Yaoying made a vow before Tanmoroqie to atone for her offense and returned that very night to copy two volumes of Scriptures.
The next day, her personal guards delivered the Scriptures to the main hall. Just as the Monk was about to place them alongside other handwritten Scriptures and wooden plaques from devotees offering prayers or confessions, Yuanjue approached and asked, "Where are the Scriptures sent by Princess Wenzhao?"
The Monk hurriedly retrieved them.
Yuanjue took the Scriptures and instructed, "Do not speak of this to anyone else."
The Monk acknowledged the order.
Yuanjue then brought the Scriptures to Tanmoroqie.
Tanmoroqie received them and placed them before the Buddha, reciting Scriptures on Yaoying's behalf.
After a while, he finished chanting and asked, "Were you present yesterday when Princess Wenzhao stepped into the fire altar?"
Yuanjue nodded and said, "Her personal guards first demonstrated the act privately several times. Both General Ashina and I were present to ensure no one would be harmed before cooperating with the princess to intimidate the other princesses."
At this point, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Your Majesty, if only you had seen it—when Princess Wenzhao declared she would step into the fire altar, the other princesses looked at her as if she were mad. Princess Manda sneered, claiming the princess was bluffing, and had someone throw a veil into the altar. The veil immediately caught fire, leaving Princess Manda utterly stunned..."
...
No one knew what miraculous method the personal guards had employed. The fire altar blazed fiercely, emitting wisps of eerie blue flames. Those standing close could feel the scorching heat, and even the accumulated snow melted.
Princess Manda and her attendants inspected the altar multiple times but found no hidden mechanisms.
As Li Yaoying, under the gaze of the crowd, stepped smiling into the fire altar, the onlookers gasped in shock. The central army guards had prepared several large vats filled with water, each holding a bucket ready, their eyes fixed unblinkingly on the altar.
Amid the roaring and crackling of the flames, Yaoying strode forward. The hot wind lifted her veil, revealing a face devoid of fear.
The crowd stared in awe as she walked through the blue flames. Though her brocade robe caught fire, she remained composed. When the blue flames died down, she stood before the altar, her clothes charred but herself unharmed.
She stepped out, blew on her still-smoking sleeve, and asked the other princesses, "Who's next?"
The princesses from various kingdoms retreated in panic, their faces ashen. Even Princess Manda dared not step forward.
...
By the end of his account, Yuanjue couldn't suppress his laughter: "Your Majesty, I inquired with the guards—their skills were learned from wandering mystics and Persian priests. They said if the fire altar failed to intimidate, they had other methods ready: the princess could roll on nail boards, swallow nails... each more terrifying than the last..."
Tanmoroqie, holding his rosary, listened until he finished and said, "In the future, if such matters arise, report to me first."
Yuanjue straightened respectfully and acknowledged the command.
Footsteps sounded at the entrance as Bore entered the hall and sought Tanmoroqie's instruction: "Your Majesty, the temple abbot and several stewards are uncertain where to enshrine the Udumbara flower. They request your guidance."
News of the Udumbara flower's appearance had spread rapidly, drawing crowds of people to Wang Temple to witness the miraculous bloom. The abbot, fearing the flower might be damaged, considered moving the golden blossom to the inner hall, but other monks disagreed, believing it should be displayed in the main hall for all worshippers to see.
Tanmoroqie replied calmly, "Since it is not of this worldly realm, there is no need to enshrine it. Put it away."
Both Yuanjue and Bore were taken aback, feeling it was a great pity.Bore was somewhat unwilling and hesitated, saying: "But that's the Udumbara flower, a treasure that demonstrates the king's virtue. Are we just going to let someone put it away and keep it hidden from the world?"
Tanmoroqie nodded and made an acknowledging sound.
Bore cautiously added: "Your Majesty, if the people cannot see the Udumbara flower, they will be greatly disappointed and complain that Wang Temple is monopolizing the treasure."
"Put it away."
Tanmoroqie declared, his tone authoritative.
Bore dared not persuade further and left dejectedly.
Tanmoroqie looked at the Scriptures copied by Yaoying, his fingers turning the rosary.
After all, the golden flower wasn't real. For her to publicly present it and have it continuously enshrined before the Buddha would be deceiving the deities, and it might inevitably lead to trouble in the future. It was better to put it away.
Although she never cared about such matters.
After a moment of silence, a guard outside the door clasped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, the physician from the Land of Brahma requests an audience."
Tanmoroqie gathered the rosary and nodded.
Yuanjue understood and signaled for the physician from the Land of Brahma to enter the hall.
The physician from the Land of Brahma entered holding a treasure box, bowed to Tanmoroqie, and said: "Your Majesty, I have prepared the pills for Princess Wenzhao. The princess can take one pill first. If she does not experience severe discomfort, she can take one every ten days thereafter. In just one or two years, she can fully recover and will no longer need to take the Concentrated Dew Pill."
He handed a detailed prescription to Yuanjue, who presented it at the desk.
Tanmoroqie picked up the prescription, studied it for a while, and frowned slightly: "Datura?"
The physician from the Land of Brahma felt a tightness in his chest, thinking to himself that what Mengda Ti Po had said was indeed true—the ruler of the Royal Court was quite knowledgeable about medicine and could not be easily deceived as an arrogant and frivolous monarch.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, datura has a mild nature. Although it is toxic, it can also be used for treatment. Its petals can relieve asthma and suppress coughing, and it is particularly effective for pain relief and anesthesia. The princess has a congenital deficiency. To eradicate the root cause, we must increase the dosage of medicine. When the medicine disperses, she will experience pain that is difficult for ordinary people to endure. Therefore, a small amount of datura must be added to the pills."
After speaking, he respectfully added: "When the princess takes the medicine, I can wait nearby. If anything happens to the princess, I am willing to accept punishment."
Tanmoroqie put down the prescription. "There is no need for that, physician."
Treating illnesses inherently carries risks. As a patient himself, he understood this well. His inquiry was not to blame but to clarify the consequences of taking the pills.
"Is Princess Wenzhao in the front hall?"
He asked Yuanjue.
Yuanjue shook his head and replied: "The princess went to the training ground today."
The guards had told him in the morning.
Tanmoroqie said: "When she returns, invite her to the grotto."
...
The day after the ceremony was the martial arts competition. Winners received generous rewards, and even those who lost would not leave empty-handed. In addition, envoys from various countries offered their own treasures as prizes for the victors. People from the Royal Court and warriors from various nations participated enthusiastically, making the event exceptionally lively.
Yaoying had previously selected several valuable treasures as prizes and secured a seat.
She had her guards participate in the horse racing and mounted archery competitions, while she took the opportunity to watch from the sidelines, secretly observing the warhorses and tack used by the warriors from various tribes.
Haidu Aling's keys to victory included several elements: well-trained, highly mobile cavalry with strong endurance; durable, high-quality weapons that could be widely distributed; and fast, sturdy warhorses with strong endurance and load-bearing capacity, available in sufficient numbers.Never underestimate the importance of horses. The quality of horses largely determines the strength of an army. Emperor Wu of Han went to great lengths to obtain the Ferghana horses precisely to improve the military's steeds and enhance the army's capabilities.
Currently, due to years of war, the Central Plains has lost the Hexi and Longyou regions, cutting off the source of superior warhorses. Most armies now use horses from the southwest for campaigns.
Southwestern horses are suitable for mountain transport, but they are lightweight and short in stature, with far less carrying capacity than tall, sturdy horses. Once loaded with water skins, dry rations, and bows and arrows, they cannot bear the weight of a soldier in heavy armor. Thus, soldiers cannot wear armor and can only protect themselves with leather shields.
Moreover, southwestern horses lack both stamina and explosive power, making them unsuitable for rapid marches or surprise attacks. Consequently, Central Plains armies cannot deploy cavalry charges like the Northern Rong cavalry.
As a result, the Central Plains cannot form powerful cavalry units and must rely mainly on infantry for campaigns.
However, relying solely on infantry makes it impossible to reclaim Hexi and Longyou, let alone defeat the Northern Rong.
Yaoying pondered silently: Haidu Aling's future cavalry seemed to source their warhorses from other tribes. If only she could disrupt his plans before he improved his military steeds...
Bi Suo came down from the competition grounds and, spotting Yaoying at the edge, frowned and warned her: "Look over there."
Following his pointing finger, Yaoying saw a furtive figure immediately shrink back into the crowd.
Bi Suo said, "They're from the Piluo Mo Luo delegation. They've been inquiring about you these past two days."
While other princesses had given up, only Princess Manda showed no signs of abandoning her efforts.
Yaoying's brow furrowed slightly.
Bi Suo comforted her: "The Piluo Mo Luo delegation must leave by month's end. No matter how unwilling Princess Manda is, she'll have no reason to stay. Your Highness should stay vigilant around them these days. Everything will be fine by next month."
Yaoying nodded.
In the afternoon, the two returned to Wang Temple together. Yuanjue was waiting at the gate and said Tanmoroqie requested Yaoying's presence.
Bi Suo halted mid-step, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"His Majesty wishes to see Princess Wenzhao today?"
Yuanjue nodded.
Bi Suo looked as if struck by a blunt weapon, his hands clenching into fists.
Yaoying, who happened to have matters to discuss with Tanmoroqie, didn't notice his odd behavior and told Yuanjue: "Please wait, I need to retrieve something from my quarters."
Yuanjue assented and stood waiting outside the courtyard.
Bi Suo didn't leave either, waiting nearby.
Yuanjue glanced at him and whispered: "General, His Majesty didn't summon you."
Bi Suo's expression remained neutral as he said, "Isn't His Majesty receiving the princess in the Zen room? I need to go to the Zen room too. We're heading the same way, so we might as go together."
Yuanjue shook his head: "Not in the Zen room today."
Bi Suo's eyebrow twitched. "Then where?"
Yuanjue scratched his head: "In a meditation chamber near the grottoes, close to the punishment hall. His Majesty has already gone there."
Most courtyards near the punishment hall stood empty, rarely visited. When Tanmoroqie suddenly ordered the meditation chamber cleaned two days ago without further explanation, Yuanjue had been puzzled. Only now did he understand the preparations were for today.
Hearing the words "grottoes" and "punishment hall," Bi Suo shuddered, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Yaoying retrieved her item and emerged. Yuanjue stepped forward to meet her and led her away.
Yaoying followed him through the long corridor, past the Pagoda Forest, up the stone steps, until they reached the entrance of a grotto.The cave was situated in a secluded corner, separated from the cliff wall carved with numerous grottoes by a pitch-black corridor. Though called a cave, it more closely resembled a dwelling, with a tree planted in front of the corridor—its branches bare, making it impossible to identify the species.
"Is the Dharma Master inside?" Yaoying whispered, noticing the absence of guarding central army sentinels.
Yuanjue nodded. "Princess, you may enter."
Carrying a bundle, Yaoying stepped inside. The cave, hollowed out from an earthen cliff, was dim even in daylight. A lamp cast a hazy glow within.
Tanmoroqie sat with his back to her on a meditation cushion beneath the light. Flickering candle flames enveloped him, his crimson Kasaya blazing like fire.
Yaoying approached. "Did you summon me, Dharma Master?"
Tanmoroqie glanced sideways at her, gesturing with his chin toward the low couch opposite him.
Yaoying walked to the couch, sat down, placed the bundle aside, and waited for him to speak.
Tanmoroqie opened a jeweled box, retrieved a pill, and handed it to Yaoying.
"The physician prepared this medicine for you, Princess. I have examined it. Take one pill first—it may cause some discomfort. If you feel unwell..."
Before he could finish, Yaoying took the pill, swallowed it, poured herself a cup of tea, and sipped it leisurely.
Tanmoroqie: ...
"Aren't you going to ask what kind of medicine this is?"
Yaoying smiled, her eyes sparkling like starlight. "Any medicine you seek for me must be a potent cure. Thank you, Dharma Master."
Tanmoroqie watched her for a long moment before turning his gaze away.
...
Outside Wang Temple.
Bi Suo remained standing in place for a long time, closed his eyes, then turned and left the temple.
Beyond Wang Temple, a steady stream of devout worshippers prostrated themselves toward the main hall. The long street was densely packed with a sea of people, a dark, bustling mass.
Bi Suo rode his horse through the impenetrable crowd, his mind dazed.
Returning to his residence, he summoned his subordinates to discuss military affairs. Mobi Duo arrived to inquire about troop deployment. The two conversed over drinks, unknowingly reaching dusk. By the time Mobi Duo departed, Bi Suo was half-drunk and collapsed into deep slumber.
He dreamed.
In the dream, his younger self knelt beside a bed in a cave. An elderly man lay dying on the bed, his withered hands trembling as he solemnly offered a gleaming, cold blade.
"Bi Suo, swear to me."
Bi Suo trembled, unwilling to take the blade. "Master... I truly cannot do it!"
The old man fixed his clouded eyes on him for a long time before sighing deeply.
"Summon Yuanjue."
A chill ran through Bi Suo. He lunged forward and seized the blade.
In the next moment, both the old man and the blade vanished.
He saw a spacious Buddhist hall, filled with the glow of candles and the curling smoke of sandalwood incense.
A monk sat cross-legged on the Dharma platform before the Buddha, his features sharply defined, his jade-green eyes subtly containing lotus blossoms. Dressed in loose monk's robes, he was enveloped by the incense and candlelight—aloof, noble, and transcendent.
He appeared so sacred and solemn, yet he held in his arms a woman of radiant, snow-white beauty. Facing him, her slender arms tightly wrapped around his neck. They sat opposite each other, and he looked down at her.
Outside the hall, hurried footsteps echoed as countless torches converged toward the Buddhist hall, sparkling like a river of stars.
Someone kicked the door open. With a loud crash, a long sword swung down toward the woman in the monk's embrace.
The monk lifted his face, drenched in sweat that glistened under the light. His cold, handsome features overflowed with murderous intent.
His jade-green eyes, which should have been serene and untroubled, were now blood-red.Bi Suo looked at him and raised his long blade.
……
A chilly wind blew into the room through the cracks, causing the Felt Curtain to sway.
Bi Suo jolted awake from his dream, his drunkenness completely gone, his body covered in cold sweat. After sitting for a moment, he rolled off the bed, threw on his clothes and boots, and hurriedly rushed to Wang Temple.
Yuanjue, seeing him drenched in sweat, was taken aback and asked, “General, is there urgent military news to report?”
Bi Suo did not answer but instead asked, “Has the King returned from the stone grotto?”
Yuanjue shook his head. “The King has not yet returned.”
“Has Princess Wenzhao returned?”
Yuanjue continued shaking his head. “It seems she hasn’t either…”
Bi Suo’s face turned as dark as stormy water. He grabbed him tightly and said, “Take me to see the King! Now! Immediately!”
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