Gesar Meido sat serenely by the campfire, her blue robes cast into shadow by the flickering flames, like clouds forged from ink. Yet her complexion glowed with a blush of rose, and when she blinked with a smile in her almond-shaped eyes, she radiated an intoxicating charm.
Li Jing looked up at the sky, his tone laced with irony."Did I step into the wrong courtyard?" he asked coldly. "This doesn't seem like the eastern annex of Prince Zhao's residence—more like the embassy of Tubo."
Just yesterday, you insulted the mother of my son in the palace hall—yet today you come strolling into my home?For a moment, Li Jing considered calling his guards to drive Gesar Meido out.
But she rose and offered him a deep bow."Your Highness Prince Zhao, I am here to offer my sincerest apologies."
In formal settings, she referred to herself as "this consort," a title that conveyed authority and poise. But in private, she used the humble "this servant," her tone gentle and modest.Had he not known she was a Tubo princess, Li Jing might have thought she had been trained in courtly decorum within the Tang palace.
Today, Li Jing was livid—so angry he was scolding even his own kin.
"Sit down, sit down," Ye Jiao interjected, holding a large bone in hand as she tried to mediate. "Her Highness just arrived and even brought some Nimuxiang spices for the princess consort. Take some back for her after dinner."
Only then did Li Jing sit, lifting his robe before accepting a leg of lamb from Li Ce, and then a cup of wine from Ye Changgen. He spoke slowly:"When does the Tubo delegation plan to depart?"
The sooner, the better.
"His Majesty has granted us an extended stay," Gesar Meido replied, her voice filled with anticipation. "This servant wishes to witness the New Year celebrations of the Tang Empire—I've heard they're most splendid."
"So you don't miss your homeland, it seems," Li Jing muttered, biting into the lamb.
The meat, sizzling with oil, burst with juices that enveloped his palate. Tender, succulent, irresistible—he devoured the second bite before he'd even swallowed the first, momentarily forgetting his grudge against Gesar Meido.
Generous as ever, Gesar Meido brought gifts for everyone. In Li Jing's opinion, the most precious one was given to Ye Changgen—a jewel-encrusted dagger with a razor-sharp blade, a gift that suited his tastes.
Ye Changgen smiled as he admired it."Just in time. I gave my own dagger to Jiao Jiao."
Ye Jiao looked up in confusion.
Li Ce held a warm towel and gently wiped her hands."You forgot? You left it in my carriage, remember?"
His handsome eyes curved in mirth, as though pouring spring water into the air.
"Oh, right! You claimed it when I dropped it!" Ye Jiao exclaimed.
"It's mine now," Li Ce replied, carefully drying each of her fingers.
The tender gesture left Ye Changgen awkwardly holding his own towel.So from now on, even my sister's hands are no longer mine to tend?
Even Li Jing widened his eyes at the scene.Have you all no shame? I've lost my appetite!
As Gesar Meido departed the Zhao residence, she asked Ye Changgen to escort her partway. He did not refuse.
After the incident where Bai Lixi falsely accused the Duke of Anguo of conspiring with Tubo, the two sides now made a point of associating publicly—to demonstrate innocence.
They did not take a carriage, but walked slowly toward Daxuexi Alley.
Lanterns, in all sizes and colors, hung above the winding streets, casting their silhouettes in overlapping layers—stretching, shrinking, merging, and parting again.Yet between them, a constant distance of two persons remained.
Nearly fifteen minutes passed before Gesar Meido finally spoke."I'm sorry," she said earnestly, her eyes filled with remorse. "I never imagined that tending your wounds in my tent would lead to you being falsely accused."
As if he had anticipated her apology, Ye Changgen replied without hesitation,"It's all right—those who are innocent have nothing to fear."
Gesar Meido's next words caught in her throat. She hesitated, then said,"But it seems you're angry."
Ye Changgen came to a halt. Instinctively, so did she. She turned to find his face stern beneath the lantern glow.
"I must ask Your Highness one question," he said gravely, his features etched with a cool solemnity.
"Please, speak freely," she whispered.
"Why did Your Highness come tonight?" he asked. "After what happened at the Linde Hall banquet—anyone else would have kept their distance. Why didn't you?"
The Princess of Tubo was not one to invite humiliation.Today, she had come uninvited. While Li Ce and Ye Jiao had said nothing, Prince Zhao's words had been far from kind.
Yet hearing his question, Gesar Meido's heart settled.
She smiled softly."My mission to Tang means every word and deed of mine represents Tubo.My deliberate provocation at Linde Hall was to make it clear: Tubo does not fear war.Surely, General Ye understands this better than I."
One must be cautious of war—but never afraid.Tubo had already lost a battle; it could not afford to lose dignity.
"And tonight?" Ye Changgen asked, frowning.
"Tonight," she replied with a gentle smile, "I am not the Princess of Tubo."
"I am but a foreign woman from distant lands, drawn to the brilliance of heroes and nobility.I came to get closer.I came to know your empire's finest.I came…"
She lowered her gaze, and the ornament at her throat shimmered. Her voice became faint."…to see you."
So direct, yet shy, her words were like a bud retreating beneath a lotus leaf under the sun.
The confession left Ye Changgen momentarily dazed.But he quickly regained his composure and smiled.
"There is no shortage of nobility in Tang.If Your Highness wishes to expand her circle, the New Year festivities will provide ample opportunity."
He deliberately overlooked her confession, as though it had never been spoken.
Gesar Meido lifted her eyes to him.Before her stood a tall young man, robed in black, with the poise of mountains and rivers.
He was affable, generous, attentive beneath a rugged exterior.
While the Tang court was a sea of intrigue, he remained forthright and sincere—a man to be trusted.
She too smiled and looked up at the sky.
"If the weather is fine tomorrow, this servant shall go out and mingle," she said softly.
Ye Changgen also looked skyward.Though the winter night offered no glimpse of the Milky Way, a few scattered stars twinkled in the clear heavens. The moonlight was bright.
"Tomorrow will be a good day," he declared with quiet certainty.
They arrived at Daxuexi Alley.A chill wind swept through, carrying with it the scent of wine from somewhere unseen.
The Tubo guards awaited at the alley's entrance. Ye Changgen bid her farewell.
"Your Highness," he said solemnly, "Tang is guarded not only by blood-soaked soldiers on its borders, but by many loyal hearts here in the capital as well."
Gesar Meido nodded with a smile, watching as he strode away.Only then did she turn to her waiting envoy.
"Has the letter been delivered?"
"Yes, Your Highness," he answered, bowing low.
She accepted a handwarmer from her maid and let out a long breath.
Good. Let it reach them. Tang has its guardians—Tubo does too.
At this very moment, the court was preparing to name a Crown Prince.In such times, would those in power protect themselves—or their empire?
Gesar Meido looked toward the distant Daming Palace.
The palace stood in formidable majesty.Though not carved into the mountains like the palaces of Tubo, it was built atop Longshou Plateau, commanding a view over the entire imperial city.
It resembled a slumbering dragon, and the lights of Chang'an shimmered like its breath in sleep.
Even at rest—it remained awe-inspiring.
By the time the honored guests had all taken their leave, the hour was late.
Prince Jin, Li Zhang, stepped out of the main hall with no sign of fatigue on his face.
Only then did the steward come forward and report:"Prince Zhao came by earlier, accompanied by a marquis surnamed Bai. They didn't wait and have already left."
"A marquis named Bai?" Li Zhang mused. "Would that be Consort Bai's younger brother…?"