The temple monks’ debate about whether the Heart Sutra was spurious didn’t affect Yao Ying, though she sensed that monks were still discussing the matter privately, just not daring to argue about it publicly anymore.

Prajña and Yuan Jue had also been drawn into it. Several times, Yao Ying encountered the two of them looking furious, as if they had quarreled with others.

As an outsider, she didn’t feel it appropriate to inquire about temple affairs, so she returned to her courtyard and focused on her matters.

Following her instructions, Old Qi took in the Hu women who came seeking help and replanted the vineyards with Qishi Mishi and Ma Ru grape varieties bought from the Hu merchant Kang Da. However, Kang Da said he didn’t have any Black Pearl grape seedlings because this variety was acidic, slightly bitter, with small berries – it was a discarded variety rarely seen in the Western Regions.

Yao Ying had Xie Peng relay a message to Old Qi, asking him to find ways to have the Hu merchants search for Black Pearl grapes around Gaochang. Although this variety wasn’t as sweet and plump as others when ripe, it was very suitable for making wine.

The weather grew increasingly hot, and fruits were abundant. Yao Ying and her guards could eat all kinds of fresh melons and fruits daily. The Persian melons that could only be seen at imperial banquets in the Central Plains were common here. Xie Chong ate them every day and had stomach problems for several days.

That day, Ashina Bisuo’s guard returned on horseback with news that Bisuo would be delayed for a few days before returning. Haidu Aling was too cunning; he couldn’t find an opportunity to strike and was unwilling to return empty-handed.

Yuan Jue told Yao Ying that the weather was too hot for traveling now. By the time Bisuo returned, the weather would be cooling down, making it a better time to embark on the diplomatic mission to Gaochang without suffering too much on the journey.

Yao Ying calculated the dates and added several thick leather coats to her luggage. Although the days were scorching hot, unlike the stuffy humidity of Jingnan, one could find relief in houses or under tree shade. The nights were genuinely cool – even in the height of summer, she needed a woolen blanket to sleep.

Now she only had her guards around her. These men were rough and careless, and Xie Qing wasn’t a maid, so she had to take care of her own daily needs, preparing her items to avoid problems during the journey.

After several busy days, Yao Ying remembered something. After morning lessons that day, she learned Yuan Jue was in the main hall and went to find him.

The guards knew her identity and directed her inside. When she reached the place, arguing voices came from behind a low wall.

Yao Ying peered inside.

Prajña stood in the middle of the courtyard, arguing with several monks. The sun overhead was scorching, making one dizzy. They stood in the blazing sun, arguing until their faces turned red, sweating profusely, spittle flying, occasionally pulling and pushing each other.

Yao Ying took shelter in the long corridor, standing on tiptoe to watch.

The first time she saw temple monks arguing, she was very surprised because, in the Central Plains, monks generally wouldn’t become so agitated and crude in debates. But in the royal court, it was different – monks were very aggressive in debates, not only verbally mocking and ridiculing opponents but also allowing pulling and pushing.

Prajña’s one mouth couldn’t match four others. After arguing for a while, he was defeated. According to the rules, he should admit defeat, but he stubbornly refused to bow his head, so anxious his eyes turned red.

Footsteps sounded from the other end of the corridor as Yuan Jue came over. Seeing the situation in the courtyard, he softly rebuked Prajña, telling him to admit defeat.

Prajña remained sullenly silent.

During this awkward standoff, Yao Ying coughed twice, slowly walked out of the shaded corridor, and smiled at everyone: “The summer heat is unbearable; how precious is coolness.”

The word “coolness” carried deep meaning. The monks paused, pressed their palms together in respect to her, and left.

Prajña glared at the monks’ retreating backs, his face full of anger.

Yuan Jue cupped his hands to Yao Ying. She waved to indicate it was nothing and glanced at Prajña: “When you knew you couldn’t win the debate, why didn’t you admit defeat?”

Prajña snorted lightly and puffed out his chest: “They were disrespectful to His Majesty. I will never admit defeat to them!”

Yuan Jue scolded him in a low voice: “Since you lost the debate, you must admit defeat! His Majesty’s reputation doesn’t depend on you winning one debate.”

Prajña had no response, his face full of grievance.

Yao Ying frowned slightly: “How were they disrespectful to the Master?”

Her mention made Prajña’s eyes even redder.

“They were just disrespectful to His Majesty!”

He pointed in the direction the monks had left and shouted angrily, then slowly explained what had happened.

These days, temple monks often gathered to discuss the matter of spurious sutras, which led to discussions about Dharmaraga’s Sanskrit translation.

Yao Ying asked: “Do they not accept his translation?”

Prajña’s eyes widened: “His Majesty is proficient in Sanskrit. How could they not accept his translation!”

Yao Ying’s mouth twitched.

Prajña glared at her several times before continuing: “They said His Majesty was well-versed in the scriptures and could have achieved greater accomplishments, either through writing or translation, but he hasn’t. He has neglected his cultivation.”

It turned out the temple monks believed Dharmaraga was intelligent, and a high monk had once predicted he would become a great vessel of Buddhism. However, he couldn’t focus solely on studying the scriptures – not only was he distracted by managing the royal court’s secular affairs, but sometimes he even led troops in battle and heavily relied on and indulged the cruel and vicious regent, merely increasing the killing karma. His efforts were thankless and couldn’t accumulate merit and bring blessings like promoting Buddhism could. They felt he was wasting his wisdom roots.

Yao Ying pondered thoughtfully.

These monks’ words had hit upon a question that had been lingering in her mind.

Buddhist sects were numerous, and people from different regions had different interpretations of the scriptures. Some developed their theoretical systems based on Buddhist teachings to promote their ideas, leading to different branches and sects, such as the Chan, Tiantai, Sanlun, and Faxiang schools in the Central Plains.

A monk who believed in saving all beings would surely hope to write scriptures about their lifetime of insights and establish their school, guiding people and helping more souls escape suffering and reach the other shore.

Dharmaraga had early fame and was a noble prince. With such status, why were there no treatises or writings passed down from him?

He had been renowned throughout the Western Regions during his lifetime, but after death, he would be like smoke before Buddha, leaving no trace.

He left nothing behind.

That day when Yao Ying sat beside him, watching him translate Chinese scripture on the spot, judging from the other monks’ reactions, he not only translated quickly but also fluently, to the extent that the monks believed there must be an original Sanskrit version.

She believed that if he wanted to, he could have started writing treatises on the scriptures long ago.

After age thirteen, he had broken free from noble control and gained real power. No one dared to obstruct his cultivation.

After long consideration, Yao Ying felt there was only one explanation that barely made sense: Dharmaraga’s shoulders bore too heavy a responsibility. Taking the salvation of all people as his duty, he naturally had no time to write scriptural treatises.

The monks thought the same, which was why they discussed and complained that he had disappointed expectations and wasted his wisdom roots.

After Prajña finished relating his argument with the monks, he sniffled: “How could they criticize His Majesty like this?”

Yuan Jue sighed and said: “Don’t argue with them anymore. His Majesty won’t care about these things.”

Yao Ying came back to herself and looked at Prajña: “I heard your name was given by the Master?”

Her sudden change of topic left both Yuan Jue and Prajña bewildered, but the latter nodded.

Yao Ying snickered: “Prajña means ‘transcendent wisdom’ in Sanskrit. This name doesn’t quite suit you.”

Prajña was stunned for a moment before reacting, his face turning red.

Before he could speak, Yao Ying smiled gracefully and said: “The monks speak this way about the Master because they have high expectations of him. You are a lay disciple; you shouldn’t debate Buddhist principles with them – you can’t win against them. They don’t understand the Master’s pursuits, so naturally, they don’t understand his choices. No matter how eloquent you are, they can always find reasons to refute you.”

Prajña’s eyes slanted up as he looked at Yao Ying with suspicion: “The way the Princess speaks… does the Princess agree with our king?”

Yao Ying nodded frankly and said: “Next time you argue with the monks, don’t fixate on Buddhist principles. Whether to transcend or enter the world is a personal choice. Living in seclusion, away from worldly affairs, can certainly allow one to focus on cultivation. But if everyone only sought their liberation, what about the royal court? What about the common people? The Master is both a high monk and a country’s ruler. He cares for all people, disregarding personal gain or loss, seeking the liberation of all beings rather than his fame.”

“The various countries have been in chaos for decades, people wandering homeless, lives as worthless as grass. Yet the royal court remains peaceful and stable, people of all ethnicities live and work in peace, the marketplaces bustle with people, merchants gather, and goods from all countries fill the stalls…”

Yao Ying stood before the long corridor, her black eyes bright and beautiful, speaking word by word: “These are the Master’s interpretation of Buddhist dharma, these are his achievements!”

In times of chaos, Dharmaraga had protected the lives of an entire region.

Yao Ying always admired such people because she deeply understood the taste of struggling to survive in chaotic times.

Yuan Jue and Prajña were moved, staring at Yao Ying’s beautiful face, speechless for a long time.

After a while, they looked at each other and sighed: “But the temple monks don’t think this way.”

Yao Ying couldn’t help but feel emotional.

Those who gather firewood for others should not be left to freeze in wind and snow.

Yet in reality, the heroes remembered by people were often lonely and solitary.

Yuan Jue and Prajña somewhat agreed with the monks’ view, which was why they lacked confidence when arguing with the monks and naturally couldn’t defeat them.

They were Dharmaraga’s most loyal guards yet couldn’t understand him.

Although someone as cold and rational as Dharmaraga surely didn’t need ordinary people’s understanding, Yao Ying still felt sorry for him.

She looked at Prajña: “You can refute other monks from different angles. Next time they discuss the Master, ask them: Who led the central army to defeat the Northern Rong ten years ago? Who saved the royal court’s people? Who protects the Buddhist temple? Who provides for their food, clothing, shelter, and travel? Buddha is compassionate – could the Master ignore people dying?”

Yao Ying blinked her eyes.

“We have a saying in the Central Plains: ‘Pick up the bowl to eat, put down the bowl to curse.'”

Prajña’s eyes lit up.

Yao Ying continued: “If the monks say all this is illusory and only the scriptures offer final salvation, then ask them to think about Master Mondatteva.”

Buddhism originated in India, but due to various complex reasons and its teachings failing to adapt to changing times, gradually becoming disconnected from people’s needs, what happened? Buddhism in India gradually declined. It was precisely because Mondatteva realized this that he traveled thousands of miles through the Central Plains and Western Regions, seeking the truth that would allow Buddhism to endure.

Prajña nodded in agreement, hesitated for a moment, then turned sideways and spoke quietly to Yuan Jue in Sanskrit, his expression solemn, occasionally glancing up at Yao Ying while speaking.

Yao Ying smiled and said in the Hu language: “What’s this? Is Little Master Prajña speaking ill of me again?”

Prajña’s face turned red with embarrassment. He snorted and ran away.

Yuan Jue pressed his palms together respectfully to Yao Ying: “Prajña just said that since the Princess entered the temple, you have washed away your makeup, earnestly practiced, and considered everything for His Majesty’s benefit. He can see your sincerity toward His Majesty. He was wrong about you before.”

Yao Ying was stunned, then shook her head with a laugh and said: “What a pity. I’ve been struggling to learn Sanskrit these days and learned several curse words, preparing to have a Sanskrit debate with Prajña.”

Yuan Jue smiled lightly: “How could someone as noble as the Princess learn such vulgar language?”

Yao Ying shook her head and said seriously: “Little Master Yuan Jue, I learned Sanskrit from the guards precisely so I could understand when Prajña cursed me, then immediately retorted.”

Yuan Jue burst out laughing.

The flower wall before them was lush with climbing vines. As they walked along the corridor chatting and laughing, a golden arc suddenly flashed in the corner.

A deep growling sound came from beneath the tree shade.

Yuan Jue immediately stopped, raising his arm to block Yao Ying.

In the shadows, golden light flickered as a spotted leopard leaped out from the earthen wall, its movements agile, its coat glossy, its eyes reflecting the bright sunlight.

A flash of surprise crossed Yuan Jue’s face as he quickly glanced around, then smiled and softly reassured Yao Ying: “Princess, don’t be afraid. Ali won’t harm people without reason.”

Yao Ying said quietly: “It’s alright, this leopard saved me before.”

That night when Su Dan Gu and the leopard suddenly appeared to rescue her from Haidu Aling, now seeing the leopard, she wasn’t as afraid as before.

The leopard stretched, swished its tail, and lazily circled them as if inspecting its territory.

Yao Ying lowered her gaze, not looking at it.

The leopard glanced at her, perhaps finding her familiar, and suddenly moved forward, its paw catching her skirt hem, its furry head rubbing against her dress.

Yuan Jue let out a soft cry, clenching his fists as he nervously watched the leopard, sweat beading on his forehead.

Yao Ying’s body went rigid, holding her breath, not daring to move.

A dry wind blew, causing loose strands of hair to fall across her face, tickling her cheeks.

Yuan Jue shook his head at Yao Ying: Princess, don’t move.

The leopard drew closer and closer until she could hear its breathing. A shiver ran down Yao Ying’s spine as she clenched her teeth, allowing the leopard to approach.

Just when she could hardly bear it anymore, the leopard suddenly trembled, looked back, sniffed the air, and gracefully leaped toward the earthen wall.

The flower vines rustled as the spotted leopard vanished into the shadows.

Yao Ying held still a moment longer, making sure the leopard hadn’t turned back, then let out a long breath.

Yuan Jue apologized: “I didn’t expect Ali to be hiding there. I’m sorry you were frightened.”

Yao Ying smiled, indicating it was nothing.

Yuan Jue escorted her back, watched her figure disappear into the distance, and then immediately turned and strode quickly through the corridor.

Ahead, golden light flickered as the leopard gracefully crossed the courtyard, lightly climbed onto the corridor, and walked toward a man, swishing its tail. It raised its head to nuzzle the man’s leg.

The man looked down with deep jade-green eyes.

The leopard held its head high, looking at him expectantly.

The man bent down, palm open, a string of prayer beads wrapped several times around his wrist.

The leopard nuzzled his palm, making affectionate purring sounds, then lay down contentedly at his feet and began licking its paws.

Yuan Jue followed into the courtyard and knelt on one knee: “Your Majesty, Princess Wenzhao just came by.”

Dharmaraga looked up and made a sound of acknowledgment, his light gray monk’s robe making his figure appear especially tall and straight.

“Why was Ali here?”

Yuan Jue said: “I don’t know. Perhaps the keeper was lazy and let it sneak out.”

Dharmaraga’s expression remained calm as he said: “Take it back to the menagerie. Don’t let it frighten people.”

Yuan Jue understood that Dharmaraga had seen the leopard teasing Princess Wenzhao and respectfully acknowledged it.

Dharmaraga raised his hand, prayer beads swaying as he made a gesture.

“Ali, go.”

The leopard obediently got up and followed Yuan Jue down the corridor.

As Yuan Jue led the leopard, carefully walking out of the courtyard, Dharmaraga’s voice suddenly came from behind.

“What did Princess Wenzhao come for?”

Yuan Jue started, turned around, and said: “Princess Wenzhao said… that night when the Regent saved her, he seemed to have been injured. She doesn’t know if his wound has healed and has been concerned. If the physicians find her medicine useful, she can send more.”

Dharmaraga’s brows furrowed slightly: “What medicine?”

Yuan Jue said softly: “The Princess was worried about the Regent’s injuries and had General Ashina deliver some medicine… the General might have forgotten about it.”

Dharmaraga remained silent, his face calm and serene.

Yuan Jue waited a while, and seeing no further instructions from Dharmaraga, was about to withdraw when Dharmaraga called out: “Tell the Princess there’s no need to send more medicine. Thank her for her kind intentions.”

“Yes.”

Yuan Jue acknowledged and withdrew from the courtyard with the leopard.

Walking along the corridor, he suddenly stopped at the flower wall, looking back at the dense vines on top. His brow furrowed slightly.

When Princess Wenzhao was talking with Prajña, had His Majesty been standing behind the flower wall?

Had he heard what Princess Wenzhao said?

Princess Wenzhao said the temple monks didn’t understand His Majesty – who did understand him?

Yuan Jue stood lost in thought until the impatient leopard swatted at him with its paw. He laughed and scolded: “You frightened the Princess again today!”

Man and leopard left the temple by a rarely used path, heading straight for the menagerie.

…

Ever since Yao Ying taught Prajña how to refute other monks, he completely changed his attitude toward her and occasionally came to seek her guidance.

He developed a strong interest in Chinese, especially after learning from Yao Ying how to insult people in Chinese without using vulgar words. His thirst for knowledge grew even stronger.

At first, Yao Ying patiently taught him, but later she was tired of it. When Prajña came again, she had her guards teach him how to curse.

Prajña became angry, puffing out his chest: “Isn’t the Princess learning Sanskrit? I can teach the Princess Sanskrit! The Princess teaches me Central Plains colloquialisms, and we’ll have a fair trade! I will teach the Princess well.”

Yao Ying considered for a while, thought this trade wasn’t bad, and agreed to continue teaching Prajña.

The two became each other’s teachers, studying for several days. Prajña learned a few simple Chinese phrases, and Yao Ying learned several Sanskrit curse words.

When the royal court’s people were harvesting the last batch of nearly ripe grapes for drying, the Sha City guards brought back news: Bisuo, who had been sent to the Northern Rong, had returned – by carriage.

Yao Ying immediately checked her luggage, and added some supplies, just waiting for Bisuo’s return to depart.

The day Bisuo returned, Yuan Jue went outside the city to welcome him and didn’t return to the temple until night.

He brought back bad news: Bisuo’s leg was injured, which was why he had returned by carriage.

Yao Ying frowned: Would the Gaochang mission be delayed again?

Before she could discuss this with Bisuo, Yuan Jue brought several fine horses for her and her guards to choose from.

“Princess, spend these two days counting your people and preparing your luggage. We depart in three days.”

Yao Ying asked in surprise: “Has General Ashina’s wound healed?”

Yuan Jue shook his head: “General Ashina’s thigh is injured. He won’t be able to ride for a month… His Majesty said the matter can’t be delayed, and he will send the Regent to accompany the Princess.”

Su Dan Gu?

Yao Ying was stunned for a moment, then nodded. Su Dan Gu had been to Gaochang and knew the route well. Having him as an escort couldn’t be better.

Although Su Dan Gu looked fierce and intimidating, she wasn’t afraid of him at all.

He wasn’t a bad person.