Yaoying stepped out of the main hall, and Bore quickly caught up with her, his eyes glaring and face stern as he opened his mouth to reprimand her.
Before he could speak, Yaoying swiftly said, "I was pushed in by someone just now."
The push had been forceful, clearly deliberate.
Bore froze in surprise.
Yaoying pointed to the seemingly endless line in front of the hall and asked, "Where do the worshippers come from? Have their identities been verified?"
Bore shook his head and said, "The temple has been holding prayer services these past few days, which will last for five consecutive days. People from the Royal Court, regardless of status, are allowed to come to Wang Temple to pay their respects. Some of them are residents of the Holy City, while others have traveled from elsewhere. They've been waiting outside the temple for days, fasting and abstaining from drink, just to catch a glimpse of the King. Because the crowd outside kept growing, we had to let some in first and didn't have time to check each one individually. However, the imperial guards should have verified their identities when they entered the city..."
Yaoying frowned slightly. Who could have pushed her?
Bore glanced at Yaoying, snorted lightly, and said, "Princess, you should be more careful from now on. It's best not to wander outside the temple alone. I know who pushed you."
Yaoying asked, "Who was it?"
Bore tucked his hands into his sleeves, his gaze lingering on Yaoying's naturally radiant, peach-blossom-like face even without makeup. He lowered his voice and said, "The King has been so lenient with you that the people of the Royal Court have long been talking about it. The worshippers say they want to find a way to drive you out. The one who pushed you must be among them. Be careful—don't think that just because the King indulges you, you can do as you please."
Yaoying hummed in acknowledgment, lost in thought, and said, "I'll remember that. Thank you for the warning."
A faint blush flashed across Bore's face. He lifted his chin and muttered gruffly, "If it weren't for fear of you tarnishing the King's reputation, I wouldn't have bothered warning you!"
With that, he strode off stiffly, his long legs carrying him away as he flicked his sleeves.
Yaoying chuckled softly and stood at the foot of the steps, scanning her surroundings. Among the crowded masses, countless cold glances swept over her, but when she looked back, those people had already averted their gaze and melted into the crowd.
It's easier to dodge an open spear than a hidden arrow.
It seemed the push just now had been a spontaneous act by someone among the worshippers who held a grudge against her.
Yaoying retreated from the corridor, turned into a narrow passageway, and waited on the path Dharmaraga would take back to his Zen room.
Along the way, monks, novices, and devout worshippers cast furtive glances at her, huddling together and whispering among themselves.
After a moment's thought, Yaoying descended the stone steps and left the corridor.
Dharmaraga's birthday was approaching, and for the past few days, the front hall of Wang Temple had been packed from morning till night with worshippers who had traveled from afar to pay their respects. Given her sensitive status, appearing by Dharmaraga's side at such a time would surely hurt the feelings of these devotees and damage Luojia's reputation.
During the prayer assembly, it would be best for her to avoid appearing at Wang Temple as much as possible.
...
Half an hour later, the prayer assembly concluded. Dharmaraga emerged from the main hall, his jade-green eyes sweeping indifferently across the corridor.
The corridor was empty. Snowlight spilled inside, illuminating the vibrant colors of the mural on the wall depicting the Buddha preaching—seated in full lotus posture, dignified and majestic.
Yuanjue craned his neck and peered around for a while, then said in puzzlement, "Princess Wenzhao was just here... Where did she go?"
Dharmaraga remained silent.
She never belonged here to begin with and would leave sooner or later, so there was no such thing as "disappearing."
Clutching his gilded incense staff, he walked into the corridor. The wide hem of his Kasaya brushed against the railing, sweeping off a fresh layer of snow.Returning to the Zen room and still not seeing Yaoying, Yuanjue grew somewhat worried and asked the monk soldiers, "Have any of you seen Princess Wenzhao?"
The monk soldiers replied, "Princess Wenzhao came by earlier and left this."
One of them produced a piece of parchment.
Yuanjue took the parchment and brought it to the long table.
"Where is the princess now?"
The monk soldier said, "After giving this to us, the princess mentioned she was going to discuss matters with General Ashina."
Yuanjue frowned and glanced back at Tanmoroqie.
Tanmoroqie's emerald eyes were lowered, gazing at the parchment. His expression remained calm, with not a ripple of emotion in his gaze.
Just as Yuanjue thought he might not have heard, Tanmoroqie suddenly asked, "Did you send anyone to accompany her?"
The monk soldier paused, then said, "By your order, the guards would not allow the princess to leave Wang Temple alone. Two men were sent to follow her."
Tanmoroqie gave a slight nod.
...
Yaoying changed into riding attire, veiled her face, and rode out of Wang Temple on horseback.
Her personal guards and two central army escorts followed behind her.
She first went to see Old Qi, gave him some instructions, and on her way back to the city, stopped by to visit Ashina Bisha, asking him for a small favor.
When Bisha helped her retrieve her dowry from the Northern Rong, she had thought it unwise to put all her eggs in one basket. She sent several personal guards with different merchant caravans to Samarkand, the Land of Brahma, and Tubo, both to find ways to send messages and secure a fallback plan, as well as to gather information.
Now the merchant caravans were returning one after another. Some brought back what she wanted, while others turned back halfway, achieving nothing.
Yaoying couldn't help but think of Zhang Jiu and the others who had set out from Gaochang. She wondered where they were now and whether they had managed to break through the Northern Rong blockade. The Royal Court also had specialized scout units for gathering intelligence, and she wanted to ask Bisha for some information.
Bisha was not at his residence but had gone to the training ground.
His personal guard explained, "Every year around the king's birthday, he inspects the troops at the training ground, followed by a grand martial arts competition that all citizens are welcome to watch. This year, the general is also participating in the competition, so he has been spending these days at the training ground sparring with others."
After the recent turmoil, the Royal Court needed a grand military review and martial arts competition to stabilize public morale.
Yaoying had her escorts lead the way and turned toward the training ground.
The training ground was set up near the Sand Garden outside the city, with a spacious area and convenient terrain. Seating was arranged outside the field.
When Yaoying arrived at the training ground, the place was bustling with activity. The thunder of hooves filled the air as a mounted archery competition was underway. Nobles in splendid attire sat on the high platform, intently watching the two horses at the front of the field, their interest piqued.
The escorts informed Yaoying that, as per tradition, various tribes and small states paying tribute would also send warriors to participate in the competition. To avoid causing discord, in the days leading up to the official martial arts contest, some warriors would spar privately to gauge each other's strength.
Yaoying stood on the platform and looked toward the training field.
The competition in the field was in full swing. A row of targets stood to the south, where over a dozen central army knights, dressed in uniform and riding robust black horses, held longbows. Like wind and lightning, they galloped around the field. At a hundred paces from the targets, they raised their arms, nocked arrows, and unleashed a rapid volley, each arrow striking the bullseye.
Cheers erupted from the crowd outside the field.Before long, soldiers below the platform raised flags and loudly announced the competition results. Two broad-shouldered, sturdy men urged their horses forward while the other defeated soldiers withdrew from the training ground. The two men slowly retreated to opposite sides of the field. After a while, the targets were removed, leaving only a long pole. A horn sounded—deep and resonant—as both horses simultaneously broke into a gallop. The two men on horseback showed no fear of falling, extending their long arms to draw bows and fire arrows in rapid succession.
The arrows shot from their speeding horses carried immense force, like a rainbow piercing the sun, filling the arena with thunderous sounds. The arrows struck the long pole squarely, causing it to tremble violently.
Another tie.
Men and women at the sidelines cheered in unison.
Yaoying recognized one of the men below as Bi Suo and silently admired his skill.
With another blast of the horn, the two men spurred their horses and nocked arrows again. Bi Suo’s opponent suddenly hesitated, releasing his arrow only after Bi Suo had shot. With a sharp whizz, the arrow flew like lightning, striking Bi Suo’s arrow mid-air and sending both feathers tumbling to the ground.
The crowd erupted in astonishment.
Before anyone could react, the man nocked another arrow, drew his bow to its full strength, and steadily shot the long pole.
With a loud crash, the pole fell to the ground.
The spectators exchanged glances, unsure how to judge the outcome.
Below, Bi Suo laughed heartily and cupped his hands in salute to the opponent who had shot down his arrow. “Impressive strength!” he exclaimed.
His opponent removed his helmet, revealing a young, handsome face with sharp features and spirited eyes, his brown pupils gleaming with unconcealed pride.
“The one who defeated the General is Mobi Duo,” whispered Yaoying’s guard beside her.
Bi Suo showed no displeasure at his loss. Withdrawing from the field with Mobi Duo, he spotted Yaoying waiting nearby and rode up to her.
Yaoying explained the matter she needed his help with.
Bi Suo replied, “I’ve been keeping an eye on this. The Northern Rong have moved their camp to the Orda, and their elite cavalry units are shifting westward. Security in the eastern territories should have relaxed. There’s been no news from Zhang Jiu and the others for now.”
Yaoying calculated the days. “No news might be good. The Northern Rong have been weakened by this turmoil. Perhaps they seized the chance to cross the border.”
Bi Suo glanced at her reassuringly. “They are brave and fearless—they will surely be safe.”
Yaoying nodded. “I hope they can turn misfortune into blessing.”
After conversing awhile, they returned to the city together. Just inside the gates, hoofbeats approached rapidly, and a fast horse halted before them.
The rider dismounted and gestured to Yaoying and Bi Suo—it was Yuanjue, who had come to find them.
“General, the King orders you to Wang Temple at once,” Yuanjue said, then glanced at Yaoying. “The King said that if Princess Wenzhao is also here, she is to come along.”
Bi Suo and Yaoying hurried back to Wang Temple.
The temple gates remained bustling with activity. Avoiding the crowd, they entered through a side door and walked together down the corridor leading to the Zen room.
Two sets of footsteps echoed—one hurried, the other light and steady.
They had returned together.
Bi Suo, with his long limbs, walked swiftly but deliberately slowed his pace as they neared the Zen room, pausing to wait for Yaoying.
She smiled at him.
Side by side, they ascended the stone steps.
At the far end of the corridor, Tanmoroqie stood before the steps, head slightly bowed, his hand stroking the falcon. Abruptly, his movements stilled.
The falcon immediately let out a discontented cry.Tanmoroqie paid no attention to it, withdrawing his hand as the sleeve of his kasaya fluttered lightly. He turned sideways to the courtyard, gesturing for Bi Suo to step forward and examine the intelligence just delivered by the falcon.
Seeing this, Yaoying understood she should withdraw. She retreated from the corridor, removed her veil, and took out dried meat to feed the falcon.
The falcon glanced at her disdainfully, flapped its wings, and flew to the railing before her.
After reading the message, Bi Suo frowned. Noticing Yaoying had stepped away, he nodded inwardly in approval, then approached and whispered, "The Northern Rong are secretly mobilizing troops. Have they grown impatient and plan to attack us?"
Tanmoroqie nodded calmly. "I have already issued orders to strengthen vigilance at all fronts. A battle between the Royal Court and Northern Rong is inevitable."
Bi Suo nodded with a grave expression.
The Royal Court had just experienced internal turmoil, leaving morale unstable. This battle would likely be difficult.
However, when had the Royal Court ever been confident in any confrontation with Northern Rong over the years? Whenever Wahan Khan led troops against them, the nobles would tremble in fear—either busy transferring their wealth to escape the city or kneeling tearfully to beg Tanmoroqie to surrender. Their constant obstruction had been a hindrance. Now, freed from their interference, Luojia could focus entirely on the enemy.
Bi Suo's unease soon faded as he recalled another matter. Looking up, he asked softly, "My King, who will lead the troops this time?"
Tanmoroqie stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the snow in the courtyard. "You shall be the vanguard."
Understanding the implication, Bi Suo sighed inwardly and acknowledged the order.
If he was to be the vanguard, the commander-in-chief would naturally be Regent Su Dan Gu.
After discussing military matters, Tanmoroqie paused and looked beyond the corridor.
Bi Suo craned his neck to follow his gaze, his brow twitching.
Yaoying stood by the railing, leaning forward to speak to the falcon, her eyes and brows curved in a radiant smile. The brilliance of the pristine snow in the courtyard seemed to converge upon her, her skin glowing brighter than snow, her beauty pure and striking.
Noticing the two men watching her from the corridor, she straightened up and blinked at Tanmoroqie in inquiry.
Tanmoroqie gave a slight nod.
Yaoying entered the corridor.
Bi Suo handed her the intelligence reports, which she swiftly read one after another.
Tanmoroqie said, "Haidu Aling is still alive and remains trusted by Wahan Khan."
Yaoying nodded.
Bi Suo had been watching her and, surprised by her calm reaction, asked, "Did you already suspect this, Princess?"
Yaoying smiled. "Haidu Aling isn't one to fall from grace so easily. General, you needn't worry about me. I never expected to eliminate him with a few attempts at sowing discord."
Having dealt with Li Xuanzhen for years—an opponent who seemed divinely aided to escape any peril—she had learned patience. Haidu Aling's continued favor with Wahan Khan did not shake her resolve.
Lifting her head to meet Bi Suo's sympathetic gaze, she stated, "Haidu Aling is Northern Rong's foremost warrior. To truly defeat him, it must be on the battlefield."
Haidu Aling was tenacious. If one attempt failed, she would try again—a second time, a third.
Bi Suo was struck by her words, gazing at her for a long moment before nodding with a smile.
Yaoying turned to Tanmoroqie. "Did you summon me just to tell me this?"
Tanmoroqie descended the stone steps and motioned for Yaoying to follow him.
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