Black Hawk General Jin trembled in Yao Ying’s embrace, his eyes vacant. Yao Ying stroked General Jin tenderly, looking up at the hawk perch in the corridor with confusion. The Wang Temple faced a cliff where eagles nested. Messenger hawks often lingered at the temple, delivering messages for Tanmoluojia. Many courtyards had hawk perches for the messenger birds to rest and observe. The falcon had never bullied other messenger hawks before – why did it suddenly go berserk and attack Black Hawk?

Ashina Bisuo glanced at the scattered feathers on the ground and said, “I’ll escort the Princess back.”

Yao Ying came to her senses and shook her head. “The guards can escort me. The General and the Buddha’s Son have important matters to discuss – no need to trouble yourself, General.”

She smiled at Bisuo and left carrying General Jin. Bisuo stood in place, watching her figure disappear into the distance, lost in thought for a moment.

Just as Yao Ying turned out of the long corridor, footsteps sounded behind her. Yuanjue caught up, holding a gold-leafed shell box in his hand.

“Princess, Garuda was in a bad mood and scratched you. Please don’t be angry with it. Take this shell box – when Prajña used to care for Garuda and got scratched, this medicine helped heal the wounds.”

Yao Ying thanked him and accepted the box, saying, “It’s fine. Garuda hadn’t met General Jin before and was probably startled. I won’t bring General Jin here in the future.”

Perhaps the falcon had territorial instincts and attacked the black hawk because it was a stranger at the temple.

“I’m glad you’re not upset.”

Yuanjue scratched his scalp and escorted Yao Ying back to her quarters.

After descending the stone steps and circling past the snow-covered pagoda grove, they encountered a monk soldier running toward them breathlessly. Upon seeing Yuanjue, he lowered his voice and said, “Princess Chiema is coming this way.”

Yuanjue’s steps faltered as he glanced at Yao Ying, his expression troubled.

Yao Ying asked, “Is there another way back to the quarters?”

Princess Chiema must be coming to see Tanmoluojia. The Zhang clan had nearly wiped out the entire Tanmo family, leaving only the brother and sister alive. This princess had always despised Han people, so it would be better to avoid her.

Yuanjue sighed in relief. “Follow me, Princess.”

He led Yao Ying into a narrow, cramped alley and whispered, “Thank you for being understanding, Princess.”

Yao Ying smiled, indicating it was no trouble.

The royal court people resented the Han people, especially the nobility. She rarely interacted with the royal nobles and hadn’t faced much bullying, but she could still glimpse through conversations with Yuanjue and Prajña that Tanmoluojia’s protection of her had drawn considerable criticism.

She had already caused Tanmoluojia enough trouble. Now with internal and external threats to the royal court, he was exhausting himself with countless concerns. She didn’t want these minor frictions to put him in difficult positions.

…

Just after Yao Ying and Yuanjue left, Princess Chiema strode into the pagoda grove, ignoring the monk soldiers’ attempts to stop her as she entered the main hall directly.

When the guard went in to announce her, Bisuo was greatly alarmed. He rushed out of the main hall in a few quick steps to block Princess Chiema.

“The King is busy with state affairs. Why have you come?”

Princess Chiema raised her head, her gaze severe. “Why have I come? I’ve come to seek justice for you!”

Bisuo’s expression darkened.

Princess Chiema said angrily, “Su Dan Gu is dead – you are the best candidate for Regent! If Luojia had installed you as Regent earlier, the court wouldn’t be in such chaos! He keeps delaying appointing a new Regent, and now the Xue, Kang, An, and Meng families are all causing trouble. The Left Army, Right Army, and Front Army are controlled by these noble houses. They have designs on power, and their four armies are growing restless. The Holy City is surrounded – the Xue family’s people could storm into the temple at any moment!”

“The city is now in panic. Even my servants say he has been marginalized by the noble houses again. Why does he still delay making you Regent? You are the Commander of the Central Army, risking your life for him with unwavering loyalty – you are the perfect choice for Regent! Is he waiting for the four armies to break into the temple before he’s willing to give you power?”

Bisuo’s brow twitched as he grabbed Princess Chiema’s shoulders and lowered his voice, “The King has his plans. Don’t disrupt them!”

Princess Chiema looked at him, her expression disappointed and angry. “I’m doing this all for you!”

Bisuo’s face turned stern as he said in a deep voice, “You don’t know the inside story. Don’t meddle in state affairs.”

“What inside story?” Princess Chiema shook off Bisuo’s hand and continued walking inside. “I only know the situation is critical and urgent – the four armies are about to break into the temple! Go look from the city walls – the snow plains outside are covered in their army camps, and they’ve planted their flags along every post road within a hundred li of the Holy City!”

Bisuo grabbed Princess Chiema. “Chiema, I will explain to you. Don’t disturb the King…”

As they struggled, the guard lifted the felt curtain and said softly, “The King requests the Princess to enter.”

Princess Chiema gave a cold laugh, lifted her chin, and walked into the tent.

Bisuo frowned deeply and followed.

Low dove calls echoed from inside the tent as shadows moved.

Tanmoluojia sat before a long table writing scriptures, his expression calm and focused.

A hawk perch stood on a platform by the window. The falcon Garuda perched there, spreading its wings as if to take flight, but was pulled back by the jesses on its talons. It could only turn its head toward Luojia and make dissatisfied muffled cries, violently tugging at its restraints so the hooks clattered against the perch.

Amid the cacophony, Tanmoluojia’s writing remained graceful and unhurried, as if existing beyond the mortal realm, completely deaf to the falcon’s noise.

The falcon didn’t dare pull at its jesses anymore and stood obediently on the perch, looking dejected.

Princess Chiema glared at the falcon in disgust before walking forward.

Bisuo tugged at her sleeve, reminding her to bow.

Anger flashed across Princess Chiema’s face as she gave a perfunctory bow and sat down, speaking directly: “Luojia, Su Dan Gu is dead. Why haven’t you made Bisuo the Regent?”

Tanmoluojia didn’t stop writing.

Bisuo quickly knelt on one knee, placing his right fist against his chest respectfully. “My King, I am rash and impetuous – I cannot shoulder the responsibilities of Regent.”

Chiema turned back, eyes wide, and argued: “You joined the Central Army from childhood, protecting the monarch, serving him through thick and thin, risking your life. You’ve been fighting on battlefields since age fifteen, repeatedly achieving military merit. Now you’ve risen to Commander – you have the people’s support. If you can’t handle it, who else in court can?”

Bisuo calmly replied, “A Regent must not only lead armies in battle but also manage state affairs, oversee justice and law enforcement, handle countless matters. I only understand warfare, not governance.”

Chiema trembled with anger and said in exasperation, “Su Dan Gu was like you, from the Central Army guard. He came from humble origins while you’re from noble birth. If he could be Regent, why can’t you?!”

Bisuo’s expression turned icy. Just as he was about to retort, Tanmoluojia put down his brush and looked at him.

He immediately closed his mouth.

Tanmoluojia’s jade-colored eyes swept briefly over Chiema as he asked, “Chiema, who was the last Regent loyal to the Tanmo family?”

Chiema was stunned. Since her grandfather’s generation, the Tanmo royal family had gradually been marginalized by the noble houses who controlled state affairs, until Tanmoluojia reclaimed royal authority in one stroke. The last Regent loyal to the royal family dated back many years.

She thought for a moment, then said with a cold laugh: “It was General Saisang’er. He was Master Poluoliuzhi’s senior fellow disciple. Like Bisuo, he also came from the Central Army guard, serving the previous Buddha’s Son from childhood.”

“At what age did he pass away?”

Chiema thought back, “Twenty-nine years old.”

“And before General Saisang’er?”

“General Mohe.”

Tanmoluojia looked at Chiema.

Chiema recalled General Mohe’s life story, and the anger suddenly drained from her face: General Mohe had tried to reform the royal court’s military system but was later overthrown by the noble houses and died by being torn apart by five horses.

She fell silent, thinking carefully.

Most Regents throughout the royal court’s generations met tragic fates. No matter how glorious their time in power, once they fell under the monarch’s suspicion or were defeated by political enemies, they either died horribly or were suppressed by the noble houses, never to rise again. The renowned General Saisang’er, like Su Dan Gu, was highly skilled in martial arts with brilliant military achievements. He was also a lay disciple, upright in character, and constantly in friction with the noble houses. He died unnaturally at twenty-nine, allegedly at the hands of the noble houses.

Chiema’s spine turned cold, her face ashen.

Tanmoluojia spoke calmly, “Chiema, making Bisuo succeed as Regent would be like putting him on a burning rack.”

Chiema’s lips trembled as she turned to look at Bisuo.

Bisuo sighed, “Princess, do you know how many assassination attempts Su Dan Gu faced after becoming Regent?”

Chiema remained silent.

Bisuo looked at her, enunciating each word: “Every moment, throughout the year.”

Chiema shuddered, bit her lip, and slowly stood up, leaving without a word.

Bisuo escorted her out, standing beneath the felt curtain, and grabbing her arm.

“Princess,” his tone was cold, “do you remember the days when the Zhang clan held power?”

Chiema suddenly raised her head, glaring at Bisuo: “I was bullied by the Zhang clan since childhood, watching them slaughter my people – how could I forget those days!”

Bisuo’s expression darkened: “Then don’t forget who it was that, at thirteen years old, repelled Khan Wahan, reclaimed power, avenged the Tanmo clan, and gave you your noble position as Princess.”

Princess Chiema’s face sank.

Bisuo pulled her out of the main hall: “The King was imprisoned in the temple from birth. While you enjoyed servants’ attendance in the palace, he endured hunger in the cold judgment hall. Before he was thirteen, he hadn’t taken a single step outside that hall!”

Anger churned in his chest, his teeth gritting.

“At thirteen, he shouldered the entire royal court. For over a decade, he hasn’t dared relax for a moment. Look around – powerful empires like Persia fell overnight, their royal families forced into exile until completely forgotten. And those dozens of tribes in the eastern grasslands – overthrown in one night, their elderly slaughtered, men enslaved, women violated and made into slaves. In these chaotic times, what country can remain unscathed? Why has our royal court remained peaceful?”

“Because the King hasn’t fallen!”

Bisuo’s voice trembled, “Chiema, after just ten years of peace, you’ve forgotten the past days. Do you think the noble houses are as docile as lambs?”

Princess Chiema’s face turned pale.

Bisuo’s chest heaved violently as he released Princess Chiema.

“A Regent bears too many burdens. I’m impetuous by nature, idle and restless, always riding and hunting, unable to stay still for a moment. I can’t be Regent. In this life, I only want to be a general, assisting the King in governing the royal court.”

Princess Chiema’s expression turned gloomy.

Bisuo turned back to the inner hall.

…

Amid rising wisps of smoke, Tanmoluojia continued writing scriptures with his head lowered.

The falcon on the perch beat its wings, trying to gain his attention, but he didn’t look up, his brush moving as if picking flowers.

Bisuo said softly, “My King, please don’t take Princess Chiema’s words to heart.”

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes and asked, “Bisuo, have you thought about succeeding as Regent?”

Bisuo knelt on one knee, making a fist in salute, and said: “I have. My King, since people believe Su Dan Gu is dead, let me succeed as Regent. I will proceed with utmost caution!”

Tanmoluojia shook his head.

Bisuo declared loudly: “I know I am rash and impulsive, unworthy of great responsibility, but I can change. I can gradually learn how to be a Regent, sharing your burden.”

Tanmoluojia stopped writing and looked at Bisuo.

“Bisuo, your abilities are sufficient to succeed as Regent.”

Bisuo brightened, declaring: “My King, then let me serve you with loyalty!”

Tanmoluojia shook his head, “The Regent cannot be any military leader from the royal court’s noble families.”

Bisuo froze, then said excitedly: “My King, though I inherited a Turkic surname, I am a royal court person! So are my clansmen!”

Tanmoluojia put down his brush, “Bisuo, I’m not doubting your loyalty.”

He stood up and walked to the hawk perch.

The falcon pecked affectionately at his kasaya sleeve.

Tanmoluojia didn’t look at the falcon, saying: “See, over the position of Regent, four of the five armies are already in chaos. The noble houses fight among themselves, even secretly deploying troops to surround the Holy City, all to force me to choose a Regent from among them.”

Bisuo sighed inwardly.

Tanmoluojia stood with his back to him, his tone cool: “If I truly choose a Regent from among them, do you think the situation would stabilize?”

Bisuo’s eyes widened.

The noble houses would never settle down. They would continue their overt and covert struggles until they firmly grasped power. No matter the external situation, the noble houses would never stop seeking benefits for their families. Even with the Northern Rong troops at the city gates, the noble houses would still be scheming against each other.

Therefore, Bisuo, born of nobility, couldn’t serve as Regent. Once he succeeded, he would inevitably be drawn into the whirlpool of family feuds, unable to extricate himself, and the court would fall into chaos again.

Only someone like Su Dan Gu was suitable – not only was he martially skilled and iron-handed, able to dodge assassination attempts repeatedly, but he wasn’t from a noble house. He stood alone without clan ties to burden him. Though he would draw the noble houses’ hatred, it was a way to balance and temporarily subjugate them.

Bisuo closed his eyes briefly. Tanmoluojia had already shown signs of losing control last time – how much longer could he hold on like this?

“My King, you can’t continue like this.”

He said with a trembling voice.

Tanmoluojia lowered his gaze to look at the falcon.

“Indeed, continuing like this is ultimately like drinking poisoned wine to quench thirst.”

The royal court was different from the Han territory. Here, the noble houses were local lords with military power. Except for the Central Army, the other four armies belonged to the noble houses. Once the monarch showed weakness, he would be completely marginalized.

And once the noble houses fell into internal strife, it would be an opportunity for enemies.

Without fundamental change, it couldn’t last long.

Since he knew where the disease lay, he had to find a way to cure it from the root. Otherwise, after he was gone, the seemingly prosperous royal court would collapse at a touch.

Tanmoluojia didn’t know how much longer he could hold on. Before then, he had to find a path of survival for his subjects.

“The seven-day deadline is approaching.”

Tanmoluojia looked up at the snow light reflecting in the window.

“If things change, escort Princess Wenzhao to Gaochang.”

He paused.

“Find a way to send her back to Han territory.”

Bisuo raised his head in surprise, looking at Tanmoluojia’s back, his gaze flickering several times. After a long while, he responded deeply in agreement.