Yuan Jue had been right – after the martial arts competition, someone indeed sent Yao Ying a reward: several fat sheep. She had her guards deliver the sheep to Mo Pi Duo’s camp; otherwise, bringing the sheep back to the royal temple would reveal her identity. The next day, the sheep returned to her courtyard – in the form of platters of mutton. The guards told her that Mo Pi Duo had ordered the sheep slaughtered and personally roasted one for her in their tribal style.

“The Prince’s skills are modest; please forgive any shortcomings, Princess.”

Yao Ying raised an eyebrow and had her guards share the mutton among themselves.

At noon, Bisuo came to speak with Yao Ying. The guards invited him to join the meal. He glanced at the large pieces of mutton on the plates, his brow slightly furrowing, unsure whether he should feel relieved or more worried.

Tanmoluojia’s character was resolute. Since he considered his feelings merely a momentary flutter, like ripples from a breeze that would change nothing and allow him to continue his path of cultivation, he surely wouldn’t interfere with Mo Pi Duo. But how could matters of love and desire be controlled simply by willing it? Once feelings arise, one wants to be close, to possess exclusively, triggering various emotions: jealousy, loss, yearning, desire…

On one hand, Bisuo felt that Mo Pi Duo’s courtship of Li Yao Ying might serve as a warning to Tanmoluojia, awakening him to reality. On the other hand, he worried that Mo Pi Duo might provoke Luojia’s jealousy, causing him to fall deeper, and making him susceptible to losing control during his practice.

A woman like Li Yao Ying too easily inspired men to want her for themselves.

Tanmoluojia’s earlier desire to guide her to become a nun was already a manifestation of greed. Could he watch her fall into another man’s embrace?

…

Troubled by these thoughts, Bisuo arrived at the council hall, where an enormous sand table was laid out. Tanmoluojia was meeting with the five army commanders, Mo Pi Duo among them. Only Bisuo had been missing.

He collected himself, bowed to Luojia, and took his place beside the sand table with the other commanders.

The commanders had already reviewed the battle reports and understood the Northern Rong army’s movements. Their brows were furrowed, faces grave. Even though they had advance knowledge of the Northern Rong’s attack, they had little chance of victory against their powerful cavalry. Moreover, after recent upheavals, army morale was unstable, and the five armies’ fighting strength was certainly much diminished.

The Northern Rong’s homeland had a harsh climate unsuitable for farming or grazing. They didn’t engage in production but lived by plunder. The saddle was their cradle; every tribe member was a soldier. Their tactics were diverse, their equipment excellent – they were practically an invincible force. Previously, when the royal court faced off against the Northern Rong, their armies rarely took the initiative to attack, mostly relying on thick, high walls to exhaust the Northern Rong’s supplies and force their retreat.

The commanders had never truly defeated a Northern Rong army. After reading the reports, they felt deeply uneasy.

Why not continue defending the city?

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping around as if he could see through everyone’s thoughts.

The group lowered their heads in shame.

Tanmoluojia gestured for Yuan Jue beside him to bring a map and place it on the large table.

The commanders studied the map, noticing several marked routes, and leaned in for a closer look.

Tanmoluojia asked, “Why do the Northern Rong persist in attacking our royal court year after year, despite their failures?”

One commander said, “Because the Northern Rong is insatiably greedy!”

“They covet our royal court’s prosperity and fertile lands!”

Tanmoluojia nodded, his finger tapping the map. “The Northern Rong survives through conquest. The stronger their army grows, the more they need plunder to sustain it. After taking the Holy City, they could conquer more distant Heng Luo Si and Sa Mo Qian. Unless we thoroughly defeat them, they won’t stop their conquests.”

“This battle between our royal court and the Northern Rong is inevitable. Though we excel at defending cities, the Northern Rong grows stronger day by day. Bows, crossbows, and siege engines can only hold them off temporarily. If we don’t weaken the Northern Rong while they’re fighting among themselves, when their army arrives at our gates one day, no fortress, however strong, will withstand their forces.”

The royal court had grown too comfortable, and their defensive tactics had repeatedly repelled the Northern Rong. From top to bottom, none dared take risks. If this continued, the royal court would decline day by day while Northern Rong forces only grew stronger. In the end, the royal court would surely fall.

Previously, when his illness was severe, he had to both stabilize the court’s situation and guard against the Northern Rong, forcing him to maintain a defensive stance. Now he could hold on for a few more years, and with the Northern Rong’s internal conflicts, he had to seize the opportunity to weaken them, securing more hope for the royal court’s survival.

This way, even after he was gone, the Northern Rong would lack the strength to conquer the royal court.

Everyone felt a chill in their hearts. They set aside their fear and trepidation, clasping their fists in agreement.

The enemy bared its fangs and claws with wolfish ambitions – they couldn’t retreat but must take the initiative to meet them in battle!

After discussion, the royal court’s army was divided into three routes: one route would lead ten thousand infantry and five thousand cavalry directly to the Sand City, luring the enemy deep if necessary; another route would lead ten thousand troops as an ambush force providing support; the third route would be led by Bisuo with ten thousand troops.

They agreed on a rendezvous point. One commander pointed to a valley represented on the sand table and asked, “Wa Han Khan’s main force will certainly pass through here. We can set up an ambush for a surprise attack, but we’ll inevitably face their main force. Who will lead this army?”

Bisuo looked toward Tanmoluojia.

Tanmoluojia nodded, and Yuan Jue understood, taking out a small blue and white flag and placing it on the sand table.

The commanders’ eyes widened in shock.

Wasn’t this the military flag of the late Regent Su Dan Gu?

Bisuo spoke up: “Regent Su Dan Gu was previously gravely wounded by the Xue family’s plot. His loyal guards hid him in a cave and died in his place – that head wasn’t the Regent himself. The Regent was later saved by a shepherd and recovered in the shepherd’s tent. Recently he finally became able to walk and has secretly returned to the Holy City with the shepherd’s help.”

He met the eyes of each commander in turn. “I have already met with the Regent, and it is truly him. He lives.”

Having said this, he, Yuan Jue, and the other royal guards bowed to Tanmoluojia.

“Buddha’s blessing! The Regent survived his ordeal. With this campaign, our royal court will surely achieve great victory!”

The commanders in the hall exchanged uncertain glances. Though they were straightforward military men, they held high positions and were no strangers to the court’s undercurrents. They were overjoyed that Su Dan Gu lived, but thinking carefully, if all this was a scheme set up by the Son of Buddha…

After all, the reason Wa Han Khan broke the alliance to attack the royal court was because he believed Su Dan Gu was dead and the royal court had just experienced upheaval – making it an opportune time to strike.

The Son of Buddha wasn’t only dealing with the noble houses; he had used Su Dan Gu’s death to leverage all forces, one circle within another.

Before the Son of Buddha revealed his plan, no one knew if he had other schemes in store.

Cold sweat broke out as they grew even more respectful, joining Bisuo in bowing.

…

After confirming the military strategy, Bisuo suddenly said, “My King, among all of Wa Han Khan’s sons, though each is as strong as an ox when it comes to killing generals in battle, in terms of military campaigns and tactics, Hai Du A Ling is undoubtedly the most cunning. I believe we must guard against him.”

Others nodded in agreement.

Tanmoluojia’s gaze lifted toward Bisuo, carrying a trace of authority.

Bisuo knew he had already guessed what he would say next, but pressed on: “In my camp, there is a Han person who once served under Hai Du A Ling. She understands Hai Du A Ling and the Northern Rong army. I request to bring her with the army to seek her counsel.”

The other commanders nodded in approval: “With such talent available, General A Shi Na must bring him along!”

Tanmoluojia neither approved nor objected, turning to speak with the other commanders.

Sweat broke out on Bisuo’s forehead.

After discussing military matters, the other commanders withdrew one by one. The royal guards removed the sand table, but Bisuo remained behind.

Tanmoluojia gave him a bland look.

Bisuo stepped forward and said softly, “My King, when I mentioned Princess Wenzhao in front of the others, I had no selfish motives. Princess Wenzhao can disguise herself as my guard and follow the army. The Princess truly understands Hai Du A Ling and the Northern Rong army’s formations and tactics. With her alone, we can seek her opinion whenever we encounter Hai Du A Ling. Moreover, the Princess maintains contact with Yu-Chi Da Mo and Yang Qian of Gaochang. With her following the army, she can inform Yu Chi Da Mo of the battlefield situation.”

Tanmoluojia remained silent.

Bisuo tentatively asked, “Is my King worried about the Princess’s health? Though delicate, she never hindered the convoy on the journey to and from Gaochang. This time she would only follow the army, not enter battle directly. There would be no mortal danger – I would have my guards protect her well.”

He paused for a moment, then said, “My King, the Princess might not be safer remaining in the Holy City than following the army.”

Their military campaign carried great risk. Though they left a force of royal guards to defend the city, no one could guarantee there wouldn’t be trouble in their rear.

Tanmoluojia lowered his eyes and turned his prayer beads. Since giving the bodhi beads to Yao Ying, he had switched to white jade prayer beads – each bead hard and cracked, carrying a solemn air that could bring tranquility to one’s heart.

After pondering for a moment, he sent Yuan Jue to visit Yao Ying’s courtyard.

Yuan Jue accepted the command and left the hall. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he returned, saying, “This humble one has spoken with Princess Wenzhao about this matter…”

Bisuo asked, “What did the Princess say? Is she willing to follow the army?”

Yuan Jue lifted his head and said, “Princess Wenzhao said only one thing: ‘I dare not ask for it, but it is indeed what I wish.'”

Bisuo started, then smiled – she was indeed willing to follow the army.

He looked toward Tanmoluojia.

Tanmoluojia held his prayer beads and nodded slightly.

She longed to return to her homeland soon and would certainly need to meet and discuss matters with her people. They couldn’t keep her confined in the Holy City.

…

Yao Ying received a new identity: a guard in Bisuo’s army.

She would disguise herself as a man and join the military campaign.

Bisuo brought her a bronze token and suggested she take a Hu name.

Yao Ying casually said, “Then call me Ba Yan.”

Bisuo nodded and noted it down: “Following the army is different from ordinary travel. The Princess must prepare well.”

Yao Ying’s expression turned serious. “Thank you for the reminder, General. I have followed armies before and will prepare everything needed. I won’t cause you trouble.”

Bisuo hurriedly said, “How could the Princess cause trouble? I am the one asking a favor of the Princess, which is why you agreed to follow the army.”

Yao Ying shook her head and said, “The General’s request for me to follow the army aligns with my wishes.”

Bisuo asked in surprise, “The Princess wants to follow the army?”

Why would a noble princess want to follow the army?

Yao Ying nodded and said, “To be honest with the General, my merchant convoy has been gathering intelligence about the Northern Rong. I received a letter saying my convoy learned that Wa Han Khan had sent scouts to extensively capture Han men within their borders. All men passing through checkpoints and sentry posts are being strictly interrogated.”

She gripped the bronze token. “The Northern Rong would rather arrest wrongly than let someone slip through. Any Han man who doesn’t speak the Hu language well could be arrested. Wa Han Khan wouldn’t target Han men who speak poor Hu without reason. I suspect Han people from the Central Plains have infiltrated the Northern Rong. During the recent Northern Rong internal conflicts, they likely got involved, which angered the Khan.”

Bisuo’s brow twitched as he thought of a possibility and asked, “Could it be the Princess’s brother who has arrived?”

Yao Ying sighed deeply: “I hope not…”

She feared Li Zhong Qian had fallen into Hai Du A Ling’s hands, and feared everything would still proceed toward the original outcome. Her convoy’s people said the Northern Rong checkpoints were strictly guarded – Han people couldn’t escape even with wings. If Li Zhong Qian was in Northern Rong territory, wouldn’t his life be hanging by a thread?

Bisuo consoled Yao Ying: “News of the Princess’s presence in the Holy City has spread throughout the Onion Range. If your brother has arrived, he will surely hear the rumors and won’t search in the wrong place.”

Yao Ying frowned, her expression worried.

“I hope so… Regardless of who these Han people captured by Wa Han Khan are, I want to rescue them. Perhaps they know the situation in the Central Plains.”

That’s why she needed to go to the front lines.

If she didn’t go now, she would still need to leave the Holy City once Yang Qian had made his arrangements. For her, following the royal court’s army was the safest method.

…

To prevent information leaks, the army departed quietly.

Yao Ying hurriedly handled her affairs, made a trip outside the city, and instructed Old Qi to remember to sow white cotton when the weather warmed and to expand the mulberry and hemp plantations.

On the way back to the city, while she sat in her carriage talking with her guards, a group of horsemen suddenly emerged from the roadside, blocking their path.

The lead servant, with brown skin, said politely, “Princess Manda has been waiting anxiously. Please, Princess Wenzhao, come to the guesthouse for a conversation.”

Yao Ying shook her head at her guards.

The guard called out loudly, “Our Princess has no time. The city patrol guards are nearby – don’t block our way.”

The servant quickly said, “Princess Wenzhao misunderstands. Our Princess Manda has no ill intentions. The Princess has always admired women like Princess Wenzhao who dared to break with convention. Before returning to Vilomara, the Princess wishes to share some heartfelt words with Princess Wenzhao.”

Inside the carriage, Yao Ying remained unmoved, gesturing to her guards to ignore them.

The guard cracked his whip, and the carriage wheels rumbled over the long street.

The servant was furious but dared not attract the city patrol. He withdrew and returned to the guesthouse to report to Princess Manda.

Princess Manda lay on her couch, her curled hair scattered. Hearing the report, she frowned slightly: “I’ve extended such warm invitations several times, yet she won’t give me any face at all.”

The servant prostrated himself and said, “Princess, the Son of Buddha is about to enter seclusion. Why don’t we wait two more days? Once the Son of Buddha is in seclusion, Princess Wenzhao will lose her support, and we’ll certainly find an opportunity to strike.”

Princess Manda shook her head: “Our people can’t even get near the royal temple. How can we strike?”

The servant raised his head. “Has the Princess forgotten about the physician?”

Princess Manda’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The embassy physician had gotten along well with a monk named Monda Tifa who had visited the royal court, considering him a kindred spirit. On the way to the royal court, the Vilomara envoy worried about finding no chance to approach the Son of Buddha and failing their mission. The physician volunteered, saying he could persuade the Son of Buddha. The envoy had little hope, but unexpectedly, after the physician met the Son of Buddha, the Son of Buddha indeed allowed her to enter the temple to worship and dance at the ceremony.

When the envoy asked the physician how he had persuaded the Son of Buddha, the physician replied that it was because he was Monda Tifa’s friend that the Son of Buddha made the concession.

The servant reminded Princess Manda: “Princess, the physician often visits the royal temple lately, and the temple monks treat him very courteously. The physician must be hiding something from you and the envoy.”

Princess Manda slowly sat up.

“That day when I was checking if the fire altar had any mechanisms, I got very close to Princess Wenzhao… I can confirm she is still a virgin.”

Princess Manda was experienced and couldn’t be wrong.

How had a virgin managed to make the lofty Son of Buddha break protocol for her?

Only by starting with the Han Princess could they find a way.

Princess Manda said, “Bring the physician to see me.”

She couldn’t return to Vilomara like this. She needed a powerful patron, and for this, she could give everything – her body, her dance. She knew many ways to seduce men, each capable of making men unable to leave her.

Her dance offering had failed, but she wasn’t resigned. She still had a chance.