After Qu Wentai regained consciousness, he retired to the imperial harem to recuperate. He ordered Zhang Xiong to escort Xuanzang, Wang Xuance, and the others out of the palace.
Zhang Xiong, a prominent Han faction member in Gaochang, naturally felt close to Wang Xuance and eagerly sought to establish a connection. “Esteemed envoy, would you like to stay at the guesthouse?” he asked.
Wang Xuance waved his hand dismissively. “Thank you, but I didn’t bring official credentials this time, so I dare not violate Tang laws. General, please release those exiles as soon as possible. When I return from the Western Turks, I’ll take them back with me.”
Zhang Xiong nodded, apologized to the two men, and hurried off to the execution grounds.
Once Zhang Xiong was out of earshot, Xuanzang bowed deeply to Wang Xuance with his palms pressed together. “We were fortunate to have your help this time, saving sixty or seventy lives. This humble monk is deeply grateful.”
Wang Xuance hastily helped him up. “Please, I don’t deserve such praise! You’re a revered monk esteemed by His Majesty. How could I accept such a grand gesture from you?”
The two chatted as they left the palace and walked onto the bustling main street. A’shu trailed behind them, lost in thought and bored. Xuanzang asked curiously, “Lord Wang since you’re an envoy, why are you traveling alone without any attendants?”
Wang Xuance smiled. “Master, please come to my humble abode. I have some fine tea from the Tang there.”
Xuanzang was delighted. The two men were of similar age, and Wang Xuance had an air of calm composure like a cool cliff face. Though his features were rugged from long journeys abroad, he exuded a scholarly grace that made him approachable.
“Is that so? Then this monk must try it,” Xuanzang said happily. “I haven’t tasted tea from home since leaving Guazhou.”
“Master,” A’shu couldn’t hold back any longer, “I want to go for a walk.”
“Oh?” Xuanzang was surprised. “Where do you want to go?”
A’shu replied gloomily, “The Zoroastrian temple. I want to see if any fellow Samarkand natives in the city can help transport my uncle’s remains back home.”
Xuanzang hadn’t expected the boy to be so filial and felt a solemn respect. “A’shu, do you want me to go with you?”
“No need,” A’shu said. “Master, you go enjoy your tea. You’re a follower of another faith, so the Zoroastrian temple would be inconvenient for you.”
Knowing the many rules of Zoroastrianism, Xuanzang didn’t insist. He only cautioned, “Make sure to return to the palace before nightfall, understand? You’re just a child, don’t wander around too much.”
A’shu felt touched and grinned. “Master, I’ve already traveled over ten thousand li.”
“No matter how far you’ve traveled, you’re still a child,” Xuanzang said sternly for the first time.
“Alright, alright!” A’shu quickly conceded. “I’ll do as you say, Master.”
With that, he gave a slight bow to Wang Xuance and disappeared into the crowd. Being short, he vanished from sight in moments.
Wang Xuance smiled. “Master, that child is quite interesting.”
Xuanzang sighed and recounted how he met A’shu. When Wang Xuance heard about the King David’s Bottle incident, his expression turned strange. “A genie in the bottle? Is that what Yazdim said?”
“Indeed,” Xuanzang mused. “Looking back now, it seems Yazdim knew the bottle contained an imprisoned demon. But he never imagined that after the bottle was lost, it would stir up such turmoil in the Western Regions!”
As they talked, they arrived at Wang Xuance’s residence. It was a secluded courtyard in the eastern part of the city. The yard was quite large, with four or five carts parked inside. The stables housed not only horses and mules but also dozens of camels. There were quite a few people in the courtyard. Though dressed in plain clothes, they all had fierce expressions and stern faces, clearly battle-hardened elite soldiers. Xuanzang couldn’t help but gasp. Upon closer inspection, he noticed bowstrings occasionally peeking out from under the oilcloth-covered carts. One cart even revealed half of a heavy crossbow!
Seeing Wang Xuance enter, everyone stopped their work and bowed. “Greetings, my lord!”
Wang Xuance casually waved his hand and invited Xuanzang inside. It was a simple, crude rammed earth house with scrolls scattered on the floor. Inside were four or five Han men gathered around a wooden board, drawing a map!
Xuanzang’s interest was piqued, but he didn’t inquire further.
Seeing Wang Xuance, one elderly man bowed. “My lord, you’ve returned?”
“I have,” Wang Xuance said calmly. “Any new developments?”
The old man reported, “My lord, we’ve confirmed that the armies of Yanqi, Kucha, and Shule outside Jiaohe City total 8,000 men. Two days ago, a Western Turk nobleman secretly entered the camp of the Long Tu Qizhi, but his identity remains unknown.”
Wang Xuance frowned in thought. “Anything else?”
The old man took out a scroll. “My lord, we’ve collected comprehensive information on Gaochang’s six ministries. The Ministries of Personnel, Civil Affairs, Treasury, Granaries, Rites, and War have all been categorized and transcribed. We’ve compiled a separate volume detailing the Gaochang War Ministry’s troop numbers, equipment, provisions, horses, and personal intelligence on the Five Armies’ commanders. Would you like to review it?”
“No need. Continue working on the maps,” Wang Xuance waved the old man away.
“Please, Master,” Wang Xuance invited Xuanzang to sit on a wool felt mat. The mat had tea, a stove, and water. He boiled water and brewed tea. “This is this spring’s Zisun tea from Huzhou’s Guzu. It has a rich aroma and is considered top grade.”
Xuanzang lifted the tea bowl and took a sip, praising it effusively. “I never imagined I’d taste spring tea from home in a foreign land.”
Wang Xuance smiled. “I have even better tea here, but it’s what His Majesty sent for Khagan Tong Yabghu. Master, would you like to try it? After tasting it, we can replace it with something else. I doubt that barbarian Tong Yabghu would know the difference.”
Xuanzang was shocked. This Tang envoy was too daring, contemplating switching out tribute items just for a cup of tea. He smiled and said, “This monk doesn’t dare to tamper with tribute items.”
Wang Xuance looked slightly disappointed. “Master, you’re on good terms with His Majesty. I thought I could use you as a shield. After all, you won’t be returning to the Tang on this westward journey. Even if His Majesty found out, he’d be more heartbroken than angry…”
Xuanzang was puzzled. “How does my lord know this monk won’t return to the Tang?”
“A storm is brewing in the Western Regions. Soon everything will be turned upside down, with nations destroyed and people displaced,” he gazed at Xuanzang intently. “In such circumstances, can Master safely continue westward?”
Xuanzang remained silent, gently fingering the prayer beads around his neck. He calmly said, “If this monk’s guess is correct, Lord Wang, you must be carrying an extremely important mission on this embassy to the Western Turks. Gathering intelligence on the countries along the way and making maps is probably just one part of it.”
“Indeed,” Wang Xuance didn’t hide anything. “You’re a high monk of the Tang, so I needn’t conceal anything from you. Currently, our Tang iron cavalry are locked in battle with the Eastern Turks on the great grasslands, advancing victoriously. But His Majesty is concerned about the Western Turks’ attitude. His original intention for this mission was for me to travel light and covertly observe the movements of various states, trying to drive a wedge between the Eastern and Western Turks. This time, to save those Sui Dynasty exiles, I was forced to reveal my presence. I don’t know how angered His Majesty will be!”
Xuanzang quickly apologized. “It was this monk’s rashness that put you in such an awkward position.”
“Please don’t stand on ceremony, Master,” Wang Xuance sighed. “You are compassionate and acted to save Tang citizens. As a Tang subject myself, how could I stand idly by? Since the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, our Tang border people have been repeatedly bullied by these foreign ethnicities. It was one thing when we lacked the power to act, but now the Tang dominates the world, with our iron cavalry shaking the four corners of the earth. At the height of our national prestige, how can we let Tang citizens be bullied? Hmph, even if they committed crimes in a foreign land, only our Great Tang has the right to judge them. Even if he’s a king of a country, he has no right to decide their fate!”
Xuanzang nodded in agreement. Indeed, since the third year of Zhenguan, the Tang’s national power had been growing daily. The previous era of humiliation was gone forever. Even when some small countries caused trouble at the borders, the Tang paid little heed, having accumulated sufficient strength to dispatch 100,000 iron cavalry to strike at one of the world’s most powerful empires at the time—the Eastern Turks. This move terrified the surrounding small countries into silence.
“But, Master!” Wang Xuance continued, “No matter how strong the Tang’s power is, there are still places beyond our reach. Especially here in the Western Regions, our strength is limited. If something were to happen to you, I’m afraid help wouldn’t arrive in time. Master, heed my advice. Gaochang is now a source of calamity, likely facing great upheaval. It’s best not to linger here. Please proceed westward quickly!”
Xuanzang nodded in gratitude. “Lord Wang, there’s one thing this monk doesn’t understand. Qu Wentai has just quelled a rebellion, and although there are armies from three countries outside, Jiaohe City is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Even when the Xiongnu controlled tens of thousands of archers, they couldn’t breach it. This monk doesn’t believe that Long Tu Qizhi’s 8,000 men pose much of a threat to Jiaohe. Why do you seem to think Gaochang is on the brink of destruction?”
Wang Xuance smiled and furrowed his brow in thought. “Master, you must have seen my attendants when you first entered, right? To be frank, these men are all elite Xiaoqi Guard I brought from Chang’an. There are over a hundred of them, all armored and carrying heavy crossbows and longbows. With this force, I can say I’m invincible in this far western region, even capable of conquering some small countries in a single battle! But the complexity of Gaochang’s internal situation far exceeds your imagination. Qu Deyong’s rebellion is just the tip of the iceberg. The dangers lurking beneath are so alarming that even I am wary and dare not make the slightest mistake.”
Xuanzang pondered, “Is Lord Wang referring to the Yanqi people’s plot against Gaochang?”
Wang Xuance shook his head. “That war? Heh, it’s nothing more than a struggle for control of the Silk Road. I don’t take the allied forces of those three countries seriously.”
Xuanzang was stunned. “Then what are you worried about?”
Wang Xuance said gravely, “King David’s Bottle!”
Xuanzang was dumbfounded. “King David’s Bottle?”
“That’s right,” Wang Xuance confirmed.
Xuanzang was puzzled. “Isn’t King David’s Bottle just a scheme by the Yanqi princess? Although it’s terrifying—this monk still hasn’t figured out how it managed to slaughter over a hundred people—since it’s a plot, there must be flaws. Why do you place such importance on it?”
Wang Xuance looked somewhat bewildered. “King David’s Bottle is a scheme by the Yanqi princess? You mean Princess Longshuang?”
“That’s right,” Xuanzang nodded.
“That’s impossible!” Wang Xuance laughed. “King David’s Bottle comes from Sassanid Persia. Its background is far more complex than you imagine. The Yanqi princess you mentioned may have used the bottle at most, but there’s no way she created it. The demon bottle only arrived in the Western Regions about a month ago, while our Great Tang has been wary of this magical bottle for a year now.”
Xuanzang was shocked. “A year ago? My lord, what’s this about?”
“I can’t disclose the specific details to you. Suffice it to say, our Tang court has been racking its brains over this King David’s Bottle,” Wang Xuance said with a bitter smile. “Master, listen to my advice and head west early. You’re someone His Majesty cares about. If anything happens to you, I can’t bear that responsibility!”
“Amitabha,” Xuanzang pressed his palms together in gratitude to Wang Xuance. “Thank you for your concern. This monk was previously entrusted by King Qu Wentai to unravel the truth behind King David’s Bottle. Having accepted this task, how can I abandon it halfway? If King David’s Bottle is indeed the source of Gaochang’s turmoil as you say, this monk is even more determined to subdue this evil object and restore peace to the people of these countries.”
Wang Xuance sighed helplessly. “Master, I haven’t exaggerated in the slightest. If you don’t believe me, why don’t you come with me outside the city to see for yourself?”
“See what outside the city?” Xuanzang asked, puzzled.
“The turmoil in the Western Regions has already begun. Why don’t you witness it firsthand, Master!” Wang Xuance smiled.
Xuanzang had been in contact with Wang Xuance for several days, hoping to gather more inside information, but Wang Xuance remained tight-lipped, leaving Xuanzang at a loss.
On this day, as the two left Wang Xuance’s residence, the sunset glow was already fading, with the sun sinking in the west. Due to the cold weather, merchants were packing up their stalls early, creating a chaotic scene in the marketplace. However, outside the city gates, many long-distance merchants were rushing to enter the city before nightfall, causing a crowd to form at the entrance.
Gaochang, being one of the commercial centers of the Western Regions, usually treated merchants very favorably. Normally, only tax officials from the Ministry of Civil Affairs guarded the city gates, collecting entry taxes. Today, for some unknown reason, a large number of palace guards were stationed outside the city, and some craftsmen were decorating the city gates with silk. The merchants had all been driven to the side of the road.
Xuanzang couldn’t help but feel curious and asked Wang Xuance about it, but Wang Xuance just smiled without saying anything. Xuanzang had to find a merchant to inquire. Upon seeing that Xuanzang was a monk, the merchant respectfully said, “Reporting to the Master, today the Western Turk’s Moheduo is arriving in Gaochang to mediate the war between Gaochang and the three states of Yanqi. That’s why the King of Gaochang is personally going out of the city to welcome him.”
“Moheduo? Who is that?” Xuanzang asked in surprise.
Wang Xuance explained, “Moheduo is the uncle of Khagan Tong Yabghu, a She of the Western Turks, second in rank only to Khagan Tong Yabghu.”
“This young man is truly knowledgeable!” the merchant praised, then told Xuanzang, “This Moheduo She is said to be greedy by nature. Coming to Gaochang at this tense time of war, he’s likely to extort a hefty sum from the King of Gaochang. However, if he can truly make the three countries cease fire and restore peace on the Silk Road, it would be good for us merchants.”
Xuanzang understood and asked Wang Xuance, “My lord, you brought this monk here, presumably to see this person?”
“That’s right,” Wang Xuance nodded.
“Could it be that the calamity in the Western Regions you spoke of is related to this man?” Xuanzang pondered.
Wang Xuance laughed heartily, “Master, you are truly remarkable. To plunge the Western Regions into turmoil, how could mere Gaochang have such capability!”
As they were talking, horns sounded at the city gate. Qu Wentai led a group of Gaochang officials to the gate. This reception was much grander than when Xuanzang was welcomed, with probably no less than a thousand people, including several hundred monks. Xuanzang looked from afar and saw that Qu Wentai had not yet recovered from his illness. He was half-lying on a palanquin carried by four burly guards, covered with thick furs, making him almost invisible.
Moheduo hadn’t arrived yet. Temporary resting tents were set up at the city gate, where Qu Wentai and a group of high officials were resting.
Swift horses galloped along the road from time to time, reporting on Moheduo’s journey. Qu Wentai had timed his wait almost exactly to Moheduo’s arrival. In less than half an hour, clouds of dust could be seen rising from the direction of the Flaming Mountains to the north, with a large group of horses and men rapidly approaching the royal city. Upon hearing the news, Qu Wentai hurriedly had himself carried out of the tent to respectfully await outside the city gate.
After just a moment, the sound of iron hooves shaking the earth could be heard. It was unclear how many horses and men Moheduo had brought, but the ground was trembling, the iron hooves thundering. People’s ears were numbed, unable to hear even shouted words! Others were fine, feeling the vibrations but not too deeply affected. Xuanzang watched from afar as Qu Wentai struggled to sit up and look into the distance, his face growing even paler, seeming quite uneasy. Xuanzang understood that for a political figure like Moheduo, every move was full of meaning. Now that Moheduo was displaying such a show of force, it seemed the visitor did not come with good intentions!
The cavalry moved extremely fast, and in the blink of an eye, a black torrent swept towards them. Qu Wentai’s face was grave as he stood in place with an unusual expression.
Beside him, Wang Xuance murmured, “It’s the Fuli troops!”
Xuanzang was curious: “My lord, what are Fuli troops?”
“Master,” Wang Xuance explained, “in the Turkic language, ‘fuli’ means wolf. These are the Khan’s guard troops, the elite of the elite.”
Xuanzang looked and indeed saw that they were uniformly equipped with sabers, lances, daggers, and bows and arrows. The carefully selected Turkic horses were all strong and well-proportioned.
As they approached, a horn sounded from within the ranks. The Turkic cavalry pulled on their reins, the warhorses neighing as they stopped in unison, like a frozen giant serpent. The transition from extreme motion to extreme stillness was even more awe-inspiring.
At this point, the cavalry parted to both sides, and a Turkic nobleman with a curved saber at his waist slowly rode out from the middle of the formation. Xuanzang took a look and figured this must be Moheduo. He was in his fifties, with rugged features and narrow eyes, wearing a luxurious robe adorned with gold and pearls.
Qu Wentai couldn’t get down from his palanquin, so he urged his guards to carry him before Moheduo to pay respects. The other Gaochang officials all knelt to welcome him. Moheduo didn’t mind, laughing heartily as he seemed to comfort Qu Wentai with a few words. The two chatted briefly. Xuanzang was too far away to hear clearly, but he could see Qu Wentai smiling obsequiously, appearing extremely respectful. Moheduo, full of vigor, pointed at the cavalry behind him and said something. A flash of shame and anger crossed Qu Wentai’s face, but he quickly concealed it, looking enviously at the group of cavalry.
Then the welcome ceremony began, with monks chanting sutras to bless Moheduo. Most Turks believed in Shamanism, but it wasn’t their only faith. Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Nestorianism also had widespread followers among the Turks. Moheduo bowed his head to accept the blessings, his attitude quite reverent.
Xuanzang and Wang Xuance mingled in the crowd, waiting by the roadside. Only after Qu Wentai accompanied Moheduo into the city and the guards at the city gate were withdrawn did merchants begin to enter the city one after another.
Watching the backs of the Fuli troops, Xuanzang suddenly sighed, “The calamity of Gaochang has finally come.”
“Master understands?” Wang Xuance looked at him.
Xuanzang nodded, “At this moment, everyone thinks Moheduo has come to Gaochang to mediate the war between the three countries, but his true intention is likely not so. Why bring over a thousand elite iron cavalry to mediate others’ disputes?” Xuanzang smiled bitterly, “This is a show of force. Given Moheduo’s status, whatever he needs to obtain through military pressure must be significant. I don’t know how Qu Wentai will handle this.”
“Master must know what he’s after,” Wang Xuance nodded.
“Indeed, the possession of a treasure invites disaster. At this time in Gaochang, the only thing that could tempt Moheduo is King David’s Bottle!” Xuanzang said.
“Master is insightful,” Wang Xuance praised. “The calamity in the Western Regions I spoke of is precisely this. King David’s Bottle is an irresistible temptation for everyone. With Moheduo’s arrival, the Silk Road will no longer know peace, and the entire Western Region will be plunged into bloody conflict. This is exactly what I was worried about.”
“My lord,” Xuanzang pondered for a moment, “Qu Wentai already had intentions of aligning with the Great Tang. If you were to lend him a hand at this crucial moment and dispel this national crisis, he would surely be deeply grateful to the Great Tang.”
“The Eastern Turks are not yet defeated, and the Great Tang will not interfere in the Western Regions,” Wang Xuance said seriously. “This is the national policy set by His Majesty, and as a subject, I dare not disobey. Master, today I violated the rules by meeting Qu Wentai to save those exiles. I have an even more important mission, and I cannot do such things again in the future. Tomorrow, I will leave Gaochang and head to the Western Turk royal court.”
Xuanzang was somewhat disappointed but understood that Wang Xuance had his mission and was not free to act as he wished. He could only nod glumly.
By this time, it was late. The two chatted for a while longer before going their separate ways.
Xuanzang returned to the palace. The guards at the gate recognized him and respectfully invited him in. Unexpectedly, just as he entered the palace gates, he saw an old eunuch sneaking over. The eunuch looked nervous and, upon seeing Xuanzang, quickly looked left and right. Seeing no one else, he relaxed.
Xuanzang looked at him in surprise.
“Master, my mistress wishes to see you,” the old eunuch said softly.
Xuanzang was puzzled: “Who is your mistress?”
The eunuch whispered, “The Queen Consort.”
Xuanzang was shocked. Since the Queen Consort’s failed coup attempt with Qu Deyong, she had been imprisoned by Qu Wentai. Xuanzang had been worried about her but didn’t feel it was appropriate to inquire. He never expected that today the Queen Consort would send a eunuch to find him.
“Where is the Queen Consort?” Xuanzang asked.
The old eunuch sighed, “These past few days, His Majesty has confined the Queen Consort to her original chambers, under strict guard. The Queen Consort has repeatedly tried to see you but couldn’t find an opportunity. Fortunately, today His Majesty is entertaining Moheduo She in the inner palace, so we finally have a chance to invite you for a meeting.”
Xuanzang pondered and nodded, “Very well.”
Xuanzang followed the old eunuch towards the inner palace. The eunuch’s words proved true. With Qu Wentai seriously ill and Moheduo arriving with troops, the palace was in a state of anxiety and seemed empty. Although they encountered a few palace servants along the way, upon seeing Xuanzang, whom they knew to be Qu Wentai’s most respected guest, they were extremely respectful and didn’t dare ask any questions.
Xuanzang had been to the Queen Consort’s chambers once before. Although he had entered through a secret door in the well that day, when he left, he could sense the splendor and grandeur of the palace. However, upon seeing it today, Xuanzang was stunned. The doors and windows on all four sides of the palace had been sealed with thick mud bricks, leaving only a small window on the side, presumably for delivering food. Four palace guards stood watch at the door. These four guards had probably been bribed, as they didn’t say anything when Xuanzang approached, only looking more vigilant.
Xuanzang’s mood grew heavy. He looked around and asked, “How does this monk enter?”
The old eunuch made a gesture, and the four guards quietly brought a ladder from another courtyard and placed it against the courtyard wall. The old eunuch led Xuanzang up the ladder and along the wall to the second floor of the palace, to a hidden ventilation window. This window was also sealed with mud bricks, but it had been tampered with, as the mud bricks were movable. The old eunuch removed the mud bricks, revealing an opening.
“Master, enter through here, and you’ll be on the second floor of the palace,” the old eunuch said.
Xuanzang nodded and crawled through the opening. As soon as he entered, he felt the darkness and cold of this great hall. It was empty, without even a maid, like a tomb vacant for a hundred years, exuding a strong sense of death. Xuanzang couldn’t help but wonder why the Queen Consort, with the exit and guards arranged, was unwilling to escape and chose to be locked alone in this deep, cold hall.
The second floor was empty. Xuanzang walked down the stairs and saw the Queen Consort sitting in the center of the great hall, dressed in full regalia, her long dress trailing on the ground, like a blooming lotus.
But the Queen Consort now was no longer the dignified mother of a nation Xuanzang had first met, nor the mysterious woman who had wielded a hammer to kidnap people effortlessly in the Jiaohe City tavern. In just a few days, her appearance had become haggard and aged, the scars on her face had scabbed over, a black scar nearly splitting her entire face in two. Her once-black hair had turned gray-white as if she had aged twenty or thirty years! She was still wearing the luxurious robes from the day of the coup, now stained with blood and tattered, with holes in some places, the cold weather turning her exposed skin blue.
Seeing Xuanzang arrive, the Queen Consort said calmly, “Master, please sit.”
Xuanzang sat cross-legged on the felt mat opposite her. The Queen Consort said, “Given my current circumstances, that you would risk suspicion to visit me shows your compassion, Master.”
Xuanzang looked at her silently, his mood heavy: “In the eyes of Buddhism, guilt and innocence are not for mortals to judge.”
“I would rather be judged by mortals, let Qu Wentai have me executed by slow slicing than enter the Avici Hell to atone for my sins in the next life. Do you know why, Master?” The Queen Consort smiled self-mockingly, “Because I have nothing left to cling to in this world, while in the netherworld, in the next life, Deyong is waiting for me.”
Xuanzang sighed, “Princess, all the calamities of the world, the fears that afflict sentient beings, arise from attachment to self. Your single-minded obsession, even if you spend a hundred lifetimes in the cycle of rebirth, will still mistake illusion for reality, not knowing that the self is false, not knowing that love is empty and illusory. Princess, let it go!”
A faint smile appeared on the Queen Consort’s face: “If I let go, where shall I go?”
Before Xuanzang could speak, the Queen Consort continued, “In this life, my parents abandoned me to the emperor, the emperor abandoned me to the King of Gaochang, and the King of Gaochang abandoned me to the Turkic nobility. Now, my family is broken, my homeland is lost, my marital bond is dead, and my beauty and youth have withered. Master, in this lonely palace, the only things that accompany me are the wind, the cold, the darkness, and Deyong’s lingering spirit. If I let go, what have I truly possessed in this life?”
“Princess, why must you possess anything?” Xuanzang said softly.
“Because,” the Queen Consort said desolately, “when you hold something in your hands, your heart feels content. In the judgment and punishment of Avici Hell, you will neither fear nor be lonely.”
Xuanzang didn’t know how to console her. The woman before him had completely withered, with only a flickering flame of life remaining. He couldn’t bear to extinguish her last obsession. All beings are in an endless cycle of rebirth; perhaps some obsessions need to be carried into the next life to be understood anew.
“Princess, did you summon this humble monk today for any specific reason?” Xuanzang asked.
The princess nodded. “Yes, there is one thing I must ask of you.”
“Please speak, Princess,” Xuanzang said.
“I want to be buried together with De Yong!” the princess declared, staring at him intently.
Xuanzang’s eyes widened in shock. The princess wanted to be buried with Qu De Yong. Not only was this considered the gravest act of incest in Confucian Central Plains, but it was also unthinkable even in the Buddhist Western Regions or the non-Buddhist Turkic lands.
“De Yong’s body hasn’t been buried yet. It’s currently in the palace temple, with monks chanting sutras daily. It will be interred after seven days,” the princess continued, disregarding Xuanzang’s reaction. “What I want to ask is for you to steal De Yong’s body. When the time comes, I will take my own life. In the northern part of the Flaming Mountain, in a valley of the Tianshan Mountains, there’s a giant furnace. Please throw our bodies into that furnace to be reduced to ashes.”
“Amitabha Buddha,” Xuanzang exclaimed, alarmed. “Princess, how could this monk possibly do such a thing?”
“Venerable monk, you’re the only one I can turn to,” the princess said sorrowfully. “In this world, only you have no ulterior motives, no entanglements of grudges or favors. You came solely to save all sentient beings. De Yong and I beseech you to send us off on our final journey in this mortal world!”
“No, no, no,” Xuanzang firmly refused. “Princess, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help. Stealing and desecrating corpses is a grave sin. I cannot bear such a burden.”
“You don’t need to do it personally,” the princess said. “There will be people to assist you.”
“That’s still not acceptable,” Xuanzang shook his head. “Although I’m a monk, I’m still bound by worldly laws. I truly dare not commit such an act.”
The princess smiled. “Venerable monk, you first snuck past checkpoints from Yizhou to travel the world, and then you crossed the border from Guazhou to enter the Western Regions. Didn’t both of these actions violate the laws of the Great Tang?”
Xuanzang was left speechless, his mouth agape. The princess continued, “If you agree, I have a great secret to exchange with you.”
“A great secret?” Xuanzang asked, puzzled. “Is it related to me?”
“Of course,” the princess nodded. “It’s related to someone close to you, and it concerns your life and death.”
Xuanzang pondered for a moment but still shook his head. “This humble monk’s life and death are not of great importance.”
“Then, is A Shu’s life and death also unimportant?” the princess asked.
Xuanzang was startled and stared at the princess with disbelief. The princess sighed, “Venerable monk if you truly find it difficult, could you at least see us off when De Yong’s body and I are taken out? If you could chant a few verses of the Rebirth Mantra, I would be deeply grateful for your great kindness.”
Xuanzang nodded silently. The princess took out a thin piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to him. “That secret is written here. You can decide for yourself after reading it.”
Xuanzang took it. Though the words on the paper were few, they stirred up a storm in his heart. Despite his usually unshakable composure, he couldn’t help but change color. However, he didn’t say anything and quickly regained his calm, tucking the paper away.
“You have impressive self-control, Venerable monk,” the princess praised. “When I first learned of this, I was also greatly shocked. Such supernatural methods are beyond the realm of mortals.”
Xuanzang sighed silently. “Princess, if there’s nothing else, this humble monk will take his leave.”
“When the sun sets, this hall will become a tomb. Dark, silent, and defiled. You need not be tainted by it,” the princess said, gazing at the food delivery window. “I’ve said all I needed to say. Where you go from here is up to you. You carry a great responsibility, Venerable monk. For your safety, you should head west soon!”
Xuanzang remained silent and stood up. “Princess, would you like me to ask His Majesty to send some charcoal fire?”
“No!” the princess shouted. “I never want to hear that name again in this life! If it weren’t for waiting to be buried with De Yong, why would I cling to this miserable existence? Venerable monk, I’ve told you that great secret. Please don’t forget what I’ve asked of you. The day you bring De Yong’s body will be the day I take my own life!”
“I understand,” Xuanzang said, filled with bitterness.
As Xuanzang walked to the food delivery window, he turned back. “Princess, the lotus grows in water, its petals unstained by dust. In my eyes, you are more beautiful now than ever before.”
A faint blush appeared on the princess’s pale face. Sitting in the center of the great hall in her tattered finery, she truly resembled an unstained lotus.
Leaving the princess’s palace, Xuanzang headed towards his quarters. However, after walking for a while, he found himself lost.
Although the Gaochang royal palace wasn’t large, its layout was chaotic. Unlike Central Plains architecture with its central axis, the buildings here were stacked in layers with passageways in between. Xuanzang wandered around and ended up in an unfamiliar place.
He was about to ask a palace servant for directions when he suddenly noticed a tall pagoda ahead. The building was different from the residential structures, resplendent with gold and jade – it was a Buddhist temple. Xuanzang suddenly realized that he had heard about a temple within the palace. When he first arrived at the court, he had wanted to pay his respects, but upon learning it was the royal family’s private temple, he had given up the idea. He never expected to stumble upon it today.
Xuanzang was a deeply devout person who would pay respects at every temple he encountered. Moreover, from what the princess had said, Qu De Yong’s body was still in the temple. Although the idea of stealing the corpse for joint burial was absurd, and Xuanzang refused to do it, he still felt somewhat guilty. He thought that chanting a few rounds of the Rebirth Mantra might ease his conscience a little.
With these thoughts, Xuanzang entered the temple. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt something was amiss. The temple was empty, without a single monk in sight. Qu Wentai had been supporting monks from Gaochang in the temple year-round. Where had all these monks gone?
Xuanzang walked into the main hall. By now, the sun had set, and the sky was dim. A few candles flickered in the night breeze, casting faint shadows. In the dim light, he could vaguely make out a coffin in the center of the hall. Xuanzang’s heart skipped a beat – could this be Qu De Yong’s coffin?
He quickly walked in and was startled to find people in the hall! Two figures had their backs to him. One stood silently to the side, while the other knelt on a prayer mat in front of the coffin, burning incense before the Buddha statue. With palms pressed together, this person was chanting a sutra – the Rebirth Mantra. Xuanzang was very familiar with this mantra used for guiding the souls of the deceased. It consisted of fifty-nine characters in fifteen phrases. Chanting it twenty-one times day and night could eliminate the four major sins, the five rebellious acts, and ten evil deeds for the departed soul.
As the person chanted, they suddenly broke into loud sobs: “De Yong! De Yong! Open your eyes and look! What haven’t I given you? From the moment you were born, I treasured you. When did I not hold you in my arms? When did I not care for you with utmost devotion? You look like me, you have my temperament. Though you weren’t the eldest son and couldn’t inherit the throne, I was willing to disregard ancestral laws and ignore court opposition to support you as the King of Gaochang. I even entrusted you with the palace guard – I practically handed you my head! De Yong, tell me… tell me, how have I wronged you? Yet you conspired with that vixen to depose me!”
Xuanzang stopped at the doorway, silently watching. The person was, of course, Qu Wentai.
Judging by the time, he should have finished entertaining Moheduo. Despite his weakened state and having coughed up blood and fainted earlier in the day, Qu Wentai had come to weep at Qu De Yong’s bier instead of resting in the harem. Xuanzang couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotions. Although Qu Wentai had been cruel to his wife, he was kind to his people and particularly doting on this second prince. Even when De Yong had planned to stage a coup and kill his father, Qu Wentai found it hard to let go of this paternal affection. At that moment, Xuanzang truly didn’t know what to feel.
“De Yong, you blame your father for pushing you to the point of rebellion. Your father knows he was wrong! But if you wanted to be king, why didn’t you dare to tell me openly? Why did you have to be bewitched by that vixen and stage a coup? Hm? Were you afraid I would scold you if you spoke up? You were wrong! De Yong, you were wrong! Even if I had abdicated the throne to you, what of it? If I had retired to the palace or spent my days in temples, what of it? Oh, De Yong, why were you so foolish?” As Qu Wentai spoke, he broke into loud sobs again, followed by violent coughing. Zhu Gui quickly stepped forward to support him, gently patting his back.
Xuanzang sighed and entered the hall. “Your Majesty, please restrain your grief.”
The two were startled and turned around. Seeing it was Xuanzang, Qu Wentai burst into tears again. “Venerable monk, De Yong is dead! De Yong is dead! I drove De Yong to his death—”
Xuanzang hurried forward to support him. Up close, he could see Qu Wentai’s haggard face covered in wrinkles. His hair, which had only a few gray strands before, was now completely white. In just one day since the coup, he seemed to have aged more than ten years.
“Your Majesty,” Xuanzang said, “what’s done is done. You were father and son. Although De Yong committed a grave error, you’re chanting the Rebirth Mantra to alleviate his karmic burden and spare him from suffering in the netherworld. De Yong would surely be grateful.”
Qu Wentai gradually stopped crying and leaned weakly against Xuanzang’s chest, murmuring, “Venerable monk, I don’t want his gratitude. I just want De Yong to come back to life. Ren Shu is dead, De Yong is dead, and Zhi Sheng’s temperament is unsuitable for kingship. Venerable monk, after I die, Gaochang will be torn apart and our nation will perish. I… I have failed the eight generations of kings before me!”
Faced with this problem, Xuanzang truly had no solution. In any country, the extinction of the royal lineage meant terrible disaster. Covetous forces from all directions would surely swarm in to seize the crown, and the country’s demise with widespread carnage was almost inevitable. Although there was still Qu Zhi Sheng, everyone knew his personality was ill-suited for kingship. Even if he ascended the throne, he couldn’t maintain the country’s stability.
“Your Majesty,” Xuanzang could only offer gentle consolation, “the dead cannot be brought back to life, but a country still needs to be governed. You must take care of your health and ensure the people’s well-being. As for De Yong’s funeral arrangements, this humble monk will personally perform the rites for him. Your father-son relationship has reached its predestined end. Even if we drained the waters of the Jiao He River, we couldn’t change this fate.”
Qu Wentai smiled bitterly. “This disciple’s… this disciple’s health is failing. Even if I cling to life, how many more years can I live? With De Yong’s passing, I’ve lost all hope.” Suddenly, he grabbed Xuanzang’s hand, his eyes bloodshot. “Venerable monk, I can’t accept this… I can’t! You’re a high monk from the Great Tang. I’ve heard that in the Central Plains, there are methods to bring the dead back to life. Could you help this disciple obtain such a method?”
Xuanzang was stunned. Bringing the dead back to life? Where could such a thing exist? The fantastical tales in unorthodox texts were absurd, and even the accounts in Buddhist scriptures of bringing someone back from hell were not something Xuanzang believed in. In his view, Buddhism taught the supreme way, and the six realms of rebirth were the method within this way. When a person dies and enters the cycle of rebirth, it means the tribulations of this life have ended, and they will cultivate anew in the next life until they achieve liberation and are reborn in the Pure Land.
Xuanzang couldn’t help but smile bitterly. “Your Majesty, you’re being delusional. The fate of each life is predetermined. Each lifetime has its tribulations. The Second Prince’s life in this world has ended; how could he possibly return? Your Majesty, you believe in the true path of Buddhism. You must not stray into heresy.”
Qu Wentai was utterly disappointed. He mumbled, “How can this disciple not understand the principles? I just don’t understand why, in this life, I’ve built so many temples and paid respects to the Three Jewels, yet I’m subjected to such torment.”
Xuanzang remained silent, his expression somber. Suddenly, Zhu Gui spoke up, “Your Majesty, if you wish to bring the Second Prince back to life, it may not be impossible.”
Xuanzang and Qu Wentai were both stunned. Qu Wentai asked half-believingly, “Zhu Gui, you have a solution?”
Zhu Gui replied, “Your Majesty, this old servant naturally doesn’t have a solution, but there is something that might.”
Xuanzang was suddenly alarmed: “You mean—”
“The Bottle of King David?” Qu Wentai also exclaimed in shock. The two looked at each other, and even Xuanzang couldn’t help but feel his scalp tingle.
Zhu Gui calmly said, “Indeed, the Bottle of King David! Your Majesty, let’s not discuss whether what’s hidden in the bottle is demonic or supernatural, but you’ve witnessed its power firsthand. If it can truly do what it claims, wouldn’t bringing the Second Prince back to life be a simple task?”
“That’s right!” Qu Wentai suddenly became excited and looked at Xuanzang. “Venerable monk, this is truly a solution!”
Xuanzang didn’t know what to say and smiled bitterly, “Your Majesty, such a demonic object…”
Qu Wentai waved his hand excitedly, “This disciple doesn’t care whether it’s demonic or not. As long as it can bring De Yong back to life, I’m willing to pay any price!”
Xuanzang vaguely felt that this matter was unusual, but couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He stared at Zhu Gui and said calmly, “Lord Steward, you must have been considering this suggestion for a long time, right?”
Zhu Gui humbly replied, “I dare not deceive the Venerable monk. This old servant just thought of it.”
Xuanzang continued, “Lord Steward, the Bottle of King David is now in the Third Prince’s possession. Although there’s still one wish unused, how do you plan to obtain the magical bottle from him?”
Zhu Gui remained humble: “This old servant wouldn’t dare to speak out of turn. It depends on how His Majesty plans to do it.”
Qu Wentai dismissed the concern: “Venerable monk, no matter what method we use, we must get that unfilial son to hand over the Bottle of King David! We must revive De Yong!”
Xuanzang said, “Your Majesty, I’m afraid the Bottle of King David cannot be forcibly taken, can it?”
Qu Wentai paused: “That’s true. Not to mention what trouble that unfilial son might cause, if he decides to go down fighting and makes another wish, once the demon is released, it would be useless. Venerable monk, do you have any good ideas?”
Xuanzang still didn’t want to let Zhu Gui off the hook and said calmly, “That depends on what methods Lord Steward has.”
Qu Wentai was excited and his thoughts were muddled: “Yes, yes, Zhu Gui, you’ve watched Zhi Sheng grow up. Do you have any ideas?”
Zhu Gui replied helplessly: “Your Majesty, this old servant doesn’t have any good ideas on such short notice. However, since the Third Prince claims that the Bottle of King David is for protecting Shuang Yue Zhi, perhaps you could think of a way to use that. If you could arrange a good marriage between the Third Prince and Shuang Yue Zhi, and ensure they receive proper protection, the Third Prince might not rely so heavily on the Bottle of King David.”
Qu Wentai hesitated: “This method is good, but Shuang Yue Zhi…” He smiled bitterly, “Now that Long Tu Qi Zhi’s army is at our nation’s gates, if I let Zhi Sheng marry Shuang Yue Zhi, that old Long would surely explode with anger. It would be a fight to the death between both sides! Venerable monk, do you have any good ideas?”
Xuanzang replied calmly: “This humble monk would like to hear Lord Steward’s thoughts.”
Qu Wentai realized: “Yes, yes, Zhu Gui, you thought of this method, you must have a plan!”
Zhu Gui looked deeply at Xuanzang, but under Qu Wentai’s questioning, he seemed somewhat helpless: “Your Majesty, what the Third Prince seeks is simply a marriage. The urgent matter at hand is to revive the Second Prince. This old servant thinks, if you’re willing to let the Third Prince and Shuang Yue Zhi leave Gaochang for the Great Tang, given the prosperity of the Great Tang, they should be able to live out their lives peacefully!”
Qu Wentai stroked Qu De Yong’s coffin and said: “Although this would incur the wrath of Long Tu Qi Zhi if it can bring De Yong back to life, what does a war matter? Zhu Gui, go and call Zhi Sheng here.”
Zhu Gui replied, “Yes!” He gave Xuanzang a long look before bowing and backing out.
Qu Wentai, dragging his sick body, took a few steps in the great hall, seeming somewhat anxious: “Venerable monk, do you think Zhi Sheng will agree?”
Xuanzang thought for a moment and nodded silently: “He will agree.”
Qu Wentai was surprised: “Venerable monk, why are you so certain?”
“Since Lord Steward proposed this solution, he must not be speaking groundlessly,” Xuanzang smiled. “How could he dare to speak nonsense in front of you?”
Qu Wentai’s heart eased a little, and he sighed: “Zhu Gui is the only elder from Zhi Sheng’s mother’s side. He understands Zhi Sheng best, so it should be as the Venerable monk says!”
“However…” Xuanzang sighed, “The difficulty here lies not with the Third Prince, but with Princess Long Shuang. If she doesn’t agree to leave, I wonder what solution Lord Steward might have.”
In Xuanzang’s view, Long Shuang Yue Zhi would not leave Gaochang. If she left, the entire plan would be rootless and sourceless. But Zhu Gui was a man with secrets. He wouldn’t have proposed this solution without reason. Let’s see how he deals with Long Shuang Yue Zhi’s anger!
The two chatted for a while longer. Soon, they heard footsteps approaching. Zhu Gui led Qu Zhi Sheng and Long Shuang Yue Zhi hurriedly. It seemed the two were still unclear about what was happening. Long Shuang Yue Zhi looked puzzled, eyeing Xuanzang speculatively, highly guarded.
When Qu Zhi Sheng saw Qu Wentai standing in front of his second brother’s coffin, he was taken aback. He bowed and greeted, “Father, you called for me?”
Seeing him, Qu Wentai could barely contain his anger. Although he was trying to be patient, he couldn’t help but mock: “Third son, it’s truly not easy to see you.”
Qu Zhi Sheng looked a bit embarrassed: “Son heard that Father was ill and was about to visit, but didn’t expect you to be here.”
“It’s rare that you still remember your father is ill.” Qu Wentai sighed deeply, “Third son, I want to discuss a business with you. Did Zhu Gui tell you?”
“Business?” Qu Zhi Sheng looked at Zhu Gui in surprise and shook his head, “No! He only said you summoned me to the family temple, so I came.”
Qu Wentai nodded: “Third son, your father plans to let you marry Shuang Yue Zhi. What do you think?”
Qu Zhi Sheng was stunned: “Father…”
Long Shuang Yue Zhi was also surprised but didn’t express any opinion. Her expression was cold, like a beautiful cheetah encountering an enemy, with a cold smile on her face, waiting for her opponent’s move.
At this moment, Qu Zhi Sheng was overjoyed. He fell to his knees: “Son is grateful for Father’s great kindness. If I can marry Shuang Yue Zhi, we will be filial to Father and never anger you again.”
“Haha,” Qu Wentai smiled bitterly at Xuanzang, “This is the power of women! Venerable monk, why do I feel it’s even more miraculous than the Bottle of King David?”
Xuanzang also smiled wryly.
Qu Wentai helped Qu Zhi Sheng up, his expression immediately softening. He gently patted him: “You’ve grown stronger. How many years has it been since we father and son talked like this? I’ve neglected your upbringing these years, and I bear responsibility for that. Third son, do you know how great a risk your father is taking by letting you marry Shuang Yue Zhi?”
“Risk?” Qu Zhi Sheng thought for a moment, “Are you afraid Shuang Yue Zhi’s father will object?”
Qu Wentai smiled bitterly: “Not just object. He’s already led his army to fight several battles outside Jiahe City. If not for Jiahe’s strong fortifications, he might already be at our gates. If your father allows you to marry Shuang Yue Zhi, Long Tu Qi Zhi will surely go mad, and our Gaochang will face a war of annihilation!”
Qu Zhi Sheng was dumbfounded, looking at him blankly, not knowing what to say.
“Shuang Yue Zhi, do you understand?” Qu Wentai asked.
“Yes.” Long Shuang Yue Zhi nodded obediently.
“Third son, even so, your father will still let you marry Shuang Yue Zhi,” Qu Wentai said. “However, after your marriage, you can’t stay in Gaochang. I will send people to escort you to the Great Tang. You and Shuang Yue Zhi will spend the rest of your lives in the prosperous world of the Great Tang! Are you willing?”
“Go to the Great Tang…” Both Qu Zhi Sheng and Long Shuang Yue Zhi were stunned. Especially Long Shuang Yue Zhi, whose eyes suddenly shot two cold glares, sweeping coldly across the faces of Zhu Gui and Xuanzang. The two pretended not to notice.
“Your Majesty,” Long Shuang Yue Zhi suddenly said, “I want to know, is this suggestion the Venerable monk’s idea or Lord Steward’s?”
Qu Wentai was taken aback: “It’s Zhu Gui’s idea. Why?”
Long Shuang Yue Zhi smiled: “Nothing.”
At this point, Long Shuang Yue Zhi clearly understood that this was an attempt to expel her! She also knew that although she had gained control over Zhu Gui through Qu Zhi Sheng, the old eunuch was clearly unwilling to submit, and had finally made his move.
Xuanzang had been observing from the side. He smiled and said, “Princess, if you truly love the Third Prince, why stay in this place where you can’t find happiness? This humble monk comes from the Great Tang, where customs are simple and people exchange poetry. I believe the Princess would surely love it there.”
Dragon Frost Moon naturally knew Xuanzang was adding insult to injury, and she gnashed her teeth in hatred. However, her face had to maintain a joyful expression as she replied, “The Venerable One speaks well. It must indeed be wonderful there. This humble woman will follow San Lang’s wishes!”
Qu Zhisheng scratched his scalp, looking rather troubled. He said, “Father, Frost Moon does seem to like the Great Tang. It’s not as harsh and cold as the Western Regions. I’ve heard the Jiangnan water towns are mild and humid, which must be excellent for Frost Moon’s skin.”
Upon hearing this, Qu Wentai’s anger flared. Just as he was about to lose his temper, Xuanzang shook his head at him, forcing him to suppress his rage. Then they heard Qu Zhisheng continue, “But if I go to the Great Tang, who will take care of you? My eldest and second brothers have already passed away. If I leave too, what will you do, Father?”
Qu Wentai was stunned. He stared at Qu Zhisheng, his eyes instantly reddening. He seemed on the verge of tears but struggled to hold them back. Instead, he forced a gentle smile and gave Qu Zhisheng a hearty punch, sighing, “Good lad, you’ve grown up! You’ve finally grown up! Hearing you say this makes the twenty-some years I’ve spent raising you worthwhile.”
Qu Zhisheng also revealed his true feelings: “Father, I’ve been unfilial, causing you to worry. It’s not that I don’t want to go to the Great Tang. But if Frost Moon and I leave, the old dragon will be even more furious. With their three-nation allied forces, how will you cope alone? So I’ve thought it over and would rather hide in the palace than leave you behind.”
“Yes, yes. San Lang is indeed a filial son,” Dragon Frost Moon finally found an excuse and hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, what I love about Zhisheng is his simple and filial nature. At such a critical time, if he were to leave you, how could he be worthy of my love?”
“Don’t worry about these things,” Qu Wentai said sadly. “After you leave, this great war will be a fight to the death. If you can preserve a bloodline for our Qu family, that would be true filial piety. All of your father’s efforts would then be worthwhile.”
Dragon Frost Moon was at a loss for words. She glared hatefully at Zhu Gui but said nothing more, seemingly pondering her next move.
“San’er, it’s decided then,” Qu Wentai made a quick decision, waving his hand. “But Father has a request for you.”
Qu Zhisheng hurriedly bowed: “Father, I dare not accept the word ‘request’. Please just give your orders.”
“You still have one wish left with your King David’s Bottle, right?” Qu Wentai asked.
“Yes, that’s right!” Qu Zhisheng replied, puzzled about his father’s intentions.
Qu Wentai stared at him and said slowly, enunciating each word: “Help your father make a wish – bring your second brother back to life!”
“What?” Qu Zhisheng was immediately dumbfounded, staring blankly at Qu Wentai as if he hadn’t understood.
“I’ll let you marry Frost Moon and send you both to the Great Tang,” Qu Wentai said, staring at him. “You help me make the wish to revive your second brother!”
Qu Zhisheng became anxious: “But… Father, Second Brother is dead!”
Qu Wentai showed a pleading expression: “King David’s Bottle is all-powerful. Surely reviving a dead person isn’t impossible?”
“Well…” Qu Zhisheng was uncertain. “I don’t know. In theory, it should be possible!”
“Then make the wish to revive him!” Qu Wentai said eagerly. “This way, you and Frost Moon will have a happy life, and Father will have a son to keep him company. San’er, Father is begging you!”
As Qu Wentai was about to kneel, Qu Zhisheng quickly knelt first, supporting his father’s knees, and said, “Father! Father! Let me think about it, let me think.”
No one interrupted him as Qu Zhisheng pondered with a troubled expression: “Father, I was planning to use this bottle to protect Frost Moon. Even if Second Brother can be revived, what if Frost Moon needs help in the future?”
Qu Wentai snorted, “The Great Tang is prosperous and flourishing, with a stable empire showing signs of a golden age. I’ll give you enough gold and silver. Once you and Frost Moon reach the Great Tang, what major issues could you possibly encounter?”
“That may be true, but…” Qu Zhisheng hesitated.
“San’er, your nature isn’t suited for the turbulence of the Western Regions. Frost Moon would face unpredictable dangers here. In the Great Tang, free from worldly troubles, you can live happily, have children, and enjoy a beautiful life. Isn’t that wonderful?” Qu Wentai persuaded earnestly.
“It does sound good,” Qu Zhisheng’s eyes lit up at the thought of future happiness, but he still hesitated. “But without King David’s Bottle, I… I don’t feel secure.”
“You… How can you not feel secure?” Qu Wentai exploded in anger.
Xuanzang quickly intervened, smiling as he said, “Third Prince if you truly wish to go to the Great Tang, this humble monk can write a letter to Minister Wei Zheng of the Secretariat. Minister Wei is an upright man with considerable influence in court. He will surely take good care of you.”
“Is that so?” Qu Zhisheng was tempted but still found it hard to let go. He looked at Dragon Frost Moon.
Dragon Frost Moon hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, can you let Zhisheng think about it?”
“No!” Qu Wentai said firmly. “The situation is urgent. We must act immediately.”
“Well…” Qu Zhisheng felt helpless.
Qu Wentai’s expression turned stern: “San’er, do you know that Mohè Dùshè of the Turks has arrived in Gaochang today?”
Qu Zhisheng nodded: “Yes, I know. Father, you seemed to have welcomed him into the palace for a banquet.”
“That’s right,” Qu Wentai’s face darkened. “I just escorted him back to his lodgings to rest. Do you know why he came?”
Qu Zhisheng shook his head.
Qu Wentai said gravely, “Under the pretext of mediating the war between us and Yanqi, he wants to seize King David’s Bottle!”
Qu Zhisheng was shocked. Qu Wentai continued anxiously: “San’er, he’s the uncle of Tong Yabgu Qaghan and commands significant forces in the Western Turkic Khaganate. If he decides to take it by force, even Tong Yabgu Qaghan can’t stop him. Therefore, you must make the wish immediately to revive Deyong! Hmph, even if he uses force to seize it, all he’ll get is an empty bottle that’s already been used!”
Qu Zhisheng and Dragon Frost Moon exchanged worried glances.
Xuanzang felt deeply concerned: “Your Majesty, if that’s the case, you must be wary of Mohè Dù’s wrath.”
“There’s no time to worry about that. Since he hasn’t directly mentioned it, I’ll just play dumb,” Qu Wentai said. “Right now, the most important thing is to revive Deyong. As long as he’s alive, no matter how difficult things get for Gaochang, we can endure. If he doesn’t come back to life, even if we survive now, Gaochang will ultimately face destruction and extinction. San’er, Father is begging you!”
[1] Shè: An official title in the Turkic Khaganate, second only to the Great Qaghan. They could lead separate troops, establish headquarters, and rule independently over a region.