In the Moonlight

Yuanjue was right—after the martial arts competition, someone indeed sent Yaoying a reward: several plump sheep.

She had her guards deliver the sheep to Mobi Duo's camp, because if she returned to Wang Temple with several sheep, anyone could guess her identity.

The next day, the sheep returned to her courtyard—in the form of large platters of roasted mutton. Her guard informed her that Mobi Duo had ordered the sheep slaughtered and, using his tribe's method, personally roasted one for her.

"The prince's cooking skills are lacking. Please do not disdain it, Princess."

Yaoying raised an eyebrow and had her guards share the mutton among themselves.

At noon, Bi Suo came to speak with Yaoying. Her guards invited him to join the meal. Glancing at the large chunks of mutton on the platter, he frowned slightly, unsure whether to feel relieved or more worried.

Tanmoroqie possessed a resolute temperament. Since he believed that a fleeting heartthrob was like ripples stirred by the wind—unable to change anything—and that he could continue his path of spiritual cultivation, he certainly wouldn’t stand in Mobi Duo’s way.

But could desires of the heart truly be restrained just by wanting to restrain them?

Once feelings stirred, one would naturally yearn for closeness, for exclusivity, followed by a cascade of emotions: jealousy, disappointment, longing, desire...

On one hand, Bi Suo felt that Mobi Duo’s advances toward Li Yaoying could serve as a wake-up call for Tanmoroqie, jolting him back to clarity. On the other hand, he feared that Mobi Duo might provoke Luojia’s jealousy, pulling him deeper into emotional turmoil. If that happened, Luojia would be highly susceptible to Qi deviation during his martial practice.

A woman like Li Yaoying easily made men want to claim her exclusively.

Tanmoroqie’s earlier desire to guide her toward monastic life was already a manifestation of possessiveness. Could he stand by and watch her fall into another man’s embrace?

...

Weighed down by anxiety, Bi Suo arrived at the council hall. A massive sand table occupied the center, and Tanmoroqie was convening with the five army generals. Mobi Duo was also present—only Bi Suo was missing.

Composing himself, Bi Suo bowed to Luojia and took his place beside the sand table like the other generals.

The generals had already reviewed the battle reports and understood the Northern Rong’s troop movements. Frowns etched their faces, expressions grave. Even with prior knowledge of the Northern Rong’s advance, they held little confidence against their powerful cavalry. Moreover, after recent turmoil, military morale was unstable, and the five armies’ combat effectiveness had undoubtedly declined.

The Northern Rong homeland suffered harsh climates unsuitable for farming or herding. They did not engage in production but specialized in plunder. Horseback was their cradle; every tribesman was a soldier. Their tactics were diverse, their equipment refined—they were virtually an invincible force. In the past, when the Royal Court confronted the Northern Rong, their armies rarely took the initiative, mostly relying on sturdy, high walls to deplete the Northern Rong’s supplies and force their retreat.

None of the present officers had ever truly defeated a Northern Rong army. After reviewing the reports, unease settled in their hearts.

Why not continue defending the city?

Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze, scanning the room as if seeing through their thoughts.

The men lowered their heads in shame.

Tanmoroqie signaled to Yuanjue beside him to bring over a map, which he spread across the large table.

The generals leaned in, studying the map and noting several marked routes.

Tanmoroqie asked, “The Northern Rong have failed to conquer the Royal Court for years. Why do they still not give up?”

One of the generals replied, “Because the Northern Rong are insatiably greedy!”

“They covet the Royal Court’s wealth and fertile lands!”Tanmoroqie nodded, his fingers tapping on the map. "The Northern Rong rely on conquest for survival. The stronger their army becomes, the more they need plunder to sustain it. Only after capturing the Holy City can they conquer distant places like Talas and Samarkand. Unless they are completely crushed, they will never cease their campaigns."

"The battle between the Royal Court and the Northern Rong is inevitable. While the Royal Court excels at defending cities, the Northern Rong grow stronger each day. Ballistas can only hold them off temporarily. If we don’t seize the opportunity to weaken the Northern Rong while they are embroiled in internal strife, the day will come when their army lays siege to our gates, and no fortress, no matter how strong, will withstand them."

The Royal Court had grown complacent after years of peace, and their defensive tactics had repeatedly repelled the Northern Rong. From top to bottom, the court feared taking risks. Over time, the Royal Court would decline day by day, while the Northern Rong’s military power would only grow stronger. In the end, the Royal Court would surely fall.

Previously, his illness had been severe. While stabilizing the court and guarding against the Northern Rong, he had no choice but to adopt a defensive stance. Now, with a few more years left in him and the Northern Rong torn by internal conflicts, he had to seize this chance to weaken them and secure more opportunities for the Royal Court.

This way, even if he were no longer here, the Northern Rong would lack the strength to conquer the Royal Court.

The officials shuddered, casting aside their fear and apprehension. They clasped their fists and acknowledged his words.

The enemy was baring its fangs, driven by wolfish ambition. They could not retreat—they had to take the initiative and face the battle head-on!

After the discussion, the Royal Court divided its forces into three routes. One route, led by ten thousand infantry and five thousand cavalry, headed straight for Sand City, prepared to lure the enemy deeper if necessary. Another route, with ten thousand troops, served as an ambush force to provide support from the flank. The third route was led by Bi Suo, commanding ten thousand soldiers.

After agreeing on a rendezvous point, one general pointed to a valley marked on the sand table and asked, "Wahan Khan’s main force is certain to pass through here. Setting an ambush here would catch them by surprise, but it would also mean facing the Northern Rong’s main army. Who will lead this route?"

Bi Suo glanced at Tanmoroqie.

Tanmoroqie nodded. Understanding his intent, Yuanjue took a blue-and-white flag and planted it on the sand table.

The generals widened their eyes, their faces filled with shock.

Wasn’t this the military banner of the late Regent, Su Dan Gu?

Bi Suo spoke up, "Regent Su Dan Gu was previously harmed by the Xue family and severely injured. His loyal guards hid him in a cave and sacrificed themselves in his place. The head that was presented was not his. The Regent was later rescued by a shepherd and recuperated in the shepherd’s tent. Not long ago, he finally regained the ability to walk and, with the shepherd’s help, secretly returned to the Holy City."

He exchanged glances with several generals. "I have already met with the Regent. It is indeed him—he is alive."

After speaking, he, Yuanjue, and the other guards bowed to Tanmoroqie.

"By the grace of the Buddha, the Regent has survived this great calamity. With him leading the campaign, the Royal Court is certain to achieve a great victory!"

The generals in the hall exchanged uneasy glances, their minds filled with doubt and suspicion. Though they were straightforward military men, their high positions had made them familiar with the undercurrents in the court. They were overjoyed to learn that Su Dan Gu was still alive, but upon further reflection, if this was all a scheme devised by the Buddha Prince…

After all, the reason Wahan Khan had broken the alliance and attacked the Royal Court was his belief that Su Dan Gu was dead and the court was in turmoil—the perfect opportunity for him to strike.

The Buddha Prince’s targets were not just the noble families. He had used Su Dan Gu’s "death" to manipulate all factions, setting one trap after another.Before the Buddha Prince revealed his plan, no one knew whether he had other schemes in store.

Everyone broke out in a cold sweat, their expressions growing even more respectful as they bowed alongside Bi Suo.

...

After confirming the military deployment strategy, Bi Suo suddenly said: "Your Majesty, among all of Wahan Khan's sons, each is a mighty warrior capable of slaying enemy generals in battle, but when it comes to military campaigns and tactical formations, Haidu Aling is undoubtedly the most cunning. This general believes we must guard against him."

The others nodded in agreement.

Tanmoroqie lifted his gaze, his eyes carrying a hint of authority as he looked at Bi Suo.

Bi Suo knew he had already guessed what he would say next, but pressed on despite his apprehension: "This general has a Han Chinese in my camp who once served under Haidu Aling. She understands Haidu Aling and the Northern Rong army. I request to bring her along on the campaign for consultation."

Other generals nodded approvingly: "Since we have such talent, General Ashina must bring this person!"

Tanmoroqie neither approved nor disapproved, turning instead to speak with other commanders.

Bi Suo began to sweat.

After military discussions concluded, the other generals withdrew one by one. The Imperial Guards removed the sand table, but Bi Suo remained.

Tanmoroqie glanced at him indifferently.

Bi Suo stepped forward and said quietly: "Your Majesty, when I mentioned Princess Wenzhao in front of the others earlier, I had no personal motives. The princess can disguise herself as my personal guard to accompany the army. She truly understands Haidu Aling's battle formations and the Northern Rong army's tactics. With her along, we can consult her whenever we encounter Haidu Aling. Moreover, the princess maintains contact with Yuchi Damo and Yang Qian of Gaochang. Her presence with the army would allow her to inform Yuchi Damo of battlefield developments."

Tanmoroqie remained silent.

Bi Suo ventured cautiously: "Is Your Majesty concerned about the princess's health? Although the princess appears delicate, she never slowed the troops during her travels to and from Gaochang. This time she would merely accompany the army without entering the battlefield herself, ensuring no risk to her life. I will have personal guards protect her."

After a pause, he added: "Your Majesty, the princess might not be safer remaining in the Holy City than accompanying the army."

Their current military expedition carried significant risks. Although they had left a contingent of Imperial Guards behind, no one could guarantee stability in the rear.

Tanmoroqie lowered his gaze, rotating his Buddhist beads. After giving the bodhi seeds to Yaoying, he had switched to a string of white jade bodhi beads. Each bead was hard with solemn cracks, capable of bringing peace to one's mind.

After some contemplation, he sent Yuanjue to Yaoying's courtyard.

Yuanjue accepted the order, left the hall, and returned within the time it takes to drink tea, reporting: "I informed Princess Wenzhao of this matter..."

Bi Suo asked: "What did the princess say? Is she willing to join the campaign?"

Yuanjue lifted his head: "Princess Wenzhao only said one sentence: I dare not request it, but it is truly my wish."

Bi Suo was momentarily startled, then smiled. As expected, she was willing to join the campaign.

He looked toward Tanmoroqie.

Tanmoroqie, holding his Buddhist beads, gave a slight nod.

She longed to return to her homeland and needed to meet with her people for discussions. She shouldn't be confined to the Holy City.

...

Yaoying received a new identity: a personal guard in Bi Suo's army.

She would disguise herself as a man and march with the main force.

Bi Suo brought her a bronze tally and suggested she adopt a Hu name.

Yaoying said casually: "Then call me Bayan."

Bi Suo nodded and noted it down: "Marching with the army is different from ordinary travel. Princess, you must prepare accordingly."Yaoying wore a serious expression. "Thank you for the reminder, General. I have accompanied armies before and will prepare all necessary supplies. I won't cause you any trouble."

Bi Suo quickly responded, "How could you be trouble, Princess? I'm the one asking for your help, and you've agreed to join the campaign."

Yaoying shook her head. "Your invitation suits my intentions perfectly."

Bi Suo looked surprised. "You wanted to join the campaign?"

Why would a delicate princess want to accompany an army?

Yaoying nodded. "To be frank, General, my merchant caravan has been gathering intelligence about the Northern Rong. I received a letter reporting that Wahan Khan has sent scouts to aggressively capture Han Chinese men within his territory. Every man passing through checkpoints is subjected to strict interrogation."

She tightened her grip on the bronze token. "The Northern Rong would rather wrongfully arrest than casually release any Han man who speaks the Hu language poorly. Wahan Khan wouldn't specifically target Han Chinese with poor Hu language skills without reason. I suspect some Central Plains Han have infiltrated the Northern Rong. Given the recent internal unrest among the Northern Rong, they might have been involved, provoking the Khan's anger."

Bi Suo's brow furrowed as he considered a possibility. "Could it be your brother has come looking for you?"

Yaoying sighed deeply. "I'd rather it weren't him..."

She feared Li Zhongqian might fall into Haidu Aling's hands, worried everything would proceed toward the original outcome. According to her merchants, Northern Rong checkpoints were heavily guarded, making escape impossible for Han Chinese. If Li Zhongqian were in Northern Rong territory, wouldn't his life be hanging by a thread?

Bi Suo comforted her: "News of your presence in the Holy City has spread throughout the Cong Mountains. If your brother has come searching, he would certainly hear the rumors and wouldn't miss his way."

Yaoying frowned, her expression filled with concern.

"I hope so... Regardless of who those Han Chinese captured by Wahan Khan are, I want to rescue them. They might have information about the situation in the Central Plains."

That was why she needed to go to the front lines.

Even if she didn't go now, she would still need to leave the Holy City once Yang Qian completed his preparations. For her, traveling with the Royal Court's army was the safest option.

...

To prevent information leaks, the army set out quietly.

Yaoying hurried to handle pending matters, making a trip outside the city to instruct Old Qi to remember planting cotton when the weather warmed and to expand mulberry and hemp cultivation.

On her return journey, while speaking with her guards in the carriage, a group of horsemen suddenly emerged from the roadside, blocking their path.

The lead Jiannu, with his brown skin, spoke courteously: "Princess Manda has been waiting anxiously. We invite Princess Wenzhao to visit the posthouse for a conversation."

Yaoying shook her head at her guards.

The guards responded clearly: "Our princess is unavailable. The city patrol guards are nearby. Do not block our way."

The Jiannu quickly added: "Princess Wenzhao misunderstands. Our Princess Manda means no harm. She has always admired women like you who dare to break conventions. Before returning to Piluo Mo Luo, she wishes to share some heartfelt words with Princess Wenzhao."

Inside the carriage, Yaoying remained unmoved, signaling her guards to ignore them.

The guards cracked their whips, and the carriage wheels rumbled along the street.

The Jiannu fumed with resentment but dared not attract the city patrol guards, stepping aside. Returning to the posthouse, he reported the incident to Princess Manda.

Princess Manda lay on her couch, curly hair cascading around her. Upon hearing the report, she frowned slightly: "Despite my repeated sincere invitations, she shows me no consideration at all."Jiannu prostrated on the ground and said, "Princess, the Buddha Prince is about to enter seclusion soon. Why don't we wait a couple more days? Once the Buddha Prince is in seclusion and Princess Wenzhao loses her support, we will surely find an opportunity to strike."

Princess Manda shook her head. "Our people can't even get close to the Wang Temple. How can we strike?"

Jiannu raised his head. "Has the Princess forgotten about the physician?"

Princess Manda narrowed her eyes slightly.

The mission's physician had once conversed joyfully with a monk named Mengda Ti Po who had visited the Royal Court, and they considered each other close friends. On the way to the Royal Court, the Piluo Mo Luo envoy had worried about finding no opportunity to approach the Buddha Prince and being unable to report success upon returning. The physician volunteered, saying he could persuade the Buddha Prince. The envoy held little hope, but after the physician met the Buddha Prince, the latter indeed permitted her to enter the temple to worship and perform a dance at the ceremony.

When the envoy asked the physician how he had persuaded the Buddha Prince, the physician replied that it was because he was a friend of Mengda Ti Po that the Buddha Prince made an exception.

Jiannu reminded Princess Manda, "Princess, the physician has been visiting the Wang Temple frequently lately, and the monks there treat him very politely. The physician must be hiding something from you and the envoy."

Princess Manda slowly sat up.

"That day when I inspected the fire altar for any mechanisms, I was very close to Princess Wenzhao... I can confirm that she is still a virgin."

Princess Manda was experienced and would not be mistaken.

How did a virgin manage to make the lofty Buddha Prince break the rules for her?

Only by focusing on the Han princess could a way be found.

Princess Manda said, "Bring the physician to me."

She could not return to Piluo Mo Luo like this. She needed a powerful backer, and for that, she was willing to give everything—her body, her dance skills. She knew many ways to seduce men, each capable of making a man inseparable from her.

Having failed in her dance performance, she was unwilling to accept defeat. She still had a chance.