Yaoying dreamed all night long.
The next morning, she combed her hair before a bronze mirror, raising her arms lightly to braid her thick, raven-black hair into strands. Each braid was entwined with golden silk ribbons and adorned with golden flowers and silver bells. A few knocks sounded at the door—Su Dan Gu had arrived.
He was wearing the Ghost Face Mask again.
Yaoying invited him inside and, without waiting for him to speak, sat before him, deftly rolling up her sleeve and extending her arm toward him. As she moved, the silver bells on her braided hair trembled softly, emitting a delicate jingling sound.
"General Su, I'm feeling much better. We shouldn't delay—let's enter the palace today."
Judging by her eager demeanor, she must have been waiting for him for some time.
Su Dan Gu remained silent, placing his fingers on Yaoying's wrist.
The pads of his fingers were rough and icy cold, covered with a thin layer of calluses, causing her to shiver slightly.
It was a clear, fine day—the sky had cleared after the snow, and the morning glow reflected off the accumulated snow, casting a shimmering, radiant halo across the corridor.
Yaoying sat cross-legged, lost in thought. This time, fully conscious, she dared not reach for Su Dan Gu's mask. Recalling the questions she had before falling asleep the previous night, she asked softly, "General Su, does the Buddha Prince also need to disperse the effects of the medicine?"
Su Dan Gu's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he lifted his gaze.
Yaoying met his eyes. "Mage Mengda Ti Po didn't cure the Buddha Prince, did he? The Water Mang Grass only temporarily suppresses his pain, and he still falls ill frequently, isn't that right?"
Before Mengda Ti Po left the Holy City, she had gone to see him off and inquired about Tanmoroqie's illness. Mengda Ti Po had been evasive, his tone filled with regret.
At the time, Yaoying hadn't thought much of it, but now it seemed that Mengda Ti Po's regret likely stemmed from his inability to do more than use Water Mang Grass to alleviate Tanmoroqie's suffering, without being able to cure Luojia's illness completely.
What exactly was Tanmoroqie suffering from? Did he enter seclusion each time because his illness was so severe that he couldn't rise?
Mengda Ti Po held him in high esteem—why hadn't he cured him completely, leaving only the prescription for Water Mang Grass before returning to the Land of Brahma?
These doubts had been lingering in Yaoying's heart.
Su Dan Gu looked at Yaoying, his emerald eyes devoid of any ripple, and said, "The King's ailment is a deep-rooted chronic illness. A cure cannot be achieved overnight."
Yaoying glanced at him.
Even though his tone was as stern as usual, she could still detect evasion in his words.
This was to be expected. Tanmoroqie held a noble status, and the ministers of the Royal Court were unaware of his severe illness. As an outsider who knew the truth, her direct questioning was already presumptuous. That Su Dan Gu hadn't warned her was already a sign of his tolerance toward her.
Su Dan Gu lifted his head, gazing at the pristine snow in the courtyard illuminated by the morning glow.
"Why does the Princess ask about this?"
Yaoying frowned slightly and said, "Water Mang Grass is highly toxic. Although it can dispel dampness, relieve pain, reduce fever, and detoxify, long-term use damages the body. The Concentrated Dew Pill I take regularly contains dried and ground Water Mang Grass, but I only take one pill per month—the dosage is small, and even then, I need to disperse its effects. From what I've seen of the prescription Mengda Ti Po gave the Buddha Prince, the amount of Water Mang Grass used is three times that in the Concentrated Dew Pill... Long-term use of such medicine will inevitably harm the Buddha Prince's foundation."
"I previously reminded General Ashina and Yuanjue, but I don't know if they advised the Buddha Prince."
Yaoying lifted her gaze, looking directly into Su Dan Gu's eyes."General Su is versed in medicine and possesses a healer's compassion. Having cared for the Buddha Prince, you understand the stakes better than General Ashina or Yuanjue, and are more acutely aware of the suffering he endures when reducing his medication. The Buddha Prince's illness can be treated gradually—I implore you to remind him not to rely solely on Water Mang Grass simply because it alleviates his pain.Her tone was sincere, devoid of probing, filled only with worry and concern.
A heart as pure and clear as snow.
Su Dan Gu gazed out the door, seemingly pondering Yaoying's words seriously, and gave a soft "Mm" of acknowledgment.
Yaoying sighed. "It's a pity the herbs I brought lack those specific ingredients that counteract Water Mang Grass. Those medicines are only found in the Central Plains. I've asked Old Qi and searched every market, but found nothing. If I could return to the Central Plains, I could request a renowned physician to prepare pills for the Buddha Prince to help him gradually reduce his medication. Taking them would mitigate the harm caused by Water Mang Grass."
Mentioning a return to the Central Plains immediately made her think of Li Zhongqian. Worry welled up in her heart, and her voice grew somber.
Su Dan Gu remained silent.
Neither spoke, and the room fell into a stillness as deep as still water.
The blazing sun shone brightly, melting snow on the roof dripped along the eaves, pattering softly as it formed a curtain of rain.
After a long while, Su Dan Gu withdrew his hand. "The Princess need not take medicine today."
Yaoying snapped out of her thoughts, understanding this meant he agreed to her entering the palace today. She immediately summoned her guards and instructed them to send a message to Yang Qian.
...
Su Dan Gu rose and left.
Yuanjue respectfully approached him and whispered, "Regent, everything has been arranged."
After speaking, he lowered his head and stepped aside.
"Do you often accompany Princess Wenzhao to the markets?"
Yuanjue had been craning his neck to sneak a glance toward Yaoying's room. Startled by the question, he straightened his back and replied, "Yes."
Su Dan Gu, with his back to him, asked, "What was Princess Wenzhao searching for in the markets?"
Yuanjue thought carefully before answering. "When Princess Wenzhao visits the markets, she goes shop by shop—stores selling fabrics and brocades, jewelry and jade, horses and livestock, cotton cloth... and all the medicinal herb shops. She visits every single one. Her command of the Hu language is poor, so she often asks me to help her inquire with the Hu merchants about where to find medicines from the Central Plains."
He then recalled something and couldn't help but chuckle.
"The Princess also asked where she could buy a hawk. She wants to raise one too."
Su Dan Gu suddenly halted.
Yuanjue immediately stopped in his tracks.
Su Dan Gu turned, his calm green eyes behind the mask sweeping over him. "Did Princess Wenzhao discuss Water Mang Grass with you?"
Yuanjue paused, hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "The Princess mentioned it to me... She said long-term use of this medicine is inadvisable and asked me to advise the Prince..."
Initially, he and Ashina Bisha had worried Yaoying might reveal the secret or use it to coerce them, so they remained guarded around her. Later, they realized she not only kept the secret but also genuinely cared about the Buddha Prince's condition, allowing them to rest easier.
Since no one had asked, he hadn't reported it proactively.
Yuanjue believed he hadn't done anything wrong—General Ashina had instructed that Princess Wenzhao was merely a passing guest, and matters related to her need not be reported to the Prince. Yet, when Su Dan Gu questioned him, he still felt a subconscious guilt, his voice trailing off.
Su Dan Gu did not reprimand him. He stood under the corridor for a while before turning and leaving.Yuanjue was somewhat baffled, quietly exhaling as he cautiously followed.
...
In the afternoon, Yaoying changed into the attire of a Gaochang noblewoman and left the courtyard with Su Dan Gu, arriving at the prearranged meeting spot with Yang Qian.
Tall and conspicuous among the bustling crowd, Yang Qian stood by the roadside wearing a narrow-sleeved brocade robe, a wrapped headscarf, and embroidered boots—truly standing out like a crane among chickens.
Yaoying, her face veiled, lifted the felt curtain and signaled to him across the throng.
Yang Qian didn’t recognize her at first, continuing to crane his neck and scan the crowd until her carriage drew near. Only then did he realize, glancing inside at Yaoying—her hair braided, dressed in a yellow-ground roundel-patterned robe with eagle motifs and a turned-down collar—and grinned, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth.
“Your attire is perfect, Princess. I had prepared a set of clothes for you and was about to suggest you change, but it seems my efforts were unnecessary.”
Yaoying smiled faintly. Lady Yina held nightly banquets at the palace, where all attending nobles dressed in lavish costumes and masks. She had made inquiries beforehand and even prepared a mask.
Yang Qian’s gaze swept over Su Dan Gu, who wore a mask and exuded a stern, imposing aura. He keenly sensed that this man was no ordinary figure and likely possessed martial skills, stirring in him an urge to test his abilities against him. He couldn’t help but stare a moment longer.
Not wanting him to discern Su Dan Gu’s identity, Yaoying stepped forward, shielding Su Dan Gu, and gestured that they could set off.
Yang Qian withdrew his gaze and nodded. “Once we enter the palace, please claim to be my cousin. I have over a dozen female cousins, several around your age—the palace staff won’t be able to tell the difference.”
Yaoying nodded in acknowledgment, adjusted her mask, and glanced back at Su Dan Gu.
The mask concealed her face, leaving only her crescent-moon eyes visible.
From those eyes alone, one could tell she was smiling—bright, limpid orbs shimmering with mirth, like fragmented sunlight scattered across a deep pool, glinting with scattered radiance.
Su Dan Gu watched her in silence.
Yaoying pointed to the mask on her face.
It was a ferocious Yaksa demon mask, identical to the one he usually wore—half blue, half red.
Su Dan Gu’s gaze lowered, lingering on her mask for a long moment before he turned and walked away.
Yaoying chuckled softly, shrugged, and followed him with a smile.
...
By dusk, the grand hall of the palace was illuminated by hundreds of candles, the lamp stands blazing so brightly the space seemed as light as day.
Curtains hung high in the hall, beneath which musicians sat cross-legged, playing lutes, harps, reed pipes, Qiang flutes, vertical flutes, small drums, and cymbals in harmonious succession. Melodious music filled the air as slender dancers swayed gracefully on woolen carpets, their waists supple and enchanting. Servants clad in sheer gauze weaved through the crowd, their shadows flickering.
Long tables and seating couches were arranged at the front of the hall. A red-felt-covered table groaned under the weight of delicacies, fruits, and pastries, with bowls, plates, and wine cups piled mountain-high. The guests, all splendidly dressed and masked, lounged or sat appreciating the music and dance, toasting with one another. Some strolled about holding gilded silver cups, chatting and laughing, while bursts of hearty laughter erupted intermittently from the corners.
Yaoying followed Yang Qian into the grand hall.
Along the way, Yang Qian observed the palace’s scene of revelry—singing, dancing, and merrymaking at every turn. Disappointment and fury swelled within him, and he nearly tore off his mask in frustration.The crown prince's siblings were sent as hostages to the Northern Rong. Lady Yina used fine wine, delicacies, and beautiful dancers to numb the nobles. How could he not be furious that these men couldn't even resist such temptations, drowning in indulgence and living in a drunken stupor?
Yaoying feared he might overturn the long table in a fit of impulse and quietly reminded him, "Young Master Yang, where is King Yuchi?"
Recalling his mission, Yang Qian reined in his anger. He led Yaoying through the boisterous hall, dismissed several sturdy attendants, and traversed a quiet path to a felt tent draped with curtains.
Yaoying waited outside as he entered, hearing voices from within.
Moments later, a disheveled foreign woman with loose robes and unkempt hair emerged. Passing Yaoying, she deliberately left her collar open, revealing snow-white skin dotted with red marks on her chest, and shot Yaoying a fierce glare.
Yaoying’s lips twitched slightly. Clearly, the woman mistook her for a new consort Yang Qian had brought for Yuchi Damo.
She glanced back at the hall just across the corridor. Dancers swayed to the music, and the guests were flushed with merriment. Yang Qian had brought her into the palace, while Su Dan Gu had vanished, now hiding in some unseen corner. Though alone in an unfamiliar palace, she felt no fear, knowing he was surely nearby.
Yang Qian lifted the tent flap, peeking out to signal Yaoying inside.
She entered.
The tent was unlit, dimly lit, with thick carpets covering the floor. A red-haired, brown-eyed man with a stubbled beard lounged on a couch, wearing only a loose, wide-sleeved robe. His collar hung open, the ties hastily knotted, revealing a glimpse of his pale, gaunt chest.
Suppressing anger, Yang Qian snatched a cloak from the floor and tossed it at the man. "Damo, this is Princess Wenzhao."
Yuchi Damo slowly lifted his eyelids, his narrow eyes sweeping over Yaoying with a cold sneer. "The Princess Wenzhao that Prince Haidu Aling is determined to claim?"
Yang Qian froze.
Yuchi Damo threw off the cloak and sat up, his fiery red hair cascading down. His eyes slanted sharply, his expression gloomy. "I was just worrying how to answer to Haidu Aling, and now Princess Wenzhao walks right into my hands. How effortlessly it comes."
As he spoke, footsteps suddenly echoed outside the tent, and several guards emerged from the shadows, rushing toward them.
Yang Qian, first startled then enraged, drew his sword and shielded Yaoying, pointing the blade at Yuchi Damo. "Damo, you actually informed Haidu Aling?!"
Yuchi Damo looked up, his face pale. "Fourth Brother, do you think I had a choice?"
Yang Qian scoffed. "You are a king! Even if constrained, you should uphold a king’s dignity! Has Lady Yina frightened you so much? If you won’t resist and choose to grovel, fine—but why betray Princess Wenzhao?"
Yuchi Damo closed his eyes, silent.
The guards in the corner closed in, their long blades glinting coldly.
Amid the standoff, Yaoying suddenly clasped her hands and laughed softly. "The sons of the Yuchi family live up to their reputation."
Yang Qian stared at her in confusion.
Yuchi Damo lifted his head, narrowing his eyes, his pupils contracting.
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