When Princess Manda left, Yao Ying didn’t go to see her off – agreeing to dance with her had been farewell enough.

The Indian physician didn’t leave with her this time, staying behind to continue attending to Master Mondatiba.

…

A few days later, Princess Chima and Prince Consort Akelie’s wedding proceeded as scheduled.

The princess was Tanmoluojia’s only sister, and the Prince Consort had extensive connections. The wedding day was particularly lively – the holy city’s streets were empty as citizens, young and old, lined the streets to watch the bride’s flower carriage pass by. Court officials, military commanders, and nearby lords all attended this bustling wedding feast.

At the banquet, drums and music filled the air as everyone drank themselves into a stupor.

Prince Consort Akelie was a kind and honest man. When his colleagues plied him with drinks, he never refused. From morning till night, his mouth remained stretched in a smile, his face flushed red.

After the ceremony, Akelie, resplendent in his new bridegroom’s attire and surrounded by his colleagues, led the similarly adorned Princess Chima to the great hall to pay respects to Buddha’s Son Tanmoluojia and receive his blessing.

Tanmoluojia sat formally before the hall, watching as Akelie and Princess Chima walked side by side into the great hall.

Attendants scattered fresh flowers and brought forth a golden basin filled with clear water. Princess Chima took the basin and walked to Tanmoluojia’s front, kneeling before him.

Everyone was shocked, staring in disbelief. Prince Consort Akelie also wore a surprised expression.

Princess Chima held the golden basin, and like a devout believer, crawled forward prostrating herself, kowtowing to Tanmoluojia and kissing the golden carpet at his feet.

“Ragā, I’ve been willful and stubborn, unable to let go of my hatred for the Zhang family. Over these years, I’ve caused you much trouble. Today I’m getting married – I have a husband now and will have children in the future. The Prince Consort has urged me to forget my hatred and embrace a new beginning. I will try to let go of my hatred and live well with Akelie, bearing and raising children for him. No matter how many times we’ve argued in the past, today is my wedding day. I hope you can sincerely bless me, and from now on, we can forget our past unpleasantness, alright?”

“My King, I was wrong. Can you forgive me?”

She lifted her face slowly, speaking with a sincere tone and humble demeanor.

Prince Consort Akelie also knelt, making a fist in salute: “My King, the Princess indeed had some willful behavior in the past. I beg the King to forgive her.”

The people in the hall looked at each other, and the great hall fell into dead silence.

Before the Buddha statue, wisps of incense smoke drifted quietly.

Bisuo’s face showed disbelief. After a moment’s stupor, he was overcome with joy, raising his head to look at Tanmoluojia with an expectant expression.

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes, meeting everyone’s gaze, took the golden basin, and drank a sip of clear water.

Everyone in the hall let out relieved sighs, filled with joy.

Tanmoluojia took up his golden staff and touched it to the foreheads of both the Prince Consort and Princess.

“From now on, respect and support each other.”

Akelie smiled so widely his eyes could barely open. He pressed his palms together in salute, “Today, before Buddha, I vow that I will definitely treat the Princess well and serve the King loyally. If I show the slightest disrespect to the Princess, may I be punished as seen fit!”

Everyone burst into laughter, surrounding the newlyweds as they left.

…

On the wedding day, the Gaochang delegation also received an invitation.

Yao Ying knew Princess Chima’s taboos and instructed the envoys to send generous gifts but stay hidden among the crowd during the wedding, avoiding appearing before the newlyweds to prevent displeasing the royal court nobles.

This task naturally wasn’t suitable for Li Zhongqian. The deputy envoy led people to attend the wedding feast and returned to tell Yao Ying that the banquet was so crowded with people that no one noticed them.

The wedding proceeded smoothly without incident.

Yao Ying felt relieved for Tanmoluojia.

Soon after, Yao Ying could sense light with her eyes and wanted to remove the bandages, but Mondatiba quickly discouraged her: “Princess’s eyes temporarily cannot directly face light. Apply medicine for another half month before removing the blindfold.”

Yao Ying had to continue having her guards help her read letters.

When Tanmoluojia applied medicine, she stayed by his side. Though she couldn’t see clearly, she heard his tone steady when speaking with Mondatiba, improving day by day, and gradually felt at ease.

This day, Li Zhongqian came to see Yao Ying and told her the delegation had received the official documents, asking: “Now that matters are settled, when will you return with me?”

Yao Ying was first happy about the alliance document, but hearing the latter half, she couldn’t make up her mind.

Recently, Tanmoluojia’s health seemed much better. Every time she asked Mondatiba and Yuanjue, they said his complexion was good, and as long as he didn’t use his powers, he wouldn’t be injured.

Seeing her not answer, Li Zhongqian frowned and said: “Are you staying because of Su Dan Gu? Why not just have him return to Gaochang with you?”

The royal court people despised the Han people, the situation was complex, and Su Dan Gu had many enemies – he wouldn’t allow Yao Ying to marry into the royal court. If Su Dan Gu truly wanted to marry her, he could go to Gaochang.

“Brother, he is the royal court’s regent king. He cannot leave the holy city.”

“You are the Western Army’s leader. You cannot stay in the royal court forever – there are some things Tanmo cannot handle directly. I see Su Dan Gu’s injuries are mostly healed; there’s no need for you to personally care for him.”

Li Zhongqian spoke while unwrapping Yao Ying’s blindfold, looking at her eyes with a serious tone.

Yao Ying nodded: “Brother, I understand.”

Before coming to the royal court, she had already separated the officials handling political and military affairs, promoting a batch of leaders with shallower roots to balance the noble families. She had also transferred some officials skilled in water management from Shazhou and Liangzhou. Now all prefectures were recovering, and temporary major unrest wouldn’t occur. She maintained constant correspondence with Tanmo, Yang Qian, and Xie Qing to ensure important matters wouldn’t be delayed.

As the siblings were talking, a guard rushed into the main hall, “Princess, Young Master, terrible news!”

Li Zhongqian furrowed his brows: “What happened?”

“The post station is on fire! Our lodgings were burned, we couldn’t get the trunks out in time, more than half were burned, and several horses were burned to death!”

Yao Ying’s heart tightened: “Was anyone hurt?”

“Three people were burned, and two were hit by burning beams, but the injuries aren’t serious.”

Li Zhongqian stood up: “How did the fire start?”

The guard indignantly said: “Someone deliberately set the fire! We found piled kindling behind the stables, all exits were blocked, and Xie Yong and others took half a day to break down the door!”

Li Zhongqian clenched his fist, laughing coldly.

Yao Ying pressed his arm: “Brother, the alliance document is signed. This must be revenge from someone deliberately setting the fire.”

Setting fire in broad daylight was clearly for venting anger and warning – it showed both the perpetrator’s arrogance and hatred.

“I’ll handle this.” Li Zhongqian strode away.

Yao Ying called after him: “Brother, consider the bigger picture, don’t damage relations.”

“I understand.”

Li Zhongqian walked away.

Yao Ying worried anxiously and sent people to follow him.

In the afternoon, the guard returned to report: “We caught two arsonists. They confessed they saw the royal court allying with the Han people and felt resentful, so they burned our delegation. They’ve been imprisoned.”

Yao Ying nodded, saying: “Tell brother to stay calm.”

In the evening, it was time for Tanmoluojia to apply medicine. Usually, he would have returned to the courtyard by now, but tonight he was late in returning. Yao Ying worried that the post-station fire had escalated and sent Yuanjue to gather news.

With the post station burned, she could guess the current situation in the city.

Yuanjue didn’t return, but sent a guard back to report: “The King has urgent matters, unrelated to the post station.”

“What matters?”

The guard hesitated and said: “It’s about governance.”

Yao Ying heard his tone and didn’t pursue it further – apparently, it was internal royal court affairs that couldn’t be disclosed.

She had the guard read letters to her while waiting for Tanmoluojia to return.

Waiting until midnight, the sound of carriages and horses came from outside the courtyard. Tanmoluojia had returned. When he entered the room, his footsteps were as light and steady as usual, his kasaya brushing across the carpet like gentle drizzling rain.

Yao Ying listened to his footsteps and asked: “What happened?”

“Some small matters, minor disputes between young officials.”

Tanmoluojia spoke lightly, his tone sounding very calm.

Yao Ying asked about the post-station matter.

He said: “It’s been properly handled.”

“You haven’t applied medicine tonight…” Yao Ying remembered, “I’ll have someone invite Master Mondatiba.”

Tanmoluojia looked at her, softly humming in agreement.

Soon after, Mondatiba came with the Indian physician. Yao Ying sat by the couch, listening as he removed his kasaya. Mondatiba applied some unknown medicine, causing his body to shake violently. After a rustling sound, he suddenly gripped her hand tightly, his palm ice-cold and wet with sweat.

Yao Ying quickly held his hand.

Mondatiba and the others withdrew.

The room was quiet. Tanmoluojia said nothing, just tightly holding Yao Ying’s hand.

“Master?”

Tanmoluojia softly responded.

Yao Ying couldn’t see how he was, her heart aching.

“Princess, I’m much better.” He said softly, releasing her, raising his hand to gently brush across her cheek, the cold prayer beads grazing past.

Yao Ying held his hand, not letting go.

Tanmoluojia remained silent, then suddenly sat up, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her onto the couch.

Yao Ying fell into his embrace, her hands pressed against his bare chest, struggling to rise for fear of pressing on him. He held her shoulders, letting her lean against him sideways. She rolled off him, making sure she wasn’t pressing his legs, then stopped moving, reaching up to feel for his face.

“Don’t move.”

Tanmoluojia held her hand, his voice deep as it sounded above her head.

Yao Ying stopped moving, just nestling against him, accompanying him through his pain.

The night was deep, wisps of smoke rose before the candlestick, and the room fell into darkness. She unknowingly fell asleep.

Tanmoluojia lowered his eyes to look at her, not closing his eyes for a long time.

Footsteps sounded softly outside the felt curtain.

Bisuo entered carrying a candlestick, seeing the scene on the couch, his eyes widened.

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes to meet his gaze, his expression frank, his eyes carrying authority.

Bisuo quickly turned away.

Tanmoluojia gently released Yao Ying, covered her with the blanket, got up from the couch, pulled on his kasaya to cover himself, and walked out of the inner chamber.

Bisuo followed him, saying softly: “Half an hour ago, light cavalry discovered an entire merchant caravan killed on the main road outside the city… no survivors…”

“Which merchant caravan is this?”

“This is the third one. In each killed caravan, no humans or animals were left alive. The wounds were identical, likely from the same weapon, possibly even a single weapon.”

Bisuo’s tone was heavy: “My King, now there are rumors… saying the killer is Regent King Su Dan Gu.”

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Tanmoluojia looked back, the felt curtain swaying slightly. Yao Ying slept on his couch, curled into a ball, her profile soft, seeming to emit a faint glow.

“Please summon the Duke of Protecting the Nation.”

He said, watching Yao Ying.

Bisuo showed a surprised expression and took out a bronze token as he left.

Tanmoluojia walked to the couch, bent down, and reached out to brush aside Yao Ying’s long hair, his fingertips gently massaging her acupoints. She made a soft murmur, falling into deeper sleep.

He gazed at her, his fingers lingering greedily at her neck.

Half an hour later, torch light wavered outside the courtyard as footsteps approached from afar.

Tanmoluojia stood up and walked out.

Bisuo opened the door, gesturing for Li Zhongqian to enter.

Li Zhongqian, summoned in the middle of the night, had his brows tightly furrowed and an anxious expression. As soon as he stepped in, he asked: “Did something happen to Mingyue Nu?”

The candlelight flickered, and a figure emerged from the darkness, wearing loose kasaya, with distinct features and eyebrows like a painting.

Li Zhongqian was stunned, his eyelid twitching: “Where’s Su Dan Gu?”

Tanmoluojia raised his eyes, and in an instant, his aura surged like a deep pool and towering mountain, his jade eyes flickering with a mysterious light.

“I am Su Dan Gu.”

He said, word by word.

Li Zhongqian’s phoenix eyes widened slightly. When he realized the truth, a wave of fury surged up. His figure exploded into motion, his fan-like large hand clenched into a fist, striking fiercely at Tanmoluojia.

“Shameless!”

He roared: “You’re a monk! Since you can’t return to secular life, you shouldn’t touch a single hair on Mingyue Nu’s head!”

“What do you take her for? Want to keep her as a hidden concubine, make her hide from the world forever, to be ridiculed by people for seducing a monk, having an affair with a monk?”

Tanmoluojia remained motionless, taking Li Zhongqian’s punch head-on.

Thinking of how he had been completely fooled these days, even allowing Yao Ying to spend time with him, Li Zhongqian’s fury grew. His eyes blazed with anger, and he put even more force into his fists, which rained down like raindrops on Tanmoluojia.

Tanmoluojia still didn’t move an inch, not making a sound even as blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

Li Zhongqian was both angry and resentful, his chest heaving violently. He stopped his fists and sneered: “Where is Mingyue Nu? I’m taking her away right now.”

Tanmoluojia, who had been standing still like a wooden post, suddenly raised his hand to block his path.

Li Zhongqian’s phoenix eyes flickered as he turned to look at him, his expression dark as water.

“What, won’t let her go?”

Tanmoluojia raised his head, his gaze cold and clear, “She’s tired. Let her sleep well for a while longer.”

Li Zhongqian was stunned.

…

The next morning, Yao Ying was woken by her guard.

“Princess, an urgent letter from Gaochang!”

Yao Ying awoke startled from her dream, sitting up. A pair of solid arms reached over, supporting her, helping her tie up her long hair.

“Master?”

Yao Ying was momentarily stunned.

Tanmoluojia hummed in response, bringing a cup of tea to her lips, helping her drink: “Li Zhongqian has come and is waiting outside.”

Brother has come?

Yao Ying quickly got up to wash and went to see Li Zhongqian, suddenly becoming alert, saying: “Master, don’t go out, my brother will see you.”

Tanmoluojia supported her arm, “It’s alright, I am now the Regent King.”

Yao Ying breathed a sigh of relief. In the outer hall, Li Zhongqian came forward, saying: “Tanmo sent an urgent letter. The Gazi nation refuses to repatriate the Han people stranded there. Yang Qian is furious and wants to lead troops to attack Gazi.”

During the years of war, many Han people and Central Plains-affiliated nomadic tribes were forced into exile. After the Western Army pacified the Western Regions, Yao Ying used gold and silver to ransom Han people and nomads taking refuge in various places. The Gazi nation refused her ransom, forcing the refugee civilians into military service, driving unarmed and completely untrained serfs onto the battlefield, and also ambushing and plundering merchant caravans traveling to and from the Malu nation. When news reached them, Yang Qian was furious.

Yao Ying frowned and said: “Gazi is just a small tribe, how dare they obstruct trade?”

Li Zhongqian said: “Wealth moves people’s hearts. We’ve just finished fighting, and no one takes us seriously.”

The Western Regions had been chaotic for so many years that no one believed the Western Army could pacify them. The Wei Dynasty in the Central Plains was too far away, and the small nations and tribes in the west were short-sighted, only looking at immediate benefits, not taking the Western Army’s edicts seriously.

Yao Ying pondered for a moment, then said: “To clear the western trade routes, the Western Army must win a decisive victory.”

Now east of the Western Regions, the Hexi Corridor area was already connected. Her next goal was to open the western trade routes, which was why she cooperated with Princess Manda, letting merchant caravans take root in the Malu nation, which was located at a crucial point on the trade route.

Li Zhongqian nodded: “Perfect timing as the delegation is about to depart. Come back with me.”

Yao Ying was stunned for a moment, instinctively raising her head to look in Tanmoluojia’s direction. He stood on her right, having remained silent all this time. She could sense his presence, knowing he hadn’t left.

“Brother, let me speak with General Su for a moment.”

She said softly, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness.

Li Zhongqian knew she couldn’t see and gave Tanmoluojia a cold glance before turning to leave.

“Princess should return to Gaochang first.”

After Li Zhongqian’s footsteps could no longer be heard, Tanmoluojia said.

Yao Ying’s brows furrowed tightly: “Master, your injuries…”

“With the Princess’s company, my injuries have improved greatly these days.” Tanmoluojia’s tone was steady, “Mondatiba and the Indian physician will stay to look after me. Princess has accompanied me for so long, it’s time to return.”

Yao Ying’s heart beat chaotically as she reached out to grab his arm.

Tanmoluojia lowered his head, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, showing her a faint smile, his gaze fixed on her face.

“There have been some unusual movements in the royal court recently, and I need to handle political matters, unable to look after the Princess. Lately, some people in the city have been inciting civilians to hate Han people. The delegation cannot stay long in the royal court, the Duke of Protecting the Nation must hurry back, and it’s not suitable for the Princess and merchant caravans to stay long either. It’s safer to leave with him first, I will write to the Princess.”

“The Princess doesn’t need to stay with me constantly.”

Hearing his tone the same as usual, showing no signs of bidding her farewell, Yao Ying breathed a sigh of relief and thought for a moment before saying: “I’ll leave for a few days and return after resolving the Gazi matter.”

“Alright.”

He said, his voice carrying a rare hint of light laughter, clear and unrestrained.

Yao Ying didn’t pack her luggage – since she would return soon, there was no need. She gathered her guards, gave instructions, left behind several trusted followers, and had someone summon Bisuo.

“I need to return to Gaochang for a while, I’ll be back later.”

Bisuo hummed in acknowledgment, his voice revealing some surprise.

Yao Ying looked at the dark shadow before her and said: “If anything happens with the Master, you must inform me immediately. I’ll have General Jin return every other day.”

Bisuo agreed, saying: “Princess can go to Gaochang without worry. Thanks to the Princess, Master Mondatiba has been helping the King search for medicine formulas, and I’ve seen the King improve greatly these days. If anything happens, I will definitely inform the Princess.”

Yao Ying was still worried and called Yuanjue over to give him detailed instructions as well.

After the fire at the post station, the delegation members were still shaken and quickly prepared to depart. Li Zhongqian led the delegation out of the city first, with Yao Ying following later, the two groups traveling separately.

Before leaving, Yao Ying held onto Tanmoluojia, instructing him to take his medicine on time, not to tire himself, and to call someone if he felt unwell during medicine application.

“Don’t use your powers under any circumstances… if urgent matters arise, let Bisuo and Pamir handle them. Master, you must focus on recovering.”

As she spoke, her heart grew reluctant to part, and she smiled.

“Take care of yourself, don’t make me worry.”

Tanmoluojia agreed to everything, helped Yao Ying put on her pearl-beaded veil hat, assisted her onto her horse, then mounted a horse himself, covering his face with a veil, following distantly behind her to see her out of the city.

Dark clouds hung low as the caravan drove out of the long street. The north wind howled past, blowing against their faces with bone-chilling coolness.

Someone was seeing off a friend by the roadside, the pipa’s sound high and sorrowful, desolate and melancholic, scattered by the whistling wind, piercing through the layers of clouds, lingering in mid-air, like the blood-crying cuckoo, speaking endless sorrow and coldness.

Yao Ying pulled tight on the reins to stop, and though she could see nothing, she still raised her head to gaze in the direction of the holy city.

The wind lifted the ribbons of her veil hat, and suddenly her face felt cool.

She raised her hand, and something cold gathered in her palm, melting between her fingers.

The guard beside her said: “Princess, it’s snowing.”

Yao Ying was lost in thought for a moment, then called over Yuanjue who was seeing them off, quietly instructing: “I’m worried… if anything happens to the Master, you must inform me. Also, whatever Mondatiba and the others say each day, what medicine the Master changes to, you must write to me about everything in detail.”

Yuanjue nodded repeatedly: “Understood, Princess, I will definitely report to you!”

The snow fell steadily, the sky growing increasingly dark. The guards, worried they wouldn’t reach the post house before nightfall, came to urge her on. Yuanjue also reminded Yao Ying not to delay their journey. She wrapped her cloak tightly, gently squeezed her horse’s flanks, and turned her horse around surrounded by her guards.

The fierce wind raged as layers of dark clouds roared and rolled, the wilderness stretched endlessly, and snowflakes filled the sky. The long road winding through the wasteland extended to the horizon, where the caravan gradually disappeared, swallowed by the wind and snow.

Tanmoluojia reined in his horse on the high ground, watching until the caravan vanished into the vast snowstorm.

Snow covered his shoulders.

The sky grew dark.

He remained motionless, becoming a snow statue.

…

“My King.”

After a long while, Bisuo rode over on horseback.

Tanmoluojia withdrew his gaze and turned his horse, the accumulated snow falling from his body in a shower. “Send people to follow and escort her back to Gaochang.”

“Yes.”

Tanmoluojia pulled the reins and went directly back to the royal temple, removed his great cloak, and walked into the stone cave.

Hundreds of candles burned in the cave, the flames blazing fiercely, the light intense enough to seem capable of frightening away all worldly demons and heretics. The flickering candlelight reflected on the rows of dignified and severe Buddha statues in the wall niches. The Buddhas stood silently, wordlessly looking down at him below, their expressions stern and solemn.

The Vinaya Master, Elder Tito, came when summoned, supporting himself with his dharma staff as he entered the cave.

“Why has the King come?”

Tanmoluojia raised his head, looking at the dense array of austere Buddha statues in the niches, and said: “I have been moved by desire.”

His cold voice echoed in the silent cave. The candles flickered, light and shadows shifting, the Buddhas seeming to glare at him in anger, condemning his improper thoughts.

Master Tito pressed his palms together and said: “All beings are mortal, confused by desire, stubbornly deluded, unable to achieve liberation. The King is also mortal, desire is innate. The King has practiced Buddhism since childhood; you need only continue cultivation to temper yourself. Desire will ultimately be as fleeting as passing clouds. Break through the clouds and fog, and you can attain enlightenment.”

Tanmoluojia spoke flatly: “Just seeing her, I cannot suppress my desire. When I cannot see her, her image still appears before my eyes. Even chanting sutras and prayers cannot control it. I want to keep her by my side, to see her at every moment.”

“Have you broken the precept of celibacy?”

“I have not.” Tanmoluojia raised his eyes, “But my heart has already moved.”

Master Tito’s whole body trembled, his aged face quivering, shocked beyond words.

The King had not joined with the woman who moved his desire, yet his resolve was already shaken.

After a long stunned silence, he gathered his thoughts and spoke earnestly: “Being temporarily confused by physical form is normal; even Ananda was almost bewitched by Matangi’s daughter. When the King comprehends the truth within, desire will melt away like ice and snow. Only by severing attachment to love can one return to the right path. As the Buddhist verse says: Life in this world is like being among thorns. If the heart does not move, people will not act rashly. Without movement, there is no injury. But if the heart moves, people act rashly, injuring their body and paining their bones, thus experiencing all the world’s sufferings.”

The candles blazed, and in Tanmoluojia’s deep jade eyes flickered points of light. His face was pale, his expression calm: “I cannot sever it… nor do I wish to.”

Recalling every moment spent with her, he could feel a joy he had never known before. He didn’t want to forget those memories.

Master Tito heaved a long sigh: “My King, even if you cannot sever it, you are still the royal court’s Buddha’s Son.”

This was his responsibility.

Tanmoluojia’s eyelashes trembled slightly, endless bitterness and desolation in his eyes, but his gaze was firm: “I understand.”

This was his predicament.

He could not reveal his desire for her to his subjects.

Before he could give her anything, he couldn’t drag her down to sink with him, but he should confess before Buddha, admitting all his sins.

“Separation from loved ones, not getting what one desires, meeting with what one hates – matters of love and emotion are like morning dew or lightning. The King is naturally gifted, has practiced since childhood, and has comprehended the Way for many years, yet faces this tribulation. I hope the King will calm his heart through meditation; perhaps then you will no longer be attached.”

Tanmoluojia shook his head.

From the moment his heart was moved, he had seen his fate – he could not let go.

“Proceed with the punishment.”

Master Tito sighed deeply: “Karmic meetings arise from unknown origins. All formations are impermanent; this is the law of arising and ceasing.”

The dharma staff fell.

Tanmoluojia pressed his palms together, jade eyes lowered, candlelight stretching his shadow long across the Buddha niches on the wall. The staff fell again and again as the Buddhas watched with cold, indifferent expressions.

…

Bisuo waited outside the stone cave, listening to the repeated strikes of the staff, his fingers digging deep into his palms.

Finally, with a creak, the door was pulled open, and a figure slowly walked out, steps faltering.

Bisuo went forward to support him, his tone heavy with grief: “My King… even if you had truly broken the precept, no one would blame you.”

He had always thought Ragā and the Princess had become intimate; he never imagined Ragā could resist being with the Princess.

Tanmoluojia raised his face, “If I truly broke the precept… she wouldn’t be able to leave.”

He was already barely controlling himself, and internal unrest was brewing in the royal court. Storm clouds were gathering; he had to send her away early to prevent her from being drawn in.

“The Princess is a free spirit, she doesn’t need status…”

“Because she is a free spirit, that means I can take what I want with a clear conscience?”

Bisuo had no response.

All was silent, the heavy snow fell noiselessly, and dots of lamplight flickered in every corner of the temple.

Tanmoluojia’s face was deathly pale as he gazed down at the temple standing quietly in the snow before the railings. “It’s enough. The days she stayed with me were enough.”

Bisuo’s eyes reddened slightly.

“Bisuo, promise me one thing.”

“Please instruct me.”

Tanmoluojia stood facing the wind, his robes flapping, jade eyes fixed toward Gaochang: “When I die, don’t enshrine me in the temple. Send me to her side.”

In life, he could not fulfill his personal desires.

At least in death, let him be selfish once.

Bisuo’s nose stung as tears fell. He knelt on one knee, left hand in a fist placed against his chest.

“Yes.”

He choked out his response.

…

That night, Yao Ying’s group successfully reached the post house, meeting up with Li Zhongqian who had arrived earlier.

The heavy snow fell all night.

The next day, the wilderness had become a world of ice and snow crystal. Mountain ranges undulated at the horizon, and as far as the eye could see, white snow gleamed, the ridges reflecting brilliant morning light.

After the snow came clear weather, and the group continued their journey. Just as Yao Ying had released General Jin, a huge grey eagle flew over their heads, finally landing on her shoulder, fiercely pecking her arm.

Yao Ying happily called the falconer to retrieve the letter Garuda had brought, handing it to her guard.

The guard read it aloud – the letter asked where she had reached and warned her to be careful of deep ravines hidden under the snow while traveling.

Yao Ying kept the letter safe, felt around for some dried meat, and smilingly fed Garuda. Unable to write properly while traveling, she instead took off her hair ribbon and tied it to Garuda’s foot. After its full meal, Garuda spread its wings and flew back to the holy city.

Li Zhongqian, following closely beside her, frowned at this sight.

Several days later, a group of riders approached from the east. Their commanding officer was tall and wore full armor. With an expressionless face, he saluted Yao Ying: “Princess, I’ve come to escort you.”

Yao Ying called out joyfully: “Ah Qing!”

Xie Qing rode forward, nodding to Li Zhongqian in greeting. After exchanging pleasantries, they continued eastward.

…

Garuda flew over mountains and snow clouds, returning to the holy city to perch on its rack, calling several times.

The felt curtain swayed as Yuanjue walked out, rubbing his hands. Seeing the hair ribbon on Garuda’s claws, he paused, removed it, and brought it to the inner hall.

A basin of charcoal burned brightly in the hall. Tanmoluojia reclined by the couch, writing, with documents piled high on his desk.

When the hair ribbon was brought to his desk, he raised his eyes, stopped writing, took the ribbon, and wound it around his fingers, gently caressing it.

Bisuo entered the hall: “My King, Mondatiba and the Indian physician have left. They promised to continue concealing from Princess Wenzhao.”

Tanmoluojia hummed in acknowledgment, glancing at Yuanjue, his gaze cold as snow.

Yuanjue quickly knelt, saying: “My King, the letters I wrote to the Princess were all according to your instructions.”

Tanmoluojia nodded.

Footsteps sounded on the corridor as Pamir hurriedly entered the hall, covered in cold air, kneeling to report: “My King… the Fourth Young Master of the Kang family, Eighth Young Master of the Xue family, and Tenth Young Master of the An family are dead.”

Bisuo frowned: “How did they die?”

“Violent deaths, like the others who have been dying violently these days, all killed with a single strike.” Pamir said softly, “They say… they had all offended the Regent King…”

Bisuo broke out in cold sweat as he looked toward Tanmoluojia.

Tanmoluojia’s expression remained unchanged.