In the Moonlight

The black hawk Golden General huddled trembling in Yaoying's arms, its eyes dull and vacant.

Yaoying stroked Golden General's feathers with pity, then looked up at the eagle scaffold under the corridor with a puzzled expression. Wang Temple faced a steep cliff where eagles nested, and messenger falcons often lingered around the temple to deliver messages for Tanmoroqie. Thus, many courtyards in the temple had eagle scaffolds for messenger birds to perch and rest. The falcons had never bullied other messenger birds before—why had one suddenly gone mad, chasing and pecking at Golden General?

Ashina Bisha, standing nearby, glanced at the scattered feathers on the ground and said, "I'll escort you back, Princess."

Yaoying snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head. "The guards can see me back. You and the Buddha Prince have important matters to discuss—there's no need to trouble yourself, General."

She smiled at Bisha and left, holding Golden General in her arms.

Bisha stood where he was, watching her retreating figure until she disappeared, lost in thought for a moment.

Just as Yaoying turned the corner of the long corridor, hurried footsteps sounded behind her. Yuanjue caught up, holding a mother-of-pearl box adorned with gold leaf.

"Princess, Garuda lost its temper and scratched you. Please don't be angry with it. Keep this box—when Bore used to care for Garuda and got scratched, he applied this ointment and healed quickly."

Yaoying thanked him and accepted the box. "It's nothing serious. Garuda has never seen Golden General before and might have been startled. I won't bring Golden General here in the future."

Perhaps the falcon was territorial and attacked the black hawk upon seeing a stranger in Wang Temple.

"As long as you're not upset," Yuanjue said, scratching his head before escorting Yaoying back to her quarters.

Descending the stone steps and winding through the snow-covered Pagoda Forest, they encountered a monk soldier running toward them, panting heavily. Spotting Yuanjue, the soldier lowered his voice and said, "Princess Chima is heading this way."

Yuanjue halted, glanced at Yaoying, and his face showed unease.

Yaoying asked, "Is there another way back to my quarters?"

Princess Chima was surely here to see Tanmoroqie. The Tanmo clan had been nearly wiped out by the Zhang family, leaving only the siblings alive. This princess had always harbored hatred for Han people—it was better to avoid her.

Yuanjue breathed a sigh of relief. "Please follow me, Princess."

He led Yaoying into a narrow, cramped alley and whispered, "Thank you for your understanding."

Yaoying smiled, indicating it was no trouble.

The people of the Royal Court despised Han people, especially the nobility. Though Yaoying had little interaction with the Royal Court nobles and hadn't faced direct harassment, she could glean from conversations with Yuanjue, Bore, and others that Tanmoroqie's protection of her had stirred considerable criticism.

She had already caused Tanmoroqie enough trouble. With the Royal Court plagued by internal and external conflicts, he was exhausted and had too much on his mind. She didn't want to add to his burdens with petty conflicts.

...

Just after Yaoying and Yuanjue left, Princess Chima strode into the Pagoda Forest, brushing past the admonitions of the monk soldiers and heading straight for the main hall.

When the guards went in to announce her, Bisha was startled and rushed out of the main hall in quick strides, blocking Princess Chima's path.

"The King is busy with affairs of state. Why are you here?"

Princess Chima lifted her head, her gaze stern. "Why am I here? I'm here to demand justice for you!"

Bisha's face darkened.Princess Chima said angrily, "With Su Dan Gu dead, you are the best candidate for Regent. If Luojia had appointed you as Regent earlier, the court wouldn't be in such chaos! His delay in appointing a new Regent has stirred up the Xue, Kang, An, and Meng families. The Left, Right, and Front Armies are controlled by these noble families, and now they're scheming. The Four Armies under their command are also growing restless. The Holy City is tightly besieged—the Xue family could storm the Wang Temple at any moment!"

"The city is in a state of panic. Even the servants in my residence say he's been sidelined by the noble families again. Why is he still delaying your appointment as Regent? You're the Commander of the Central Army, having risked your life for him and remained utterly loyal—you're the undeniable choice for Regent! Does he have to wait until the Four Armies charge into the Wang Temple before he's willing to delegate power to you?"

Bi Suo's brow twitched. He grabbed Princess Chima's shoulders and lowered his voice, "The King has his plans. Don't disrupt them!"

Princess Chima looked at him, her expression disappointed and furious. "I'm doing this for you!"

Bi Suo's face turned stern as he said gravely, "You don't know the full story. Stay out of court affairs."

"What full story?" Princess Chima shook off Bi Suo's hand and continued striding inward. "All I know is the situation is critical and urgent—the Four Armies are about to attack the Wang Temple! Go up to the city walls and look: the snowy plains outside are densely covered with their camps, and their banners are planted all along the post roads within a hundred li of the Holy City!"

Bi Suo yanked Princess Chima back. "Chima, I'll explain later. Don't disturb the King..."

As the two struggled, a guard lifted the felt curtain and said softly, "The King requests the Princess's presence inside."

Princess Chima sneered, lifted her chin, and entered the felt tent.

Bi Suo frowned deeply and hurried after her.

Low, guttural bird calls echoed from within the tent, shadows shifting.

Tanmoroqie sat before a long desk, transcribing scriptures, his expression serene.

On the windowsill stood a falcon perch where the falcon Garuda was tethered. It spread its wings, eager to soar, but the jesses on its claws pulled it back. It could only turn and let out discontented grunts at Luojia, tugging fiercely at the restraints. The metal hooks on the leather straps clattered noisily against the perch.

Amid the clamor, Tanmoroqie continued writing with calm elegance, as if detached from the mortal world, completely oblivious to the falcon's racket.

The falcon, not daring to struggle further, settled meekly on the perch, its spirit subdued.

Princess Chima shot a disgusted glare at the falcon and stepped forward.

Bi Suo tugged her sleeve, reminding her to pay respects.

A flash of irritation crossed Princess Chima's face. She gave a perfunctory bow, sat down, and said bluntly, "Luojia, Su Dan Gu is dead. Why haven't you appointed Bi Suo as Regent?"

Tanmoroqie did not pause in his writing.

Bi Suo promptly dropped to one knee, right fist over his chest, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I am too frivolous and rash to bear the heavy responsibility of Regent."

Chima turned, eyes wide, and retorted, "You joined the Central Army as a youth, guarding and serving the sovereign with unwavering loyalty. Since fifteen, you've fought on battlefields and achieved countless merits. Now you're a respected Commander, beloved by all. If you can't handle it, who in the court can?"

Bi Suo replied calmly, "The Regent must not only lead armies but also oversee court affairs, administer justice, and adjudicate penalties. There's too much to manage. I only understand warfare, not governance."Chima tremb with rage, her tone filled with bitter disappointment. "Su Dan Gu was a fellow central guard like you! He came from a lowly background, while you are of noble descent. If he could become Regent, why can’t you?!"

Bi Suo’s expression turned icy as he prepared to retort, but Tanmoroqie set down his brush and glanced toward him.

He immediately fell silent.

Tanmoroqie’s emerald eyes swept calmly over Chima. "Chima," he asked, "who was the last Regent loyal to the Tanmo family?"

Chima was taken aback. Since her grandfather’s generation, the Tanmo royal house had been gradually stripped of power by noble families, with court affairs controlled by these clans—until Tanmoroqie reclaimed the throne. The last Regent truly devoted to the royal family dated back many years.

After a moment’s thought, she sneered, "It was General Saisang’er, senior disciple of Master Boluoliuzhi. Like Bi Suo, he rose from the central guards and served the previous Buddha Prince from childhood."

"How old was he when he passed into nirvana?"

Chima thought for a moment. "Twenty-nine."

"And before General Saisang’er?"

"General Mohe."

Tanmoroqie watched Chima steadily.

Recalling General Mohe’s life, Chima’s anger abruptly vanished: General Mohe had attempted to reform the Royal Court’s military system but was overthrown by the noble families and executed by dismemberment.

She fell silent, reflecting carefully.

Most Regents throughout the Royal Court’s history met tragic fates. No matter how glorious their rise, once distrusted by the monarch or defeated by political rivals, they either died horribly or were crushed by noble families, never to recover. The renowned General Saisang’er, like Su Dan Gu, was a martial expert with illustrious military achievements. Also a lay disciple, upright and constantly clashing with noble families, he met an untimely death at twenty-nine—rumored to be assassinated by those very families.

A chill ran down Chima’s spine, her face turning ashen.

Tanmoroqie spoke calmly, "Chima, appointing Bi Suo as Regent would be placing him on a fiery spit to roast."

Chima’s lips trembled as she turned to look at Bi Suo.

Bi Suo sighed. "Princess, do you know how many assassination attempts Su Dan Gu faced after becoming Regent?"

Chima remained silent.

Staring at her, Bi Suo enunciated each word: "All year round. Every moment."

Chima shuddered, bit her lip, slowly rose, and left without another word.

Bi Suo escorted her out, stopping beneath the Felt Curtain to grasp her arm.

"Princess," he said coldly, "do you remember the days when the Zhang clan held power?"

Chima jerked her head up, glaring at Bi Suo. "I suffered under the Zhang clan’s abuse since childhood, watched them slaughter my people—how could I ever forget those days!"

Bi Suo’s expression darkened. "Then don’t forget who, at thirteen, repelled Wahan Khan, reclaimed the throne, avenged the Tanmo clan, and granted you your royal status as princess."

Princess Chima’s face hardened.

Bi Suo pulled her out of the main hall. "The King was imprisoned in Wang Temple from birth! While you enjoyed servants’ care in the palace, he endured hunger and cold in gloomy detention halls. Before turning thirteen, he never once stepped beyond those walls!"

Rage churned in his chest, his teeth grinding audibly."At the age of thirteen, he shouldered the entire Royal Court. For over a decade, he dared not relax for even a moment. Look around—mighty empires like Persia collapsed overnight, their royal families forced into exile until completely forgotten. And those dozens of tribes in the eastern grasslands, overthrown in a single night—the elderly slaughtered, men enslaved, women violated and reduced to slavery. In these chaotic times, which nation can remain untouched? Why has the Royal Court remained peaceful and stable?"

"Because the King has not fallen!"

Bi Suo's voice trembled. "Chima, after merely ten years of peace, you've forgotten the past. Do you think the noble families are as docile and obedient as a flock of lambs?"

Princess Chima's face turned ashen.

Bi Suo's chest heaved violently as he released his grip on Princess Chima.

"The Regent bears too many burdens. I am impulsive and restless, indulging in horseback riding and hunting—I cannot stay idle for a moment. I am unfit to be Regent. In this lifetime, I only wish to serve as a general, assisting the King in governing the Royal Court."

Princess Chima's expression darkened.

Bi Suo turned and retreated to the inner hall.

...

Amidst curling wisps of incense smoke, Tanmoroqie remained bowed over his desk, transcribing Scriptures.

The falcon on its perch flapped its wings, attempting to draw his attention, but he didn't lift his head, his brush moving with the grace of plucking a flower.

Bi Suo whispered, "Your Majesty, please do not take Princess Chima's words to heart."

Tanmoroqie raised his eyes and asked, "Bi Suo, have you ever considered succeeding as Regent?"

Bi Suo dropped to one knee, fist pressed in salute. "I have, Your Majesty. Since the world believes Su Dan Gu is dead, why not let me assume the role of Regent? I will act with utmost caution!"

Tanmoroqie shook his head.

Bi Suo declared fervently, "I know I am reckless and impulsive, unfit for great responsibilities—but I can change! I can learn gradually how to be a Regent and share Your Majesty's burdens."

Tanmoroqie set down his brush and gazed at Bi Suo.

"Bi Suo, with your capabilities, you are fully qualified to become Regent."

Bi Suo's face lit up with joy. "Your Majesty, then allow me to devote myself to your service!"

Tanmoroqie shook his head again. "The candidate for Regent cannot be any general from the Royal Court's powerful clans."

Bi Suo stared in stunned silence before exclaiming passionately, "Your Majesty, though I bear a Turkic surname, I am of the Royal Court! My clan is too!"

Tanmoroqie laid down his brush. "Bi Suo, I do not doubt your loyalty."

He rose and walked to the eagle scaffold.

The falcon affectionately pecked at the sleeve of his Kasaya.

Without looking at the bird, Tanmoroqie said, "See how four of the five armies have fallen into disarray over the Regent succession? Noble families scheme against one another, even going so far as to secretly deploy troops to surround the Holy City—all to force me to choose a Regent from among them."

Bi Suo sighed inwardly.

Tanmoroqie's back remained turned, his tone cool and detached: "If we truly select a Regent from among them, do you believe stability would follow?"

Bi Suo's eyes widened in realization.

The noble families would never cease their intrigues. They would continue their covert and overt struggles until they firmly grasped power. Regardless of external circumstances, these families would never stop pursuing their own interests—even when the Northern Rong armies were at the gates, they would still be engrossed in their petty schemes.

Therefore, Bi Suo, born of noble lineage, could not serve as Regent. Once appointed, he would inevitably be drawn into the vortex of clan conflicts, unable to extricate himself, plunging the court into chaos once more.Only someone with Su Dan Gu's status would be suitable—not only is he highly skilled in martial arts and iron-fisted in his methods, capable of repeatedly evading assassinations, but he also does not come from a noble family. He is alone, with no clan ties to burden him. Although this may provoke the hatred of the noble families, it is also a way to balance their power and force them into temporary submission.

Bi Suo closed his eyes. Tanmoroqie had already shown signs of losing control last time—how much longer could he hold on like this?

"Your Majesty, you cannot continue like this," he said, his voice trembling.

Tanmoroqie lowered his gaze, looking at the falcon.

"Indeed, continuing like this is ultimately like drinking poison to quench thirst."

The Royal Court was different from the Han lands. Here, the noble families were local lords, holding military power. Apart from the central army, the other four armies were under the control of these families. If the monarch showed weakness, he would be completely sidelined.

And once the noble families fell into internal strife, it would create an opportunity for their enemies.

Without fundamental change, there could be no lasting stability.

Since he knew where the root of the problem lay, he had to find a way to cure it. Otherwise, after he was gone, the seemingly prosperous Royal Court would be vulnerable to collapse.

Tanmoroqie did not know how much longer he could hold on. Before that time came, he had to find a way out for his people.

"The seven-day deadline is almost here."

Tanmoroqie looked up, gazing at the snowlight reflected in the window.

"If things take a turn for the worse, escort Princess Wenzhao to Gaochang."

He paused.

"Find a way to send her back to the Han lands."

Bi Suo looked up in surprise, staring at Tanmoroqie's back. His eyes flickered for a moment before he finally responded in a deep voice, "Yes."