This mask was exquisitely made, a cold silvery sheen gleamed from the forehead to the temple, and only exposed a resolute mouth.

Qu Fongning looked back at the pair of eyes hiding behind the mask. The corners of his lips curled.

“Been there a long time. I heard it all! The Queen is homesick, isn’t she?”

A faint light moved across Yujien’s eyes. “Mn?”

Qu Fongning continued:

“The Queen said that crane left its home and didn’t want to eat fish or drink water, so she wanted General to take it home. She wasn’t talking about the crane, but herself, right? She was a Chienye tribesmen, of course she would be unhappy marrying out this far. It’s hard to not miss home once in a while. Actually, there is water and mists and fresh fish here in Khilan. Maybe the route is a little hard to go about. It’s not so bad from Chienye. What’s wrong with being here? My Uncle Hwei is like this too, always like to mumble, saying how we can never get Syr’s swallow nests anymore, how the charcoal in Syr is warmer than anything, when others hear this, they think Syr is such a sweet and quaint place. My Uncle is a puny slave, so he can say this unconcerned. However, the Queen cannot. She is the Matriarch of a nation, and the leader of the Shamans. If she talks about Chienye every day, people are going to think Khilan is mistreating her. Then we need to go to war with Khilan… General, Khilan didn’t maltreat her, right?”

Yujien perused his lifted face, only his lips moved. “They won’t, and don’t dare.”

Qu Fongning let go of a long breath. “That’s good. The Queen is so young and beautiful, she must be the foremost or second most beautiful person in Chienye. Marrying this Khilan King is really…really somewhat…”

Yujien smiled lightly. “King Shrunle is a great benefactor to us. Do not speak recklessly.” His gaze moved away from his face, turning towards the doorway.

Qu Fongning regarded his colossal retreating figure, saw him raise his head towards the high heavens, declaring slowly: “Things like homeward nostalgia and grief of departure are all emotions that make men weak. What is so difficult about being in the country and never taking your feet off the motherland? As long as everything under heaven unifies together, and all nations become one, then there will be no disparity for home and foreign lands. By that time, anywhere you see from your steed, and everywhere the golden rays of the sun can reach, will be my home.”

Qu Fongning’s whole body shook. He held tight to the coat.

“Someone is coming to pick you up,” Yujien said.

Before long, a wheelchair barged briskly in. Little Ting’yu saw him. Shocked and angered, he banged the wheelchair into the side of the bed.

“Fongning, who hurt you into this?” he tremored.

Qu Fongning’s lips moved, shaking his head.

Instead, Yujien called austerely towards someone outside the doorway, “You come in!”

The incomer with the powder and jade sculpted face was Chao’yoonr.

She came in, saw Qu Fongning lying flat on the bed, her heart gasped with shock, and fury surged on her head, “those useless trash! Saying that place is backwater. It’s only been a brief turn, and this brat has already been discovered!”

She only cared whether Qu Fongning died from suffering endless torment and nothing else. She raised her face and was just about to raise to Yujien her indictment of this wretched slave’s contumely, but heard Yujien speak coolly.

“Shut up!”

“I haven’t said anything yet!” she thought, feeling terribly grieved.

Yujien pointed at Qu Fongning.

“Apologize to him, and attend to him until recovery!”

Chao’yoonr couldn’t believe it, her eyes opened round, shrieking: “I…”

“No need,” Little Ting’yu cut in instead.

His temperament is usually most gentle and polite, and there had never been times when he interrupted someone so rudely. Qu Fongning promptly tried to bow, showing he was safe.

This lie did not deceive Little Ting’yu. He maintained his coolness.

“The Princess is as precious as gold and as treasured as jade. He is just but a slave, how can he receive such grace? A single whip has already made him half dead. Will he still have his life with a few more days of nursing?”

“How can you…” Chao’yoonr jumped and yelled angrily.

“Apologize!” roared Yujien.

Chao’yoonr saw his sharp words and severe demeanor, apparently in genuine anger. In usual times, she always revered this uncle, but making her open her lips and apologize to Qu Fongning, how can that be? Her pupils spurted with lividity, glaring hatefully at Qu Fongning. Her eye hollows reddened, and she bolted out.

Herr Gen’s surprised voice came from outside: “Princess, where are you going?” Chao’yoonr’s footsteps didn’t stop, and soon it sounded far away.

A moment passed and Herr Gen entered. Seeing Qu Fongning’s pale white face, he stopped, nonplussed on the spot.

“She had been spoiled and pampered since infancy. No one disciplined her in the city, and it has come to this. I must be really irresponsible as the uncle,” Yujien signed softly.

Herr Gen assuaged, “General, please don’t speak this way. The Princess is still young. She will be fine after two more years.” Coming up to Qu Fongning, he said: “Brother Fongning, are your injuries okay? Can you walk?”

Qu Fongning nodded and raised to get on the ground. But his footsteps floated faint, the moment it touched the floor, he stumbled. Little Ting’yu hurried forth his arm to hold him up, letting him lean on the chair handle.

Herr Gen retracted his hands. “Let me escort you two back to the embassy!”

Little Ting’yu struggled to support Qu Fongning’s waist, letting half his weight on his shoulder. “I shall take him back myself. Thank you, Yabghu Herr, your solicitude is much appreciated,” he spoke curtly. In his heart, Herr Gen had long been Chao’yoonr’s accomplice, and in the zenith of fury, naturally, he cannot find any courteous words.

Herr Gen hesitated fleetly, then said, “That is well.” Saw Yujien’s outer robe immensely oversized on Qu Fongning, who wore it very unfit, the lower hem dragging on the floor by a long stretch, and his two hands buried under the sleeves. He proposed, “Me and you are about the same size. You wear mine!” As he spoke, took off his top and helped him dress.

Qu Fongning’s hands held the two sides of the skirt, and spoke deeply, “thank you, Big Brother Herr.”

Little Ting’yu was very displeased, and vexed at his ceremonial costume being complicated, and couldn’t be taken off in this short time. So he only wrapped his hands tight, and swiftly took Qu Fongning away.

~

Qu Fongning’s renewed convalescence was even more grandiose than his last.

For seven or eight days straight, palatial healers streamed rounds at the embassy, and all sorts of valuable medicine flooded in like water. Little Ting’yu assumed them to be Chao’yoonr’s objects of atonement, accepted the entire list with much undauntedness, and nurtured Qu Fongning with four-five meals a day. For the duration, all Qu Fongning ate were ancient ginseng, all he drank were red soup swallow nest, and he even chewed on little deer velvet slices in the interim; his days couldn’t be any more nourished. Every day, Little Ting’yu went for a round at the Soothsayers Oratory, then came back to accompany him with conversation, and all was quite tranquil and blissful.

However, one couldn’t escape the inevitable. Their procrastination lasted until the latter part of the Sixth moon, when the Khilan Grand Minister requested their presence, inviting the Chienye ambassadors to depart for Young’ching together, and coordinate the grand scheme of “Co-Prosperity.”

Little Ting’yu hastened to see Dardum, but he replied lazily, “A minor matter. I’d rather not go. If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to! Come, come, sit down, drink!”

Of course, Little Ting’yu cannot drink. Despite the fear in his heart, he toughened his head and got on the vehicle sent by the Grand Minister, and went off to Young’ching with Qu Fongning.

Young’ching was less than a hundred li from the borders of Khilan. The horse-drawn carriage galloped in flight, and it all seemed to only take an instant. Little Ting’yu had memorized his complete set of persuasion from well done to well cooked, but without Dardum sitting by his side, he didn’t have the confidence to speak it all in its originality. He was anxious the entire way, and closed his eyes periodically, talking to himself.

Qu Fongning read the nerve on his face, and tried to ease his discomfort with conversation, pushing at his knee and asking, “Little General, where is that cold sword of mine?”

Little Ting’yu’s mind was preoccupied. “It’s missing!” he answered on a whim.

Qu Fongning feigned horror. “I am done for! My Brother Cher’er stole it from the Little Prince’s treasure cache. It’s said to be his favorite sword! Now I cannot go back! I can’t go back to Chienye anymore. Little General, goodbye! You are my most treasured friend.”

This did amuse Little Ting’yu. He promptly straightened his face and said, “I kept it for you! You were recovering from your injuries. How could you touch this?” And took out “Watering Chill” from the wheelchair handle holder, passing it to him.

Qu Fongning observed the gems on the scabbard different from before; the grains were much more magnificent, obviously meticulous work. “Little General, you have a crafty hand,” he commended.

“What craft. I couldn’t fix your rings.” Little Ting’yu was humbled. Remembering this, his hatred towards Chao’yoonr intensified to another level.

“What about it! ‘Had me troubled about wearing it every day. It pinched my fingers. These couple of smacks really resolved a problem for me!” Qu Fongning smiled.

Little Ting’yu thought, “That is the honor of his life. How can he let it go this easily?” Being in the moment, he spoke candidly, “Fongning, don’t despair. When we are back, I will ask my father to speak to Uncle Qu Sharraugh to take you over! You are so brave and clever, father will be sure to like you. His army is incomparably valiant. You being there will sure make a brilliant career.”

Qu Fongning’s lashes danced. “Then we can be together every day?” he said cheerily.

Little Ting’yu only thought about his future, and didn’t come to think of this. With this mention, he just realized, and instantly looked forward with boundless joy.

By this point, the carriage arrived with Young’ching territory. Qu Fongning pulled up the drape at one side, peered outside the car, and called excitedly, “Little General, come look!”

Little Ting’yu looked from the carriage, and saw a shallow white hollow below lofty bluffs, with flying water draping like a curtain and splashing droplets streaming into a shoal. Green foliage and flourishing flowers bushes covered the path, and snowy light weaves hung outside of every small round yurt, swaying ethereally in the southern wind.

The pair never witnessed such a sight, both watched dazedly for a long while.

“Little General, this is where the ascended live. We are in heaven!” Qu Fongning said softly.

“Yes, we are ascending!?” said Little Ting’yu in the same tone.

The two held their breath, afraid that even one heavy breath would alert this magic domain.

Little Ting’yu was most impressed by crafty artisans. Seeing Young’ching’s architectural techniques supremely advanced, he immediately developed a great sense of yearning. The set of “let us become friends, become each other’s support” speech in his heart now became ever more sincere.

But when the coach stopped, he saw two others.

Two who should not be here.

Yujien Tianhung appeared especially austere in a set of black light armor. The black stallion beneath him huffed with its head held high.

“Starting west thirty li yonder to the south-east, that will be the borders, limit the time to half an hour, how about it?” he said to the other.

The other, with a silver lance and horse, wearing a flippant expression, was Herr Gen.

He heard and smiled, speaking clearly, “General from afar is the guest. How can I take this favor? Moreover, there is the danger of a high precipice on the west, the more difficult it is to search. Herr Gen ventures to request ten li from the General.”

Yujien was wearing a sinister, grisly bronze mask, showing a demonic mouth and protruding fangs, and carrying about an evil air. His left forearm bound a turquoise light round shield in the shape of a flower. The flower had the size of a human head, and detailed true to pedal and stigma, seeming very much alive. However, its ferocity distorted its stems and leaves, taking away any hint of tenderness and allure, evoking instead a most hair-rising creep.

He heard unmoving. “Herr Gen is very mindful and considerate. I should be grateful. However, my own troops had been on break for half a month. They had accumulated some walking stamina. Start and end at the same time, they may not fall behind anyone else.”

Herr Gen laughed with a sigh. “The General’s god warriors had been known through the realm. Herr Gen had been imprudent.” He raised his voice, “People of Young’ching, you refused our friendly alliance. Intrusion was not our initial intention. We are very sorry!” Pointing his lance, hundreds of iron armored soldiers heeded the order and charged into the tribe’s land. Within moments, the sounds of bowls and canisters turning over, women and children crying and cursing, all rang incessantly in the ear.

When Yujien’s Flowing Fire swept lightly, teams of fully black, mask-wearing soldiers appeared soundlessly from the western forest, streaming towards the four cardinal and eight directions. Like the hand of a demon spreading its palm in the burning fire of hell, wherever they went, flames smoldered, horses nickered, and men died.

Little Ting’yu was startled, unable to speak. “Gen, General, this… this is…” he stammered after an extended delay.

“The honored ambassador is unaware, this Young’ching elder had been very arrogant, our people sought audience with him on three occasions, and he had all refused. Thus, we inquired politely about his place of residence, but who would’ve thought, the entire Young’ching, from the nobility to the common silk women, who must have taken well from his past welfare, all harbored his whereabouts. Without avail, we had to use the worst method. Your honored country had agreed. I apologize for not notifying the honored ambassador in advance,” explained the Khilan Grand Minister respectfully.

“This Young’ching elder is truly stubborn. It was to be an all’s well affair, but he had to make the ceremony so difficult. What’s the big deal with letting us take a look…” Herr Gen signed.

Little Ting’yu was immensely unsettled, “General, our Lord King had ordered me to solicit co-prosperity with the Young’ching elder. No matter how he refuses, we ought to invite them with humble sincerity, and convince them with reason. Using force like this…how…how can it be?”

Yujien slanted him a glance, this gaze contained some surprise, and some lament.

By this point, the Khilan soldiers had driven the Young’ching tribesmen into custody. The Ghost Army was climbing or dashing about, searching for the remaining scattered tribesmen.

A team of Ghost Army reported far from the southwest, “Commander General, a series of horse hooves were found on the shoal, the track appeared hurrying towards the southwest, beside it was three-four wooden boxes and some ladies’ make-ups.” They raced in, presenting the items.

Yujien popped open one of the wooden brocades. A large green worm was squirming within, and a few black dots splattered the bottom of the container, akin to larvae eggs. Yujien held the silkworm for a brief examination, and looked towards the southwest, appearing in thought.

“The word is that these green silkworms have a unique characteristic, where the common ones cannot breed, and only one in twenty or thirty could mate and produce eggs, which are called the ‘Silk Mother’. Perhaps the one in General’s hand is this specimen?” said the Grand Minister, excitedly.

Yujien’s gaze remained towards the southwest. “The authenticity of the ‘Silk Mother’ can only be confirmed by one man in the entire world,” he said.

“Who?” asked the Grand Minister.

“Naturally — the ‘Silk Father,’” said Yujien with austerity.

On cue with his words, an ebony arrow unleashed from his hand, shooting instead towards a flying fall to the northeast.

The waterfall stood half a li away. Majestic plunging waters scattered flying droplets of water pearls, appearing like a scroll of white silk. The ebony arrow released and traveled suddenly at the speed of streaming light. As soon as it arrived, the arrowhead turned, making a screeching sound, and whooshed horizontally across the water curtain. With a pang, it sliced open the silk veil like a quick knife, and cut across the flying fall at its waist.

The break of the white film revealed a dark hollow within. A bony, shrewd looking, white-haired old man was sitting on the stone platform in the cave. He was hugging a wide mouthed porcelain bowl at his bosom, staring open-gaped at the beholding onlookers.

Yujien tossed the pure black, unadorned bow in the shape of waning moon towards Oyghrmuki, and said to Little Ting’yu, “You only need one method to convince others.”

Qu Fongning witnessed this water cutting, stream intercepting arrow, and felt his head rising in fever and his body shivering with cold. Only one thought occupied his mind, “There is such godly skill under heaven.”

Looking at Herr Gen, although his expression appeared calm, the lancehead hanging by his legs quivered.

The Khilan Grand Minister, donning a big smile, called towards the elder in the cave, “Elder Swai, how are you?”

“This old man had been planning this unfailing cicada’s shelling escape for years. It was almost successful, but you all saw through it with a single glance. Heaven meant to be, so long, so long!” signed Swai Young.

“Escort Elder Swai down, receive him with full courtesy. He must not be taken lightly,” Yujien ordered.

In a moment, Swai Young was brought in front of his horse in full chains. He stared at Yujien, laughing dryly. “This old man has lived in bleakness all his life, yet my death labors the Chienye Ghost Sovereign for my last rites. This is no small honor,” he said.

Two soldiers pushed down his head, forcing him to kneel. Yujien threw the number of wooden brocades towards the ground and asked, “Elder Swai, do you recognize this object?”

Sawi saw the large worm in the box, and his whole body convulsed. “This… this is…” his voice horse, he extended his shriveled hand, apparently wanting to touch the worm, but immediately retracted his hand, and started shaking his head incessantly. “This is just a common worm, just a tad bit … bigger, it’s definitely not the Que… the monarch of the silkworms, it’s worthless!” he screamed.

The crowd saw his extreme excitement and abrupt change in narrative, all chuckled privately in their heads, “this old man is still lying before the end!” The Khilan Grand Minister was especially delighted, and prompted to cup the priceless treasures on the ground.

Before he could extend his two hands, he heard Yujien sneer. His lance probed forward and pointed on the wooden brocade.

“Flowing Fire” was incomparably hot. In an instant, the wooden brocade turned from white to charcoal, green smoke puffed, and became aflame in collapsed pieces. The number of fat worms were all scorched and burned in skin and flesh, releasing a foul repugnance.

“General Yujien, what is the meaning of this?” faltered the Khilan Grand Minister.

“Elder Swai is the specialist in raising silkworms. If he said these are worthless, then they must be worthless,” Yujien spoke flatly.

Swai Young’s face suddenly jittered a few times, then buried itself down deep.

“Elder Young is astute in mind tactics and likes these scheming and guessing games. Unfortunately, I am just a simple martial man, I can’t recognize such elegant humor, and I’ve wasted all this exquisite sentiment,” Yujien said, then inquiring to one side, “Where is the rest of the royal house?”

A centurion commander rushed forward, holding four, five heads in his hand. The moment Young’ching tribesmen saw the face of the heads, they exclaimed in unison.

“Lord King… Queen!” cried Swai Young, quaveringly.

“Where is Swai Young’s family?” inquired Yujien.

“Over here!” A guardsman reported and swiftly sent forwards twenty plus men, women, frail, and young, tied in a row, all disheveled in appearance and beaten in expression.

At the tail of the line, an eight, nine-year-old boy was originally crestfallen in countenance. Yet the moment he saw Swai young, he rushed forwarded his whole being crying, “Grandpa, run! Hurry! Run!”

He was tied to the others on a rope, this sudden movement immediately tripped down two others. An aristocratic woman fell to the ground, her makeup came tousled, and her face filled with tears. Her immaculate, pure white hair ribbon had been soaked with blood and dust.

“Help your mother up. Grandpa cannot run away!” resigned Swai Young.

He raised his head, eyes stared mortally at Yujien, and clenched his teeth, proclaiming: “I knew, on the day when the green silkworm was discovered, that this day will come sooner or later! What teachings? What co-prosperity? They are all lies of the prying beasts of plunder! Our tribe had suffered oppression for years, it was not easy surviving until now. Yet, our extinction today has nothing to do with the doings of man, it is the meaning of heaven! You all want to terrorize us with threats and intimidations, I suggest you put this idea to rest! Even though the land of Young’ching is small and our people weak, we do not fear death! You can take our lives, but you cannot take our souls!”

His gaze was solid, devoid of the previous craven colors.

“If you handed out the Silk Mother earlier, why would I need your body or soul?” said Yujien.

“This old man’s blood work of twenty years can only be given to men, not beasts.” Swai Young spat.

Yujien shook his head and said, “Elder Swai truly has a heart of stone.” Seeing the row mostly female, he backed his horse, announcing, “I don’t kill women and children, Yabghu Herr, by all means.”

Herr Gen smiled lightly. “This renunciation of the General is certainly interesting.” He directed the lancehead, impaling the breast of two women at the end of the line, and continued, “maidens marry to become wives, and can produce five to six boys for the tribe; even with one boy surviving to adulthood, he can slaughter a hundred in the army. Today you pity their weakness, but tomorrow when your adversary’s orphan robs your wife and daughter and ravages your territory, who are you going to cry to?”

Little Ting’yu beheld the two armies again barging into civilian homes, murdering, and setting flames. His mind spiraled into a pit of chaos. Herr Gen’s words further worsened his raging migraine.

A voice was screaming in his heart, “It should not be like this! Shouldn’t we embrace each other and make friends with kindness and love? Why are we viewing each other as enemies? If you don’t kill me, I shall kill you?”

Qu Fongning read the extreme agony on his countenance, held out his hand, and gently covered his eyes.

“Herr Gen’s golden words are deafeningly enlightening. Now, in comparison, it seems I am sanctimoniously hypocritical.” Unleashing his lance, the upper torso of a middle-aged man dropped to the ground, while his legs and lower trunk remained standing. “Abba! Abba!” the boy shrieked at length.

Little Ting’yu could sit no more. Pushing away Qu Fongning, he choked, “General, Yabghu Herr, let me persuade Elder Swai to give up the Silk Mother, is that alright? Young’ching is a tiny peaceful tribe. Why do you need to … need to exterminate them?”

Yujien parked his lance and darted him a look. This time, this gaze included rather more pity.

Herr Gen laughed. “Peaceful? It looks like the honored ambassador is uninformed. When Young’ching ousted Tuhu, what these good honest silk folks had on their hands wasn’t round bamboo trays or silk cocoons, but real clubs and blades! Seven or eight years ago, King Tuhu’s three daughters fell into a trap, and they were gang-raped and abused to death by hundreds of Young’ching soldiers. The person in charge was none other than this good grandpa — Commander Swai.”

Little Ting’yu felt a blackness over his eyes, hoping someone would come out to refute, but all was silent save for the crackling of burning wood.

Herr Gen raised the blood-soaked silver lance, slowly advancing towards the boy, and asked softly, “Today our honored ambassador voice the injustice of Young’ching, but who will the Tuhu of yesterday indict their grievances towards?”

The blood on the blade dripped one by one onto the boy’s nose arch and face. Little Ting’yu’s head also spiraled into a daze.

In that moment, a voice that could only belong to Yujien resounded deeply, “I’ve said, to convince others, you only need one method!”

“Stop!” Elder Swai’s ancient voice suddenly cried.

Herr Gen’s lance tip did not leave the boy’s temple. “Oh? Elder Swai is softening his heart for his favorite grandson?” he said, smiling.

“Let go of him. I will go get the silkworm,” said Swai Young coldly.

“Sure!” Herr Gen replied and retracted the blade, but left a bloody mark on the boy’s forehead.

“Grandpa, grandpa, don’t give it to them! I am not afraid of death!” cried the boy.

Swai Young appeared unheard and strode one step after another into the sandy shoal.

Yujien fixed his gaze on his shriveled back. “Get that porcelain bowl of his!” he suddenly demanded.

His voice was invariably as cold as ice, placid without ripple, yet this command contained a good deal of agitation.

The porcelain bowl was offered up immediately, yet there was nothing but a layer of silk sand at the bottom.

All at once, people screamed with horror. Standing afar on the dry sands, Swai Young bit down hard on his teeth and ignited a few sparks of flame, which fell onto his body — In an instant, his hair and clothing came ablaze.

“Hahahahahaha—I had just crushed the last worm. From now on, there will be no more Silk Mothers in the world! I have foreseen my death, but how could one concede to the greed of jackals? You all tried your open heists and covert thefts, exhausting all mind schemes, yet in the end it was all for nothing!” Swai Young’s hoarse laughter howled through the devouring flames.

“Elder Swai!” wailed the Young’ching tribespeople. The boy’s eyes gaped wide enough for it to fall out of the sockets, yet he clenched his teeth so hard until blood started streaming, refusing to release one cry.

However, the pure black “Shadow Leaper” dove forth, Yujien lunged forth and unleashed his whip, and with a hook, he looped Swai Young back, roaring, “put out the fire!”

Herr Gen’s mind made a swift turn and understood at once. He grabbed and broke the two waterskins from his horse, immediately sending two streams towards Swai Young. And with a flash of frost and a gust of cold, Qu Fongning intervened simultaneously, throwing forth “Watering Chill” straight into the streaming parabola.

The short sword was incomparably frigid; cold water meeting the blade instantly became ice water. Swai Young’s body was sizzling with smoke, but by the time Yujien released his whip, the open flame had been quelled.

The soldiers at the side finally took their own waterskins and started pouring. By now, the water sent from Herr Gen had slowly turned to ice.

“Herr Gen is very nimble,” Yujien commended. Then he saw the short sword landed unswerving, right on the heart, impaling to the hilt. “What a “Watering Chill!’” he said, peering at Qu Fongning.

Herr Gen’s gaze swept over Qu Fongning. His lips moved, but didn’t say anything.

The sudden rabbit jump and crane drop actions transpired fleetly. Little Ting’yu only saw black shadows springing in leaps, and a crowd of troops had already surrounded Swai Young’s carcass.

“The General is really beyond this world!” The Khilan Grand Minister heaved a sigh of relief. “The old man Swai painted his entire body with sulfur and hid the Silk Mother in his stomach. Once the top layer of flesh burns away, the Young’ching tribespeople can reclaim one or two of the worms. He really was a genius. If the General wasn’t here, we would’ve all been deceived by him!”

“Before Swai Young’s death, he appeared in a state of madness. How could General ascertain he wouldn’t destroy the Silk Mothers?” Herr Gen inquired.

“Artisans enshrine their creations akin to maidens preserving their faces. They are already reluctant to let go of dead objects, let alone living beings?” sneered Yujien.

A medical officer cupped up a ball of bloody, squirming object, carefully presented it onto a red jade plate, and called for men to bring up brocade silk cloth.

By the time Little Ting’yu understood what it was and where it came from, his stomach churned up a storm. No longer able to hold it in, he bent over and vomited, almost gagging out all the acid of his stomach.

Qu Fongning reached out his hands and gently patted his back. He held tight to this hand and felt the tinge of lingering cold from the short sword.

By now, the Silk Mothers had all been extracted. Two captains came forth for instructions, inquiring how to dispose of the Young’ching prisoners.

Yujien waved his hand indifferently. “The rest doesn’t matter, just keep a couple weavers,” he said.

“As per the General’s commands,” followed Herr Gen. And as an afterthought, he said, “their weavings are quite plain. It probably wouldn’t be very useful.”

“These kinds of meticulous works are the strength of the Southerners. Our craftsmen can make some suits of armor, but asking them to water iron into a flower is still a pipe dream,” said Yujien.

Hearing this statement, the circle of Khilan ministers laughed. “That’s true!”

Herr Gen halted his hand and looked at him. “However, sixteen years’ worth of blood and heart work making such a magnificent dress. Doesn’t it still must be dispatched a thousand li to become the General’s facilitation gift?”

Yujien chuckled. “Exactly. A gown—even if it has the beauty of phoenix and heron—without the strength to protect itself, sooner or later it will become someone else’s wedding gown.”

No sooner than the words dropped, another chuckle drifted far from the opposite cliff.

“General Yujien, despite being titled the Ghost Sovereign, seems to be surprisingly versed in the arts of the mortal women. As it stands, this humble one also happens to have an unbecoming dress, hoping for the General’s critique.”

This voice sounded temperate and offset. The tone was not particularly rich, yet the words were saturated with allure and bewitchment, inducing the listeners with an inexplicable sense of relaxing complacency.

Hearing this voice, Yujien frowned. “Old Lio Fox, it’s rather late to be arriving now,” he said coldly.

For a moment, there was a flurry of murmurs between the Khilan assembly. Herr Gen focused his gaze and inquired, “is it the ‘Ingenious General’ Lio Whu of Bi’ro?” And suddenly, an object drifted lightly down the cliffs.

Through the blinding sunlight, people could easily tell it was a wrap of sheer pink shawl.

“Little Princess!” cried Oyghrmuki.

Lio Whu’s laughter ensued. “No, not late, precisely on time.”

Yujien raised his arm, catching the shawl with the tip of his lance. “My little girl is being a guest at the house of the General. She is young and unlearnt in manners. Would the General please forgive her ignorance?” he intoned.

“General has no need for such formalities. This Princess of the Yarrdu City is vivacious and daring, a model example of a noble house. Although I have only been briefly acquainted with the Princess, I have already taken her as an intimate young friend,” Lio Whu said humbly.

He spoke guilelessly. Yet they only heard the voice and couldn’t see the person. The edge of the precipice cantilevered like an eagle’s beak. As his words dropped, several Bi’ro soldiers in silvery grey armor pushed a girl to the fracturing point.

The girl was bound tight all around, tears redden her face — it was Chao’yoonr.

Yujien peered a look, and laughed coldly, “General Lio Whu’s way of hospitality is certainly unique and especially moving.”

Lio Whu sniggered. “The cries of birds, tethers at my heart. Despite my regrets, I must offend this little friend in the matter of national affairs. Moreover, in this approach of blood sacrifice, if General Yujien takes the second place, who would dare to claim first?”

A Bi’ro soldier took off Chao’yoonr’s stuffing, who only cried “Uncle Tian!” twice before being gagged again.

“I heard there is an interesting game in the South called ‘Gathering Green¹.” The General is a curious character, would you like to try it with this humble individual?”

On the precipice, two soldiers extended their arms in unison, sending Chao’yoonr off the edge. The crowd gasped, but her body only fell a short distance and stayed still — A five zhang length cable hung at the mouth of the cliff and held her in midair. The mountain breeze sent the rope swaying, and Chao’yoonr’s body also wavered unstably in the wind.

“I heard there is an exotic treasure in the City of Ghosts called Tensen Silk,” said Lio Whu, “you only need a scant amount, and your ropes, whips, armors, and shields would become incomparably tough and impervious to blades. The Princess, being supreme in status, happens to have this with her. It came in three ply strands. Yet this humble individual had a tickle of his hand, and split it into a single strand to experiment with its resilience. General Yujien, let’s each limit ourselves to three arrows, and whoever breaks the cable wins. Sign, making the Princess of the city of Wolf submit herself as the Green. What an awful impertinence to the young lady. Sorry, sorry!”

The crowd observed the cable stretch completely straight and occasionally release faint screeches of tension. Not to mention shooting arrows, if it hung for a little longer, it would probably break. For a moment, shouts and curses exploded from all directions, cussing out the Old Fox contemptible and unscrupulous.

Lio Whu did not care, he ahhed, remembering, “almost forgot, such a special program naturally needs an exceptional prize. What kind of reward would balance such a golden branch and jade leaf lady?”

“How about the Silk Mother?” Yujien said icily.

Lio Whu guffawed. “The General is a decisive man! Then this humble individual shall take the first shot as tribute.” Thus, he sent out an arrow straight at the cable. The rope shook violently, but it didn’t break. “A true treasure,” Lio Whu commended.

Yujien observed the vertical precipice, not saying a word. Lio Whu had won less than losses through their countless battles of wits. How could he let go of this heaven-sent opportunity? “I understand your honored tribe is bound arm and leg with Khilan, but I hope you will excuse this small selfishness of ours. Also, this undeserving individual’s skill in archery is nowhere as accurate as the General. If I happen to accidentally harm the Princess, that would be terribly unfortunate,” he added.

Yujien humphed. “You might as well send the two other shots,” he said.

Lio Whu seemed to have foreseen this, and laughed. “The General is graciously modest.” Drawing the bow and nocking the arrow, but completely missing the aim, instead the shot only brushed across Chao’yoonr’s face.

Chao’yoonr already felt sick being hung in midair. The experience of the long arrow nearly scratching her face further drained pale from her flowery facade, and tears came bursting down in streaks.

Little Ting’yu emptied the contents of his stomach and finally recovered from the intolerable pain. Seeing Chao’yoonr being baited and scared inhumanly pale by Lio Whu, he thought, “Her punishment for bullying Fongning sure came swift!”

Yet turning around, Qu Fongning was not by his side.

“Aiya, I hope you are amused by my blunder.” Recurving his bow, he sent out another arrow.

However, this shot came menacingly, bringing a sonic boom as it teared across the sky. With a bang, it ripped away half of the cable. The broken string wrappings immediately curled up, yet the snowy white and sheer tensen silk strands remained in tension, but stretched to their limit.

Yujien was silent for a moment, then retracted his bow and spoke low, “Fine, I accept…”

All of a sudden, a surge of commotion broke out on the fracturing precipice. Yet describing it as a surge was probably not quite accurate, as within a brief instant, four or five heads had already rolled down the bluffs.

“Who’s there?” Lio Whu exclaimed in shock.

The ones beneath the cliff raised their heads and witnessed an absolutely incredible sight.

A cloud was floating upon the cantilevering precipice.

“Fongning!” cried Little Ting’yu.

Qu Fongning was holding the wooden sky lantern with one hand, and the other grappling onto the rope tie at the mouth of the cliff. Dragging up the cable, he kicked his feet off the edge of the cliffs, riding the downward force to slide down to Chao’yoonr’s position. He held the Watering Chill in his mouth, made a horizontal swing on top of her head, and the cable severed instantly.

The bonfire on the sky lantern’s rectangular stand continued to blaze vigorously, ballooning in full force, and carrying the two upwards all by itself. Qu Fongning moved Chao’yoonr to his left arm, raised the short sword, and sliced short the candle fat, forcing it to drop gradually.

Lio Whu reacted immediately. “Volley fire!” he shouted.

When have Bi’ro soldiers ever witnessed such an amazing sight? They were watching dumbstruck and only recovered after hearing their commander general’s orders, and so arrows flew like a swarm of locusts towards Qu Fongning and his charge.

Before the arrow could land, a green light came booming from the side, crashing against the hundred arrows. For a moment it sounded like a rapid rainstorm stirring away the onslaught — Yujien had hurled the round shield from his arm in support.

Lio Whu’s face darkened and drew his bow full. “The General has invited this many helpers. This seems rather dishonorable,” he jarred.

Yujien watched the sky lantern lowering beneath the bluffs, no longer reachable within bow range, and finally spoke, “The victor is the ruler, needless to say more.”

Lio Whu cupped his hands in defeat. “Then this humbled individual shall not disturb the General’s family reunion and sibling affections, and shall take his leave.”

Herr Gen looked at Yujien, and only heard him speak mildly, “Good riddance, won’t see you off. Rest assured that today’s phenomenal reception will be repaid, someday.”

Lio Whu giggled. “That’d be wholly welcomed, our humbled tribe’s His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and Her Royal Highness Princess Ulaador shall all sincerely hope for the coming of this day.”

As he finished, waved his hand, and all the Bi’ro soldiers withdrew clean.

The Khilan Grand Minister tsked. “I’ve always heard the Lio Fox’s old face is thicker than cowhide. Seeing this today, it is indeed stupendous! A moment flaming arrogant, full of big talk, and as soon as he sees defeat, even brings out the Princess for pleas.”

“Can bend and can extend, that is a first-class character,” Yujien commended slowly. Seeing the sky lantern landing gently, he dismounted and went forward.

That day Chao’yoonr ran away in a blind fury and strayed into Bi’ro camps. After days of confinement, she finally found freedom. The instant she saw Yujien, she was reminded of her belly full of grievances, slanted her lips, and was ready to bawl out in his arms.

However, Yujien didn’t give an eye to her, he proceeded towards Qu Fongning instead.

Qu Fongning had just overextended his strength, and both his arms were covered with bruises. Herr Gen was examining for wounds, and Little Ting’yu was digging furiously in his chair handle for vulnerary. He saw Yujien coming over and felt a tinge of embarrassment. “General,” he called with his head lowered.

Yujien made an umming acknowledgement and spoke, “You took immense risks betting your own life to save Princess Chao’yoon—you are a remarkable champion. Thank you.”

Qu Fongning dared not to receive his gratitude, instantly knelt, and his voice quavered, “Th… the General had saved my life, twice. Breaking my bone and body to smithereens would not be enough to repay one in ten thousandth of this honor.”

Yujien shook his head slowly. “That doesn’t count,” He paused, and spoke again, “Chao’yoonr treated you that way, but you can overlook past grievances. That is all the more invaluable.”

Qu Fongning bit his jaw. “I… I am not without spite, however… the Princess wishing to kill me is a matter of personal vendetta; but that Bi’ro general using the Princess as leverage is a matter of national dispute.”

Yujien was silent for a moment, and forthwith roared with laughter. “Well said! You are quick in hands and feet, calm and resourceful, and most exceptionally, you have the drive for the ‘righteous cause!’ Good child, rise, let me think what I shall reward you.”

He tilted his head up, thinking briefly, and an idea came to his heart.

Looking back at Qu Fongning’s pitch black eyes, he spoke slowly, “How about this! I reward you with a request.”

“A request?” the others were bemused.

“Mn,” Yujien confirmed.

His grisly demon mask moved slightly. “No matter what, as long as you ask, I shall not refuse,” he promised.

For a moment, all the hearts present started thumping like drums. With Yujien Tianhung’s might, curios and gems, horses and beauties are needless to mention; even to be crowned as a prince or appointed as a general would be as easy as flipping his palm—Qu Fongning’s venture had truly brought a prize as huge as the sky.

Chao’yoonr just had a cry leaning against Oyghrmuki, and couldn’t resist interrupting.

“Even if he asks for a star, you will go get it for him?”

Yujien’s gaze did not waver. “Even if he asks for the stars, I will go gather them for him!” he said.

Little Ting’yu and Herr Gen were both intensely nervous. One bumped the golden bells on his feet, telling him to ask for freedom; the other darted glances towards Chao’yoonr, meaning him to propose for marriage.

There was no sound on the sandy shoal for some time. Everyone stared at Qu Fongning, wanting to witness what sort of affair he would open his lips for.

And they witnessed Qu Fongning slowly lifting his head, speaking one word after another with absolute sincerity:

“I witnessed General’s unparalleled archery, my heart is full of admiration and reverence, to which I cannot help myself. I wish for the General to teach me archery.”

Yujien regarded him momentarily and smiled. “Yes, I pledge to you.” Then he took off a squarish thumb ring and tossed it towards his bosom.

The thumb ring had been worn for many years; this removal revealed a clear section of whiteness around his knuckle.

It was nothing to the others, but it stirred up a hubbub amongst the Ghost Army.

Qu Fongning lowered his head and studied, observing it to be a steel-colored black jade, translucent with a radian sheen, and warm upon touch. Yet wherein it contained strands of redness, appearing imbued into the flesh, impossible to tell whether it was a natural quality, or was tinted from bloodshed.

He understood this thumb ring was extraordinary, didn’t dare to take it, and attempted to return it as is.

Yujien waved his hand and mounted the horse. “This object is incomparable to the King’s bestowment, but make do with it! You will need to use it when you learn archery from me.” He rode away on his steed, and Oyghrmuki immediately followed, taking Chao’yoonr along.

Thus, Qu Fongning wore as instructed. The thumb ring was extraordinarily heavy, and it dangled grudgingly on his thumb, which appeared tinier with comparison.

Naturally, Little Ting’yu was happy for him, and held his hand examining it for a while, yet he suddenly realized, “Fongning is almost the same age as me, but he wasn’t scared seeing this ground full of corpses, charged into the enemy lines all by himself, and saved Princess Chao’yoon from a dangerous cliff. Sign… But I only sat aside… shook my legs and trembled with fear, and even vomited.”

As soon as he remembered his embarrassing, craven expressions, he just wanted to find a crack in the earth and hid in there, and never see anyone again.

“Everyone, mission accomplished, homebound!” Herr Gen announced cheerily.

“Aye!” the soldiers answered happily.

Herr Gen went up, looping Qu Fongning’s shoulder, and grinned at the Ghost Army soldiers. “All the warriors have worked hard. I am thanking everyone on behalf of Brother Fongning. Drinks are on me today.”

A centurion commander responded, “Oh,” then inquired in a hushed tone, “what sort of drinks does Yabghu Herr mean?”

Herr Gen cocked his brows subtly. “The kind of drinks for girls. How about it?”

The legions took the hint, snickering. Even with the masks on their faces, it was easy to imagine their expressions.

The commander coughed. “We mean no offense to Yabghu Herr’s goodwill. Unfortunately, martial orders are as heavy as the mountain. It would not do to violate.”

Herr Gen feigned displeasure. “This is a reception drink for me and the Princess, how can you refuse? If General Yujien charges blame, I take all responsibility,” he said, taking the captain’s arm, and they went off together as intimate as comrades.

~

Little Ting’yu sat on the coach looking at wreckage of the verdant foliage and flower bushes, and said dreamily:

“Fongning, one day, I shall find a better place. Where every yurt will be as soft as the white clouds. Flowers will flourish into an ocean, blooming from the doorway to the horizon. There, the wind will be as crisp as honey, breezing people into not wanting to open their lids. And every day will feel like a stupor, like a dream, and will whiz by before you know it.”

Qu Fongning was studying his thumb ring. He listened and lifted face, smiling, “You will take me there?”

“Of course, we will be together every day!” said Little Ting’yu.

The carriage carried the two through the haze of fluttering shreds of burnt silk, past the impaled and intestine leaking corpses, around the small head with a tiny dot of blood blossom on its crown, and off they sped towards Khilan.

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