When Su Dangu’s gaze swept over Yang Qian, the latter’s heart trembled, sending a shiver through his body. He wasn’t wearing a mask and asked Yao Ying with suspicion, “Princess, who might this person be?”

Yao Ying thought for a moment before answering seriously, “He is my friend.”

The alliance between Yuchi Datmo and the Royal Court was a secret, even Yang Qian didn’t know about it. She instinctively felt she couldn’t reveal too much.

Hearing her solemn tone, which clearly showed her trust in Su Dangu, Yang Qian didn’t ask further. He carefully observed Su Dangu – the man wore a mask that concealed his features, but his frame was lean and straight. The tight leather belt outlined his sinewy build and muscular contours. With arms like an ape’s and a waist like a wasp’s, his aura was fierce, surrounded by an imposing, chilling presence. One look was enough to know he was a supreme master.

Yang Qian’s blood boiled – if not for the inappropriate setting, he would have loved to find an excuse to spar with the man.

Yao Ying noticed his eagerness and couldn’t help but smile. His wish was destined to go unfulfilled – Su Dangu only drew his sword to kill or to save lives, never engaging in combat otherwise.

The three of them joined together, leaving the corridor and passing through halls filled with the sound of silk strings and bamboo flutes. In the deep night, candle tears flowing down the lamp-trees had frozen into waterfalls, while dancers still twirled, their long skirts floating in the air.

Suddenly, several guests in brocade robes, drunk and stumbling, blocked their path. Seven or eight hands clapped onto Yang Qian’s shoulders.

“Fourth Brother, we’ve finally caught you! Didn’t you claim you could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk? Come, compete with Eighth Brother!”

The men were drunk, reeking of alcohol, and their grip was very strong. Yang Qian couldn’t refuse and was pulled to a long table and held down. Everyone around gathered up, competing to pour him drinks.

Yao Ying stood aside watching for a while, still debating whether to go rescue Yang Qian, when her gaze swept across a figure approaching along the long corridor. Her heart suddenly trembled.

That person also wore a mask, dressed in a small-sleeved flowered brocade robe, with curly shoulder-length hair and thick arms, tall and powerfully built.

He walked into the hall led by a servant, his hawk-like eyes scanning around, pale yellow pupils gleaming with a light golden color in the candlelight.

Yao Ying quickly withdrew her gaze and turned around.

She couldn’t be mistaken – that person was Haidu Aling. Su Dangu had said the falcon discovered his white falcon near Gaochang, and sure enough, he had appeared.

Su Dangu was standing right beside her. Afraid of being recognized, she instinctively spread her arms to embrace his arm, holding it tight.

When she suddenly drew close, Su Dangu was slightly startled, his thick eyebrows furrowing beneath the mask.

Yao Ying whispered, “General Su, Haidu Aling is here, right at the entrance.”

Su Dangu maintained his composure, glancing at the entrance and recognizing Haidu Aling’s figure.

No wonder she had suddenly clung to him.

He lowered his gaze to Yao Ying’s glossy black hair. She was trembling slightly, her head bowed low, her braided hair adorned with silk ribbons and jewels falling loose, brushing against his arm as her fingers gripped his sleeve tightly, knuckles rigid.

She was very nervous.

Su Dangu didn’t pull his arm away. Instead, he turned with Yao Ying, allowing her to hide from Haidu Aling’s line of sight.

Yao Ying pressed herself against his arm like a cat seeking comfort, slowly moving with his motions. Once her back was to the entrance and Haidu Aling was out of her peripheral vision, her body gradually relaxed. She let out a soft sigh, raised her face, and looked at Su Dangu.

There was nothing to fear – Su Dangu was here. With him present, she felt secure.

Even though he was silent and reserved, not saying a single word to comfort her.

Yao Ying’s chaotic emotions slowly settled. “General Su, is Haidu Aling here to find Yuchi Datmo?”

She clutched Su Dangu’s arm, leaning against him, looking up at him with clear eyes full of complete trust, speaking softly to him. Her breath brushed against his chest and chin, warm and gentle.

A faint, delicate fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose.

Su Dangu raised his eyes, looking toward the corridor.

Haidu Aling paced back and forth in the hall, holding a horn cup, drinking while constantly looking around, as if searching for something.

Yao Ying couldn’t see what was happening behind her, and Su Dangu was characteristically sparing with words, remaining silent for a long time. Growing anxious, she couldn’t help but peek out from behind his arm, wanting to see if Haidu Aling had gone to find Yuchi Datmo. She had barely raised half her face when she felt a sharp gaze sweep over her, her body stiffening before shrinking back into Su Dangu’s embrace.

Her fingers gripping his arm were soft, her nails painted with rouge, a pale but vivid dawn color.

Su Dangu raised his hand, hovering inches away, loosely encircling Yao Ying’s shoulders, and said softly, “Don’t move.”

His tone was cool and calm.

Yao Ying immediately stilled, leaning in his embrace, appearing very docile.

Haidu Aling’s gaze wandered everywhere. When he saw the masked Su Dangu, even though they were half a hall apart, he still sensed the man’s extraordinary presence and couldn’t help but look twice. Noticing he had a graceful young woman with black hair in his arms, the two of them intimately close and seemingly whispering to each other, his gaze quickly moved away.

Su Dangu withdrew his arm and said, “Haidu Aling is looking for an opportunity.”

Yao Ying’s eyes flickered as she guessed at Haidu Aling’s purpose: “Lady Yina and her guards are all eyes and ears for the Wahan Khan. Haidu Aling wants to meet Yuchi Datmo but fears being discovered by her, so he’s also disguised himself to slip in. He’s here to persuade Yuchi Datmo to lend him troops.”

As they talked, they slowly walked to a dark corner. To others watching, Yao Ying held Su Dangu’s arm while he bent his head to speak with her. Their posture was intimate – one graceful and charming, the other tall and steady. People assumed they were lovers deep in romance and didn’t look twice. Such scenes were common at banquets.

Yao Ying pretended to be drunk, hiding in Su Dangu’s embrace as they retreated behind an empty table in the corner. She released her tight grip on Su Dangu’s hand and found a servant serving wine, asking him to relay a message to her “cousin” Yang Qian.

Before long, Yang Qian hurried over, reeking of alcohol but still clear-headed – he was used to heavy drinking and could handle a thousand cups without falling.

Yao Ying told him that Haidu Aling had arrived.

Yang Qian’s whole body tensed as he asked in a low voice, “Is the Princess certain she hasn’t mistaken someone else?”

He had never seen Haidu Aling before.

Yao Ying nodded: “I wouldn’t mistake Haidu Aling.”

Now she was especially grateful she had insisted on meeting Yuchi Datmo today. If Haidu Aling had met Datmo first, her meeting with Datmo wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

Yang Qian’s expression grew serious. “I’ll go check on the State Lord.”

Yao Ying watched him turn and leave, her mind racing.

This was Gaochang – with Haidu Aling concealing his identity, it was the perfect opportunity to kill him. However, he was the Northern Rong’s greatest warrior, supremely skilled in martial arts. Given his style, he must have guards hidden nearby. If they couldn’t succeed in one strike, Yuchi Datmo and the others would be in danger.

Moreover, like Haidu Aling, she couldn’t reveal her identity or let him recognize her.

The circumstances between an exiled, fallen princess and one under the protection of the Royal Court’s Buddhist Prince would be worlds apart. Tan Moluo Jia’s proclamation to various states had allowed her to safely reach Gaochang and gain recognition of her princess status from the Hexi nobles and Yuchi Datmo with barely any effort. Only then would those opportunists abandon thoughts of offering her to Haidu Aling.

If she exposed herself before Lady Yina, it could spark conflict between the Royal Court and Northern Rong.

She couldn’t act recklessly just because of Tan Moluo Jia’s compassion.

Yao Ying knelt at the table, hands clenched into fists. As she considered the various consequences that could arise from acting impulsively, the killing intent that had risen in her eyes gradually faded.

A cool gaze fell on her face.

Yao Ying looked up.

Su Dangu had keenly noticed her transformation over those few breaths.

Yao Ying smiled slightly and said softly, “General need not worry about me. I know what’s at stake and won’t act rashly.”

She had no fighting ability – unless necessary, she wouldn’t foolishly try to assassinate Haidu Aling.

Su Dangu shifted his gaze, scanning around once before noticing Haidu Aling leaving the banquet table and walking toward the felt tent. He made to stand up, saying, “Haidu is going to see Yuchi. I’ll escort the Princess back.”

Yao Ying shook her head: “Wait a bit longer. I’m worried something might happen – I need to wait for Yang Qian to return.”

Su Dangu lowered his gaze to look at her.

Yao Ying looked into his eyes, her lips curving slightly as she said word by word: “I’m fine. With General here, I’m not afraid at all.”

Having calmed down after the initial panic of suddenly seeing Haidu Aling, she felt much better.

Su Dangu shifted his gaze and sat back down.

In the hall, dancers twirled to melodious music, and fresh candles replaced the spent ones on the gilded lamp trees. The candlelight glowed brightly, everything appearing peaceful and calm.

Yao Ying had no interest in appreciating the songs and dances. She casually pulled a plate of fruit closer, eating while keeping watch in the direction of the felt tent.

A crescent moon hung high in the pitch-black sky. As the tune ended, scattered applause echoed through the hall. The Qiang flute fell silent, and several Hu women wearing brocade caps walked to the center of the round carpet. The courtyard grew quiet for a moment, and then the musician holding a pipa struck her strings, suddenly launching into a rapid melody. The Hu women twisted their slender waists, spinning and twirling, their skirts opening like brilliantly blooming flowers.

The atmosphere instantly became lively, with guests getting up to dance, holding hands, and dancing to the songs.

Yao Ying watched the corridor when suddenly a dark shadow fell over her, and a hand extended before her.

She looked up.

A young man wearing a beast-face mask, dressed in small-sleeved robes with a leather belt at his waist, stood before her. His light brown eyes looked at her as he said with a smile, “Are you Yang Qian’s sister? Fourth Brother and I get along best – I know Third Lady and Fifth Lady. Has Fourth Brother abandoned you again? Come join us, Young Lady Yang.”

Yao Ying shook her head, reaching out to tug Su Dangu’s sleeve, indicating she had company.

The young man’s gaze fell on Su Dangu’s face, glancing at his mask, then carefully studied the mask on Yao Ying’s face for a long while before letting out a frustrated “Ah!” and making an apologetic gesture to Su Dangu.

“I’ve been too forward.”

With that, he turned and withdrew.

Yao Ying felt his gaze had been strange. She touched the mask on her face – while the grotesque mask was frightening, it wasn’t uncommon. Why had that person stared so intently at her mask?

Before she could think further, a figure flashed in the corridor – Haidu Aling had emerged.

Yao Ying quickly lowered her head, picking up a dried fruit and offering it to Su Dangu, her finger gently poking his arm.

Su Dangu lowered his eyes, accepting the dried fruit she offered, then raised his gaze to follow Haidu Aling.

A moment later, his voice came from above Yao Ying’s head: “Haidu has left.”

She let out a sigh of relief.

…

The felt tent remained dim.

After Haidu Aling had secretly entered the palace to meet Yuchi Datmo, Yang Qian stood guard outside. Once Haidu left, he immediately lifted the curtain and entered. “Datmo, what did Haidu Aling want?”

Yuchi Datmo sat on the couch, his expression grave: “He told me Yina killed my son and daughter, and the siblings sent to Northern Rong were shepherd children.”

Yang Qian frowned: “He came to Gaochang just to tell you this?”

Yuchi Datmo glanced at him and asked, “Has Princess Wenzhao left?”

Yang Qian shook his head.

Yuchi Datmo’s eyes narrowed slightly: “So the Princess indeed hasn’t left… Please ask the Princess to come, I have a few words to say to her.”

Yang Qian went to invite Yao Ying, who remained seated, waiting for the time it took to drink a cup of tea to ensure Haidu Aling had truly left before rising to meet Yuchi Datmo.

She had already heard from Yang Qian about Haidu Aling’s conversation with Yuchi Datmo. As soon as she entered the felt tent, she asked, “Does the State Lord wish to ask me whose subordinates those Northern Rong people were who pursued the Young Lord and his sister?”

Yuchi Datmo’s pupils contracted as he nodded: “Indeed, that’s exactly what I wanted to ask.”

Yao Ying sat down opposite him and said, “To be honest with the State Lord, I’m not certain either.”

Yuchi Datmo remained silent for a while before letting out a cold laugh: “The Princess was in Gaochang and should have met with me. Only by knowing Yina had sent away my children could you have dispatched people to save them in time. Where was Haidu Aling then? He and I have never had any contact – how does he know my situation so thoroughly? And how did he know Yina would make her move?”

Yao Ying met his gaze and said, “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.”

Yuchi Datmo’s chest heaved violently, his eyes cold. “Thank you, Princess, for saving my children! If not for your intervention, they could not have escaped this disaster.”

Yao Ying calmly replied: “Heaven protects the fortunate.”

Yuchi Datmo’s face darkened, his knuckles cracking: “Haidu Aling didn’t speak his purpose directly just now, but I can guess his intentions. He merely wants to become the new Khan and seeks my money and troops to aid him. I will pretend to go along.”

He sighed, straightened up, and raised both hands in a deep bow to Yao Ying, his tone solemn: “I entrust my children to the Princess’s care.”

Yao Ying returned the bow, saying: “Please rest assured, State Lord.”

Yuchi Datmo stared at her unblinkingly, his red hair and brown eyes stark against his pale face, his gaze sharp as a knife as he said coldly: “Princess, if Haidu Aling’s power grows and he kills the other princes, I will have no choice but to obey him.”

Yao Ying smiled and said: “No matter what happens, whether the alliance breaks or not, it has nothing to do with your children.”

Yuchi Datmo’s narrow eyes gazed at her for a long while before a smile appeared on his lips: “I trust the Princess.”

Yao Ying knew that at this moment, Yuchi Datmo truly accepted her as an ally.

She rose to leave, and just as she was about to exit the felt tent, Yuchi Datmo’s wondering voice came from behind:

“The Princess is indeed worthy of being the Buddhist Prince’s person.”

His tone was completely sincere.

Yao Ying’s brow twitched. Walking out of the felt tent, she recalled those strange rumors circulating through Gaochang’s streets and alleys. She pressed her palms together, silently apologizing to Tan Moluo Jia in her heart.

She owed Tan Moluo Jia a great deal.

Yang Qian caught up with her, anxiously asking: “Princess, who is the mantis? Who is the oriole?”

Earlier, when Yuchi Datmo and Yao Ying spoke in riddles, he hadn’t understood, completely confused. Several times he wanted to interrupt with questions, but Yuchi Datmo had ignored him.

Yao Ying explained to him: “Lady Yina is the mantis, Haidu Aling is the oriole.”

She and Su Dangu had suspected Lady Yina would move to kill the siblings, so they had sent people to rescue them, creating evidence that the siblings were dead. Lady Yina’s guards believed it and stopped pursuing them, instead sending a pair of children of similar age to Northern Rong.

Lady Yina’s intentions were obvious: kill the siblings to eliminate future troubles while keeping it secret from Yuchi Datmo, using the shepherd children to continue threatening him.

Haidu Aling’s sudden appearance in the palace, specifically bringing this tragic news to Yuchi Datmo, immediately aroused Datmo’s vigilance. Yao Ying also realized things might not be as simple as she had previously thought.

It wasn’t just Lady Yina who wanted to kill the siblings – there was also Haidu Aling.

Whether or not Lady Yina had intended to kill the siblings, Haidu Aling wouldn’t have let them reach Northern Rong alive. He wanted to use this incident to frame Lady Yina and cause a complete break between Yuchi Datmo and her.

That’s why Yuchi Datmo had been so frightened afterward, sighing that his children couldn’t have escaped this disaster.

If Yao Ying hadn’t intervened to save them, even if the siblings had somehow escaped Lady Yina’s pursuing guards, they still couldn’t have escaped Haidu Aling’s murderous intentions.

Hearing her detailed explanation, Yang Qian suddenly understood and angrily exclaimed: “They won’t even spare children!”

Yao Ying thought to herself that Haidu Aling had nearly succeeded – without her interference, Yuchi Datmo wouldn’t have suspected his motives.

Had she once again accidentally disrupted Haidu Aling’s plans?

As they talked, they left the corridor. At the steps, a straight figure stood with a thin layer of cool moonlight on his shoulders.

Whenever Yao Ying met with Yuchi Datmo, Yang Qian, and the others, Su Dangu wouldn’t stay too close, only watching over her from a distance.

Standing there, he was like someone perched on a high mountain peak, removed from the world.

Yao Ying looked at his silhouette, remembering the young man’s strange look earlier, and asked Yang Qian: “Fourth Brother, was there something wrong with the mask I wore tonight?”

Yang Qian started, then shook his head.

Yao Ying frowned slightly and told him about the incident with the young man.

Yang Qian suddenly slapped his forehead.

“I forgot to warn the Princess…” He pointed at Su Dangu in the distance. “The masks worn at palace banquets have specific meanings. When you and he attended the banquet wearing matching masks, my friend might have thought you were engaged.”

Yao Ying froze.

Heaven knows she hadn’t done it on purpose…