The imperial guard lifted the tent curtain.

Inside the tent was silence, with only a few guards standing in the corners.

Following Yuanjue’s gesture, Yaoying stepped onto the elevated platform. Her gaze fell upon Tanmoluojia seated on the throne, and she froze momentarily.

Tanmoluojia wore a crimson kasaya and held a sacred implement. On his head was a crown of golden leaves inlaid with lapis lazuli, amber, and agate, dazzling and elegant in its magnificence.

This was Yaoying’s first time seeing him wear the crown of the kingdom’s sovereign, and a strange feeling welled up inside her. She couldn’t help but look a few times more.

Tanmoluojia called for Bore.

When Bore saw Yaoying, his eyes widened. He led her to a corner behind the curtains beside the throne.

While acknowledging him, Yaoying kept turning back to look at Tanmoluojia. He happened to raise his eyes to meet hers, his entire being radiating sacred light, dignified and majestic.

As their gazes met, Yaoying inexplicably felt guilty and quickly retreated behind the curtain.

“Whose seat is this?” she asked Bore.

Bore’s expression grew complex as he replied, “This used to be where the young princesses and princes sat. Princess, please remain seated here until the ceremony ends. It wouldn’t be good if others saw you moving about.”

He was treating Yaoying like a restless child who needed reminding.

Yaoying couldn’t help but smile as she sat cross-legged.

…

The curtain swayed gently, hiding her peeking face from view.

Tanmoluojia gazed in Yaoying’s direction for a moment before withdrawing his eyes and lightly brushing the sacred implement.

With a clear ring, the imperial guards before the hall raised their banners in sequence, extending from the high platform down the steps to the ground below, forming several enormous dragons. The venue immediately fell silent.

Drums and bells resounded throughout the martial arts grounds as knights of the Five Armies, in different colored uniforms and mounted on fine steeds, formed battle formations. Led by Bisuo and Mopiduo in their imposing armor, they galloped into the arena in an impressive display.

The entire earth seemed to tremble.

Seated behind the curtain, Yaoying had a bird’s-eye view of the diplomatic envoys from various nations in their tents. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the Five Armies’ knights below.

The knights maintained perfect order and military discipline. After demonstrating their horsemanship, archery, charges, tactical maneuvers, and siege warfare, the foreign envoys wore grave expressions. Several tribal representatives quietly wiped away their sweat.

When Bisuo and Mopiduo led the knights away, everyone secretly breathed sighs of relief.

As the drums fell silent, musicians from Kucha began playing cheerful melodies. Nobles and royalty in formal attire, foreign envoys, and common people formed lines to present birthday gifts to the main hall. Precious objects and treasures, gold, silver, pearls, and jade filled the golden platters.

When it came time for the Kingdom of Vilomara to present gifts, the clamoring voices in the venue suddenly fell silent. Countless gazes fell upon Princess Manda, who stood surrounded by a group of gorgeously dressed dancing girls.

The dancers began their performance, making various poses of prayer to the divine. Princess Manda stepped forward from among them, moving with natural grace and charm.

She wore a red dot on her forehead and a veiled headdress. Her tight-fitting long dress was embroidered with pearls and jeweled lotus patterns, with elaborate and luxurious hemwork. A transparent gauze overlay traced her delicate figure, while her waistband sparkled with gems. Dozens of gold bangles adorned her wrists and bare ankles. Moving to the music, her hands twirled like flower petals as she bent her legs and slowly bowed to Tanmoluojia.

Even before she began dancing, she exuded allure.

In an instant, even the wind seemed to grow sensuous.

Everyone present held their breath.

In the silence, Yaoying heard Bore grinding his teeth.

“The people of Vilomara have no shame!” he fumed.

The people of Vilomara viewed dance as a way to communicate with the divine. During ceremonies and celebrations, there was always a component of dance offerings to the gods. Dancing was more like a religious ritual, and the Vilomaran people expressed their blessings through dance offerings. The court ceremonial officials could not refuse.

It was said Princess Manda had learned dance in temples since childhood. Her dancing was classically beautiful yet seductive, capable of arousing men’s desires. She offered this dance under the pretext of honoring the divine, but her intentions were not pure!

Bore watched Princess Manda, his face turning blue.

Yaoying held back her laughter to avoid adding fuel to the fire.

Below the platform, Princess Manda had begun dancing to the music, her waist swaying, her hand gestures changing endlessly. The gold bangles on her wrists and feet jingled rhythmically. She moved like wind and snow, like phoenixes in flight. Her pearl tassels spun like stars, her floral decorations writhed like dragons and snakes.

She was elegant and captivating, the height of allure.

The audience watched, entranced. Several men stood up unconsciously, craning their necks, wishing they could get a closer look.

In her childhood, Yaoying had been physically weak, and divine physicians had suggested she learn dance to strengthen her body. She had learned both vigorous and soft dances from Hu women, and now found herself equally mesmerized.

As one piece ended, the music suddenly slowed. Princess Manda cast alluring glances as she slowly removed her face veil. Her delicate feet stepped across the Persian red carpet as she moved gradually toward the main hall.

Behind the curtain, Yaoying couldn’t help but admire: No wonder everyone said Princess Manda’s dance skills were exquisite. Her movements were nimble yet elegant, combining strength and gentleness, full of vitality while maintaining an ineffable noble and solemn religious quality. She embodied both sanctity and seduction, almost capable of stealing one’s soul.

Princess Manda had reached the main hall.

Tanmoluojia never watched song and dance performances. Vilomara could only have her perform under the pretext of honoring the divine. Knowing this was a rare opportunity, she employed all her skills. Her dance movements alternated between light and vigorous, her body barely visible through the gauze, rich and gorgeous.

Princess Manda danced before Tanmoluojia’s throne, her movements growing increasingly graceful. As she bent forward, her legs slightly parted, the gauze slipping away to reveal honey-colored skin gleaming with an unmistakably seductive quality. The tent seemed to fill with a decadent sensuality.

Bore’s face began slowly turning purple.

Yaoying moved to the curtain, her eyes closely following Princess Manda, who blazed like a blooming flower. Just as she was watching, completely entranced, she felt a cold gaze fall upon her and startled, looking toward Tanmoluojia.

He was watching her, expressionless.

Yaoying once again felt guilty and sheepishly withdrew, closing the curtain.

The situation must have been very awkward for him; she shouldn’t have watched so enthusiastically.

Outside the curtain, the music continued. Princess Manda’s watery gray-green eyes looked toward Tanmoluojia, noticing he wasn’t watching her at all. Her heart sank.

Could this monk truly have cut off all desires?

While maintaining her superior dance, she carefully observed Tanmoluojia and noticed he occasionally glanced toward the curtain beside his throne. She swayed her waist, moving closer to the drapes.

Tanmoluojia’s brows furrowed slightly.

Princess Manda’s eyes darted as she leaned forward, her slender fingers brushing aside the curtain.

Behind the curtain, Yaoying reacted swiftly, pushing Bore out.

When Princess Manda saw his furious, contorted face, she hesitated momentarily and puzzledly stepped back.

Bore was so angry he nearly jumped, fixing the curtain before moving to Tanmoluojia’s side: “My King, shall I have the musicians stop playing?”

Tanmoluojia replied coolly, “Since it is another nation’s tribute, let them finish.”

Bore grudgingly agreed.

The piece ended.

Princess Manda bowed gracefully, full of charm.

Tanmoluojia looked at her.

Above and below the platform, all was silent.

Everyone looked toward the high platform.

In the silence, Tanmoluojia’s fingers lightly brushed.

Bore immediately called out: “Next!”

A commotion stirred below the platform, as a stone dropped in water, rippling outward as whispers spread in circles.

Princess Manda stood rigid, her face flashing through shock, confusion, and humiliation. She rose gracefully and departed under Bore’s urging.

…

In the tent, Yaoying heard the music outside stop and quietly pulled open a small gap to look out.

Princess Manda’s departing figure remained graceful.

Tanmoluojia turned his head, glancing at Yaoying.

Yaoying held the curtain with both hands, only half her face visible as she smiled at him. She knew he wouldn’t be bewitched by Princess Manda’s celestial dance.

Her eyes were clear, showing reverence and admiration, along with some apologetic feeling for causing him trouble.

Tanmoluojia withdrew his gaze.

…

Next, the various nations continued presenting birthday gifts.

When it was Yaoying’s turn, Yuanjue came to call her. She tiptoed out and left the tent from the other end of the long steps. Bisuo and Mopiduo had changed out of their armor and were ascending the steps when they saw her emerge from the main hall. Their footsteps paused.

Yaoying didn’t have time to greet Bisuo as she hurriedly descended the platform from the other side.

Bore loudly announced Yaoying’s title.

In an instant, the music and conversation stopped, and even the whistling wind seemed to quietly retreat.

Yaoying didn’t enter the hall but stood on the snowy ground below the platform. Meeting countless gazes – curious, wary, hateful, contemptuous – she smiled slightly, looking around with eyes like autumn waters.

The venue remained silent.

Yaoying gestured for the court ceremonial official to approach and said, “I wish to present a gift to the Buddha’s son. Please invite the princesses forward to watch.”

The official looked terrified, glancing at her to see her eyes full of smiles, knowing she wasn’t joking. He sent people to inform the other princesses.

The princesses were uncertain, suspecting Yaoying might cause trouble. However, refusing to go would make them appear weak, and they were curious to see what methods Yaoying would employ. They exchanged glances, thinking that with their numbers they had strength, and with a cold snort, left their tents.

Soon, the princesses’ seats were moved below the platform.

The venue erupted in discussion.

Above, Bisuo frowned, “Princess Wenzhao wants all the princesses to come watch her tribute?”

Bore ground his teeth in frustration: “I thought Princess Wenzhao could maintain her composure, but I didn’t expect her to become jealous!”

Yuanjue trembled anxiously, looking around: “The princess won’t fight, will she? Should we stop her?”

Only Mopiduo watched Yaoying below, his lips curving in a smile: “Why shouldn’t Princess Wenzhao openly challenge all the princesses?”

Bisuo looked toward Tanmoluojia.

Tanmoluojia’s brows were furrowed as he watched Yaoying below, who nodded to him.

Bisuo understood and hurriedly descended the platform.

In the ice and snow, Yaoying wore a narrow-sleeved robe with two guards standing behind her. She glanced at the other princesses before the platform.

The princesses from various nations showed different expressions as they stared at her unblinkingly, waiting to see what gift she would present.

One princess whispered, “Could she be planning to dance too?”

Others sneered, “If Princess Manda’s celestial dance couldn’t move the Buddha’s son, could her dancing be better than Princess Manda’s?”

Amid the discussion, Bisuo stood in the corner, watching Yaoying.

Yaoying remained composed, clapping her hands.

A guard brought forward a curved-neck copper kettle. She opened the kettle’s stopper, took out a small bottle, and slowly poured the boiling water from the bottle into the kettle. Her hands formed a lotus gesture as she chanted softly.

Soon, wisps of five-colored clouds emerged from the kettle’s mouth, spreading out. In the sunlight, they gleamed brilliantly.

Yaoying stood in the snow, her figure graceful, her bearing dignified. Surrounded by clouds, she resembled a goddess in a mural dwelling in paradise.

Everyone stared in amazement, unable to hide their admiration despite their best efforts.

Yaoying pointed to the five-colored clouds and announced clearly, “In a dream, I once saw a towering tree covered in golden flowers, majestic and beautiful. Today, the birthday gift I wish to present to the Buddha’s son is the golden flower I saw in my dream.”

Everyone looked at her, then at the empty, snow-covered ground, full of doubt.

Someone laughed loudly: “Where could flowers come from in this barren season?”

As soon as they spoke, Yaoying gently waved her sleeve. Within the five-colored mist, the shadow of a great tree gradually appeared. As the clouds gathered and surged, the tree’s outline became increasingly clear. A patch of green suddenly appeared in the snow as a massive tree rose from the ground, its branches and leaves lush and verdant. Soon, countless flower buds began appearing on the tree, each one a brilliant gold.

Everyone stood frozen, unconsciously rising to their feet.

In the snow, the tree full of golden flowers bloomed, their light flickering – majestic, sacred, gorgeous, dreamlike, breathtakingly beautiful.

Through the haze came what seemed like music, melodious and lingering, like celestial sounds.

Above and below the platform, all was silent.

In the clouds, thousands of golden flowers bloomed and opened their stamens, showing no signs of wilting.

After a long moment, someone on the high platform cried out with tears in their eyes: “The Udumbara flower! It’s the Udumbara flower!”

“The Udumbara flower appears only once every three thousand years, blooming with golden flowers covering the entire tree. This is the Udumbara flower spoken of in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra!”

“The Buddha’s son’s merit is boundless. The divine Buddha appeared in the Han woman’s dream just to have the Udumbara flower manifest at the Buddha’s son’s birthday ceremony!”

Everyone had heard the legend of the Udumbara flower. The faithful deeply believed in divine visitations through dreams. They suddenly understood, their faces showing fanatical expressions as they knelt, pressed their palms together, and bowed in worship toward Tanmoluojia.

Congratulatory voices reached the clouds.

The envoys from various nations were speechless with shock, their eyes nearly popping from their sockets.

In the corner, Bisuo watched Yaoying in the clouds, his expression moved.

Yaoying remained motionless as the clouds began to disperse and the tree’s outline gradually blurred.

The Vilomaran envoy, coming to his senses and seeing how Yaoying had captured the entire venue’s atmosphere, steeled himself and shouted toward the sky: “The flowers are gone!”

Everyone hurriedly looked up as the golden flowers grew dim. They exchanged anxious glances.

Yaoying remained calm, reaching up to grasp at the air.

The clouds dispersed, the music faded, and thick white snow still covered the ground, with no trees or flowers in sight.

Everyone looked disappointed, turning to Yaoying, hoping she could summon the divine miracle again.

Yaoying slowly opened her hands, golden light floating in her palms.

The crowd cried out in delight: she held a cluster of blooming golden flowers!

Everything before hadn’t been an illusion – the Udumbara flower had truly manifested!

“The Udumbara flower’s reappearance means the kingdom will enjoy long-lasting peace and prosperity!”

As one person called this out loudly, others joined in, creating a tremendous wave of sound.

Bore could hardly believe it, both shocked and delighted. Once the crowd’s emotions settled, he ran down from the platform with a broad smile, carefully taking the golden flowers from Yaoying’s hands, placing them on a golden platter, and presenting them before Tanmoluojia.

Below, the princesses from various nations recovered their senses and looked at each other.

They had lost. Princess Wenzhao had received divine enlightenment in her dream and presented the Udumbara flower to the Buddha’s son – how could they compare?

After presenting the golden flowers, Yaoying didn’t immediately leave but smiled as she looked at the princesses.

The princesses’ hearts jumped, their hair standing on end as an ominous feeling swept over them.

…

The ceremony ended.

The common people were still immersed in the joy of witnessing the Udumbara flower’s manifestation, with cheerful voices everywhere.

In the grand carriage returning to the Royal Temple, Bore respectfully held the golden platter, his face full of smiles.

Tanmoluojia glanced at the golden flowers on the platter, his expression calm.

The sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the curtain. Yuanjue reined in his horse by the carriage window and cupped his hands: “My King, after the ceremony, Princess Wenzhao didn’t immediately return to the Royal Temple.”

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes: “Where did she go?”

Yuanjue hesitated before saying: “The Princess… the Princess kept the other princesses behind, saying something about competing with them. General Ashina is accompanying her… I couldn’t hear the rest clearly…”

Tanmoluojia’s brows furrowed slightly. “Follow them and keep watch.”

Yuanjue agreed and turned his horse around.

Tanmoluojia returned to the Royal Temple, where the monks had already heard about the divine miracle at the ceremony and came to view the Udumbara flower.

He ordered Bore to put away the golden flowers, removed his crown, and returned to his meditation chamber. Holding his prayer beads, he closed his eyes in meditation.

Half an hour later, as the sky darkened, a guard returned to report.

“My King! Princess Wenzhao is facing off against the foreign princesses outside the city.”

“Princess Wenzhao said she truly admires you, and in her dream was punished by the divine Buddha, suffering trials by fire, wooden clubs, and drowning – a fate worse than death. But she still maintains true devotion to you. She said if the other princesses wish to stay like her, they must endure the same punishments.”

“Princess Wenzhao’s guards set up a fire altar outside the city, with roaring flames. The Princess said only those who dare walk through the great fire are worthy of claiming to admire you. When the common people heard this, they all rushed to watch.”

“The other princesses tried throwing a silk scarf into the fire altar – it burned to black smoke, and they were too afraid to step forward.”

At this point, the guard kneeling outside the meditation chamber suddenly raised his voice.

“Before everyone’s eyes, Princess Wenzhao stepped into the fire altar!”

“The Princess’s clothes immediately caught fire, and some princesses were scared to tears…”

The meditation chamber fell silent for a moment.

The next instant came the harsh sound of prayer beads rubbing together as Tanmoluojia opened his eyes.

…

Dusk deepened, sunset clouds filling the sky.

A carriage drove up to the side gate of the Royal Temple.

Bisuo and Yaoying jumped down from the carriage one after the other, followed by Yuanjue dismounting. The three were chatting and laughing as they entered the Royal Temple. Just as they passed through the long corridor, several guards hurriedly approached. Seeing Yaoying, they blocked her path without a word.

“The King summons the Princess.”

Bisuo said: “Wait a moment, the Princess needs to change her clothes.”

The guard was unyielding: “Please forgive our rudeness, Princess. The King ordered that regardless of what the Princess is doing, we must bring her to the meditation chamber immediately, without a moment’s delay.”

Bisuo’s brows furrowed slightly.

Yaoying thought for a moment and said: “It’s fine if the Master seeks me, it must be important.”

She looked at the cloak Bisuo wore. “General, may I borrow your cloak?”

Bisuo took off his cloak and handed it to her. She took it, wrapped it around herself, and followed the guards to the meditation chamber.

Candles had been lit in the meditation chamber. The guard lifted the felt curtain, bringing in a breeze that made the candlelight flicker across Tanmoluojia’s face as he sat on the meditation mat. Those eyes that were usually without joy or sorrow seemed to contain rippling waves.

“Master?”

Yaoying entered and asked softly.

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over her cloak. “Take it off.”

His tone was flat, without emotion.

Yaoying froze, her hands clutching the cloak.

Tanmoluojia’s brows furrowed slightly as he nodded toward the meditation mat beside him.

Yaoying walked over and sat on the mat, looking up at him.

He looked down at her, his gaze stern. “Take it off.”

His tone carried an unusual severity.

Yaoying knew he must have heard about the fire altar and had no choice but to lower her head and remove the cloak. The warm candlelight fell on her, illuminating her clothes – the narrow-sleeved robe was in tatters, its sleeves and hem burned black.

Tanmoluojia looked at her, the guard’s words echoing in his ears.

Princess Wenzhao stepped into the fire altar!

Her clothes caught fire – what about the person?

How could a mortal body withstand the burning of fierce flames?

He looked down at her, his gaze deep.

His gaze felt like it had become tangible, its force immense, cutting into Yaoying inch by inch. Her heart began to race, cold sweat slowly forming in her palms.

“Master?” she called to him, steeling herself.

Tanmoluojia remained silent.

Yaoying’s throat tightened. Just as she was about to break out in a cold sweat, Tanmoluojia lowered his gaze: “Give me your hand.”

His tone returned to its usual gentleness.

Yaoying breathed a sigh of relief and extended her hand.

Tanmoluojia glanced at her burned sleeve, rolled up the charred portion, and extended two fingers to check her pulse, his movements gentle.

“Were you burned?”

He suddenly asked.

Yaoying shook her head: “Please don’t worry, Master. The fire altar was set up by my guards. When they were in Chang’an before, traveling the jianghu, they often used this trick to frighten people. It looks scary but is just for show and won’t hurt anyone. Today I deliberately wore clothes made from this special fabric, and I tied up my hair. These burned areas…”

She raised her other sleeve, waving it at Tanmoluojia.

“Only these few pieces weren’t made with the special dragon cloth, so they catch fire when exposed to flames, but they won’t be destroyed.”

She smiled mischievously.

“We had to let some flames appear to scare away the other princesses.”

Earlier, when she had interrogated Zhu Lüyun, she deliberately let spies from various nations witness it and spread rumors to make the princesses fearful. Today, she first used illusions to captivate people’s hearts, then used the Udumbara flower to convince everyone, making the princesses half-believe her story about being punished by the divine Buddha in her dream. Finally, when she entered the fire altar, the other princesses were too frightened to move.

Moreover, presenting the Udumbara flower would make the common people love Tanmoluojia even more. She hoped this would compensate for any damage she had caused to his reputation.

The Udumbara flower was a species of tree that grew in India. Because Buddhist scriptures recorded that it only bloomed when divine Buddhas manifested, along with various far-fetched interpretations, it came to be seen as an extraordinarily rare miraculous flower. The golden flower she had craftsmen make was so lifelike that even Indians who had seen the real flower couldn’t tell the difference, let alone people in the royal court.

Yaoying explained everything matter-of-factly, finally saying: “This way, no one will dare mention imitating Matangi again.”

If anyone brought it up, the common people would be the first to jump up and demand they step into the fire altar.

Yaoying looked at Tanmoluojia, wrinkled her nose, and said apologetically: “I’ve caused Master many troubles. Originally, I could have announced at the ceremony that I had received your enlightenment and had cut off all romantic thoughts, that I would never appear before Master again… but Haidu Aling hasn’t lost power yet, and I had concerns, so I could only find another way. I used this method to cut off others’ thoughts, so Master can have complete peace from now on.”

Tanmoluojia remained silent.

Yaoying lowered her voice further and continued: “Please rest assured, Master, when the year is up, regardless of the situation, I will leave the Holy City.”

Tanmoluojia still said nothing.

Yaoying thought he probably didn’t want to discuss the matter of Matangi and fell silent.

After a while, Tanmoluojia withdrew his fingers.

Her pulse was steady.

Yaoying withdrew her hand and lowered her sleeve.

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes to look at her, remained silent for a long time, and then asked: “Were you truly punished by the divine Buddha in your dream?”

Yaoying started slightly, then shook her head: “No, those words were to frighten the other princesses. I didn’t dream of the divine Buddha.”

Tanmoluojia made a sound of acknowledgment. “Princess, please don’t speak such prophecies in the future.”

Yaoying nodded, somewhat embarrassed. “I’ve made Master laugh at me. Tomorrow I’ll copy several sutras to ask the Buddha’s forgiveness.”

In front of him, a monk, she had told too many lies. He surely disapproved.

Tanmoluojia saw her discomfort and moved his gaze away, staring at the flickering candle.

He wasn’t criticizing her.

He asked her not to speak such prophecies because… he would believe them.

The candlelight wavered.

His heart wavered with it.