
“Good monk!” Long Shuangyue exclaimed in admiration.
“Good princess!” Xuanzang replied, joining his palms together.
Long Shuangyue scrutinized Xuanzang. “Earlier, you asked me why I came here. I won’t hide it from you; would you be willing to make a bet with me?”
Xuanzang asked, “What kind of bet?”
Long Shuangyue looked at him provocatively. “Do you believe that the Gaochang Kingdom is now completely under my control? As long as I remain in the Gaochang palace, no matter how you intervene, my plan will inevitably unfold step by step.”
Xuanzang was taken aback, studying her intently. “The outcome you desire is for the Gaochang Kingdom to be destroyed and absorbed by Yanchi, disappearing from the desert?”
Long Shuangyue smiled faintly. “Since I stepped into the Gaochang royal city, this outcome has been predetermined.”
“I only believe in the way of heaven, not in human schemes!” Xuanzang stated calmly.
“Good!” Long Shuangyue raised her palm, seemingly wanting to slap hands in agreement. “Then I await your unraveling of my conspiracy! However, you are a monk, and I have revered Buddhism since childhood. I do not wish for you to be harmed here. If you ever feel powerless, please leave the Western Regions and embark on your journey to the West!”
Xuanzang’s expression turned solemn as he joined his palms. “Amitabha.”
Long Shuangyue reluctantly withdrew her hand.
A Shu, who had been silently observing, suddenly interjected, “Princess, are you not afraid we will inform King Gaochang about this?”
“Go ahead,” Long Shuangyue replied proudly. “Even if Qu Wentai knows my plan inside and out, he will still be powerless to break it!”
“Why is that?” A Shu asked, astonished.
Long Shuangyue smiled. “Little brother, you are still young and do not understand adult matters. You might as well ask your master. As long as Qu Zhisheng believes me and refuses to hand me over, who in this world can make me leave the Gaochang palace? As long as I do not leave the Gaochang palace, who can stop the coalition forces from advancing?”
Xuanzang couldn’t help but smile wryly. “A Shu, the princess has already planned this intricately. If we inform King Gaochang, and if he uses extreme measures to expel the princess or even harms her, the situation will become even more unmanageable.”
A Shu fell silent, but Long Shuangyue laughed. “The monk sees clearly. I would prefer Qu Wentai to kill me in a fit of rage. Only then would this knot be truly tied.”
Xuanzang frowned, pondering, feeling utterly at a loss. A Shu, however, was unconvinced. “What if we tell Qu Zhisheng? If he learns you do not love him and are merely plotting against his kingdom, will he still be so devoted to you?”
Long Shuangyue smiled sweetly. “Little brother, you can certainly try!”
“Try it, then!” A Shu retorted.
Xuanzang sighed. “A Shu, do not fall into the princess’s trap. You know what kind of temperament the Third Prince has, don’t you? If we speak ill of the princess in front of him, we might lose his trust.”
A Shu thought for a moment and realized that with Qu Zhisheng’s temperament, he would threaten even his father and brothers. If he spoke ill of Long Shuangyue in front of him, it would likely infuriate him. He felt a wave of despair. The two pondered, only to realize that Long Shuangyue’s scheme was indeed a bright plot; even if one understood her methods, motives, and processes clearly, it was impossible to break the situation!
“Master,” Long Shuangyue said, seeing Xuanzang troubled and feeling quite pleased, adopting a sincere expression. “I have always held you in high regard and mean no harm. The reason I laid everything bare before you is that I do not wish to be enemies with a great monk of the Tang. I only hope you will retreat and not involve yourself in this Western Region conflict. You seek the Buddha; why must you be tainted by the dust of the Western Regions?”
“Princess,” Xuanzang suddenly said, “do you know the way to Tianzhu?”
“I do!” Long Shuangyue thought Xuanzang was ready to retreat and felt overjoyed. Her national policy was to hope Yanchi would rely on the Tang to dominate the Western Regions, so she did not want to offend this renowned monk who had a close relationship with the Tang Emperor. “If you are willing to head west, we Yanchi will gladly pave the way for you and send people to escort you to Tianzhu!”
“You are mistaken,” Xuanzang smiled. “The road to Tianzhu is not beneath my feet but in my heart. In every country I have traveled, in every city I have visited, in all the beings I have encountered, and in every speck of dust on their clothes. Princess, whether it is Gaochang or Yanchi, whether in war or peace, it is the great path I must witness. The Buddha has granted me the opportunity to meet them on my journey; how could I dare to miss it?”
Long Shuangyue’s expression gradually turned cold. “So, you intend to interfere with my plan?”
Xuanzang smiled without speaking, his demeanor calm and untroubled.
“Very well!” Long Shuangyue said ominously. “I have heard that the most powerful chancellor of the Tang, Pei Ji, the wisest monk, Fa Ya, and the most talented poet, Cui Jue, have all fallen into your hands. Although these are mere rumors and I do not know the details, I would very much like to experience your prowess! I have laid my plan bare before you, without concealment. Since you are so stubborn and insist on opposing Yanchi, then I must take action.”
“Please enlighten me, Princess,” Xuanzang said, joining his palms.
A Shu stood guard, quickly positioning himself in front of Xuanzang, drawing a short knife from his pocket and pointing the blade at Long Shuangyue. Long Shuangyue smirked mockingly. “A Shu, let me teach you something: the most powerful force in the world is not brute strength, but wisdom. Rest assured, I will not personally stab the knife into the monk’s chest. We Yanchi would not dare bear the sin of killing a renowned monk of the Tang, but my trap has already been set for you. Please take care!”
Xuanzang pushed A Shu’s arm aside. “A Shu put away the knife. The princess’s trap is not here on the ochre stone slope.”
A Shu then stepped back.
Long Shuangyue smiled. “Then I wish the monk well!”
With that, she turned and mounted her red horse, letting out a cry as the horse galloped across the plain, quickly disappearing into the wind and sand.
The two watched Long Shuangyue depart, their hearts heavy. A Shu hesitated for a moment, wanting to ask something, but ultimately said nothing.
When they returned to the base of the cliff, Zhu Gui and Zhang Xiong hurried over to greet them.
Seeing Xuanzang’s calm demeanor, Zhu Gui couldn’t help but feel relieved. “Master, how did it go? Did you find anything?”
“Amitabha,” Xuanzang smiled. “This matter is quite complex. I should speak with King Gaochang about it.”
Zhu Gui’s expression turned serious. “What the master says is true. I will escort you back to the royal city at once!”
The group returned to Jiahe City, having missed the midday hour.
The Prefect of Jiahe hosted a banquet for Xuanzang at the largest Han tavern in the city. The tavern, nestled against a narrow street, had a small entrance resembling a cave’s mouth. Once inside, however, the space opened up dramatically.
This was perhaps the most unique tavern in the world, entirely excavated underground. Upon entering, one found a rectangular courtyard, with the rooms resembling a series of caverns. Some walls were naturally formed and quite thick, while others were made of rammed earth, only a couple of fingers thick, seemingly to delineate different spaces.
The tavern had four levels, and following the stairs led directly to the plains atop Jiahe City. Xuanzang pulled A Shu along as they ascended to the fourth floor with the Prefect and others. It was winter, and the lower levels were quite cold, but the top floor had skylights that let in warm sunlight, bathing them in a cozy glow.
This banquet was arguably the most luxurious in Jiahe City, attended not only by eminent monks from the Tang but also by generals and palace officials, with the Prefect’s position being the least significant. Everyone sat on woolen mats, each with a small table laden with various foods and drinks. Xuanzang abstained from alcohol, opting for grape juice, while A Shu indulged freely, enjoying the feast.
As they ate and chatted, the Prefect expressed his curiosity. “Master, I hear you went to the ochre stone slope to retrieve the David King’s bottle?”
Xuanzang’s eyes flickered, and he smiled. “You know of the David King’s bottle, my lord?”
The Prefect chuckled wryly. “How could I not? Ever since the Third Prince used that cursed object to capture Long Shuangyue, the entire Western Regions have been in an uproar. The armies of Yanchi are now less than fifty miles from Jiahe City. With foreign invasions and cursed objects at play, the people here are truly on edge!”
Xuanzang smiled lightly. “My lord, has any nation ever perished due to a cursed object?”
The Prefect paused, taken aback. “I have never heard of such a thing.”
“Amitabha,” Xuanzang replied. “If that is the case, why worry?”
Zhu Gui’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Master, did you discover anything at the ochre stone slope?”
Xuanzang chuckled. “The Buddha says, ‘What cannot be spoken, cannot be spoken; to speak is to err.'”
Zhu Gui and the Prefect exchanged glances, and Zhang Xiong burst into laughter. “You monks are truly unmatched in the debate!”
Laughter filled the room, but suddenly, a tremendous rumble shook the ground. Everyone stumbled, and Xuanzang nearly jumped from his seat.
Zhu Gui’s eyes widened. “Is the earth dragon turning?”
The term “earth dragon turning” refers to an earthquake. The color drained from everyone’s faces as they processed the situation. Suddenly, the ground beneath Xuanzang cracked open, revealing a large hole. He gasped as he fell through, the original seat now replaced by a half-zhang square pit!
Everyone was stunned. The ground was naturally formed, intentionally left thick during the tavern’s excavation. How could it just break apart?
“Master!” A Shu rushed to look down, and his heart sank.
Xuanzang had fallen to the third floor, landing heavily and unable to rise. Beside him stood a woman wearing a golden mask, wielding a large iron hammer. She glanced coldly at A Shu before smashing the ground again, creating another large hole. Xuanzang fell through once more, and the woman jumped in after him, landing on the second floor!
A Shu immediately realized that Long Shuangyue had made her move! But he was puzzled—was this woman Long Shuangyue? She had clearly stated she wouldn’t act personally!
But there was no time for contemplation. A Shu shouted, “Someone is kidnapping the Master!”
Zhang Xiong reacted swiftly, sprinting to the hole and drawing his short knife, ready to jump down. Just then, the woman, with Xuanzang in tow, reached the second floor. She struck the ground again, causing Xuanzang to plummet once more. She floated down into the hole, landing on the ground!
The woman noticed Zhang Xiong preparing to jump and casually drew a short knife, plunging it into the ground with the hilt facing down, tauntingly looking at Zhang Xiong with a cold smile. She then hoisted Xuanzang and made her way to the street. Zhang Xiong, seeing the knife embedded in the ground, felt a chill run down his spine. He leaped from the fourth floor to the first, not caring whether he would die; even if he survived, that knife would surely pierce him.
He cursed loudly and rushed to the window, only to see the woman mounting a warhorse with Xuanzang draped over its back. She squeezed her legs tightly against the horse’s belly, and with a loud neigh, the horse galloped down the long street.
The entire sequence unfolded like a flash of lightning. The Prefect and Zhu Gui were still in shock, unable to comprehend how, right before their eyes, someone could abduct a renowned monk from the Tang in such an unbelievable manner amidst heavy security!
As Zhang Xiong recalled the consequences of losing Xuanzang under his protection, sweat poured down his back. He roared, leaping back into the hole and bounding to the third floor, then jumping to the first, shouting as he ran after them.
At that moment, someone shouted from behind, “General, get on a horse!”
Zhang Xiong turned to see A Shu standing behind him, holding a warhorse. Zhang Xiong was taken aback—how had the boy gotten to the first floor so quickly? But there was no time to ponder; he grabbed the reins and jumped onto the horse, with A Shu following suit.
Zhang Xiong said, “You should stay behind; two people are too heavy!”
A Shu insisted, “No, I want to follow you to save the Master!”
Zhang Xiong had no choice but to spur the horse forward, racing out of the city. The cavalrymen he had brought quickly caught on, leading their horses to follow Zhang Xiong.
As they galloped eastward from Jiahe City, they spotted the woman in the golden mask riding eastward, with Xuanzang lying motionless on the horse’s back, unaware of his fate. Zhang Xiong led over a hundred cavalrymen, shouting as they pursued closely behind.
East of Jiahe City lay the southern foothills of Flame Mountain, a desolate stretch of sandy terrain with occasional low hills. A single person on horseback was quite conspicuous, making it unlikely they would lose track of her. It was dusk, and the setting sun cast a fiery glow over the mountains, creating the illusion of walking through flames.
The winter winds howled, carrying fine sand from the desert that stung their faces. Everyone wrapped their heads in scarves, covering themselves tightly, yet sand still found its way into their clothes and nostrils.
As they raced, A Shu asked, “General, who is that woman?”
Zhang Xiong gritted his teeth. “I don’t know, but she won’t escape! Her horse is burdened more than ours. This plan is wide open; once her horse tires, I will catch her!”
The sun shone brightly, and over a hundred riders galloped, kicking up dust and creating swirling clouds.
After running for about forty to fifty miles, the woman’s speed began to slow. However, Zhang Xiong felt increasingly uneasy. A Shu, nestled in his arms, turned to him. “General, what’s wrong?”
Zhang Xiong frowned. “Why is that woman heading toward the royal city?”
A Shu then realized that the path they were on was the same one he and Xuanzang had taken from Gaochang Royal City. The woman was heading straight for the royal city!
A Shu exclaimed, “Could she be trying to enter the royal city?”
Zhang Xiong scoffed. “Impossible! If she dares to enter the royal city, my soldiers will dig three feet into the ground to find her!”
A Shu was puzzled. If this woman intended to abduct Xuanzang into the royal city, wouldn’t that be walking into a trap?
At that moment, they were closing in, even able to see the horse’s tail flying in the wind. Just as they were speaking, the wind on the sandy plain began to pick up. The desert winds were nothing like those in the Tang; once they started blowing, they could whip up sand and stones, potentially marring a fair face. The fierce wind swept in, enveloping Zhang Xiong and the golden-masked woman in a whirlwind of dust.
Everyone in the Western Regions carried face coverings, and Zhang Xiong and his men quickly shielded their faces, not daring to open their eyes, yet they pressed on, urging their horses to run faster.
The fierce wind came quickly and left just as fast. In an instant, it had passed. The dust settled on the sandy plain, returning to clarity. Zhang Xiong removed his face covering and squinted ahead, relieved to see the horse still running.
“Where’s the Master?” A Shu suddenly shouted.
Zhang Xiong froze, looking closely. A cold sweat broke out on him; the horse was still running, but the two riders had vanished without a trace! Zhang Xiong quickly turned his head, scanning the area for four or five miles. The land was flat, with no ditches or obstacles—how could two living people just disappear?
“Chase! Surround them!” Zhang Xiong shouted in frustration.
The cavalrymen spread out, flanking from both sides. With no one on the horse, its speed decreased, and they quickly caught up, bringing the horses to a halt.
Zhang Xiong’s face turned ashen as he approached the warhorse. A Shu jumped down, his small face pale with panic. “General, weren’t you watching the Master the whole time?”
“Yes!” Zhang Xiong replied, equally bewildered, sweat pouring down his face in the winter chill. “I hardly took my eyes off the Master until that gust of wind came. I shielded my eyes for just a moment, and when I looked again, the Master had vanished without a trace, all in the blink of an eye!”
Zhang Xiong’s face darkened as he ordered the cavalry to spread out and search. In no time, they had scoured the surrounding four or five miles, but there was not a single trace of anyone. Xuanzang had vanished into thin air on this open oasis!
A Shu returned to the royal city with Zhang Xiong and Zhu Gui, who hurriedly reported Xuanzang’s disappearance to Qu Wentai. The palace was thrown into chaos, and Qu Wentai erupted in fury, summoning the high-ranking officials of Gaochang to discuss the matter.
A Shu was unconcerned with Qu Wentai’s reaction; he was certain that Xuanzang’s disappearance was connected to Long Shuangyue, and that the woman in the golden mask was indeed her! By this time, night had fallen, the temperature outside had dropped sharply, and the wind and sand picked up again. The palace maids and eunuchs, not on duty, hurried into the warm, thick-walled rooms, leaving the palace feeling quite empty.
Having accompanied Xuanzang to the inner palace, A Shu vaguely remembered the location of Qu Zhisheng’s chambers. Unlike the imperial palace in Chang’an, where the East Palace and Inner Palace were connected only through the Xuanfu Gate, surrounded by towering walls, the Western Regions’ palace buildings were staggered in height, some two stories, some three, with flat roofs and often connected by stairs. This layout provided A Shu with great convenience. He climbed onto a two-foot-wide wall and ran along the rooftops, soon arriving outside Qu Zhisheng’s chambers.
A Shu made his way to the second floor, navigating the complex corridors until he unexpectedly found himself at the same Buddhist hall from yesterday!
His eyes sparkled with intense desire; he knew that behind the yellow curtains lay the mysterious David King’s bottle!
However, A Shu was cautious and did not rush into action. Instead, he listened intently. It was already late, and the flickering candlelight deep within the corridor revealed the sounds of laughter between a man and a woman. The laughter was hearty and unmistakably belonged to Qu Zhisheng. The Buddhist hall was pitch black, with only the incense burning in the censer casting a faint glow.
A Shu didn’t dare to use the stairs. Instead, he slid down a corridor pillar and landed softly on the ground. He had initially intended to find Long Shuangyue to inquire about Xuanzang’s whereabouts, but upon reaching the Buddhist hall, he felt a powerful attraction, as if the David King’s bottle was silently calling to him, enticing him to approach.
A Shu swallowed nervously, and perhaps due to his anxiety, a soft sound escaped him in the silent hall, startling himself. He tilted his head, contemplating, and finally succumbed to the temptation. He quietly approached, lifted the curtain, and froze—two cold eyes glimmered in the darkness! A ghostly figure sat cross-legged on a cushion, mockingly staring at him!
A Shu was so frightened he nearly screamed, but after a moment, he recognized that it was Long Shuangyue!
“Uh…” A Shu broke into a cold sweat, forcing a smile. “I… I got up at night and took a wrong turn…” Before he could finish, he turned to flee.
Long Shuangyue remained seated, and as he ran a few steps, she lightly clapped her hands. A Shu suddenly stopped in his tracks. In the dim light, he saw the area around him filled with the glint of cold steel. Those were the tips of arrows!
“A Shu, come, sit down and chat,” Long Shuangyue said with a smile. “I thought you would come looking for me to inquire about the Master’s whereabouts, yet here you are, drawn to the David King’s bottle instead?”
Long Shuangyue gracefully stood up, lit a candle, and gestured invitingly. A Shu, looking pitiful, reluctantly turned around and sat down across from her. “I… I was just trying to find you, and happened to see this bottle…” He glanced at the David King’s bottle, swallowing hard again.
“Indeed,” Long Shuangyue smiled. “Anyone would be filled with desire for this bottle. I just didn’t expect that a little child like you would have such strong desires.” She regarded A Shu with amusement. “So, tell me, what is your wish? I can help you fulfill it without needing the David King’s bottle.”
A Shu thought for a moment. “I want you to release the Master.”
Longxue Yuezhi lay gracefully on the cushion like a beauty in spring slumber. She said softly, “Your master is not in my hands.”
“Liar!” Ashu shouted angrily. “You kidnapped my master! Wasn’t it you, the woman wielding an iron hammer and wearing a golden mask?”
“It wasn’t me,” Longxue Yuezhi replied calmly.
“Hmph!” Ashu didn’t believe her at all. “You said you would take action, and then my master went missing. In this kingdom of Gaochang, who else but you would harm my master?”
Longxue Yuezhi shook her head repeatedly. “Ashu, I’ve told you, you’re still a child. There are many things you don’t understand. Do you want to know the answer? Come with me!”
She stood up and beckoned to Ashu, who followed her, puzzled.
Longxue Yuezhi carried a lantern and walked out of the palace. She led Ashu through a corridor, winding east and west through the inner palace, even climbing a few steps. At one corner door, two fully armored guards were on duty, but upon seeing Longxue Yuezhi approach, they saluted with crossed hands and didn’t obstruct her, allowing her to lead Ashu through the door.
Ashu trotted along, asking, “Hey, where are you taking me? Is my master imprisoned in the palace?”
“I told you, your master is not in my hands,” Longxue Yuezhi said calmly. “It’s just that there are many things you don’t understand. I’m letting you see clearly.”
As Ashu was about to ask more, Longxue Yuezhi placed her jade finger on her lips and shushed him. “We’re here. If you dare to speak loudly, you’ll never see your master again in this lifetime.”
Ashu quickly shut his mouth and looked up. He was startled to find that they had somehow arrived at the inner court of the royal palace! The layout of Gaochang’s inner court was similar to that of the Central Plains, with the throne in the center and cushions laid out on both sides where important ministers knelt to discuss affairs. However, Gaochang’s buildings usually had two or three floors, and this inner court was no exception. It had two levels, with the second floor open and surrounded by a circular corridor, making it appear more spacious and grand.
At this moment, Ashu and Longxue Yuezhi were standing on the second-floor corridor of the inner court. Curtains hung from the corridor, and through them, they could vaguely see Qu Wentai and his ministers discussing affairs, their voices audible. Ashu couldn’t help but feel alarmed. The fact that they could come and go freely in such a confidential place suggested that Longxue Yuezhi’s claim of having complete control over Gaochang was likely not an exaggeration.
“Princess, why did you bring me here?” Ashu whispered.
“Shh!” Longxue Yuezhi pointed downwards. “Listen carefully.”
Ashu lifted the curtain slightly, watching Qu Wentai and the others in bewilderment.
In the spacious hall, Qu Renshu, Qu Deyong, Zhang Xiong, and the left and right vice directors of the Department of State Affairs, along with the heads of the six ministries, were all present. Everyone was silent, and the atmosphere was tense. Qu Wentai was furious, slamming his chair and shouting, “Speak up! Have you all gone mute? Has Gaochang become a land of demons? First, that unfilial son bewitched the Princess of Yanqi with a broken bottle, and now a famous Tang monk has been swept away by a gust of wind while surrounded by Gaochang’s iron cavalry! How am I supposed to explain this to the Buddhist community? How am I to explain this to the Emperor of the Great Tang?”
Zhang Xiong, filled with shame, stood up from his cushion, knelt on the floor of the great hall, and repeatedly said, “I am incompetent and guilty! Please punish me, Your Majesty!”
“What I need now is not to punish you!” Qu Wentai’s arms trembled with anger. “Grand General, I demand an explanation from you, and I want you to bring back Master Xuanzang!”
“Father, gentlemen,” Qu Deyong sneered, “do you find the Grand General’s account believable? Under the protection of over a hundred cavalry led by the Grand General, the monk was first abducted by a woman in Jiaohe City, and then disappeared with a gust of wind! Ha! Did he ascend to heaven or descend to the earth? Mind you, there are no hills or mountains for over twenty li north of the city. The land is flat and open. The Grand General led a hundred elite cavalry, a hundred pairs of eyes watching, and yet the monk vanished into thin air? I, for one, don’t believe it!”
Hearing this, Ashu turned to Longxue Yuezhi and asked, “What does he mean? Master did vanish into thin air!”
Longxue Yuezhi was somewhat annoyed. “Be quiet, or I won’t let you listen anymore!”
Ashu quickly turned back, silently watching the scene unfold.
At this point, Qu Wentai was also puzzled. He stared at Qu Deyong and urged, “Oh? Deyong, explain yourself clearly.”
“As you all know,” Qu Deyong stood in the center of the hall, looking around at everyone, “our Gaochang has long been under the protection of the Western Turks. But in recent years, the Great Tang has grown strong. This June and July, they mobilized over a hundred thousand troops to actively attack the Eastern Turks. The Western Regions were terrified, and even the Western Turks became fearful. Moreover, with Khagan Tong Yabghu aging and the royal court in turmoil, Father decided on a national policy to show goodwill towards the Tang court.”
Everyone nodded. They were all aware of this. As the Great Tang continued to defeat the Eastern Turks, with Khagans Jieli and Tuli not daring to engage in battle, they increasingly admired Qu Wentai’s foresight.
“Ever since we heard that Master Xuanzang was coming to the Western Regions on his way to seek Buddhist scriptures in India, Father planned to use Master Xuanzang to mend relations with the Great Tang. Firstly, we are all Han people, of the same origin and race. With the support of the Great Tang, we could stand undefeated. Secondly, it would thwart the Yanqi people’s plan to reroute the Silk Road,” Qu Deyong said. “However, someone in our court harbors ill intentions and secretly plotted against Master Xuanzang, concocting this absurd story of the master being blown away by a gust of wind! Everyone knows that the Tang Emperor is on good terms with Master Xuanzang. If something were to happen to him in Gaochang, the Tang Emperor would surely despise Gaochang. This person has wolfish ambitions and aims to sabotage Father’s national policy!”
The crowd erupted in an uproar, all looking towards Zhang Xiong. Zhang Xiong, enraged, stood up abruptly. “Second Prince, don’t slander me! I, Zhang Xiong, am Han. I admire the Celestial Dynasty and am loyal to His Majesty. How could I commit such a disgraceful act that betrays our ancestors and His Majesty?”
“Hmph!” Qu Deyong didn’t even look at him. “Father, the problem lies precisely here. As everyone knows, the Grand General belongs to the Han faction. He studies Confucian etiquette and practices Mahayana Buddhism, wholeheartedly advocating for allegiance to the Han dynasty. This is common knowledge in Gaochang, and even the Tang court is well aware of it.”
“Indeed!” Qu Wentai was somewhat confused. “If that’s the case, the Grand General should have protected Master Xuanzang. How could he possibly harm Master Xuanzang and push Gaochang into opposition with the Great Tang?”
“Father,” Qu Deyong smiled coldly, staring fiercely at Zhang Xiong, “in this case, it’s not Gaochang that would be pushed into opposition with the Great Tang, but you, Father!”
Qu Wentai was startled. “Wait, wait, explain yourself clearly.”
Qu Deyong spoke proudly, “Father, everyone knows about your relationship with the Western Turks. Elder Sister has married the son of Tong Yabghu, Tardush. Over the years, you’ve been accommodating to the Western Turks. Although it’s said to be for Gaochang’s survival, in the eyes of the Great Tang, you are supported by the Western Turks and loyal to them!”
Qu Wentai’s expression gradually changed. Qu Deyong glanced at Qu Renshu and continued, “If at this time, an heir steeped in Confucian values, supported by a Han faction Grand General who holds military power, were to show goodwill towards the Tang court… and if you, Father, were to incur the Emperor’s displeasure due to Master Xuanzang’s incident, how do you think the Tang Emperor would react?”
With these words, all the ministers’ faces changed color simultaneously. The hall fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone felt a heaviness in their hearts. The disappearance of a Tang monk had unexpectedly involved the struggle for the crown prince position in Gaochang! The rivalry between Qu Renshu and Qu Deyong had been long-standing, as everyone knew, but no one had anticipated that Qu Deyong would use this incident to openly launch a fierce attack on the crown prince faction.
Listening from the second floor, Ashu suddenly understood. He turned to look intently at Longxue Yuezhi. “Princess, your strategy is indeed impressive! You’re using my master’s disappearance to instigate a succession struggle in Gaochang!”
This time, Longxue Yuezhi didn’t stop him from speaking. She smiled at him and said, “Ashu, I’m quite impressed with you. I didn’t expect a child from Samarkand to understand the greatest crisis facing Gaochang.”
Ashu nodded silently, watching Qu Deyong and Qu Renshu facing off like fighting roosters in the inner court. He said, “We Sogdians who travel the Silk Road pay the most attention to internal strife and wars in the countries along the way. Uncle said that although Gaochang appears prosperous, it harbors a huge crisis. Once Qu Wentai passes away, the eldest prince and the second prince will inevitably clash in armed conflict.”
“Indeed!” Longxue Yuezhi sighed. “This is also what we in Yanqi have been waiting for, but unfortunately, Qu Wentai just won’t die.”
This matter has a long history. Qu Renshu and Qu Deyong were born to Qu Wentai’s first wife, a Turkic princess, making them full brothers. Qu Zhisheng was born to the second wife, a Hephthalite princess, while the third wife, a Han woman, bore no children. The brothers Renshu and Deyong, one scholarly and one martial, were quite different. Renshu admired Han culture, studied poetry and literature, understood etiquette, and was courteous and refined in his dealings with others.
Deyong, on the other hand, was strong, fond of horseback riding and archery, a warrior on the battlefield with the courage to face ten thousand men. When the previous king, Qu Boya, was alive, he was extremely fond of these two grandsons, calling them the “Twin Treasures of the Qu Family,” believing that their combination of civil and military talents would surely strengthen Gaochang. Deyong usually aimed to assist his elder brother and aspired to become a great general. The brothers had a deep bond.
But all this beauty changed several years ago. It was the ninth year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty, and the twelfth year of Yanhe in Gaochang. Qu Boya was on the throne, and Qu Wentai was still the crown prince.
As early as the fifth year of Daye, when Emperor Yang of Sui made a western tour to Zhangye, Qu Boya and Qu Wentai, father and son, went to pay their respects. They were warmly received by Emperor Yang, and the pair not only accompanied Emperor Yang to Chang’an but even followed him on the expedition to Goguryeo, staying in the Central Plains for three years before returning to Gaochang.
Upon their return to Gaochang, the father and son were determined to implement Han-style reforms, requiring “all commoners and above to untie their braids and cut their robes,” eliminating barbarian customs. However, less than a year into the reforms, there was severe internal resistance in Gaochang, leading to the “Yihe Coup.” The coup plotters occupied the royal city. Under Zhang Xiong’s protection, the Qu royal family fled the city. They originally planned to seek refuge with the Sui Dynasty, but at that time, the Sui was in turmoil and could not help them. They had no choice but to turn to the Western Turks for protection. The father and son referred to the Western Turks as barbarians, and the Western Turks didn’t have much fondness for them either. Considering their past relationship, they treated them as idle guests.
Qu Boya fell ill due to this setback. At this critical moment, Qu Wentai and Zhang Xiong actively sought help. With the Sui Dynasty no longer an option, they contacted Gaochang loyalists and sympathetic Western Region states, planning to reclaim the throne. The process was extremely difficult, and it took six years before they could gather an army of three thousand men to attack Gaochang.
The rift between the brothers Qu Renshu and Qu Deyong began to open at this time. Although Renshu studied Confucianism, in times of war, military prowess was more useful. Qu Deyong, with his exceptional bravery, followed Grand General Zhang Xiong in battle, repeatedly distinguishing himself in combat, and even saved Qu Wentai’s life from among tens of thousands of enemy soldiers.
Qu Wentai, perhaps overwhelmed by his brush with death, patted Deyong’s shoulder and said, “If I can reclaim the throne, you shall be the crown prince of Gaochang!”
This motivated Qu Deyong even more. While Zhang Xiong’s main army was facing off against the rebels at Jiaohe City, he led five hundred cavalry around the Gobi Desert to launch a surprise attack on the royal city. The rebels were terrified and recalled their main army from Jiaohe City to defend the royal city. Zhang Xiong seized this opportunity to attack, defeating the rebel army in one battle.
After Qu Wentai and his son reclaimed Gaochang, Qu Boya resumed the throne for a year before passing away due to illness. Qu Wentai ascended to the throne, only to find himself facing a thorny problem—who would be the crown prince?
According to Gaochang tradition, the eldest legitimate son should inherit the throne, which would naturally be Qu Renshu. However… in a moment of impulse, Qu Wentai had promised the position to Qu Deyong. This created a significant problem. In truth, Qu Wentai personally preferred his second son, Qu Deyong. He felt this child had a personality similar to his own, with the same temperament, and had even saved his life.
Deyong was both brave and clever, a natural-born ruler. His eldest son, Qu Renshu, had a gentle personality and adhered to etiquette almost to the point of obsession. His words and actions were beyond reproach. But the more flawless Renshu appeared the less Qu Wentai liked him, feeling it was all an act rather than a natural expression of character. Although the Qu family was of Han lineage, centuries of intermarriage with various ethnicities had naturally introduced some of the bold and uninhibited blood of the Hu people. Qu Wentai found Qu Renshu extremely uncomfortable.
However, Qu Wentai knew that Gaochang could not afford any more turmoil. If he were to break the tradition of the eldest legitimate son inheriting the throne, Gaochang would never know peace for generations to come—without this traditional law to suppress ambitions, whoever had the ability would become king, inevitably leading to chaos.
Qu Wentai had no choice but to reluctantly appoint Qu Renshu as the crown prince. However, he felt deeply apologetic towards his second son and was extremely indulgent towards him. Qu Deyong, seeing the prize slip away from his grasp, harbored resentment and took every opportunity to make things difficult for Qu Renshu and Zhang Xiong. However, he had never before been as direct as today, using Xuanzang’s disappearance to launch a frontal assault, seemingly willing to risk everything.
All the ministers were on edge, knowing that if this matter was not handled carefully, it could lead to internal strife in Gaochang and the destruction of the country.
Zhang Xiong and Qu Renshu looked particularly distressed. Qu Renshu staggered forward, fell to his knees with a thud, and burst into tears. “Father, I had no such intention! The Great Tang is a land of propriety, where the ruler is revered as heaven. If I had such treasonous thoughts, how could the Great Tang possibly support a beast worse than pigs and dogs?”
Qu Wentai’s face remained expressionless as he said calmly, “Stand up. You are my son, and I naturally know what kind of person you are.” Qu Renshu pondered carefully but couldn’t understand his father’s true opinion of him. He returned to his cushion, still in tears.
Seeing that Qu Wentai didn’t rebuke Qu Deyong for his baseless accusations and instead gave an ambiguous response, Zhang Xiong’s heart sank. He hurriedly kowtowed and said, “Your Majesty, although I have absolutely no treasonous intentions, I failed in my duty to escort Master Xuanzang. I am willing to resign from my position as the Left Guard General and await Your Majesty’s decision.”
Qu Wentai felt somewhat embarrassed. How could he dismiss such an important position as the Left Guard General over mere speculation? “Taihuan, there’s no need to be upset. After all, Master Xuanzang went missing under your escort. Since everyone is looking for a solution, we should speak freely. Deyong is your junior, and you know he’s straightforward. There’s no need to take offense.”
Zhang Xiong smiled bitterly. Since he had been blamed for this incident, holding military power before the matter was cleared up would be the greatest taboo. He immediately insisted on resigning. As Qu Wentai was about to persuade him to stay, Qu Deyong said, “Father, these are troubled times, and a storm is brewing. I hope Father will reconsider carefully.”
Qu Wentai was startled and immediately said, “Taihuan, the innocent will prove themselves innocent. I trust you. However, the whereabouts of Master Xuanzang must still be your responsibility. I’ll give you three days to find and bring back the master!”
Zhang Xiong had no choice but to kowtow and express his gratitude repeatedly.
“Father,” Qu Renshu hesitated for a long time, “I have a speculation. Could Master’s disappearance be related to the Bottle of King David? After all, such supernatural events have occurred before.”
Qu Wentai drew in a sharp breath. Remembering the eerie Bottle of King David in the inner palace, cold sweat broke out on his back, and he felt a chill in his heart. He didn’t want to say anything more. He waved his hand, dismissing everyone, and sat alone on the throne, deeply troubled.
After all the ministers had left, Qu Wentai sat alone on the throne, sighing deeply. Ashu watched him from the second floor, lost in thought.
Longxue Yuezhi tugged at him. “Do you understand now?”
Ashu, with a heavy heart, nodded silently. He followed Longxue Yuezhi out of the inner court, and they walked back in silence.
“Princess,” Ashu couldn’t hold back anymore, “do you mean that my master is now in Qu Deyong’s hands?”
Longxue Yuezhi smiled charmingly. “What, are you worried about your master?”
Ashu nodded.
Longxue Yuezhi laughed. “I’ve told you, my trap has long been set, and I’m inviting the master to solve it. This is merely the first challenge he faces. If he can’t even ensure his safety, Ashu, you’d better advise your master to continue his journey westward soon!”
“Then what do you plan to do with me?” Ashu asked.
“Little one,” Longxue Yuezhi affectionately pinched his cheek, causing Ashu to turn his face away uncomfortably. “You’re so adorable, of course, I’ll keep you with me! Hmm, when your master is willing to leave Gaochang, I’ll let him take you along!”