Dawn was breaking on the horizon as the morning breeze gently stirred. Bi Suo hurried through the long corridor and down the steps. At the bottom of the stairs stood an elegant figure in the cold early light – her jet-black hair framed eyes like autumn waters, wearing a light yellow embroidered gown. She held a horsewhip in her hand, its tip tapping idly against the stone steps as she seemed lost in thought.

“I wish to see the Master. Would he be available to meet me?” she asked directly after seeing Bi Suo, putting away her whip and removing her veil.

Bi Suo hesitated: “The King has improved somewhat yesterday, but he’s not convenient to see the Princess.”

“Why not convenient?”

“The King is preparing to enter closed meditation again. He said he won’t be able to bid the Princess farewell, but he has prepared gifts for you.”

After Bi Suo finished speaking, silence fell before the steps.

Yao Ying remained quiet for a moment before smiling: “So you’re saying the Master hasn’t entered meditation yet. I just want to speak with him briefly – it won’t take long. Please inform the Master that I’ll wait here.”

“Or must I only see the Master at night? In that case, I’ll come then.”

Though her voice remained gentle and her brow carried a smile, Bi Suo felt his scalp tingle hearing these words. He immediately turned and entered the hall.

The physician had just finished administering acupuncture to Tanmoloqie. His face was pale, his exposed shoulders and back covered in sweat and glistening. After hearing the report, he sat lost in thought for a while.

Bi Suo said: “My King, the Princess is waiting for my response… she said if you can’t see her now, she’ll come at night.”

Yao Ying had always been understanding, knowing her place as an outsider and rarely pressing matters. But when she was determined about something, Bi Suo found it impossible to deflect her.

Tanmoloqie wiped away his cold sweat, stood up, put on his kasaya robe, and said, “Please invite the Princess in.”

When Yao Ying entered the hall, Tanmoloqie sat at his desk holding Buddhist scriptures, his back straight, appearing composed as usual, his bearing dignified – showing no signs of having just received acupuncture.

“Thank you for your care the night before last. As the Western Army Commander, you have many duties and are rushing to Gaochang. Bi Suo shouldn’t have troubled you to look after me, delaying your journey.”

He raised his eyes to look at Yao Ying and continued slowly:

“In the future, Bi Suo won’t trouble the Princess with such trivial matters. I have approved the documents from Gaochang and met with the Duke of Wei. You are no longer Matangi’s daughter – you may depart immediately.”

Yao Ying’s gaze swept around the room.

The small desk she used to use besides his writing table was gone.

She remembered it was black lacquered with gilt, decorated with lotuses, treasure ponds, scrolling grass patterns, and small seated Buddhas. All the writing implements had been ones she was accustomed to using. She used to lean over that desk to read and write letters while Tanmoloqie sat beside her reviewing scriptures. When she encountered something puzzling, she would simply turn to ask him, and he would explain it to her, the wide gold-embroidered sleeves of his kasaya occasionally brushing against the back of her hand.

He had been so gentle with her that she felt completely at ease in his presence, without any reservations. Gradually and unconsciously, she had come to trust and feel close to him. Sometimes she would even tease him, having a subtle feeling that he wouldn’t get angry – and even if he did, it would be for her good and wouldn’t last long.

The small desk was gone.

Yao Ying sat down some distance from Tanmoloqie in the lower seat and said: “Matters concerning the Master’s health are certainly not trivial.”

Tanmoloqie replied indifferently: “The Princess is not a physician and doesn’t understand medicine. I have servants and attendants – we shouldn’t trouble the Princess.”

Yao Ying raised her eyes and stared at him for a moment.

“Master, Prince Mobidup has proposed marriage to me.”

She said calmly.

The room suddenly fell silent, with only the soft rustling of the crystal curtains swaying.

Bi Suo stood by the door, his body rigid, not daring to make a sound.

After a while, Tanmoloqie put down the scripture, his expression calm, and said: “I know. I approved Mobidup’s request.”

“So the Master approves of this marriage? If I accept the proposal, the alliance between the royal court and the Western Army would become more stable.”

Tanmoloqie gripped his prayer beads tightly as he looked at Yao Ying, his jade-green eyes unruffled.

“The Princess’s marriage should be decided by the Princess herself, it concerns no others.”

Meaning it had nothing to do with him either.

Yao Ying fixed her gaze on him for a long while, her lips curving slightly: “I was presumptuous. The Master is an enlightened monk – I shouldn’t have troubled you with mundane matters like marriage. Please forgive me.”

Tanmoloqie remained silent.

Yao Ying smiled and stood up: “I won’t disturb the Master further… The Master is right, you have attendants and physicians, while I know nothing…”

As she reached the door to take her leave, she turned back, her eyes gently curved.

“I was lost in foreign lands and met someone like the Master – I’m very happy to have known you.”

“The Master saved me, and I’m very grateful.”

“The Master’s health isn’t good – you must take care of yourself. No matter how busy state affairs are, you must mind your health.”

“I’ve caused you much trouble these days… Master, take care.”

She finished speaking word by word, her gaze fixed on Tanmoloqie for a long time before turning to leave.

The gold-threaded brocade of her gown swept across the threshold as her figure disappeared into the shimmering morning light.

Bi Suo watched her walk away without looking back, his heart pounding.

This farewell was so peaceful as if it were just an ordinary goodbye, but he had an ominous feeling: Princess Wenzhao would never return to the Holy City after this departure!

His heart racing anxiously, he turned and hurried into the hall, “My King…”

Before he could finish his warning, his face changed drastically as he rushed forward to support Tanmoloqie, who had collapsed before his desk.

Tanmoloqie steadied himself with one hand on the desk, waving to indicate he was fine, though his jaw was clenched tight as beads of sweat dotted his forehead from the pain.

Bi Suo said urgently: “My King! I’ll go bring Princess Wenzhao back…”

“No.”

Tanmoloqie raised his pale face.

“I am the King of the Holy City, the Buddha’s son of the royal court.”

“Having not entered the mundane world, how could I keep her?”

His voice was hoarse, cold sweat soaking through the kasaya he had just put on.

Bi Suo sighed quietly as he helped him up and escorted him back to his inner chamber.

He sat cross-legged on the platform as usual, waiting for the pain to pass. His body trembling, alternating between hot and cold, his hands fumbled for his prayer beads when they accidentally touched something. He opened his eyes.

The cloth wrapper had been disturbed, spilling amber-colored thorn honey that had already congealed in the stuffy heat of the room.

She knew he loved eating thorn honey and had bought it, especially for him.

Tanmoloqie lowered his eyes, rewrapped the package, and tucked it back beside his pillow, then found his prayer beads and gripped them tightly as he closed his eyes to meditate.

The gentle breeze wafted the thin wisps of incense smoke…

Yao Ying was riding away from the King’s Temple when the thundering of hooves approached from ahead as a rider galloped up and stopped beside her.

“What were you doing at the King’s Temple? Did the Buddha’s son summon you?” Li Zhongqian asked with furrowed brows.

Yao Ying shook her head, her face pale as she said softly: “The Buddha’s son didn’t summon me – I went to request an audience…”

“What did you discuss?”

“Nothing…” Yao Ying gripped her reins tightly, her eyes vacant. “Brother, we should go.”

Li Zhongqian’s eyes flashed with an odd light as he nodded.

“Alright.”

The siblings returned to the silk shop where their luggage was already packed. Yao Ying had come to the Holy City to bring Li Zhongqian to meet Tanmoloqie and handle some official business with the royal court. Tanmoloqie had approved all documents related to Gaochang in one night and resolved the matter of ransoming captives and slaves as if rushing her to leave. The remaining affairs could be handled by the merchant caravan – she need not stay any longer.

Li Zhongqian asked: “The Wujili tribe’s envoys are waiting for your response – how do you plan to dismiss them?”

Yao Ying seemed distracted.

Li Zhongqian frowned and asked again.

“How will you respond to Mobidup’s marriage proposal?”

Yao Ying came back to herself and raised her hand to smooth her temples, feeling the coolness on her arm.

She was wearing the prayer beads Tanmoloqie had given her.

That morning, Banruo had told her that every year at the Buddhist assembly, devotees would request blessings from the Buddha’s son. Tanmoloqie would order the temple to provide clothing, food, money, silk, or scriptures to the common people, but he had never given away his possessions.

Yao Ying stood by the railings, gazing toward the King’s Temple, and smiled faintly.

“I’ll write a letter for the envoys. When Mobidup returns from the battlefield, he’ll know my answer.”

“Won’t you consider it further? Mobidup isn’t rushing for your response – he can wait.”

Yao Ying shook her head, “I’ve made my decision.”

She wrote the letter and had her guard deliver it.

The siblings left the merchant caravan and set out immediately.

Before leaving, Yao Ying instructed her guard to deliver the medicinal herbs she had collected to Bi Suo’s residence.

“Princess, shall I leave any message?”

Yao Ying said flatly: “No need, General Ashina knows who these medicines are for.”

“Should I leave a note?”

“Unnecessary, just say they’re from the merchant caravan.”

Yao Ying took one last look at the Buddhist stupas standing silently in the sunlight before pulling her reins to turn her horse around.

Monastics do not speak falsehoods.

She had never imagined Tanmoloqie would deceive her.

The two traveled day and night, and all the tribal towns along their route had received advance notice to prepare horses and dried provisions for them.

At every post station Yao Ying reached, someone would send word to the Holy City of her location while also sealing off the roads to prevent the passage of idle travelers.

When Li Zhongqian discovered this, he asked the post-station staff why such extensive measures were necessary.

The person awkwardly replied: “This isn’t like the Holy City – many commoners here are ignorant and easily incited by a few words.”

Li Zhongqian understood – Tanmoloqie had sent word ahead to all towns to prevent another incident of common people attacking Li Yao Ying.

Several days later, they safely arrived at Sand City.

The horse bandits from the Wuquan tribe were still waiting desperately for Li Zhongqian in Sand City. Learning of his return, they eagerly sought him out.

A guard brought over a register to report: “Princess, we’ve verified everything. We didn’t accept the violent criminals – those we took in are all displaced people.”

Before leaving, Yao Ying had instructed the guards to register and document those who voluntarily pledged loyalty, verifying their identities. They had been busy with these matters these past few days.

As they were speaking, hurried footsteps sounded from below the stairs, and a tall figure burst into the room.

“Princess, great victory at Shazhou!”

Yao Ying looked up and recognized the arrival, her face lighting up with unexpected joy: “General Yang!”

The young man standing before her wore a round-collared long robe with a sword at his waist – it was Yang Qian, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.

Yang Qian clasped his hands in greeting: “Your Highness.”

He had grown thinner and much darker, with several new scars on his face, but his whole being radiated vitality. That unseasonable air of arrogance had completely vanished, replaced by vigorous and spirited bearing.

“Shazhou has been taken?”

Yang Qian beamed: “Yes! The Northern Rong is in chaos. His Highness the Crown Prince’s Liangzhou army is guarding the eastern passage, intercepting Northern Rong reinforcements. Zhang Jiu seized the opportunity to ally with local noble families, recapturing Shazhou and driving out the Northern Rong forces stationed there! Messengers have already reached Gaochang, and Damo sent me to escort the Princess back.”

Yao Ying’s spirits lifted instantly after days of depression, filled with excitement.

Only with Shazhou and Guazhou secured could they truly open up the Hexi Corridor and recover all lost territory.

She found Li Zhongqian and said: “Brother, with the victory at Shazhou and Gaochang’s liberation, next we must take Yizhou, join forces with the Liangzhou army, and secure the northern route through Gan, Su, Gua, Sha, and Yi prefectures… From Hexi to the Western Regions, recovering lost territory is within reach!”

Li Zhongqian watched his sister’s eyes shine with enthusiasm and secretly breathed a sigh of relief: “The Western Army’s forces are too few – we must guard against the Northern Rong’s return.”

Yao Ying’s brows furrowed slightly. She had been worrying about this problem too. The Western Army now had to concentrate its forces on recovering key strongholds, and with insufficient troops, they had to hold the cities and couldn’t spare forces to pursue the Northern Rong army. If the Northern Rong regrouped their forces, they could counterattack at any time.

“Now we need to expand the Western Army, stockpile more provisions and military supplies, find ways to open up routes to the Central Plains…”

Yao Ying glanced at Li Zhongqian and swallowed the rest of her words.

Also, contact Li Xuanzhen of the Liangzhou army – the Western Army must coordinate closely with them to maintain their current victories.

Yang Qian spoke impatiently: “The nobles in Gaochang are quite sensible and understand righteousness. When Damo imprisoned Lady Yina, they immediately offered grain and money. However, Luntai, Jingcheng, Qianshucheng… and Nanzhou at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains refuse to submit to the Western Army – their leaders are puppets of the Northern Rong. Please hurry to Gaochang to announce to all prefectures along with the messengers, persuading them to submit.”

Yao Ying nodded.

The group bid farewell to Sand City’s commander and left the city. Li Zhongqian donned his armor and led those persistent horse bandits who insisted on following him straight toward Wuquan.

Yang Qian wanted to go too, but Li Zhongqian instructed him to stay and protect Yao Ying.

Yao Ying continued south.

On the third day, Li Zhongqian caught up with them with his troops. He had led the refugees to attack the occupied Wuquan, helping them reclaim their homeland. Now Wuquan had changed hands – those who wanted a peaceful life returned home, while others continued to follow him.

Yao Ying asked with a smile: “Has brother agreed to be their leader?”

Li Zhongqian glanced at her: “Regardless of their tribe, as long as they can serve me, they can join the Western Army.”

Warmth flooded Yao Ying’s heart. Though Li Zhongqian didn’t want to get involved in the Western Regions’ chaotic situation, once he decided to join the Western Army, he would do his utmost.

As they traveled, they gathered scattered volunteer forces, and their ranks grew steadily larger.

Along the way, many of the towns and tribes they passed through had recently suffered brutal raids by Northern Rong troops, with heavy casualties.

Yao Ying comforted the people during the day and worked on official documents by lamplight at night, discussing military affairs with Li Zhongqian and Yang Qian, time flies by unnoticed.

This day, they crossed through the endless desert until, exhausted and thirsty, they finally spotted a small oasis ahead surrounded by lush forest. Delighted, they urged their horses forward, but just as they approached, the sound of fierce battle erupted in the distance. They quickly reined in their horses, sent out scouts, and rested in place.

Soon the scouts returned, reporting that two forces were fighting ahead – one was the Western Army, and the other appeared to be Northern Rong. The forces were evenly matched, locked in fierce combat.

Yang Qian immediately mobilized troops, leading several hundred men around the forest to suddenly attack from behind the battle formation. The Western Army, believing reinforcements had arrived, was greatly encouraged. The two forces coordinated interior and exterior attacks, pinching the Northern Rong army between them. Caught between two forces, the Northern Rong soon abandoned their armor and fled in all directions.

After the battle, Yang Qian brought several young commanders to see Yao Ying, saying with a broad smile: “Princess, we’re not far from Gaochang now. Recently, Northern Rong remnants and their vassal tribes have been ambushing merchant caravans and civilians. They received calls for help and came out to assist, not expecting this Northern Rong remnant force to be so numerous. Fortunately, they encountered us.”

Several officers came forward to greet Yao Ying, appearing somewhat awkward.

Yao Ying assumed they were simply unaccustomed to discussing military matters with a woman and thought nothing more of it. The group reorganized, drank their fill of water, and escorted the merchant caravan and civilians to Gaochang City.

The people in the city had already received word from scouts and led the citizens out to welcome them. The broad road outside the city was packed with a dense crowd of people.

Damo specially sent a guard detail escorting an ornate canopied carriage to wait on the road: “Would the Princess like to ride in the carriage? This precious vehicle was commissioned by the city lord from skilled craftsmen at great expense – even Lady Yina never rode in it!”

Yao Ying laughed, “No thank you, I’ll enter the city on horseback.”

When Yang Qian and the officers escorted her onto the main road, thunderous cheers erupted as people swarmed forward, singing, dancing, and showering them with flowers.

Yao Ying rode into the city on a noble steed, her head and body covered in flower petals. With her snow-white skin and flower-like beauty, her glancing looks dazzled onlookers. The citizens gaped in amazement, shouting her official title as they surged forward until flowers rained down so thickly they almost blocked her vision.

Li Zhongqian signaled the guards to part the crowd, riding forward to protect Yao Ying as they squeezed through the sea of people.

Damo came forward smiling: “The people have all been hoping to glimpse the Princess’s grace – why did you move so quickly?”

Yao Ying caught her breath – any slower and she would have been buried in flowers.

“Oh yes, the Wei Kingdom’s envoys have also arrived. They say they’re old acquaintances of the Princess.”

“Oh? Which family’s sons have come?”

Yao Ying looked toward the gate tower.

Below the tower, several men in brocade robes galloped up on horseback, only reining in when they were a horse-length away from her. They all stared at her, some visibly excited, others silent with calm gazes.

Yao Ying froze.

Li Zhongqian beside her swept his eyes over the men, his lips curving: “Zheng Jing came too?”

Zheng Jing looked at Yao Ying, his expression emotional.

“Seventh Princess…”

He had wanted to say “Hope you’ve been well,” but thinking of all the hardships Li Yao Ying had endured, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. A thousand words stuck in his throat, leaving only a long sigh.

The others also didn’t know what to say, and could only look at Yao Ying with foolish grins.

Yao Ying didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Among these young men before her, besides Zheng Jing, the others seemed to be noble sons who had once pursued her on horseback.

“How did Third Brother come to Gaochang City?”

Yao Ying asked Zheng Jing first, her tone calm.

As if there weren’t thousands of mountains and waters between them, as if she had just happened to meet them in Chang’an’s markets, stopping her horse to chat and laugh with them.

Zheng Jing let out a long internal sigh.

Whenever he saw the Seventh Princess, he always felt somewhat at a loss.

Hiding his emotions, Zheng Jing said: “His Majesty wanted to send envoys, and we wanted to personally investigate the situation in the Western Regions. We were also worried about the Princess and the Duke of Wei, so we came.”

As he spoke, he winked at Yao Ying when Li Zhongqian wasn’t looking.

Yao Ying understood and moved her horse slightly away.

Zheng Jing said quietly: “Princess, His Highness the Crown Prince is investigating the Xie family’s affairs.”

Yao Ying’s heart tightened: “Why is he investigating the Xie family?”

Zheng Jing said: “I’m not clear about this either. The Crown Prince found some old servants of the Xie family and is still investigating the old servants who served Empress Xie.”

“Thank you for warning me.”

Yao Ying’s brows furrowed slightly – was Li Xuanzhen still planning to harm Li Zhongqian?

Just as the two exchanged these few whispered words, they were interrupted by others. A man dressed as a royal court guard rode over, greeting Yao Ying: “Princess Wenzhao!”

Yao Ying saw who it was and started slightly.

Yuanjue swept his eyes over the noble sons eagerly following Yao Ying and clasped his hands: “Princess, this humble one was sent by the King to bring news to Gaochang City and has remained here since. A few days ago I received a message – the King commands me to stay in Gaochang.”

Yao Ying came back to herself and gave a soft sound of acknowledgment.

Tanmoloqie knew she had reached Gaochang.

Yuanjue thrust out his chest and kept his horse close beside her, vigilantly scanning left and right.

He had heard these men had all once admired the Princess, and one had nearly been betrothed to her… He must report this to Bi Suo.