The bright moon cast its clear radiance across the earth, and the desert’s yellow sands were cool as water in the night.
Ten thousand wolves surrounded a moon-lit pond, racing in circles. A white-clothed young woman stood in the center of the pond’s green grass, her long hair dancing in the wind. Suddenly, she lashed out with a silver whip, spinning it into circle after circle in continuous motion. Soon, light and shadow enveloped her surroundings, and the girl’s figure had long since become indistinct. The wolf pack continued their tireless mad circling around her, stirring up clouds of yellow sand that buried the beautiful mirage scenery, leaving only long, shrill howls and earth-shaking, thunderous sounds that proved everything before their eyes was definitely not a dream.
Longge A’shu leaned against an ancient poplar tree, staring in shock at the distant wolf shadows and the girl’s agile figure. His eyes widened, sleep having long fled somewhere unknown. Though he had traveled extensively throughout the Western Regions over the years, seeing countless beautiful women and experiencing all manner of strange events, the scene before him was still incomprehensible and utterly unexpected. The yellow sand beneath him was cold and chilly. A thought flashed through his mind, and his form shot up as he quickly stamped out the campfire. Longge remained motionless, ready to strike, having caught the scent of danger gradually approaching. His subordinates Mutu and others also unconsciously gathered closer to Longge. Uncle Bayi from the caravan also silently led his people over.
The great desert’s temperature difference between day and night was extreme. During the day, the blazing sun scorched everything, leaving everyone parched and dying of thirst. At night, it was bone-piercingly cold, with everyone wrapped in fur coats, gathered around fires for warmth. The god Xunda seemed to be playing a joke on all living beings, mocking how ice and fire could never be reconciled, just as certain stars could never meet.
No one knew how much time passed – perhaps it was only a moment of breathing in and out – when everyone’s eyes widened, unable to blink, pupils continuously dilating. The wolf pack came like a blanket covering the sky, thundering and roaring as they charged forward, then swiftly howled past everyone, one after another, seemingly never-ending, like a mountain flood bursting forth, or fierce beasts being released. The rumbling sound of hooves was deafening, yet could not cover the wild pounding of heartbeats. Uncle Bayi let out a miserable cry, spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and collapsed face-first into the flowing sand. The heavy sounds of bodies hitting the ground continued incessantly, weighing heavily on everyone’s hearts. Another dozen or so timid caravan merchants, unable to withstand this terrifying intimidation, directly fainted from fear.
A woman in a snow mink cloak sat proudly atop a jet-black, fierce warhorse, coldly looking down upon everyone. That invisible oppression made people feel chilled to the bone. Behind the woman stood row upon row of sturdy men, all sitting on horseback with such arrogant swagger. They were dressed differently – some in felt caps and leather coats, some in cotton robes with bound crowns, others simply bare-chested and bare-armed. Their skin colors varied – some had black hair and black eyes, others red hair and brown eyes, even some with golden hair and blue eyes. This mass of rough, bold men surrounded this cold, beautiful woman, creating a bizarre scene. The Longya Desert connected the Western Regions’ various nations, Northern Qin, Xichuan, and the grassland tribes, extending to Russia and other countries. It was a place where many ethnicities merged. For thousands of years, people had fought over water sources, food, horses, and wealth in this vast desert, even plundering women and slaughtering each other. The struggle never ceased, and the people were fierce and ruthless. No one cared about racial differences; they only respected heroes.
“What, are you afraid already?” The woman revealed a sweet smile, but Longge keenly noticed that the smile didn’t reach the corners of her eyes or brows. Meeting head-on with a pair of bright, spirited black eyes that clearly showed mocking and teasing, the woman on horseback was slightly startled. Her delicate hand lightly rose, and a snow-white silk flower drifted down into the hands of the sturdy man. On the light silk ribbon were written three elegant characters: “Hua Rongyue.”
“Hua-Rong-Yue.” Everyone gasped, their voices trembling in the cold air. Hua Rongyue was the bandit leader who had dominated the Longya Desert for nearly ten years, the most ferocious robber in the world.
To see the flower meant death. This exquisite snow lotus silk flower was Hua Rongyue’s death warrant. Everyone in the great desert lost their courage upon seeing it, avoiding it as if it were plague. Gripping the elegant silk flower, Longge’s heart turned cold. It was said that ninety-nine tyrannical figures had already died beneath Hua Rongyue’s flying flowers. He never expected to become the hundredth unlucky soul. Mutu had already drawn his curved saber and stepped forward to shield Longge, the blade gleaming snow-bright, flashing with icy cold light. Dozens of curved sabers were drawn together. At the moment when battle was about to erupt, a burst of hearty laughter suddenly rang out, startling birds into flight with a flutter as they fled this place of conflict.
“Chief Hua, your reputation thunders in my ears. To see your true face today, Longge A’shu is blessed in three lifetimes!” Longge knew that Hua Rongyue must have investigated his movements, and today escape would be nearly impossible. Better to tell her openly – perhaps there might still be a thread of hope.
“Taking people’s money, eliminating disasters for others. Prince Longge A’shu, His Highness Hui sends his regards.” Hua Rongyue’s voice was crisp and clear, but each word that entered Longge A’shu’s ears was particularly unpleasant. His brothers had always harbored ill intentions toward him. Even traveling the Western Regions was one long pursuit and assassination attempt. This time, Longge Hui had actually stooped so low as to hire assassins. Thinking of his father Khan Longge Shahan’s earnest expectations, and the blood of the golden family flowing in his own veins, heroic spirit suddenly surged through his entire being. My life and death are mine to control.
“Chief Hua, we can also make a deal that guarantees you won’t lose money.” Longge A’shu spoke eloquently, ignoring the cold stares of those around him, talking to himself.
“Chief Hua is both intelligent and brave, more beautiful than flowers, lovely as the autumn moon. I, Longge A’shu, fell in love at first sight today and wish to court you. I imagine that Longge Hui would be unable to cause trouble before my father Khan either. I present this Longquan precious sword as proof – what do you think?” These words exploded like storm and thunder, rolling through the crowd. Everyone gasped, knowing this foolish boy was doomed, actually daring to borrow courage from heaven itself, speaking such wild nonsense and treating Hua Rongyue with such frivolity. Hua Rongyue’s face was like white jade Guanyin, smiling gently and peacefully, quietly gazing at Longge’s handsome, young face, those bright black eyes clearly showing mocking and teasing.
These words enraged the black-clothed giant beside Hua Rongyue. This person was tall and imposing, with refined bearing, and a red scar on his right face that added a kind of melancholic beauty. His eyes now blazed with fire, as if he wanted to gouge two big holes in Longge A’shu. He roared loudly: “Audacious scoundrel! Dissolute and frivolous! Dog eyes that don’t see where they are, running wild everywhere! Watch as Master Qiao chops you up to feed the King of Hell!” Single-handedly wielding a spiked club and spurring his warhorse, he charged toward Longge A’shu.
Hua Rongyue waved her hand. “Qiaokeli, stand down!” Second-in-command Qiaokeli angrily retreated, his chest still heaving with rage.
“Prince Longge is romantic and lustful, with many concubines in his harem. I don’t like joining crowds!” The clear voice faintly carried a trace of suppressed anger. “Take him away!”
Knowing he was outnumbered, Longge A’shu signaled to Mutu and his other subordinates not to act rashly, then cheerfully allowed himself to be captured. The bandits blindfolded them, tied them behind horses, and headed back joyfully with their loot. The thieves laughed and cursed all along the way, happy to have slaughtered fat sheep today. Male thieves, female thieves, and thief children could all have another happy year.
Longge A’shu was dragged stumbling forward by the horse. He spat out a mouthful of choking sand, still unafraid of death, and sighed heavily: “You are naturally a beautiful woman – why must you be a thief!”
The figure of Hua Rongyue ahead stiffened, then continued leading the charge on horseback.
Before an enormous bronze mirror, a red-clothed woman let her thick black hair fall loose, quietly contemplating her moon-white face in the mirror, her body flowing with the lingering fragrance of her bath. The person in the mirror had curved willow brows, moist cherry lips, and cold, clear eyes, still radiant as moonlight. The words spoken not long ago by that spirited prince echoed in her ears. Hua Rongyue chuckled coldly – what a pity that though her beauty hadn’t aged, her heart already had. The mist had scattered, and the flower was no longer yesterday’s flower.
She had once been the daughter of a tribal chieftain. From childhood, she could sing and dance well. Her cheerful songs often rang across the grassland, accompanied by the hoarse melody of the horse-head fiddle and the hearty laughter of her people, scattered all over the ground. In these chaotic times, one could find no place of true joy and peace. The massacre of tribes was commonplace. She never expected it would actually happen to Hua Rongyue one day. Standing beside a hill, the wildflowers in her hand dropped to the ground as the little girl stared blankly at the burning tents and brutal enemies in the distance, hearing her people’s agonized cries, desperately covering her mouth as tears streamed down her face.
Later, she wandered everywhere, suffering bullying and humiliation. Until one day she met a master who guided her, and only then was she reborn. She deeply understood the principle that in chaotic times, the strong survive. She used every scheme and unscrupulous method to make herself stronger. With her leading-the-charge, life-or-death fighting style, she quickly gained the respect of many bandits. Relying on strength to bully the weak and coercing submissions from all directions, she steadily secured the top seat among the world’s bandits. There were many beasts in human clothing in the imperial court, but there were savior bodhisattvas in the greenwood. Hua Rongyue gently caressed the jade pendant at her waist, silently saying: “Master Liang, I will definitely do better.”
The figure of a handsome man appeared in the mirror – wearing a dark green robe, his black hair casually bound with a dark green ribbon, indescribably elegant and dashing. A pair of phoenix eyes gazed foolishly at the woman in the mirror. He slowly walked behind the woman, his slender hands gently touching her shoulders.
The woman turned back with a smile. The red scar on the man’s jade-like face was so prominent that she couldn’t help feeling tender affection. Her jade hand caressed the scar on the man’s face, and his form trembled. The woman said softly: “Li brother, you’re always so rash, unable to keep your composure. Your good face was also damaged because of me. I’m truly sorry to you.” The man’s heart was bleeding as he roughly shouted: “What does a man need to care about his face for!”
Years passed like wind, howling forth, and those unforgettable past events appeared before his eyes.
In their youth, he – Qiaokeli – Hua Rongyue, and Xia Moli who was always crying yet stunningly beautiful, had met during their wandering. Back then, Sister Yue’s clothes were tattered, her hair disheveled like flying grass, her bones protruding from extreme thinness, yet she was incredibly fierce, fighting off those bullying beggars at the risk of her life, wiping away blood and dirt to share the stolen steamed buns with him and Moli. Swallowing those rancid buns, he hoped he would grow up quickly so he could protect Sister Yue from being bullied. Until one day, when he was injured defending Sister Yue and fell to the ground, blood flowing from his face and body, Sister Yue held him close. Sister Yue, who never cried, had tears falling like broken pearls, large drops sliding down. In that moment, he felt an unforgettable happiness for life. Unable to help himself, he stretched out his palm to catch her tears, gripping them tightly in his palm, letting them soak into his skin and merge with his blood. People say dying under peony flowers makes even being a ghost romantic. Sister Yue, actually, I just want to be with you. This hasn’t changed for even a single day in all these years.
Qiaokeli’s slender fingers threaded through Hua Rongyue’s loose black hair. He picked up a pink ribbon from the dressing table and clumsily helped tie up Hua Rongyue’s hair. Hua Rongyue played with an exquisite sandalwood box. Opening it, inside were gold peanut shells of various sizes, all pure gold and specially made, with delicate patterns, lifelike, probably more than ten in total. She lightly touched the ring clasp with a silver hairpin, and a large eastern pearl rolled briskly out from inside the gold peanut shell. Hua Rongyue picked it up with her slender fingers and examined it carefully in the light. “Li brother, this year Shaohuang sent me another gold peanut.”
“Hmph, he just likes to show off his wealth, reeking of copper. I heard this year at the Haishi wealth competition, he took a big fall. Haha, too bad I couldn’t see his embarrassed bear-like appearance in person.”
“Oh, Keli, Shaohuang’s leisurely, unperturbed manner that nothing can surprise – I’m afraid he’ll never change in this lifetime. I don’t think you’ll get to see his embarrassed appearance. Unless… unless… someone makes his heart flutter. I’d like to see that.” Hua Rongyue couldn’t help laughing aloud, remembering that quiet, intelligent youth she’d met at Master Liang’s place. It seemed like yesterday. Back then, he was still the unloved second son of a concubine in the Jin family, suffering cold treatment and neglect from his family. But he firmly told her that he would definitely become the wealthiest man in the world, and he would send her a gold peanut every year, letting the gold peanuts witness his success. After ten years of hard work, he indeed kept his word. The first gold peanut he sent her was only pearl-sized, yet she treasured it most of all, always wearing it around her neck, because that was from Shaohuang’s first trading venture to the Western Regions, when he nearly lost his life to dig up his first pot of gold.
Hua Rongyue stood up and closed the wooden box with a snap. “Let’s go attend the evening banquet.” She strode out, and a soft phrase gently struck Qiaokeli’s heart: “Keli, don’t disappoint Moli’s devotion!” Qiaokeli instantly froze all over, his feet feeling as if they weighed a thousand pounds, his heart like it had been struck by an iron hammer.
With a creak, the room door opened, and a woman in crimson silk stood gracefully leaning against the doorframe – no telling how long she had been waiting outside. She wore no superfluous decorations anywhere on her body, only small white flowers embroidered at the collar edges and cuff borders. She was like an orchid in an empty valley, like a night lily, quietly blooming, magnificent and graceful. Wherever she was, people couldn’t help but stop and gaze. At this moment, her large, watery eyes gazed at Hua Rongyue with resentment and displeasure, as if tears were about to fall. Hua Rongyue consolingly patted her hand, then turned and left.
“Brother Keli,” Moli affectionately hugged Qiaokeli’s solid arm, snuggling against his side with sweet, coquettish laughter. Habits formed in youth probably couldn’t be changed in a lifetime. The young woman’s fragrance rushed to his nostrils. Qiaokeli indulgently stroked her head, took her hand, and walked outside together, yet his heart was sighing deeply. Sister Yue, you clearly know I only treat Moli like my own sister. My eyes only hold you, yet you choose to turn a blind eye. No matter how I try, I can’t walk into your heart.
“Brother Keli,” Moli obediently confided: “That Prince Longge we captured today – he’s magnificent and heroic. Sister Yue showed mercy with her hand, probably because she’s taken a fancy to him. Hehe, a hero and beauty forming a perfect match. No wait, no wait – Sister Yue is also a hero. Hero cherishing hero is also a perfect match.” Moli laughed happily. Hearing this, Qiaokeli flew into a rage. He struggled to calm his fury but still couldn’t suppress his hoarse roar: “Utter nonsense! Complete rubbish!” He flung away Moli’s hand and left in anger. Moli stood stunned, slowly lowering her head. The long wind stirred her beautiful hair as pearl-like crystal tears crashed to the ground, slowly forming pools of tears. She looked so lonely. From the wind came suppressed sobbing: “I’ve known long ago that your heart only holds her, not me. But I just don’t want to, won’t, can’t let you go.”
Meeting is fate – fate arises and scatters, but what can be done when emotional roots run deep? In the vast unknown, duckweed depends on duckweed – who takes whose hand?
Dozens of tallow torches stuck in the four walls burned fiercely, illuminating the great hall bright as daylight. In the center of the high platform sat a golden throne, with an enormous white jade carving of flying phoenix and wandering dragon embedded in the chair’s back. A precious snow wolf pelt was spread on the chair as a cushion, the wolf’s head hanging fiercely to the ground. Behind the golden throne stood four thick sandalwood pillars carved with strange totems. All of this displayed the master’s wealth, honor, and arrogant presumption. Who could have imagined that in the belly of a mountain in the Longya Desert was actually the palace of a bandit chief, with the exterior covered in endless yellow sand and ancient poplar forests.
Bronze tripods below the steps burned bonfires with leaping flames and rising heat. On both sides stretched dozens of meters of flowing banquet tables. Graceful serving maids shuttled back and forth, constantly bringing wine and delicacies. Roasted whole sheep gave off the aromatic heat of cumin, stirring people’s desire for a great feast. The rich fragrance of aged wine drifted through the air with enticing mellowness.
All around sat noisy crowds, enthusiastically and happily eating the beef and mutton delicacies on the tables, drinking large gulps of purple-red wine, loudly calling out and playing finger-guessing games, occasionally stealing touches of the serving maids’ ample breasts and plump buttocks, causing shrieks mixed with the successful perpetrators’ unbridled wild laughter. The banquet was filled with a joyous, harmonious atmosphere.
Longge A’shu was brought into the great hall and seated at the honored guest position. He first felt somewhat surprised by the scene before him, then calmly took his seat. From dusk to deep night, he hadn’t touched a drop of water or wine and was already famished. After sitting down, he wasn’t polite – grabbing the delicious food before him and stuffing it in his mouth, then taking a fierce gulp of strong liquor, satisfaction floating to the corners of his mouth. Even if he died, he’d be a well-fed ghost – and besides, death wasn’t certain yet. Longge A’shu optimistically thought of the bright side. Mutu and the others sat silently at his side, looking at the hundreds of bandit leaders before them with worried faces. Longge A’shu enthusiastically urged his subordinates to drink heartily, as if this were his own great tent.
“Prince Longge is truly carefree and content at this moment.” A crisp voice rang out. Everyone stopped their clamor and noise. Longge A’shu looked up toward the high platform and saw Hua Rongyue reclining against the golden throne, dressed in red clothes and red pants. Her proud figure was full of elasticity, covered by a long black fur vest reaching her ankles, complementing the snow-white wolf fur spread beneath her. One leg was propped on the ground, one leg casually draped over the chair’s armrest. Brown leather boots flashed with jeweled light as their owner swayed. A pair of white, tender jade hands held an exquisite, small silver wine flask, sipping slowly. On her white jade face, cold eyes glanced sideways at him. She had not the slightest bit of ladylike elegance, yet had an indescribable graceful ease and charming allure. Longge A’shu’s spirit wavered slightly.
“Chief Hua, grateful for your magnanimous mercy in sparing our lives, Longge A’shu feels deeply honored.”
“Well said. Visitors from afar are guests – first, a toast to our honored guest.” The silver wine flask immediately left her hand, flying to Longge A’shu’s table and hovering in mid-air. From the spout shot a purple-red stream of wine that steadily fell into a jade cup. Longge grabbed the silver flask and tilted his head back to drink heartily from the spout, mocking laughter floating in his eyes as he raised his brow to meet her fierce gaze. Longge slowly raised his hand to wipe away the residual wine from his mouth corners, laughing heartily: “Chief Hua, please forgive any rudeness. We grassland sons are accustomed to drinking from large bowls and eating great chunks of meat.”
Hua Rongyue’s delicate hand gently stroked her chin as she pondered for a while. “Prince Longge, if you want to preserve your life, it’s not impossible, but you must rely on your own ability.”
Longge A’shu was well-traveled and experienced, able to read between the lines and follow the flow. Though usually careless and casual, he was actually meticulous as silk. He knew Hua Rongyue must have carefully weighed her options and didn’t want to offend such a powerful figure as himself. As long as there was a thread of hope, he had to escape from this den of thieves. So he readily agreed to Hua Rongyue’s proposed conditions.
In the northern desert, the night was bone-piercingly cold. Over a hundred torches instantly illuminated the empty wilderness. An enormous sand pit had collapsed between heaven and earth, surrounded by cliff walls several meters high, studded with thick barriers. Wolves lived to kill humans. The bandits excitedly anticipated the good show about to come. Those who licked blood from blade edges always carried the mad factor of bloodlust. This irrepressible enthusiasm dispelled the desert’s cold.
“Come on!” Hua Rongyue grabbed Longge A’shu’s large hand and leaped down, landing steadily in the sand pit. This stirred up an explosion, startling countless black wolves to charge ferociously toward the two people. Innumerable deep green lights flashed frantically. Hua Rongyue raised her hand and tossed Longge A’shu a sharp dagger, then unhurriedly leaped several yards away, drew out the long whip at her waist, and danced whip flowers to envelop herself. The spectators on shore clamored enthusiastically, excitedly placing bets, treating the lives in the arena like child’s play.
Looking at the dense mass of wolves before him, even with courage reaching the heavens, Longge A’shu couldn’t help but feel his scalp tighten and goosebumps rise all over his body. He quickly calmed himself. Since he was trapped in this inescapable net, the only option was to fight desperately to the death. Longge A’shu’s tall form stood immovably, quietly waiting for the wolf pack to arrive, his whole body tense, an invisible killing aura surrounding him.
The wolf pack pressed closer and closer, like thousands of troops and ten thousand horses charging forth, unstoppable. An impatient hungry wolf leaped at Longge’s face, opening its foul-smelling mouth to bite at Longge’s throat. One swift knife stroke, a gush of blood, and the man-tall black wolf fell dead. The wolf pack behind howled fiercely – the bloody smell further stimulated them to surge forward one after another. Kill one that comes alone, kill a pair that comes together. Dead wolf corpses gradually piled up on the ground. Longge fought with increasing courage. The wolf pack didn’t know death or retreat, fighting until heaven and earth darkened. His whole body was like a blood-soaked person, gradually feeling his strength drain away. In the chaotic battle, hungry wolves had already bitten Longge’s thigh, savagely tearing. Piercing pain shot through him. Longge forcefully swung his knife to behead the wolf, his eyes blood-red, sweat soaking his entire body. The pain actually cleared his muddled mind.
Longge suddenly charged forward madly, no longer following the whip sounds’ rhythm to find opportunities to kill wolves, also ignoring the pain of Hua Rongyue’s silver whip striking his body. He grabbed the slender woman into his broad embrace. Capture the leader first when catching thieves – this fierce woman commanded the wolf pack to kill me, so I’ll bind my life and death together with yours. Longge stubbornly refused to let go, a smile floating on his handsome face, mouth corners hooking up, appearing completely satisfied. Hua Rongyue desperately pounded at Longge. This nearly exhausted man’s arms were like iron clamps, refusing to release their death grip.
In the struggle, Hua Rongyue suddenly caught Longge’s scent – a mixture of green grass, leather, and a strong man’s sweat. This smell separated itself from the bloody odor and purely entered Hua Rongyue’s heart. Her thoughts became confused, and for an instant she forgot everything before her. She had lost this smell for many years – it was the scent of family. Hua Rongyue felt her eyes moisten. She suddenly embraced Longge tightly, grabbed the rope Qiaokeli threw over, and flew away from the wolf den.
Hua Rongyue looked numbly at Qiaokeli’s handsome face darkened with anger as he glared at her, and at Mutu and the others resentfully taking the injured Longge A’shu from her hands.
A continuous stream of hot water was sent into the room. Longge A’shu sat in a wooden tub filled with hot water, his pale complexion gradually regaining color in the rising steam. He cupped clear water and poured it over his face, then closed his eyes to rest. His strong arms rested on the tub’s edge, his entire being indescribably languid. He knew he could finally leave safely and couldn’t help letting out a long sigh of relief. Involuntarily, the scene of that slender, soft body struggling in his embrace appeared in his mind. She had actually shown a trace of panic – she, the most ferocious woman in the world. Longge A’shu chuckled softly. That woman reclining on the golden throne had been beautiful as a flower, full of allure. Longge A’shu belatedly realized his body had reacted, slapping the water surface hard and splashing water everywhere, cursing “damn it” under his breath.
Longge A’shu lay on the heated brick bed, drowsy with sleep. The animal pelts beneath him were warmed thoroughly by the heated flue. A breeze blew in from the open door as Hua Rongyue entered with an ethereal-looking elderly man, followed by Mutu and the others. “Divine Physician Xue, please examine Prince Longge’s leg wound.” Longge felt his pants being removed by the kindly old man. He found it amusing to see Hua Rongyue actually turn her back. This woman could still be shy. A cool medicine was applied to the wound, no longer burning with pain. The wound was also carefully bandaged.
Everyone withdrew, but Hua Rongyue seemed not to have left. She ladled up a spoonful of something and dropped it on his lips. The liquid seeped into his throat like a drop of sweet spring water. She gazed steadily at him. For some reason, he suddenly grabbed that small hand, then fell into sweet sleep. In his dream, everything was like warm water surrounding him, making him feel incomparably comfortable.
Like a spring dream without trace, in the days that followed while recovering from his injuries, Longge A’shu never saw Hua Rongyue appear again. He repeatedly requested to meet with Hua Rongyue, but was curtly refused by the bandits every time. Other than this, the bandits didn’t make things difficult for their group, entertaining them daily with fine wine and food, only not allowing them to wander about. Trapped like fish in shallow water, Longge A’shu became restless and irritable, with Mutu constantly catching his scolding. Mutu thought his master was in a bad mood from his injury, so he wouldn’t argue with him. Over ten days passed, and Longge’s wound healed completely.
One day the bandits came to say that Chief Hua had decided to let them leave. Everyone was overjoyed.
Following the same pattern as before, the bandits blindfolded them with black cloth and led them away. No one knew how long they walked. When they saw daylight again, yellow sand stretched everywhere before their eyes. This place was actually the Horse Herding Town where they had originally been robbed. The bandits returned their goods with stern faces. Under that ancient poplar tree, beside a spirited black horse, a woman in green robes and yellow skirt stood quietly beneath the tree. Her face was covered with a snow-white veil, but those cold, clear eyes were so familiar.
Longge A’shu walked quickly toward her with surprise and joy, a big smile spreading across his face with the pure happiness of a grown boy. “Hua… Rongyue, you hurt me. How should you compensate me? Why wouldn’t you see me?”
“Seeing has reasons for seeing, not seeing has causes for not seeing.” Her voice was still so crisp and cold. Facing this talkative, nagging man, Hua Rongyue didn’t want to say much. Longge A’shu was very dissatisfied. “Be my woman. Bring your people and horses to my royal tent. We’ll govern this vast sea of grassland together, Rongyue.”
His deep eyes shone with bright black luster. Longge A’shu was full of hope for the future, as if the beautiful scene of holding hands and depending on each other was right before his eyes. Hua Rongyue resolutely turned her head away. “What kind of person do you take me, Hua Rongyue, for? How could I depend on you? Besides, aren’t you afraid that one day I’ll kill all your other women? Keep talking nonsense and don’t blame me for being impolite.”
Longge A’shu stood right behind Hua Rongyue. The two were very close, each able to smell the other’s scent. Hua Rongyue felt the intoxicating warmth emanating from Longge A’shu – that scent mixed with wilderness leather and masculine body odor. She silently indulged in it for a while, then resolutely turned to untie the horse’s reins.
Longge A’shu took a quick step forward, grabbing Hua Rongyue’s hand, saying urgently, “Don’t go.” Hua Rongyue looked at her pale small hand gripped in a dark large palm. A hot temperature immediately transmitted into her palm. She raised her head to glare angrily at Longge A’shu.
Longge A’shu removed the battle sword from his waist and placed it in Hua Rongyue’s hands. As Hua Rongyue struggled and tried to refuse, Longge said firmly: “Rongyue, let my Longquan battle sword protect you. Remember, you must come find me.” Hua Rongyue mounted her horse and rode away. Even from far in the distance, she could still hear the resonant roar behind her: “Hua Rongyue, don’t forget me! I’ll wait for you to come!”
Hua Rongyue stood on a high sand dune, gazing into the distance at the departing horse team, standing alone for a very long time.
You have your road, I have my river. We brushed past each other, from then on separated by the ends of the earth. Snow-white sheep flocks shuttled around her, distant herds of fine horses ran free. The setting sun painted the earth in fiery red and golden yellow, making the vast grassland even more brilliant and dazzling, making people linger and yearn.
With worldly changes, after a year’s separation, whose heart was lost in the desert’s yellow sand?
The Chu Emperor’s million iron cavalry trampled across the Helan Mountain passes. Guli A’shu had always been cruel and merciless to his people, gradually alienating everyone and losing royal power. Struck head-on by the Chu Emperor, he had to lead his remaining forces in panicked flight into Dayuan territory, barely surviving. The Chu Emperor returned victorious to court.
Longge A’shu of the Golden Family was usually beloved by the people. Now with popular support, he was chosen by everyone as the Great Khan of the Southern Xiongnu. The responsibility for tribal revival fell not lightly on young Longge A’shu’s shoulders. Longge A’shu indeed lived up to expectations, actively adopting policies of rest and recuperation to quickly restore the nomadic people’s confidence. He simultaneously implemented the centurion and commander-of-thousands system to turn civilians into soldiers, declaring that wealth seized in battle would be equally divided rather than distributed by rank as before. He issued various beneficial measures that quickly showed results in a short time. Longge A’shu’s strength was no longer to be underestimated.
Where the sun shines, as long as I wish it, it is my grassland. But Hua Rongyue, you never came to my grassland. In the great desert’s yellow sand with numerous roving bandits, Hua Rongyue appeared and vanished like a ghost, truly difficult to track. Longge sent scout horses to search many times, but Hua Rongyue avoided meeting him, leaving his heart heavy. The scene of their desert encounter was like a dream deeply imprinted in his mind, constantly savored and thought-provoking.
Longge A’shu leaned languidly against his golden chair. Within the royal tent, qin music played melodiously, voices sang sweetly. Dozens of young beauties in colorful thin silk twisted their waists, dancing bold Western Region dances, golden bells on their bodies ringing crisply. They spared no effort in exposing their snow-white arms and graceful bellies, raising sweet smiling faces like brilliant flowers blooming fully toward Longge A’shu. In their eyes, Longge A’shu was not only a noble king but also a tall, handsome, young, and beautiful charming man. The beauties used all their seductive arts, wholeheartedly hoping to gain the Great Khan’s favor, hoping to fly up the branches and become phoenixes.
Mare’s milk steamed hotly, cattle and sheep roasted fragrantly. The royal ministers and generals savored delicacies with relish, gazing lustfully at the beauties before them, imagining caressing that silk-smooth skin, drinking mare’s milk wine with intoxicated gulps, occasionally whispering and laughing together, their appetites growing even greater. Longge A’shu silently drank alone from the aged grape wine in his small silver flask, turning a blind eye to the vulgar beauties before him. Hua Rongyue, I have waited for you one year. Why won’t you come?
Thinking of the recent Menglan sheep-grabbing competition, a surge of evil fire immediately rose in Longge A’shu’s heart.
The Menglan sheep-grabbing competition was the Xiongnu people’s most lively annual festival. People wore festive finery, gathering in groups to create an ocean of joy. Lovers would pledge their lives to each other on this day. If a young man could win the laurel crown of the sheep-grabbing competition, he would surely gain countless girls’ admiration. Competing for the sheep not only tested horsemanship but also courage and wisdom, so the champion would gain the Great Khan’s favor and be promoted to the Khan’s guard unit – truly incomparable glory. When the competition was at its most intense, Longge A’shu suddenly saw a woman in yellow robes appear in the crowd – a familiar graceful figure leading a large black horse. Longge A’shu’s heart filled with wild joy as he rushed over regardless of everything. That ugly woman, Hua Rongyue, if you came, I would definitely punish you first.
Longge A’shu never imagined that Hua Rongyue’s over 100,000 sand bandits were currently suffering unprecedented devastation.
Flying Lian General Lu Huayang led the Northern Qin army in long-term station in the Longya Desert, repeatedly surrounding and suppressing Hua Rongyue’s sand bandits, all returning without success. Though Hua Rongyue engaged in the business of taking people’s money to eliminate disasters for them, robbing passing merchant caravans and local wealthy people, she never harmed poor herdsmen and refugees, instead often distributing money and grain to help the poor. Many among the sand bandits came from humble origins. Hua Rongyue’s righteous acts won hearts. People praised her as the snow lotus on high mountains, the clear spring of the Gobi desert. Therefore, each time Lu Huayang’s Qin army swept the great desert, Hua Rongyue secretly received support from herdsmen, refugees, and even tribes. Hua Rongyue’s bandit army was skilled at breaking into parts, with multiple bands of sand bandits constantly attacking the Qin army, often leaving Lu Huayang unable to attend to everything, overwhelmed and exhausted.
Fierce tigers and jackals could never be permanent allies. The Chu Emperor and Qin Emperor had long been at odds in their hearts despite surface harmony. The Chu Emperor, being more skillful, took Eastern Qi first, while the Qin Emperor failed to take Xichuan. With the balance broken and the Chu Emperor growing powerful, how could the Qin Emperor not be furious? In the Battle of Loulan, without Zhuang Qingxia’s determination to brave ice and snow for her lord, fighting desperately to hold firm for nearly a month, the Chu Emperor who sought death for beauty’s sake would certainly have died defeated at Loulan. How could the Qin Emperor let such an excellent opportunity pass? So he set aside prejudices and paid a high price to invite Hua Rongyue to intercept the Chu Emperor and Zhuang Qingxia. When Hua Rongyue let the exhausted Chu army pass after Zhuang Qingxia produced Jin Shaohuang’s jade pendant, she offended the narrow-minded Qin Emperor. Afterward, the Qin Emperor’s evil fire all erupted against Hua Rongyue. He personally assembled 100,000 troops to attack Hua Rongyue’s bandit army from front and back with Lu Huayang’s 100,000 Qin troops, planning to crush this roving bandit force and control the entire Longya Desert.
Loulan at this time, baptized by war’s flames, had gone from former prosperity to decline, completely becoming a dead city. Mourning filled the wilderness, livestock died out, and the area within several hundred li was empty of people. There were many such blood-washed cities in the great desert. The iron hooves of turbulent times’ strongmen trampling civilization was truly a catastrophe that angered heaven and enraged people. Withered grass and setting sun, endless wind and sand silently wept over humanity’s crimes.
Though Hua Rongyue’s sand bandits were numerous, each martial and fierce, they ultimately differed from regular armies, facing difficulties with supply lines and lacking reinforcements. After directly confronting the Qin army, they stubbornly persisted in fighting for over a month. The bandits suffered heavy casualties, and the Qin army also paid an enormous price. Longge Hui took the opportunity to settle an old score, setting fire to destroy Hua Rongyue’s stronghold. The Qin Emperor sent people to persuade her to surrender, promising to make Hua Rongyue an imperial consort and incorporate the bandits. Hua Rongyue angrily beheaded the envoy. Drawing her bow and nocking an arrow, she shot a letter toward the Qin camp, fiercely cursing the Qin Emperor for wishful thinking, for being inhumane to the desert people, calling him a sinister villain unblessed by the god Xunda. When the Qin Emperor received the letter, he trembled with rage, gnashing his teeth and swearing to dismember Hua Rongyue to satisfy his hatred.
To preserve her strength, Hua Rongyue decisively decided to break into parts. As the main target, she invisibly increased the danger to herself, but she could no longer care about herself – she had always charged forward regardless of her life. Under her pressure, Qiaokeli left with Xia Moli. Gazing fiercely at her lifelong companions departing, Hua Rongyue’s heart ached like tearing apart. She raised her face, tightly closed her eyes, not letting tears fall. Keli, you must bring happiness to Moli. I will bless you both from heaven, my dear siblings. Hua Rongyue was haggard unto death, waves of despair attacking her heart, yet she still stubbornly supported her body, covering the escape of other brothers. The remaining thousand-plus people who had loyally followed for years refused to leave no matter what, ultimately accompanying Hua Rongyue in breaking through the encirclement.
Longge A’shu, clad in black battle robes, rode his tall warhorse with bloodshot eyes. He had led the Xiongnu Iron Blood Legion into the Longya Desert without sleep for three days and nights, but still arrived one step too late. In the vast wilderness, the setting sun was like blood, wind sounded like weeping complaints. Corpses lay everywhere, spirits wandered about, flocks of vultures circled over the bodies, sharing in the luxurious feast. Longge A’shu watched with splitting eyes and broken heart. Hua Rongyue, did you also fall in this yellow sand? No, I absolutely won’t allow it. The stubborn man began a carpet search – he had to see her alive or see her corpse if dead, yet his heart trembled, afraid to see that final scene. He didn’t know if he could bear his heart breaking.
Hua Rongyue felt herself wrapped in warm breath, fatigue instantly disappearing, her entire body indescribably comfortable. Distant melodious qin music drifted over, wind chimes swayed intermittently. Faint flower fragrance sweetly penetrated her heart, as if she were in a wilderness with warm wind tightly surrounding her. Could I really have returned home?
Hua Rongyue breathed deeply with longing. Butterfly wings seemed to slide gently across her entire body, leaving tingling sensations, warm and gentle waves sweeping over her again and again. She wanted to break free yet also wanted to hold on. She slowly opened her fan-like eyelids, somewhat belatedly realizing she was being held in a fiery embrace. The man above her had his eyes tightly closed, face flushed, intoxicated and lost as he rained kisses across her body. Black hair fell loosely, hanging down to tangle with hers, smooth as light feathers, magnificent as butterfly wings.
Longge A’shu. She struggled to push away the man above her. What she thought was great force was actually very weak; what she thought was loud was actually a hoarse voice. The man above trembled, quickly opened his eyes, and gazed at her with wild joy.
“Hua Rongyue, now you’ve become my prisoner.”
Thick brows, large eyes, straight nose bridge, deep mysterious gaze, powerful physique. Clearly teasing in tone, yet with several traces of choking and indescribable fragility. Hua Rongyue felt her heart soften inch by inch. Looking at Longge A’shu’s young features, she suddenly reached out to strike hard at his chest, eyes stubborn and voice hoarse: “Come at me and try.”
What met the eye were deep and shallow blues, wisps of white gauze interspersed and hanging before the bed. Several large braziers burned indoors, warm as spring. Longge A’shu’s bronze-colored skin was exposed to the air, muscles knotted and pronounced. His eyes carried a trace of devil-may-care smile as he looked sideways at Hua Rongyue’s still-stubborn eyes.
A suspicious flush gradually spread across Hua Rongyue’s face, cherry lips slightly parted. Longge A’shu’s gaze grew more profound as he fiercely kissed her, extending his warm tongue into Hua Rongyue’s sandalwood mouth, fervently inviting her to dance together, breath urgent and heavy, like butterfly wings trembling, warm wind caressing willows.
Bright eyes gazed intensely at the lotus-like delicate face, containing too many inexpressible emotions. Hua Rongyue’s whole body stiffened like a violated small beast, instinctively drawing up her legs to kick at Longge A’shu. Who knew the man was experienced – his legs suddenly clamped the woman’s elastic legs as he said with a grin: “Where did such an unromantic woman come from?”
Blazing kisses slid down. Finally unable to withstand such fiery temptation and the indescribable trembling in her heart, Hua Rongyue’s hands involuntarily caressed those broad, solid shoulders. The touch was smooth and burning hot. She gently stroked, feeling that mountain-like majestic body. She suddenly felt herself becoming increasingly weak and soft, like glaciers frozen for years thawing and melting, becoming a pool of spring water slowly flowing, about to drown her entirely. She would rather be drowned by water-like tenderness than live alone in loneliness.
Intense heartbeats like unrestrained war drums thundered and roared, erupting the passion buried deep underground. Since the creation of heaven and earth, they were two people born for each other. The vast sea of grassland, their meeting that transcended life and death, was only to find each other in the vast sea of humanity, making life complete and without regret from then on.
Beside the Thousand Lotus Pool, the woman he cherished lay collapsed among clear water and lotus flowers. At first sight, feeling no heartbeat, surrounded by deathly silence. With heavy steps and rigid spine, he walked around over a thousand corpses of those who had sworn to protect that woman unto death, scooping that cold woman into his embrace, heartbroken, wanting only to turn to stone beside this Thousand Lotus Pool with her. That mosquito-like murmur of “Longge” was no less than heavenly music, making him live again. The wild joy of recovering what was lost, like obtaining precious treasure, filled him with awe and gratitude toward all things in heaven and earth.
“Hua Rongyue, in this life I only want to love you. Being able to meet you in the desert’s yellow sand, being able to find you at the Thousand Lotus Pool – these are the luckiest things in my life.”
“You stubborn woman, I waited bitterly for you for one year, 365 days and nights of loneliness. I want you to repay me bit by bit in the days to come.”
Hua Rongyue smiled as she gazed at the man declaring his true feelings. Tender love overflowed like spring tide, filling her chest. She extended both arms to encircle Longge A’shu’s neck, actively pressing her soft lips to her beloved man’s resolute mouth corner, breathing out fragrant breath to seal their love.
“Rongyue, tonight belongs to me, this lifetime belongs to me.”
Like breaking two clay figures, mixing them with water, and reshaping you, reshaping me – from then on, you in me, me in you, never again to separate.
This night of deep passion left them with memories carved into their bones, never to be forgotten in their lifetimes.
One month later, Hua Rongyue married Southern Xiongnu Golden Great Khan Longge A’shu in the name of the Chu Emperor’s sister, formally crowned as the Great Princess Ningxin. The Xiongnu people sang and danced, competing to praise their Khan’s wisdom and martial prowess, saying their Great Princess Ningxin had a face like the full moon and looked just like Guanyin – she was a living bodhisattva given to them by the god Xunda, always so gentle and kind. However, what they would never know was that Hua Rongyue still secretly controlled the fierce bandits of the Longya Desert, helping her husband. She was indeed the true savior bodhisattva of the greenwood.
The Chu Emperor and Empress Darong personally came to the Southern Xiongnu grasslands to officiate the wedding for the new couple.
The joyous atmosphere was pushed to its highest peak.
The Southern Xiongnu Golden Family’s bold and unrestrained Great Khan Longge always had a warm heart for justice. To complete strangers, he would draw his sword to help. In times of trouble, he would rescue them. He gave warm words and gold, sending charcoal in snow. The Chu Emperor deeply thanked Golden Great Khan Longge A’shu for his three enthusiastic rescues of Empress Darong. He expressed deep regret that Great Princess Ningxin Hua Rongyue had yielded passage in the Longya Desert and thus suffered heavy losses.
Two peerless bold men admired each other, linking arms in happy conversation. The Chu Emperor and the Golden Great Khan formed a brotherhood alliance, establishing mutual trade benefits, bestowing peace and harmony upon this ancient great grassland of Southern Xiongnu, walking together toward prosperity.
Through evening drums and morning bells, as years flowed by, Longge A’shu and Hua Rongyue countless times rode together under moon and starlit skies, galloping across the Southern Xiongnu great grassland they guarded for life. Their hearty laughter seemed to be heard everywhere.
[Author’s Note: This text was selflessly provided by Huahua, over 10,000 characters that she wrote for a very long time, persisting even when ill. Throughout this long writing process, Huahua has always supported me, offering many valuable suggestions. Though I’ve said words of gratitude too many times, I must say them once more here. Thank you, Huahua. This story was filled in together by everyone for Dong’er. Meeting so many friends through writing is the most joyful thing. Additionally, due to some plot points being inappropriate to post here, Dong’er will pin a long comment in the message area for everyone to see. Just finished revising – the situation is tense, truly unavoidable.]