In the Moonlight

The hall was filled with ceaseless laughter, the air thick with the rich aromas of roasted meat, spices, and fine wine.

Inside the felt tent, Yuchi Damo’s expression was icy. Yang Qian had drawn his sword and stood facing off against the personal guards, the atmosphere tense.

Yaoying remained unperturbed, not even glancing at the long blades in the guards’ hands. She walked up to Yuchi Damo and said, “If the King truly wishes to curry favor with the Northern Rong, all you need to do is shout a few times to summon Lady Yina’s personal guards.”

Yuchi Damo stared fixedly at Yaoying, his eyes bloodshot and crimson. “Yina is merely a princess, with no soldiers or authority. Haidu Aling holds military power and has many followers. One day, he will surely replace Wahan Khan. By offering the princess to Haidu Aling, I stand to gain far more.”

Yaoying smiled faintly. “King, Wahan Khan is still alive and well. As you said, Lady Yina is only a princess, yet she can place you under house arrest. Isn’t it because you fear her uncle, Wahan Khan, that you endure and yield? Wahan Khan is old but vigorous, while Haidu Aling still lacks the necessary experience. Before the outcome of their struggle is clear, given your character, you would never allow your weaknesses to fall into someone else’s hands.”

Yuchi Damo curled his lips. “What weaknesses do I have?”

Yaoying replied calmly, “If word of your secret communication with Haidu Aling reaches Wahan Khan’s ears, that would be proof of your collusion. Haidu Aling’s ambitions far exceed Wahan Khan’s. If he wins, Gaochang’s downfall would be instantaneous. If Wahan Khan wins, he will surely be enraged at you. How will you protect yourself then?”

“No matter who you betray, the King stands to lose more than he gains. Over the years, you have exhausted yourself and endured humiliation, all for the sake of stability. I doubt you would engage in a losing venture.”

Like Yang Qian, Yuchi Damo traced his ancestry to Hexi. The Yuchi clan had produced many renowned generals. His grandfather once served as the Governor of Gua Province. During the turmoil in the Central Plains, the Yuchi family was forced to migrate westward, eventually settling in Gaochang. Through marriage with prominent families, they became the rulers of Gaochang.

Their family was a military lineage, but unfortunately, Yuchi Damo and his father were physically frail and unsuited for martial arts. Neither inherited the family’s legacy, and their actions tended toward timidity. Whenever someone led troops to attack Gaochang, they would immediately offer beauties and gold to appease the enemy, earning them constant criticism.

Yuchi Damo, surviving in a precarious position, was shrewd in his own way. He avoided involvement in conflicts, remained ambiguous, feared everyone, and offended no one. He would never fully align himself with Haidu Aling while Wahan Khan’s position remained secure, especially since he believed his children were still in Lady Yina’s hands.

Moreover, Tanmoroqie had issued decrees to various kingdoms, openly offering her protection. Yuchi Damo dared not offend Tanmoroqie.

As Yaoying laid bare his thoughts one by one, Yuchi Damo’s expression darkened. He threw off his cloak, sat up, and waved his hand.

The guards with drawn blades retreated silently.

Yang Qian was stunned for a moment before sheathing his sword. Frowning, he asked Yuchi Damo, “If you had no intention of betraying us, why all the theatrics?”

Yaoying sat cross-legged and said, “Because the King wanted to test me, to see if I was worth the risk. If I had been intimidated, the King would have gained the upper hand.”

She then shifted her gaze, looking directly into Yuchi Damo’s brown eyes.

“May I ask, Your Majesty, have I passed the test?”

Yuchi Damo met her gaze for a moment, a smile tugging at his lips. “Princess, your composure is admirable. Damo is impressed.”Yaoying said solemnly, "I dare not claim such praise. The ruler has endured humiliation to preserve our people, as if tempered in raging flames. I am far inferior to you."

Yuchi Damo was taken aback, then smiled self-deprecatingly.

As the ruler, he knew Gaochang couldn't withstand the Northern Rong army. He had submitted, deposed his principal wife, married Princess Yi Na, and tolerated her willful actions. Whenever Northern Rong envoys came demanding gold and treasures, he would respond with utmost deference, not daring to utter a word of protest. Nobles and commoners alike secretly cursed him for his servility, mocking how a dignified ruler could be controlled by a woman.

His own children felt ashamed of him and still hadn't forgiven him for deposing their mother.

Who could understand his difficulties?

With Gaochang losing the powerful support of the Central Plains dynasty, they were destined to struggle for survival among various powers. Like a jade arm pillowed by countless strangers, this was Gaochang's way of survival.

He knew that submitting to Northern Rong meant dealing with their endless demands, bearing heavy taxes that would drain their resources until the people could no longer endure.

He also knew there were many spirited young men like Yang Qian in the city who hoped he would lead them in resisting Northern Rong. As a scion of the Yuchi family and the ruler, if he had sufficient troops and support from the Central Plains dynasty, wouldn't he want to ride forth with armored cavalry and decide life or death with Northern Rong?

But reality had extinguished his fury and ambition.

The Western Regions kingdoms relying on oases could hardly sustain an army - before Northern Rong, they were merely lambs waiting for slaughter. Only the Royal Court, prosperous since ancient times with fertile lands watered by snowmelt, thriving trade routes to the Land of Brahma, Persia, and Samarkand, and most importantly, a Buddha Prince who commanded popular support, employed military strategy like a deity, and could summon countless followers with a raised arm - making Wahan Khan deeply apprehensive - could halt Northern Rong's conquest.

Gaochang had nothing. He didn't dare risk the lives of an entire city's population!

Yuchi Damo's eyes turned blood-red as he lifted the gilded wine cup from the table, tilting his head back to drain it in one gulp. The deep red wine trickled down his pale neck, soaking his inner garments.

Though Princess Wenzhao was an outsider, she had pinpointed his hardships with a single remark.

Years of pent-up frustration flowed down his throat with the cold wine. Though the grape wine was sweet, his tongue only tasted bitterness and astringency.

Playing with the empty cup, he suddenly realized his train of thought had been disrupted by Yaoying's casual comment. Startled, he steadied his mind and asked leisurely, "Has Great Wei already unified the Central Plains?"

Yaoying nodded. "Indeed."

"And the court hasn't recovered Hexi yet?"

Yaoying nodded again.

Yuchi Damo sneered, "If the court cannot even recover Hexi, how can it talk about recovering the Western Regions? Since Princess Wenzhao cannot guarantee me anything, how dare I form an alliance with Great Wei?"

Yaoying sat upright and said, "I dare not and will not deceive the ruler with false promises. I cannot guarantee you anything. I can only tell you that once Northern Rong grows strong enough to conquer the Western Regions, all tribes will become their slaves. The Wei dynasty intends to recover Hexi and has already allied with Hu tribes to reclaim Liangzhou..."

Hearing this, Yang Qian couldn't resist interrupting, "Ruler, Great Wei has unified the Central Plains! Once the time is ripe, they will surely send troops to recover Hexi. By coordinating our efforts with them, we need not worry about returning east soon! This is the perfect opportunity to realize our aspirations!"

Yuchi Damo remained silent.

Yaoying looked at his bloodshot eyes: "Hasn't the ruler already agreed to form an alliance?"Yuchi Damo leaned back against the armrest, his robe loosely open: "Princess, you have misunderstood. My agreement to meet you does not mean I have agreed to an alliance."

Yaoying smiled. "I have not misunderstood. The ruler has already agreed."

Yuchi Damo sneered, his gaze cold and sinister.

Yaoying spoke slowly: "A ruler of Gaochang once said, 'The eagle soars through the skies, the pheasant scurries through the bushes, and the rat hides in its burrow. Great dynasties have their ways of survival, and small city-states have their own paths to endure.' In truth, these words describe someone like you, Ruler Yuchi."

Yuchi Damo raised an eyebrow.

Yaoying continued: "The ruler knows when to yield and when to advance. In times of weakness, you can endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens. When you grow strong, you can transform into a fierce eagle, soaring across the heavens to fulfill your ambitions."

How could Yuchi Damo, who befriended Yang Qian and silently supported his efforts to connect with the Central Plains, be a spineless coward without any fighting spirit?

"Moreover, the reason I dared to take the risk to meet Ruler Yuchi is also because of a letter."

Yaoying recited the letter word by word, concluding: "...Swearing to return to the homeland, eagerly awaiting the imperial army."

What she recited was a plea for help sent to Chang'an many years ago, written by the previous ruler of Gaochang. At that time, the emperor was from the Zhu family, rebellions were erupting everywhere, the court was too preoccupied with its own survival, and the Zhu family was busy fleeing south—how could they care about a plea for help from thousands of miles away?

After Li De ascended the throne, he had his ministers circulate the letter from Ruler Yuchi.

At the time, he and his advisors deemed the plea for help outdated and unnecessary to address. Having the ministers read it served two purposes: to highlight the incompetence of the Zhu family and to imply his intention to reclaim Hexi.

Yaoying had heard Li Zhongqian mention that letter.

Generations of Gaochang's rulers had tried to establish contact with the Central Plains—from Yuchi Damo's grandfather to his father, and now to him. Though hope was slim, they still held onto it. Eventually, Yang Qian and his companions embarked on the journey eastward. Over the decades, countless young men ventured forth, one after another, solely to plead for the Central Plains to send troops.

Yang Qian's remains and his lengthy memorial were discovered, but many more like him and their letters remain forever buried beneath the shifting sands.

Holding back tears, I ask the envoy in a choked voice: When will the imperial army truly arrive?

Yaoying looked into Yuchi Damo's eyes: "Even when the previous ruler did not know whether the Central Plains were unified, he still risked sending messengers to seek aid. How steadfast was his determination to return east! At that time, the court had no capacity to look westward. Now, the Central Plains are unified, and the Wei dynasty boasts strong soldiers and sturdy horses. As a descendant of the Yuchi family, would you refuse an alliance with the Wei dynasty?"

Hearing her recite the letter, Yang Qian grew emotional, his eyes welling with tears. His father had given him this name to remind him that they were forced to migrate to Gaochang. He must inherit the legacy of his grandfather and father, swearing to return to the homeland at all costs!

He turned to Yuchi Damo and said word by word: "Damo, what are you still waiting for? All these years, we have exhausted our efforts to contact the Central Plains—was it not precisely to request the court to send troops?"

Yuchi Damo rested his hands on the armrest, his red hair disheveled, his posture relaxed as if drunk. A hazy look clouded his brown eyes as he said nonchalantly, "I have agreed to nothing."

Yang Qian's veins bulged on his forehead: "You—"

Yaoying smiled, restraining the furious Yang Qian, and locked eyes with Yuchi Damo.

Yuchi Damo was cautious. Over the years, he had tacitly allowed Yang Qian to liaise with various resistance fighters but never revealed himself. If Yang Qian were exposed, he could disavow any involvement and use Yang Qian as a scapegoat.He was a man who neither offended Wahan Khan nor Haidu Aling, much less Tanmoroqie or her. He maintained delicate cooperative relationships with everyone, leaning toward whichever side held greater power. No matter how others tried to manipulate him, he always found ways to survive.

Therefore, one could cooperate with him but not place complete trust in him.

Yaoying smiled and said, "I understand. Lord Yuchi has promised nothing, and today I never met Lord Yuchi."

A sharp glint flashed in Yuchi Damo's eyes.

Their gazes met, and both understood the other's meaning.

"I've heard that the princess has been recruiting volunteers, hiring merchant caravans, and redeeming Hexi people sold into slavery..." Yuchi Damo said. "If there's any way I can assist, the princess can send a verbal message through Yang Qian."

This meant she should contact Yang Qian if needed.

Yaoying nodded.

Yang Qian puffed out his chest and declared, "I will definitely take good care of the princess!"

Yuchi Damo's expression softened slightly.

The group discussed matters concerning secretly training volunteers and transmitting messages as music and boisterous singing and dancing continued outside the felt tent.

After some time had passed, several whistles sounded outside the tent.

Yang Qian signaled to Yaoying with his eyes that it was time to leave.

Yaoying rose to take her leave, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She reached into her sleeve and produced a small, smooth sapphire, handing it to Yuchi Damo.

Yuchi Damo took the gem, his expression changing abruptly. He looked up sharply, eyes wide, hands trembling slightly.

Yaoying said softly, "Not long ago, my guards passed through the Great Western Sea Route and found several Northern Rong soldiers pursuing a sister and brother. They intervened and saved them. This sapphire was the young lady's ornament."

Yuchi Damo clenched his fists, his entire body shaking.

"Please rest assured, Lord. They will be sent to the Royal Court and receive the best care. No one knows their identity. Lady Yina likely believes they perished on the Great Western Sea Route."

After speaking, Yaoying turned and walked out.

"Princess."

Yuchi Damo's voice came from behind.

"Why did you only tell me this now?"

Yaoying turned back.

Yuchi Damo narrowed his eyes, carefully studying her expression in the dim light.

This sapphire belonged to his daughter—he would never mistake it.

Whether Princess Wenzhao had saved his children from Yina's assassination attempt, or whether she had intercepted Yina's men to rescue the siblings and frame Yina to persuade him to agree to an alliance—regardless of the truth, he would rather his children be sent to the Buddha Prince's Royal Court.

When the children were taken away, he thought he would never see them again.

Since Princess Wenzhao had saved the siblings, why hadn't she revealed their whereabouts sooner?

Yaoying smiled. "The Lord is so impressive that when I saw you earlier, I was momentarily overwhelmed and forgot."

She had indeed sent people to save Yuchi Damo's children with the intention of moving him and easing his concerns. However, bringing up the siblings immediately would have seemed more like coercion, so she hadn't mentioned them.

Whether Yuchi Damo agreed or not, the children were already safe. She wouldn't return them to Lady Yina, so the timing of revealing this didn't matter.

Yuchi Damo and Yang Qian, who had not forgotten their homeland, deserved respect, and she was willing to show her sincerity.

Yaoying turned and walked out.

Yuchi Damo gazed at her retreating figure, lost in thought for a long while.As Yang Qian had said, he longed to restore ties with the Central Plains as soon as possible and escape from being trampled upon and bullied. Princess Wenzhao had come from the Central Plains and had gained the favor of the Buddha Prince. Without her needing to say a word, he would take the initiative to show goodwill toward her. However, he did not want to reveal his intentions and was afraid that Princess Wenzhao might be a delicate woman who only knew how to weep. He decided to wait until after meeting her to make a decision.

Now, a strong intuition suddenly rose in his heart—this venture would yield rewards far beyond his expectations.

...

Yaoying stepped out of the felt tent, with Yang Qian following closely beside her.

As they walked, they spoke in hushed tones. Yaoying said, "Tomorrow, I will have Old Qi deliver some supplies to your residence. Use them to recruit more volunteers for the righteous army."

Yang Qian nodded in agreement. He was not skilled in managing daily affairs, and over the years, he had sold off fields and estates to support the righteous army, struggling to make ends meet. The princess's assistance would alleviate his urgent needs.

The corridor was pitch-dark, with the flickering candlelight from the hall casting a soft, thin glow on the ground.

Several Hu women wearing masks lifted the hems of their skirts as they passed through the corridor, chattering animatedly about something.

Yaoying faintly heard her title mentioned and paused, straining to listen.

"That twelve-colored layered skirt worn by Lady Zhang today was so beautiful. Where did the fabric come from?"

"It’s fabric brought by merchants from the Royal Court! I heard that Princess Wenzhao wore a twelve-colored skirt when she performed a dance for the Buddha Prince. When she danced, the skirt flared out like a blooming flower..."

"Yes, it was worn by Princess Wenzhao..."

The Hu women giggled and ran off into the distance.

In the corner, Yaoying’s lips twitched slightly.

Standing beside her, Yang Qian scratched his head, his eyes gleaming as he asked quietly, "Princess, are the rumors true?"

Yaoying shook her head. "The Buddha Prince protects me out of his compassion. It has nothing to do with the rumors."

She could guess Yang Qian’s thoughts. He was single-mindedly focused on the uprising and wanted to persuade her to use her relationship with Tanmoroqie to convince the Royal Court to send troops against the Northern Rong.

A hint of disappointment flashed across Yang Qian’s face. The Buddha Prince had publicly declared his support, and his sisters at home talked incessantly about the Buddha Prince and the princess. He had thought the rumors were true.

As they turned the corner, a tall, upright figure stood there. His gaze swept over Yaoying and Yang Qian, his green eyes sharp as a blade.

Yaoying stepped forward to meet him.