Journey to the West 81 Cases: Chronicles of the Western Kings (Sifang Pavilion) - Chapter 13
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- Chapter 13 - Xuanzhang's Deduction
Mohe Duo was still in a standoff with Zhang Xiong. He rode his horse in circles below the city, cursing loudly towards the city: “Qu Wentai! Qu Wentai! How dare you destroy my King David’s Jar? I will never forgive you! Sooner or later, I will lead an army to flatten your kingdom of Gaochang!”
Zhang Xiong, however, was neither afraid nor angry, and said calmly, “Da She, even if you don’t mention this matter, we will take this case to the Khan’s court and ask the Tongyehu Khan to judge this matter fairly!”
“Hmph, do you think I’m afraid of him?” Mohe Duo sneered, “Let Qu Wentai come out and see me!”
“Da She, I am here. Sorry to keep you waiting.” Qu Wentai suddenly appeared on the city wall.
Mohe Duo was deeply surprised: “Qu Wentai, you finally showed yourself! Hmph, what about the King David’s Jar now?”
“Thank you for your concern, Da She.” Qu Wentai cupped his hands, “The demon in the vase has appeared and resurrected my son. Now, that King David’s Jar is useless.”
Mohe Duo was both jealous and hateful: “Well! Well! Qu Wentai, aren’t you afraid of my revenge?”
Qu Wentai sighed: “Da She, I believe in Buddha. The rise and fall of a nation is just a cycle in the eyes of Buddha. If it is Heaven’s will for Gaochang to perish, it will perish even without you. If Gaochang is not meant to perish, even if you bring a million troops, you cannot go against Heaven’s will.”
“In the grasslands, deserts, and snow mountains of the Western Regions, I am the Heaven’s will!” Mohe Duo roared.
At this moment, an Auxiliary Wolf Soldier came galloping over: “Da She!”
Mohe Duo was irritated: “What is it?”
The soldier said, “Something happened in Jiaohe City!” Then he whispered in his ear.
“What?” Mohe Duo was deeply surprised, “How could this happen? I must preserve my strength. Retreat!”
“Yes!” The soldier responded and asked, “Where to? To Khan Futu City?”
“Nonsense! There’s a good show to watch, how can I leave? Back to the lodge for drinking and eating!” Mohe Duo turned his horse around and galloped towards the street.
The Auxiliary Wolf cavalry turned their horses around and followed him up the street, while the remaining people planned to stay behind to clean up the bodies of the dead. Mohe Duo shouted from afar: “Stay there and use the best coffins for burial!”
Faced with this rogue behavior, Qu Wentai shook his head but was also puzzled. He asked Zhang Xiong: “Why did Mohe Duo leave?”
Zhang Xiong was also perplexed: “I am not sure. Should I send someone to guard around the lodge?”
“Forget it. This enmity is already deep; there’s no need to provoke him further!” Qu Wentai looked at the corpses below the city and sighed, “As he said, use the best coffins for burial!”
When Mohe Duo withdrew his troops, the sky had already lightened.
At this point, there was no need to exit the city through the well channels. Zhu Gui then prepared all the necessary supplies, loaded them onto three large carts—one for Qu Zhisheng and Long Shuangyue to ride, one for Ashu, and the third filled with the gold, silver, jewels, precious spices, and other valuables Qu Wentai had brought out from the palace, to cover the expenses of Qu and Long in the Tang Dynasty.
After everything was ready, it was already the time of Chen, marking the start of a new day.
Xuanzang sat in the second cart with Ashu, while Zhu Gui rode on horseback, personally leading and escorting them with more than a dozen guards, straight out of the north gate onto the official road leading to Shengjin Pass.
The morning sun was shining brightly, illuminating the distant Flaming Mountains with a brilliant light. At this time, it was usually the hour when merchants set out on long journeys, making the road quite bustling. After traveling a few miles out of the city, they suddenly encountered many merchants hurrying back towards the city.
These merchants appeared distressed and frightened, as if fleeing for their lives. Xuanzang found this strange and jumped off the cart, intending to stop a group of travelers. Zhu Gui, guarding nearby, quickly ordered the convoy to stop.
“Amitabha, please wait, benefactor,” Xuanzang called out to an elderly merchant in the group.
The old man, leading a camel and running, quickly stopped when he heard Xuanzang’s call. “Master, what do you need?”
“Benefactor, you are a traveling merchant, right? Since you’ve left the city, why are you returning?” Xuanzang asked.
“Master, don’t you know?” The old man looked at them in surprise.
“I don’t know, what happened?” Xuanzang was puzzled.
“Hey!” The old man stomped his foot. “I saw you have cavalry escorting you and thought you were deliberately heading north, so I didn’t warn you! Master, go back quickly! A large number of cavalry are coming ahead!”
“What?” Xuanzang was shocked.
Zhu Gui also sensed something was wrong. He hurriedly jumped off his horse and asked, “Old man, where did these cavalry come from?”
Qu Zhisheng and Long Shuangyue lifted the cart curtain and looked over.
The old man said, “Of course, they’re from Yanqi. It’s said there are no less than five thousand of them, and they’re already close to the outskirts of the royal city!”
Zhu Gui’s face turned ashen. He subconsciously glanced at Qu Zhisheng and Long Shuangyue. “Yanqi people… Weren’t the Yanqi people outside Jiahe City? Did they break through Jiahe City?”
“No. I heard they bypassed Jiahe City from somewhere and launched a surprise attack on the royal city,” the old man said hastily, then, not daring to delay any longer, bowed to Xuanzang and quickly led his camel away.
Xuanzang wanted to ask more, but Zhu Gui, looking ahead, said bitterly, “They have come.”
Xuanzang turned his head sharply and saw a wall of sand and dust rising in the direction of the Flaming Mountains, forming a wave nearly ten miles wide, pushing toward the royal city like a mountain ridge emerging from the flat desert! Xuanzang and the others appeared as tiny ants beneath this mountainous wave!
In just an instant, everyone felt the ground tremble, and the thunderous rumble was like rolling thunder, with a power that seemed like the heavens were collapsing and the earth was splitting!
Suddenly, Zhu Gui was furious. He strode over to Long Shuangyuezhi and shouted, “Was it you? Did you call them here?”
Long Shuangyuezhi sneered, “You have been monitoring me constantly since we entered the family temple. How would I have had the chance to notify them?”
Qu Zhisheng couldn’t bear it and hurriedly protected Long Shuangyuezhi. “Banfan, have you gone mad? Shuangyuezhi is coming with me. How could she notify the Yanqi people?”
“Ha!” Zhu Gui gritted his teeth and glared at Long Shuangyuezhi. “Third Prince, look, five thousand soldiers advancing in a line, why is that? Because they are searching! Blocking! They know you are leaving, and they are here specifically to intercept you!”
“Sanlang,” Long Shuangyuezhi cried as she hugged Qu Zhisheng, “it really wasn’t me. I want to go to the Tang Dynasty with you.”
“Still acting!” Zhu Gui sneered. “Princess, your act should end now!”
“Banfan!” Qu Zhisheng was furious. “Do not doubt Shuangyuezhi!”
Zhu Gui’s face turned ashen, and he had to turn away, shouting at the guards, “Hurry! Retreat to the royal city!”
Xuanzang looked up and could already vaguely see the silhouettes of the Yanqi cavalry, a dark mass stretching endlessly from left to right. Five thousand men lined up, advancing in a straight line, their horses trampling through the vineyards, leaving the grapevines flattened. Under the sunlight, the gleam of blades flashed constantly as the cavalry wielded their long knives, cutting down the grapevines in their path. Xuanzang felt a heavy weight in his heart; it seemed Zhu Gui was right—they were indeed here to intercept. In such a dense search, even a mouse couldn’t escape.
Everyone quickly boarded the carriages and horses. The drivers turned the vehicles around and rushed madly towards the royal city.
At this moment, Qu Wentai and Zhang Xiong also received the news. They were terrified and immediately ordered the entire city to be on alert. The entire army of the royal city of Gaochang was mobilized, with cavalry and troops rushing to the northern Xuande Gate from all directions, even Qu Wentai’s central army began to move out. Gaochang’s current military strength was three to four thousand men. Including the scattered forces in various counties, they were considered the most formidable in the Western Regions. But when dispersed like this, the forces were clearly insufficient. Especially in defending the royal city, with such a large city, once the troops were spread out to each gate, the strength would be even weaker. However, if not dispersed, it would be impossible to determine the main attack direction of the besiegers. Against the five thousand cavalry’s assault, the situation was extremely perilous.
Zhang Xiong, known as the Tiger of the Western Regions, immediately ordered the main force to be concentrated at the north gate. The other gates would have to rely on city residents to assist the soldiers in defense. He personally led the most elite central army as a mobile unit, ready to provide support at any time. He also ordered the demolition of temporary structures built by merchants on the streets to clear the roads for the cavalry to provide timely support.
The city’s residents, regardless of nationality, were all in a state of panic. Even the Yanqi people had to stand with Gaochang because everyone knew that once the city was breached, it would be followed by chaos and looting. Even if they could escape the massacre, their goods would be completely plundered. The harsh reality of the annihilation wars in the Western Regions was well known, with city massacres being common. Given the deep animosity between Yanqi and Gaochang, as well as the jealousy of other countries towards Gaochang, any atrocity could occur.
The common people, seeing the general’s confident command, felt slightly relieved. As soon as orders were given, they hurriedly helped the soldiers transport the defensive equipment, turning the entire city into a massive war machine.
When Qu Wentai and Zhang Xiong arrived at the northern gate’s tower and looked north, they gasped. A dark mass of cavalry lined the horizon, destroying everything in their path. The dust kicked up by the horse hooves was like a massive storm, covering the Flaming Mountains, as if the entire desert was being lifted and pushed towards the royal city.
“Your Majesty, why is the Auxiliary Wolf army in such a formation?” Zhang Xiong wondered aloud. “It looks impressive, but the formation is too thin. A slight charge could break through. What are they trying to do?”
“Are they trying to surround the royal city?” Qu Wentai was equally puzzled.
Zhang Xiong shook his head. “They are cavalry. To encircle the royal city, they only need to place troops to the south and north of the city. No one would escape their pursuit. There must be another reason.”
At this moment, a large crowd of merchants and civilians had gathered below the city walls, crying and clamoring to get in. Zhang Xiong frowned and ordered, “Let them in quickly! In half a stick of incense’s time, close the city gates!”
“No, no,” Qu Wentai’s heart couldn’t bear it. “Taihuan, let them all in. These merchants may not be citizens of Gaochang, but since they are within our borders, they should be under our protection. I can’t bear to let them die in the chaos.”
Zhang Xiong smiled bitterly. “Your Majesty is kind-hearted, but if we cannot close the city gates, and these cavalry rush in, it would spell disaster for Gaochang.”
“Hold on! Just hold on a bit longer!” Qu Wentai pleaded, tears in his eyes. “Taihuan, have the soldiers ready their crossbows. Even if we can delay them a little, we can save more lives!”
“Your Majesty!” Zhang Xiong did not dare to risk the state’s safety.
“Taihuan,” Qu Wentai wept bitterly, “both my sons have met tragic ends. Is this not divine punishment? Perhaps it is because I committed too many killings in my youth. Please, let me save a few more civilians!”
Zhang Xiong had no choice but to order, “Archers, ready! Delay closing the city gates for half a stick of incense!”
As the orders were passed down, Qu Wentai suddenly pointed to the distance in alarm, “What’s that?”
Zhang Xiong looked up and was shocked. Beneath the ridge of cavalry, a dozen horsemen were escorting three large carts, racing towards the royal city!
“It’s the Third Prince and his group!” Zhang Xiong exclaimed. “They’ve been driven back!”
Zhu Gui urged the drivers to speed up towards the city, but the speed of the carts was no match for the cavalry. Soon, they heard the rumbling sound of the iron hooves closing in. Zhu Gui turned his head, his body almost frozen in shock. The cavalry were so close that he could see their faces!
He saw many cavalrymen drawing their bows, and in an instant, a rain of arrows flew towards them. Some arrows struck the carts, and others hit the rear guards. Many cried out in pain and fell off their horses, only to be trampled into the ground by the approaching cavalry!
Qu Zhisheng, Long Shuangyuezhi, Xuanzang, and Ashu all crouched down in the cart, arrows whizzing past their heads and backs. Suddenly, there was a loud neigh as the horses pulling Xuanzang’s cart were hit by arrows. They neighed and collapsed, flipping the cart over. Xuanzang and Ashu were thrown out, tumbling four or five zhang away.
As Xuanzang got up, he saw Qu Zhisheng’s cart horses also brought down by arrows. Qu Zhisheng and Long Shuangyuezhi clung to each other as they jumped out, rolling to the side of the road. Zhu Gui saw this and sighed deeply. He reined in his warhorse, facing the oncoming cavalry with a bitter smile, and closed his eyes.
Dozens of cavalrymen raised their bows to shoot at them when suddenly a loud shout was heard: “Do not shoot! Stop! Stop!”
Xuanzang helped Ashu up, looking ahead to see a knight wearing a bronze mask leading dozens of cavalry galloping towards them, shouting as they came. Whoever this person was, as soon as he spoke, the cavalry immediately lowered their bows, reined in their horses, and ceased all actions.
Xuanzang glanced back at the royal city and couldn’t help but smile bitterly. At this point, they were just over a li away from the city.
More and more cavalry gathered before them, a dark mass of over a thousand men, silently watching them. The knight in the bronze mask approached from the rear, with the cavalry respectfully making way for him. Following the knight was Long Tuqizhi!
Long Tuqizhi looked at his daughter with a complex expression but said nothing. It was clear that everyone deferred to the bronze-masked knight.
The masked knight rode forward a few steps, staring intensely at Long Shuangyuezhi. His eyes shone with fiery passion as he suddenly removed his mask, revealing a handsome face, and murmured, “Shuangyuezhi, I have come to take you back!”
Long Shuangyuezhi looked bewildered, “Nishu…”
Xuanzang instinctively glanced at Qu Zhisheng and sighed softly. Qu Zhisheng’s face was a mix of jealousy and fear as he tightly held Long Shuangyuezhi’s hand.
Xuanzang understood that this tall, handsome young man before them was none other than Ashina Nishu, the favored son of the Western Turks, the great-grandson of Datuo Khan, master of the Ten Tribes, and the betrothed of Long Shuangyuezhi!
“It’s me,” Nishu dismounted, smiling gently. “Shuangyuezhi, forgive me for coming so late. I have been with Tunyabohu Khan at the Great Clear Lake, more than three thousand li away. As soon as I heard you were bewitched and lost in Gaochang, I rode day and night, binding myself to my horse, losing over thirty horses along the way, to arrive at your side by sunrise. Shuangyuezhi, come with me!”
Nishu’s arrival clearly took Long Shuangyuezhi by surprise, as he was not part of her plan, leaving her at a loss for how to respond.
However, Qu Zhisheng was furious, pointing at Nishu and shouting, “Nishu, Shuangyuezhi is mine! You won’t take her away!”
Nishu’s face turned cold as he looked at him mockingly. “So you are Qu Zhisheng? Where is your David’s vase?”
“Here!” Qu Zhisheng staggered to the ruined cart, dragging out the vase and slamming it onto the ground.
The Auxiliary Wolf soldiers eyed the legendary David’s vase nervously, causing a commotion. Nishu, however, sneered, “So this is the all-powerful David’s vase? Why don’t you release the demon inside to take my life!”
“I—” Qu Zhisheng stammered, his anger turning to shame. “Hmph, no matter what, you won’t take Shuangyuezhi! She loves me!”
“Nonsense!” Nishu shouted angrily, drawing his scimitar and pointing it at him. “Three years ago, the King of Yanqi agreed to my proposal. Shuangyuezhi was still young, so I did not marry her then. You used witchcraft to enchant her, humiliating me. Today, we will settle this score!”
“Kill him!” Long Tuqizhi also shouted. “Nishu, slay this arrogant boy, then we will breach Gaochang and wash away this disgrace with Qu Wentai’s blood!”
“Kill him! Kill him!” The Auxiliary Wolf soldiers roared in unison, their voices shaking the earth.
Qu Zhisheng was unafraid, holding Long Shuangyuezhi’s hand tightly, and stared coldly at Nishun. Long Shuangyuezhi, however, remained silent, watching quietly.
Xuanzang couldn’t help but feel a bit angry, “Amitabha, Princess, is this the outcome you wanted to see?”
Long Shuangyuezhi did not respond.
Amidst the clamor and shouts of the three armies, Nishun let out a roar, dragged his sword, and charged fiercely, the chilling blade slashing towards Qu Zhisheng in fury. Qu Zhisheng calmly watched the blade, suddenly feeling a sense of desolation. He glanced at Long Shuangyuezhi in his arms and murmured, “Shuangyuezhi, in this lifetime, I can’t accompany you any longer!”
Long Shuangyuezhi’s expression changed, seemingly struggling intensely. At this moment, the blade was already in front of him. Suddenly, Zhu Gui let out a loud roar, drew a short knife from his waist, and charged at Nishun. Nishun sneered, the blade flashed, and the short knife was knocked away. He then placed the curved blade against Zhu Gui’s neck.
Nishun was about to speak when he noticed his curved blade and was momentarily stunned. Zhu Gui’s short knife had chipped it. “Old eunuch, your short knife isn’t bad. You seem to be a hero too. I won’t kill you!”
Then he kicked Zhu Gui over.
“Attendant!” Qu Zhisheng was about to run over when Nishun’s curved blade was already at his neck. The blade was as sharp as snow, pressing against his neck, cutting the skin, and droplets of blood seeped out.
Qu Zhisheng looked at the curved blade at his neck, gently glanced at Long Shuangyuezhi, and said softly, “Kill me. Even after my death, Shuangyuezhi will not love you!”
“Rubbish!” Nishun was furious and was about to slash down.
“Stop!” Xuanzang hurried over. He picked up the short knife and handed it to Zhu Gui, helped Zhu Gui up, then spread his arms to stop Nishun.
Nishun was stunned, “You are the Master Xuanzang from the Great Tang?”
“Amitabha, I am indeed the humble monk,” Xuanzang replied.
Nishun thought for a moment and withdrew his curved blade, “These past two days, the King of Yanqi mentioned you to me. Master, I am a sworn brother of your Emperor Li Shimin. It is said that you are on good terms with him, so you are my brother too. I cannot kill you.”
“Oh?” Xuanzang was somewhat surprised, “You know His Majesty the Emperor?”
“That’s right.” Nishun sighed, “In the year of Wu De, I once went to Chang’an and became sworn brothers with Shimin. At that time, he was still the Prince of Qin.”
Xuanzang did not expect that this noble from the Western Turkic Khaganate had such a connection with Li Shimin, hurriedly bowed, “Amitabha, the humble monk greets you.”
“No need, no need.” Nishun sheathed his blade and placed his hand over his chest in salute, “I heard that the Master is just passing through Gaochang on your way to India to seek Buddha. In that case, these mundane affairs have nothing to do with you. Master, please step aside. Once I have dealt with the affairs of Gaochang, I will ensure your safe passage to India.”
Xuanzang gave a bitter smile, “This matter…” He looked at Long Shuangyuezhi and saw that she still had an indifferent expression, as if everything happening before her eyes had nothing to do with her, which angered him. “Amitabha, Princess, with two princes dead inside Gaochang and armies besieging the city, it is on the brink of destruction. The plan you laid out has been realized so perfectly. Isn’t it time for it to end?”
“What plan?” Nishun was utterly shocked.
“The plan involving the King David’s Jar,” Xuanzang said. “It seems Prince Ashina is unaware. This intricate plot concerning the King David’s Jar was orchestrated by this Princess of Yanqi. When the Third Prince obtained the King David’s Jar, he made a wish for Princess Longshuang to fall in love with him. Whether the flask has any magical power, I do not know, but what I do know is that the princess was not bewitched by it. Upon hearing this, she pretended to be enchanted and lured the Third Prince into bringing her to Gaochang Palace, staying there and not returning, thereby giving Yanqi an excuse to provoke a war among the three kingdoms and Gaochang, aiming to conquer Gaochang and dominate the Silk Road.”
Nishun was stunned, staring dumbfounded at Shuangyuezhi, unable to speak. Long Shuangyuezhi raised her head and gazed at the distant Flaming Mountain, ignoring Xuanzang’s accusations.
“Nonsense!” Qu Zhisheng suddenly roared hoarsely, “Master, I respect you as a virtuous monk. Why are you fabricating lies to insult Shuangyuezhi?”
Xuanzang looked at him with pity, “Third Prince, Buddhism speaks of causality. If this dies, that dies; if this is born, that is born. Princess Longshuang falling in love with you has its causes and effects. How could a person fall in love with another just by making a wish, ignoring causality and the cycle of life and death, loving each other for life?”
“But I have the King David’s Jar!” Qu Zhisheng’s eyes were red, “It was Ahkamana who changed Shuangyuezhi’s heart!”
“Master!” Longtuqizhi sneered, “You are making the most severe accusation against Yanqi. If you slander my daughter, then please present your evidence!”
“Indeed, Master,” Nishun was also puzzled, “The miracles of the King David’s Jar have spread throughout the Western Regions. It’s said that when Qu Zhisheng made his wish, smoke swirled inside the flask, and a demon truly appeared and spoke to him. Many people witnessed this.”
“This is merely an illusion.” Xuanzang sighed, “Perhaps it was a coincidence. In the ninth year of Wude, an Indian monk named Bhavamitra came to the Tang Dynasty. During his teachings at Daxingshan Temple, he demonstrated an illusion used by a sect in India to deceive followers. He placed a handful of dust in the sunlight and recited incantations. The dust suddenly transformed into dense smoke, forming various shapes, resembling countless ghosts struggling within. At that time, a Taoist named Li Zhongqing was debating with the Buddhists and exposed this trick on the spot. According to him, the dust was a mixture of saltpeter, mercury, cinnabar, and a special Indian incense. When slightly heated, it would emit thick smoke in bizarre shapes that lingered for a long time. I believe that the King David’s Jar contains such powder in its seal.”
“You’re lying!” Qu Zhisheng shouted, “There was clearly a demon speaking to me in the smoke!”
“Third Prince,” Xuanzang looked at him sorrowfully, “I know a renowned monk named Faya. He is most skilled in ventriloquism. In fact, ventriloquism was introduced to China from the Western Regions, where many people are proficient in this art.”
“Very well!” Longtuqizhi showed a mocking expression, “So according to the Master, someone manipulated the flask to produce smoke and another used ventriloquism to pretend to be a demon speaking. This person must have been present at the time?”
“Exactly.” Xuanzang nodded.
“But when Qu Zhisheng made his first wish, my daughter was not in Gaochang.” Longtuqizhi sneered.
“Indeed!” Xuanzang nodded in agreement, “Princess Longshuang was not present during the first appearance of the demon. It was someone else manipulating it from the shadows.”
“Who is that person?” Nishun asked.
Xuanzang shook his head regretfully, “Actually, at Ochre Slope, the princess already revealed her plan to me in detail. The reason I didn’t tell the King of Gaochang and the Third Prince is that I have not yet found the person hidden in the shadows, manipulating the King David’s Jar. Initially, I suspected she was colluding with the Second Prince, but a few days ago, the Second Prince committed suicide. Now, I have another suspect in mind, but I have not yet figured out this person’s ultimate goal, so I cannot speak further.”
“Haha,” Longtuqizhi laughed heartily, “There actually exists such a pedantic monk in the world. Fine, let me ask you, Qu Zhisheng’s second wish led to the demon slaughtering my Yanqi warriors and hundreds of rebels. Was that also my daughter’s doing? Please enlighten me, if my daughter had such supernatural powers, would Yanqi still be bullied by Gaochang?”
“Alright,” Xuanzang simply sat down cross-legged, “Since the Dragon King has raised the question, let’s trace it back to the roots! Let’s start with Princess Longshuang’s purpose. Since she pretended to be bewitched and entered the palace, intending to overthrow Gaochang. Then she must have had a co-conspirator, someone with power within Gaochang or the palace, who was dissatisfied with the current situation, to respond to her and execute this plot involving the King David’s Jar.”
Xuanzang spoke eloquently, and except for Long Shuangyuezhi and Qu Zhisheng, everyone else listened intently, gathering around. Even Nishun grabbed a saddle, placed it on the ground, and sat opposite Xuanzang with his curved blade across his lap.
“Everyone knows that the Second Prince had long harbored rebellious intentions. To seize the throne, it was not impossible for him to conspire with Princess Longshuang. Therefore, I originally suspected him.” Xuanzang smiled wryly, “But after the second wish on the King David’s Jarled to the Second Prince’s defeat and suicide, I realized that Princess Longshuang was merely using him and the queen. The true co-conspirator was not him.”
“Master, then who is the co-conspirator?” Ashu asked.
Xuanzang ignored the question, “Let’s set aside that person for now. Let’s talk about the princess. The princess had secret dealings with the queen, which I know well because it was Princess Longshuang who secretly incited the queen to kidnap me in Jiaohe City. This means that Princess Longshuang knew about the relationship between the Second Prince and the queen and knew they would definitely rebel. I even believe that the Second Prince’s rebellion was secretly encouraged by the princess because it served Yanqi’s interests.”
“Absurd!” Longtuqizhi laughed loudly, “Master, you just said that my daughter manipulated the King David’s Jar, leading to Qu Deyong’s defeat and suicide. Now you say that Qu Deyong’s rebellion served Yanqi’s interests. This is clearly contradictory.”
“It’s not contradictory,” Xuanzang said calmly, “Qu Deyong’s rebellion indeed served Yanqi’s interests because it greatly weakened Gaochang and severely hit Qu Wentai. However, Princess Longshuang absolutely did not want to see Qu Deyong succeed in his rebellion and become the King of Gaochang. Dragon King, you must know that although Qu Wentai is a temporary hero, he is old. And Qu Deyong, brave and skilled in warfare, is renowned in the Western Regions. Would you want to see his successor be more ambitious, braver, and tougher than Qu Wentai?”
Longtuqizhi was speechless.
“So, for Princess Longshuang, she had to walk a tightrope. She needed to facilitate the rebellion but couldn’t let it succeed. Ideally, Qu Deyong and Qu Renxu would both die in the rebellion. Such a rebellion would best serve Yanqi’s interests,” Xuanzang said.
These words left Longtuqizhi speechless, and even Nishun nodded frequently. For people in the Western Regions, the situation of each country was well-known. Who had enmity with whom, and what each king most desired, were all clear. Yanqi’s ambitions were no secret.
“But, Master,” Nishun pondered, “Your explanation undoubtedly aligns with the greatest dream of the King of Yanqi. But how could this be so easily achieved? Even if what you said is true, how could Shuangyuezhi, entering Gaochang Palace alone, precisely control the extent of the rebellion? Frankly, Master, even if you gave me five thousand elite soldiers, ready to fight, I couldn’t necessarily control a rebellion to such an exact degree.”
“Your Highness,” Xuanzang remarked, “this is precisely Princess Longshuang’s brilliance. What you rely on is military strength, but what the princess relies on is her own wisdom. This is what it means to leave no plan unexecuted.”
“Please enlighten me, Master,” Nishu replied.
“This coup, if it were up to this humble monk to control, would indeed be as difficult as you suspect, like climbing to the sky, not knowing where to start. But Princess Longshuang found a way.” Xuanzang glanced at Longshuang Yue Zhi beside him, seeing her still with an indifferent demeanor, he couldn’t help but feel immense admiration, “The method she found can kill all the second prince’s soldiers at will, anytime and anywhere!”
Storyteller Niasser's Words
EXTRA long chapter!
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