As soon as these words were spoken, even the princess’s maidservants were momentarily stunned, and the merchants and common folk gathered at the city gate fell silent.
The phrase “kneeling low as a step” originally represented a noble gesture, where one kneel on the ground, bows their back, and allows others to step upon them. This practice was particularly prevalent in the Buddhist kingdom of Tianzhu, where even some kings would kneel to allow esteemed monks to step on them as they ascended to the altar. However, among the nobility in the Western Regions, this was generally an action performed by servants to assist their masters in mounting and dismounting from horses.
Everyone understood that Princess Longshuang was using this act to humiliate Prince Qu Zhisheng of Gaochang. Even the princess’s maidservants and the Dragon Knights felt uneasy; after all, Qu Zhisheng was a prince of a significant Western power. The relationship between Yanchi and Gaochang had always been tense, and such humiliation could provoke the wrath of the Gaochang king, potentially leading to war.
Seeing Qu Zhisheng in a daze, the crowd secretly sighed in relief, waiting for him to refuse. Unexpectedly, after a long moment of stupor, he suddenly began to gesture wildly, lost his balance, and tumbled off his horse. He scrambled to his feet and rushed to Princess Longshuang’s horse, declaring earnestly, “Princess, ever since I saw your unparalleled beauty in the Yanchi palace three years ago, your image has been etched in my mind. For three years, I have been unable to sleep at night, constantly thinking of you. I do not dare to seek your favor, but I wish only to hear your voice and see your face every day. I would willingly suffer in the depths of hell for this!” He then knelt heavily on the ground, supporting himself with his hands, arching his back, and loudly proclaimed, “Please, Princess, dismount!”
The crowd fell silent, staring at the prince kneeling on the ground.
Xuanzang felt that this was highly inappropriate. He quickly dismounted and approached Qu Zhisheng, pressing his palms together in prayer. “Amitabha. Third Prince, the Buddha teaches various doctrines to heal the suffering of all beings. The root of suffering lies in our attachment. When we identify the body as ‘I,’ greed, anger, and ignorance arise. Please, Prince, think carefully!”
Qu Zhisheng turned his head to gaze at Xuanzang, tears streaming down his face. He choked out, “Thank you for your teachings, Master. But… why is it that after just one glance three years ago, I cannot forget her for the rest of my life? Is this not the fate arranged for me by the Buddha? As a prince of Gaochang, I have lived a carefree life, indifferent to wealth and power, and I do not care for the countless beauties in the palace.
My elder brother and second brother fight fiercely for the throne, but I regard it as worthless. I thought nothing could bind me in this life. You, great Tang, have a Brahmin monk who composed a verse: ‘Outside the city, the earth buns; the filling is grass within the city. Each person eats one, and none should complain of the taste.’ I can see through life and death; I can decipher the mundane world. But tell me, why did a single glance three years ago steal my soul?”
Xuanzang smiled bitterly. The Brahmin, whose secular surname was Wang, was his fellow monk. When Xuanzang was ten years old, he integrated Buddhist principles into his verses and Zen poetry, establishing his school, which Xuanzang greatly admired. He never expected that his verse would reach the Western Regions.
Qu Zhisheng wiped his eyes and smiled, saying, “Master, I would rather be a servant than a prince of Gaochang. Because I cannot break my heart.” He then respectfully said, “Please, Princess, dismount!”
Xuanzang sighed and stepped aside. Princess Longshuang listened coldly to Qu Zhisheng’s words, showing no sign of emotion. She raised her foot, preparing to step on his back as she dismounted.
At that moment, a loud shout erupted from within the city: “Stop—”
The sound of thundering hooves followed, as dozens of warhorses charged in like lightning. Upon reaching the city gate, the leading knight raised his hand, and thirty warhorses simultaneously reined in, their whinnies echoing as they came to a halt. Their movements were synchronized and fierce, clearly indicating they were seasoned warriors.
At the forefront was a burly man with a full beard, strong. He wore leather armor and carried a long knife. Upon seeing Qu Zhisheng kneeling on the ground, with Princess Longshuang about to step on his back, he was instantly filled with rage. He dismounted and strode over, grabbing Qu Zhisheng by the neck and lifting him.
“Third Brother, what are you doing?” the man shouted, his eyes wide with anger. “Do not disgrace our father and the dignity of Gaochang!”
Seeing him, Qu Zhisheng felt a twinge of fear and whispered, “Second Brother…”
Xuanzang then realized that this man was Qu Deyong, the second son of the Gaochang king.
Qu Deyong glared at Princess Longshuang, then looked at the bruises on Qu Zhisheng’s face and the dust covering him, feeling both anger and pity. “Third Brother, why are you being foolish again? I know your feelings, but… can you truly marry this woman? Not to mention the discord between our two nations; even if we were close friends, would that old dragon give her to you in exchange for Yanchi’s peace?”
Qu Zhisheng pushed Qu Deyong away and replied calmly, “Brother, you misunderstand. Since I cannot hope to marry her in this life, being by her side, holding her horse and helping her mount, is also good enough.”
“But you are a prince of Gaochang!” Qu Deyong exclaimed, his anger rising.
“What of being a prince?” Qu Zhisheng sighed deeply. “If a servant can have what a prince cannot, what good is being a prince?”
Qu Deyong was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by his brother’s words. Qu Zhisheng knelt again, loudly declaring, “Please, Princess, dismount!”
“Do not go too far!” Qu Deyong glared at Princess Longshuang, his voice cold. “If your foot dares to step on my brother’s back, I will lead my troops to crush your Yanchi kingdom!”
Princess Longshuang let out a cold laugh and suddenly lifted her foot, kicking Qu Zhisheng’s back, sending him tumbling to the ground. Her blue eyes burned with fury as she shouted, “Qu Deyong, who is truly bullying whom? I ask you, who killed the Yanchi merchants in the Moheyanqi?”
At this, Xuanzang’s expression changed, and he gently grasped Ashu’s hand, only to find Ashu trembling with fear, staring at the imposing figure of Qu Deyong.
Qu Deyong was momentarily taken aback. Seeing Qu Zhisheng about to speak, he quickly pressed down on his shoulder and sneered, “I have heard of a merchant caravan being killed in Moheyanqi, but I did not know it was the Yanchi people. Your question is quite strange, Princess.”
“Strange?” Princess Longshuang fixed her gaze on him. “That caravan had sixty-three members, including over twenty Sogdian merchants, and Yanchi people. They were armed with twenty bows and crossbows, each carrying a curved knife, skilled in battle. What force near Yiwucheng could annihilate them all at once?”
Qu Deyong laughed heartily. “You ask me, but who should I ask? Bandits? The Tang people? The Turks? The Shatuo? Or the Geluo people? Each could be a suspect; why should it fall on me?”
Princess Longshuang’s expression darkened. “Very well. I ask you, given your status, why did you quietly come to Yiwucheng?”
Qu Deyong replied nonchalantly, “Since I am on a mission, I cannot disclose it to you. But you seem to have appeared in Yiwucheng quite suddenly; do not tell me you are also on a mission. Furthermore…” He looked Princess Longshuang up and down, “A merchant caravan with twenty bows and crossbows, equipped with such formidable weaponry, is that not laughable? It is well known that all bows and crossbows entering the Tang territory are confiscated and stored. Is it worth such strong protection from Yanchi to Yiwucheng? What kind of merchant caravan are you running?”
“Very well,” Princess Longshuang nodded. “I did not expect you to admit it. However, this debt, the Yanchi people will remember. Once I find the true culprit, I hope to meet you on the battlefield.”
“Princess, it is not like that—” Qu Zhisheng suddenly called out.
“Be quiet—” both Qu Deyong and Princess Longshuang shouted simultaneously.
Qu Zhisheng did not back down, standing between them, looking up at Princess Longshuang, pleading, “Princess, our nations are in constant conflict, with bloodshed everywhere, and the common people suffer. Our two nations survive in the cracks between great powers; it is already difficult enough. Why must we add to the strife? If the princess does not mind, I am willing to persuade my father to reconcile with Yanchi, so that our two nations can jointly control the Silk Road. Would that not be wonderful?”
Princess Longshuang scoffed, “And then you can propose to me, allowing me to marry into Gaochang through a marriage alliance?”
Qu Zhisheng’s face flushed red, as her words struck at the deepest desire in his heart. He looked up at the princess with hopeful eyes.
“Good! Very good!” Princess Longshuang smiled sweetly. “But let me tell you, Qu Zhisheng, you should give up on this hope. I, Longshuang Yuezhi, would rather marry a beggar covered in sores, lying on the street, than marry you, Qu Zhisheng!”
Her words, laced with a hint of a smile, carried a resolute tone, revealing endless disdain and hatred. With that, Princess Longshuang turned away, flicked the reins, and her tall Yanchi horse let out a long neigh, galloping toward the city gates. The maidservants and Dragon Knights followed closely, raising a cloud of dust that enveloped Qu Zhisheng.
Qu Zhisheng stared blankly at the retreating figure in the dust, his lips curling into a heart-wrenching laugh. Suddenly, he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground. Xuanzang was taken aback and quickly caught him, preventing him from hitting the ground.
Qu Zhisheng pushed Xuanzang away, unsteadily rising to his feet, a terrifying smile on his handsome face. He shouted hoarsely, “Longshuang Yuezhi—I, Qu Zhisheng, vow before the thousand Buddhas of the future: if I cannot marry you in this life, let me suffer from foul sores, rot like a ghost; let me not be buried in the earth, exposed to the sun, to be eaten by wild dogs; let my soul enter the eighteen levels of hell, enduring endless suffering, never to be reborn; let my descendants, for a thousand generations, be male eunuchs and female prostitutes… O Buddhas of heaven and earth, please witness my vow—”
This curse shocked everyone present, even Qu Deyong was left speechless.
At this moment, the crowd at the city gate had grown larger, but with the conflict between the princes and princesses of the two great Western powers, even the king of Yiwucheng would likely not dare to intervene. Thus, everyone could only wait patiently, unaware that they were witnessing one of the most vicious and resolute oaths in history!
Xuanzang’s heart trembled. He knew that Qu Zhisheng had lost his mind, and evil spirits had invaded him. He quickly extended his hand to cover Qu Zhisheng’s forehead, chanting, “Viewing the image is not real; viewing the body is emptiness. Like grasping the moon in water, like catching the wind in the treetops. It cannot be seen when grasped, nor can it be exhausted when sought. Beings turn with their karma, just like in a dream! Hah—”
With his loud shout, Qu Zhisheng’s eyes rolled back, and he collapsed to the ground. Xuanzang finally breathed a sigh of relief and told Qu Deyong, “Second Prince, he has exhausted his spirit. Let him rest for a few days; he will feel better upon waking.”
Qu Deyong thanked him profusely as he took his younger brother, ordering people to find a high carriage to take Qu Zhisheng into Yiwucheng. He then asked Xuanzang, “May I ask how to address you, Master? How do you know my younger brother?”
“Amitabha, I am the humble monk Xuanzang, from Chang’an. I happened to meet the Third Prince while passing through Moheyanqi,” Xuanzang replied.
Qu Deyong was taken aback and quickly bowed. “So you are the Xuanzang Master! Your fame has spread throughout the Western Regions for over a month. When my brother and I were sent to Yiwucheng, our father instructed us to inquire about your whereabouts. Master, please come with me to Gaochang!”
Xuanzang politely declined. Although his destination was Tianzhu, he did not intend to rush there. Instead, he aimed to study the Buddhist teachings of various countries along the way, filling in gaps and exploring their origins.
Qu Deyong did not press further. His brother’s situation left him overwhelmed, so he reluctantly parted from Xuanzang. Before leaving, he informed him, “There is a Great Awakening Temple in Yiwucheng, where there are Han monks. It should be convenient for you to stay there. I have some urgent matters to attend to, but I will come to pay my respects to you later.”
Xuanzang repeatedly expressed his reluctance, and after parting ways, the city gate finally became clear. He and A’shu led their horses through the entrance. In the Western Regions, entering a city required paying an entrance tax, which varied in amount; merchants typically paid more, while monks were exempt.
Inside Yiwucheng, the streets were narrow, flanked by sturdy adobe houses with walls several feet thick. Unlike the Central Plains, the arid climate of the Western Regions did not necessitate considerations for rainy season drainage, resulting in flat roofs. The street-facing buildings served as shops, and the thick roofs could support one or two additional stories for family living.
The streets were bustling, even though it was already November, and the sun remained scorching. Shops had set up awnings and stalls that occupied most of the street. The stalls overflowed with a variety of goods from both East and West: silk, paper, wrought iron, dried fish, pearls, and fans from the Central Plains; wool, leather, gemstones, gold and silver products, and curved swords from the West. The cacophony of languages was overwhelming; although Xuanzang had studied Sanskrit, it proved insufficient here. With A’shu’s explanations, he began to distinguish between Persian, Uighur, Tocharian, and Turkic dialects, and the various dialects derived from Sanskrit.
A’shu informed him that Sogdian merchants learned multiple languages from a young age, mastering Persian, Chinese, and Sanskrit, as most languages along the Silk Road evolved from these. Xuanzang couldn’t help but marvel; if the Silk Road was the artery from Persia to the Tang Dynasty, then the Sogdians were the lifeblood coursing through it.
In the various countries of the Western Regions, finding a Buddhist temple was easy; wherever there was a market, a temple was sure to be nearby. The relationship between Buddhism and merchants was long-standing. Since the time of Shakyamuni, monks had followed trade routes to spread their teachings, relying on merchants for alms and protection, while merchants benefited from the monks’ tax exemptions. Even after Buddhism flourished, it often provided the greatest protection to merchants, offering them lodging and food. Thus, markets typically surrounded Buddhist temples.
As Xuanzang and A’shu hurried out of a chaotic mule and horse market, they spotted the Dajue Temple ahead.
Buddhist temples in the Western Regions differed significantly from those in the Central Plains, exuding exotic charm. They lacked the blue bricks and green tiles, arched eaves, and upturned roofs typical of the Central Plains, often constructed according to the local geographical features. Dajue Temple covered an area of twenty to thirty acres, divided into two sections. The front featured heavy adobe structures with narrow windows. Entering through the arched main gate, one found a long main hall at the center, flanked by various monk quarters. The back courtyard housed a magnificent stupa, built of adobe, soaring over ten zhang high, radiating the essence of India.
Upon arriving at Dajue Temple, Xuanzang and A’shu had just reached the entrance when three elderly monks rushed out, their robes in hand, having not even put on their shoes. The monks bore a resemblance to people from the Central Plains, and upon seeing Xuanzang, they burst into tears, exclaiming, “I never expected to see a fellow countryman in this lifetime!”
Xuanzang was moved to tears as well.
One of the old monks, after a moment of weeping, said with embarrassment, “Master, please do not mock us. The Western Regions have been separated from the Central Plains for too long. Even when the Sui Dynasty briefly controlled the area, they prohibited ordinary people from leaving. On the long Silk Road, we only see Hu merchants coming and going; how could we expect to see Han people?”
After chatting for a while, they invited Xuanzang to wash up and partake in a meal.
Having traversed the Moheyanqi and narrowly escaped death, Xuanzang felt utterly exhausted. A’shu appeared equally worn out. They rested for a while and only regained their strength by evening. The old monks arranged for a meal to be brought, consisting of fruits, pastries, and a jug of grape juice.
Watching A’shu devour his food, Xuanzang quietly asked, “A’shu, what happened during that ambush in the desert? Is Princess Longshuang’s accusation true? Did your uncle and the others get killed by the Gaochang people?”
Caught off guard, A’shu choked, coughing for a while before taking a sip of grape juice to recover. He stared silently at the lamp’s flame, a hint of fear on his face. “Master, those bandits were indeed Gaochang people! That night, I saw Qu Deyong’s face!”
It turned out that on that fateful night, the merchant caravan had camped by the lake, and A’shu had sneaked out to swim. After several hours, he returned to the camp to sleep. As he climbed the dune, he noticed countless shadows emerging from the distant sand piles. They held curved swords in their mouths and bows and arrows in their hands, stealthily infiltrating the camp like phantoms.
Several night watchmen were shot in the dark, and one, as he lay dying, blew the horn he carried. The merchants awoke in alarm and fought back. Just then, a large group of cavalry charged in, arrows raining down. They galloped around the camp, shooting indiscriminately, and many fell to the ground, screaming in agony.
A’shu quickly buried himself in the sand, leaving only his head exposed to observe. His uncle’s experience from years of traversing the Silk Road protected him well, but his uncle was ultimately struck down by a cavalryman. Although the merchants had bows and crossbows, they were utterly defenseless against the cavalry’s surprise attack. Both Sogdians and Yuezhi were soon slaughtered.
At that moment, Qu Deyong entered the camp. His towering, god-like physique left a deep impression on A’shu, while Qu Zhisheng followed behind, seemingly terrified and trembling, constantly reprimanded by Qu Deyong: “Third brother, Father sent you with me to witness the blood and fire of the battlefield. How can you return to explain yourself to Father in such a frightened state? Go over there and see who is still alive; finish them off with a sword.”
Illuminated by the firelight, Qu Zhisheng’s face turned red as he searched for survivors with his sword.
Qu Deyong also searched one by one, issuing a strict order to leave no one alive. Just then, a Yuezhi man suddenly leaped up from the pile of corpses, raising his knife to strike Qu Deyong. Qu Deyong dodged, and with a swift motion, his curved sword severed the man’s arm, sending him crashing to the ground with a scream.
A’shu recognized him as the leader of the Yuezhi. To his surprise, Qu Deyong also knew him, laughing heartily as he stepped on the man’s chest: “So it’s Lord Longzhanba. Hmph, the Minister of Rites of the great Yuezhi, reduced to a mere merchant.”
“Qu Deyong,” the Longzhanba hissed, “you attacked the Yuezhi envoy; do you intend to provoke a war between our two nations?”
“Yuezhi envoy?” Qu Deyong scoffed. “Where? All I see are a bunch of Sogdians and Yuezhi merchants!” He crouched down, slapping Longzhanba’s face with the back of his knife. “So, Lord Long, you are the envoy? Tell me, where are you on a mission? What is your purpose?”
Longzhanba snorted, enduring the pain in silence. Qu Deyong reached into his robes and pulled out a scroll. Longzhanba shouted, “Give it to me—”
Qu Deyong sneered, stomping heavily on his face, unfurling the scroll and holding it up with the tip of his knife, commanding someone to hold a torch to read it. After a long look, he gasped, gritting his teeth. “So it is! The Yuezhi secretly sought the Tang Dynasty’s support to reopen the old Silk Road! What a vicious heart! This is to bring about the downfall of Gaochang! No wonder you, the Minister of Rites, had to disguise yourself as a merchant to approach the Tang Dynasty! What else do you have to say?”
Longzhanba managed a bitter smile. “You can kill or torture me as you wish, but my Yuezhi Long clan will never give up. We will reclaim the Silk Road and reopen the old route!”
“Dream on!” Qu Deyong immediately killed Longzhanba, seized the Yuezhi envoy’s state documents and tribute, and under the cover of night, led his cavalry away.
A’shu buried himself in the sand, watching the killers depart. At only nine years old, he was utterly terrified, too afraid to show his face.
Upon hearing this, Xuanzang was puzzled. “What do you mean by the old Silk Road?”
“I know this well,” A’shu explained. “The Silk Road is not static; often, due to changes in geography or the outbreak of war, merchants will alter their routes. Originally, the merchants traveled along the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, passing through Gumo, Guizi, and the southern end of Bosten Lake in Yuezhi, then through Changpu Lake to reach Yumenguan. Later, after the Han Dynasty took control of Yiwucheng, the route changed to pass through Gumo and Guizi, entering Gaochang from the northern end of Bosten Lake, then to Yiwucheng, and through Moheyanqi to reach Guazhou. This route is what you are currently traveling, known as the new road.”
“Oh,” Xuanzang nodded. “Then why are the new and old roads so crucial for the Yuezhi and Gaochang, even to the point of risking national extinction?”
A’shu grinned. “Master, for the great powers at both ends of the Silk Road, such as the Han Dynasty and Persia or Byzantium, it doesn’t matter which road they take as long as it remains open. But for these small countries along the Silk Road, a change in route could mean their disappearance from history. They rely on the merchants traveling the Silk Road for their survival; with merchants come wealth and population. Without them, their nations would be forgotten, their people unable to survive, and their states unable to sustain themselves.”
Xuanzang was deeply impressed; the struggles of these small nations for survival were truly unheard of in the Central Plains.
“Although both routes pass through Yuezhi territory, they are fundamentally different. The old road, which runs along the southern edge of Bosten Lake, is right next to the Yuezhi royal city, an area they completely control. In contrast, the new road is not only far from the royal city, but more importantly, it falls within the actual control of Gaochang. For over a century, wealth from the Silk Road has continuously flowed into Gaochang, making it the richest nation along the route, while the Yuezhi have gradually been marginalized. Therefore, gaining control of the Silk Road is crucial for the Yuezhi.”
Xuanzang finally understood and sighed, “So if the Silk Road reverts to the old route, Gaochang will be cut off from it and vanish into the sands of the desert.”
A’shu nodded, and Xuanzang finally grasped why the Gaochang people would secretly ambush the Yuezhi envoy. The Yuezhi had sent an envoy to pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty, requesting a change in the Silk Road route. If the Tang Dynasty approved, it would spell disaster for Gaochang. However, Xuanzang was puzzled: “The new road has existed for over a hundred years. Would the Tang court allow the Yuezhi to request a change? Yet the Gaochang people must be certain that the Tang would permit it, which is why they fearfully resorted to ambushing the envoy.”
A’shu praised, “Master, your insight is remarkable; you see the crux of the matter. Indeed, whether the Tang Dynasty would allow it at other times is uncertain, but at this moment, the Yuezhi’s plea is likely to be granted by the Tang court!”
“Why is that?” Xuanzang asked, surprised.
“Think about it, Master,” A’shu replied, winking playfully.
Xuanzang smiled wryly. Although A’shu was only nine, his speech and reasoning were so mature that one might believe he was in his thirties. The boy was wise and knowledgeable, and his perspective on issues was akin to that of an adult. It was clear that the Sogdians had managed to control the Silk Road for centuries for good reason. The saying goes, “Traveling a thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books.” A child raised in such an environment would develop a keen sensitivity to political changes and business opportunities, as well as a mature approach to problem-solving and interpersonal relations.
After pondering for a while, Xuanzang suddenly recalled a significant event in the Tang Dynasty and exclaimed, “Could it be related to the Tang’s military campaign against the Eastern Turks?”
A’shu was genuinely surprised this time. “Master, you truly are extraordinary!”
Xuanzang felt a bit embarrassed; he had merely guessed. After A’shu’s explanation, he understood the connection. In the autumn of the third year of the Zhenguan era, just before he left Chang’an, Li Shimin had dispatched generals Li Jing, Li Ji, and Chai Shao to lead an army of a hundred thousand northward, intending to defeat the Eastern Turks in battle. At that moment, both sides were likely engaged in fierce combat on the vast grasslands.
The Western Regions were under the control of the Western Turks. Although the Eastern and Western Turks had always been at odds, the new road ran too close to the Eastern Turks, who could easily sever the Silk Road. If the route were changed to the old road, not only would the Eastern Turks be unable to reach it, but the influence of the Western Turks would also diminish, which the Tang court would welcome.
“Moreover, the king of Gaochang is related by marriage to the Western Turkic Khagan Tunyebao!” A’shu added. “Qu Wentai’s daughter married Tunyebao’s eldest son, Datushe. Thus, in the conflicts among the Western Regions, the Western Turks often lean towards Gaochang, which displeases the other nations. Although the Tang currently has a good relationship with the Western Turks, weakening them would be advantageous.”
“Now I see!” Xuanzang exclaimed, enlightened. “No wonder Gaochang is so fearful of the Yuezhi envoy reaching Chang’an.”
A’shu’s expression turned somber, clearly recalling the tragic fate of his kin caught in the conflict between the two nations. The two sat in silence, gazing at the lamp’s flame. After a long while, Xuanzang sighed, “It seems the Yuezhi envoy’s mission to the Tang was orchestrated by Princess Longshuang. Her ability to seize opportunities and navigate political landscapes truly earns her the title of the Phoenix of the Western Regions. Qu Zhisheng’s infatuation with her is indeed a tragic fate.”
“They all deserve to die!” A’shu said angrily.
Xuanzang smiled wryly. Just then, a monk from Dajue Temple approached him. “Master, the king of Yiwucheng, and the second prince of Gaochang have come to pay their respects. They are waiting in the monk’s quarters.”
Xuanzang nodded, but A’shu said, “I won’t go.”
Xuanzang chuckled and patted his head, instructing the monk to take A’shu to eat. He then took out a clean monk’s robe from his bag and changed into it, replacing his worn-out straw sandals. Being a person who valued cleanliness, he made sure he was presentable before heading out to meet the king of Yiwucheng.
King Shiwannian of Yiwucheng had half-Sogdian ancestry, his ancestors hailing from the Sogdian region, specifically from the Shiguo that Xuanzang had encountered in Guazhou. Later, this family settled in Yiwucheng and intermarried with the local Han people, becoming a prominent clan. Before the Sui Dynasty, Yiwucheng became the Sui’s Yiwucheng County. After the chaos at the end of the Sui, they became isolated from the Central Plains, and Shiwannian took advantage of the situation to lead the seven cities of Yiwucheng to independence, making him a notable figure in the Western Regions.
Upon arriving at the monk’s quarters, Xuanzang was taken aback. Not only were King Yiwucheng and Qu Deyong present, but also over a dozen abbots from various temples in Yiwucheng. As soon as they saw Xuanzang, they all bowed in greeting. The king invited him to his palace the next day to give a sermon, and Xuanzang gladly accepted.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qu Deyong said, “Master, I have come to bid farewell. My mission is complete, and I must return to report to my father. Additionally, my third brother’s health has not improved, and I need to take him back for treatment. I will leave tomorrow, so please take care of yourself, Master. In a few days, I hope you will visit Gaochang.”
Despite Qu Deyong’s reputation for violence and bloodshed, he treated Xuanzang with utmost respect. This was not only due to his reverence for the monk’s status but also because Xuanzang had crossed the treacherous Moheyanqi alone, which left a profound impression on him. The people of the Western Regions were well aware of the dangers of Moheyanqi, and to them, this monk was not only mysterious but also worthy of awe.
Knowing Qu Deyong’s true mission in Yiwucheng, Xuanzang maintained a calm demeanor and joined his palms in prayer. “I wish the second prince a safe journey. I will stay in Yiwucheng for a while, but I may take the route to Kahan Futu City in the northwest, so I might not be able to visit Gaochang.”
“Master, why are you going to Kahan Futu City?” King Yiwucheng asked, puzzled.
Xuanzang smiled, “Kahan Futu City is the royal court of the Western Turks. All the nations of the Western Regions fall under their jurisdiction. If I do not secure the Western Turks’ border control, how can I travel freely in the Western Regions?”
Everyone fell silent. Qu Deyong pondered for a moment and said, “That is indeed a problem. I will discuss it with my father when I return home.”
At that moment, two Gaochang soldiers rushed in urgently. “Your Highness, there has been an assassination attempt at the relay station! The third prince has been attacked!”
Qu Deyong and King Yiwucheng were taken aback. Qu Deyong shouted, “Is my third brother alright?”
“The third prince is unharmed, but three of his guards have died. We do not know what kind of sorcery the assassin used; he was unharmed but fell dead on the spot,” the Gaochang soldier reported.
King Yiwucheng could no longer sit still. An assassination attempt on a royal prince within his city was a grave matter. The two hurriedly took their leave from Xuanzang. As soon as they exited Dajue Temple, King Yiwucheng ordered the city gates to be locked and the assassin to be captured, then followed Qu Deyong to the relay station to investigate the scene. In diplomacy, no matter how small the matter, it was especially significant in the densely populated Western Regions, where even a water dispute could spark a war, let alone such a heinous incident.
Naturally, Xuanzang did not involve himself in this matter. After King Yiwucheng and Qu Deyong left, he chatted with the abbots for a while before returning to his monk’s quarters to rest. However, upon returning, he found A’shu missing. Xuanzang did not think much of it at first, sitting cross-legged on his bed to meditate. After a long time, when A’shu still had not returned, he began to feel anxious.
Although the boy was clever, he was still only eight or nine years old. It was now the hour of the dog, and the night was deep; where could he have gone? Feeling uneasy, Xuanzang went out to search for him, asking many people but finding no trace. Just as he was about to ask the abbots for help, he saw A’shu walking down the corridor, looking gloomy and covered in dirt.
“A’shu, why aren’t you resting in your room at this late hour?” Xuanzang asked, relieved.
A’shu shook his head. “I went to find a Sogdian that my uncle knows, but he was away on business. On my way back, I happened to see Qu Deyong’s cavalry rushing down the street, and I got covered in dust. Hmph!”
Xuanzang chuckled and gently admonished, “You’re still a child; you shouldn’t wander around at night.”
A’shu lowered his head and followed Xuanzang back to the monk’s quarters to sleep.
The next day, after King Yiwucheng bid farewell to Qu Deyong and Qu Zhisheng, he sent someone to invite Xuanzang to the palace, where he would give a sermon. The Western Regions were known for their reverence for Buddhism, often referred to as the “Thirty-Six Buddhist Kingdoms of the Western Regions.” Of course, there were far more than thirty-six countries, but this title reflected the flourishing state of Buddhism. Some nations, despite their small size, had more temples than Chang’an.
King Yiwucheng not only invited monks from various temples in Yiwucheng but also opened the square in front of the palace, allowing citizens to come and listen. In no time, the story of the Tang Dynasty’s renowned monk who crossed the treacherous Moheyanqi to seek teachings in India spread throughout Yiwucheng. Devotees flocked in, and in a matter of hours, over three thousand people gathered in the square of the one-man population of Yiwucheng, marking the largest Buddhist gathering in Yiwucheng since the end of the Sui Dynasty.
Xuanzang lectured on the “Mahāyāna Sutra” and the “Abhidharma,” delivering talks for three consecutive days, each more grand than the last. Afterward, other temples in Yiwucheng invited Xuanzang to speak, leading him to embark on a tour of lectures while also studying various Buddhist texts in the temples. He spent more than half a month immersed in the temples.
One day, while Xuanzang was admiring the murals from the Northern Dynasties in a cave at the Jade Buddha Temple, he suddenly heard shouting and the sounds of horses outside the cave, creating a great commotion. The cave was dimly lit, and as Xuanzang held the lamp and stepped out with A’shu, he saw the abbot of the Jade Buddha Temple hurrying towards him, leading a man dressed in Han clothing but wearing a Hu hat.
The Hu man appeared to be in his forties, lean and capable, with two thin mustaches at the corners of his mouth. Upon seeing Xuanzang, he immediately bowed deeply. “I am Huanxin, the envoy from Gaochang. I greet the master.”
Xuanzang handed the oil lamp to A’shu and quickly helped him up. “Please rise, sir. How could a humble monk dare to accept such honor? I wonder what brings your esteemed envoy here?”
The abbot of the Jade Buddha Temple smiled. “Master, Lord Huanxin has come specifically for you.”
Xuanzang was taken aback, and Huanxin smiled, saying, “Master, after the second and third princes returned to Gaochang, they spoke of your crossing the Moheyanqi and arriving in Yiwucheng. My king was overjoyed and immediately sent me to welcome you to Gaochang. I should have arrived earlier, but due to the remote roads, my king was concerned about your rest, so he ordered me to set up relay stations every hundred miles for your comfort, which delayed my arrival.”
Xuanzang felt troubled. “I deeply appreciate the king of Gaochang’s hospitality, but I plan to head to Kahan Futu City to secure the Western Turks’ border control, which is in a different direction from Gaochang…”
“Ah, the second prince has already mentioned this to my king,” Huanxin replied with a smile. “You need not worry about these matters; everything will be arranged by Gaochang. You may not know that Gaochang is a nation related by marriage to the Western Turkic royal court. Our princess is married to the eldest son of Khagan Tunyebao, so such minor matters can be easily resolved. Moreover, even if you reach Kahan Futu City, you will not meet Khagan Tunyebao at this time, as his court has moved to the west bank of the Daqing Pool in Suiye. My king has said he will send someone to escort you to Suiye to pay your respects to Khagan Tunyebao.”
“Uh…” Xuanzang was at a loss for words. This king of Gaochang, whom he had yet to meet, had already countered all his reasons. “Then… I should first take my leave from King Yiwucheng!”
“No need,” Huanxin replied, still smiling. “My king has already prepared the state documents to present to King Yiwucheng, who has agreed. He is currently waiting outside the city to see you off.”
“This…” Xuanzang was left speechless.
It seemed that King Gaochang had good reason to send Huanxin. The man was meticulous and cautious, arranging everything thoroughly. He first persuaded Xuanzang and then set about preparing horses, attendants, food, and even Xuanzang’s belongings, ensuring everything was in order. While he busied himself, the abbot of the Jade Buddha Temple informed Xuanzang, “Master, do not be surprised. In the Western Regions, every eminent monk attracts the attention of various nations, sometimes even leading to wars.”
“Oh?” Xuanzang was genuinely astonished. “Why is that?”
“Master, you may not know,” the abbot explained. “The reverence for Buddhism in the Western Regions is flourishing. The nations are similar in size, population, and wealth, so they compete for influence. Whichever nation can support eminent monks will not only enhance the king’s prestige but also bring glory to its citizens. If an eminent monk can reside in a nation, people from other countries may even abandon their citizenship to move there. Merchants would also go out of their way to support them. Many monks have planned to travel to India for teachings but have been forcibly detained by some nations along the way. If ordinary monks face such situations, how much more so for someone like you, who is blessed by the divine?”
Xuanzang had not anticipated such underlying motives. His heart sank as he considered King Gaochang’s intentions. Watching Huanxin, who was busy and cheerful, he felt a growing sense of unease.