When Sultan Gu's gaze swept over Yang Qian, the latter's heart skipped a beat, and a shiver ran down his spine.
He wasn't wearing a mask, looking puzzled, and asked Yao Ying, "Princess, who is this person?"
Yao Ying thought for a moment and said seriously, "He's my friend."
The alliance between Yuchi Bodhidharma and the royal court was a secret, unknown even to Yang Qian. She instinctively felt she couldn't reveal too much.
Listening to her solemn tone, it was clear that she trusted Sultan Gu a lot. Yang Qian didn't ask further, carefully sizing up Sultan Gu. The man wore a mask, his face obscured, lean and straight, the tight leather straps outlining a lean physique and muscular lines, with an imposing presence and a vigorous aura enveloping him. At first sight, it was evident that he was an extremely skilled expert.
Yang Qian's blood boiled; if it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, he would have liked to find a reason to spar with the man.
Yao Ying sensed his eagerness and couldn't help but smile.
His wish was destined to go unfulfilled; Sultan Gu only drew his sword when it came to killing or saving, never engaging in combat otherwise.
The three of them met, left the corridor, and walked through the hall filled with the sound of silk and bamboo. The night was deep, and the tears of the candles under the lamp trees formed waterfalls, while the geishas continued to dance gracefully with their long skirts fluttering.
Suddenly, several drunk guests wearing brocade robes blocked their way, their drunken hands slapping Yang Qian's shoulders.
"Fourth Young Master, we've finally caught you. You claim to be able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, right? Come and have a contest with Eighth Young Master!"
Having drunk a lot, these men exuded alcohol fumes and were exceptionally strong. Yang Qian couldn't push them away and was dragged to a long table and held down. Everyone around crowded in, eager to pour him drinks and tried to get him drunk.
Yao Ying stood on the side, contemplating whether to rescue Yang Qian, and her gaze swept over a figure that was gradually approaching along the corridor, causing her heart to tremble violently.
The person also wore a mask, dressed in a small-sleeved brocade robe with floral patterns, curly hair draping over the shoulders, strong arms, tall and robust.
He walked into the hall under the guidance of the servants, his hawk-like eyes scanning the surroundings, their light yellow color gleaming with a faint golden hue in the candlelight.
Yao Ying quickly looked away and turned around.
She wouldn't make a mistake; that person was indeed Haidu ALing. Sultan Gu had said that the goshawk spotted his white falcon near Gaochang, and sure enough he had indeed appeared.
Sultan Gu was standing next to her. She was afraid of being recognized, so she subconsciously opened her arms and hugged his arm tightly.
She suddenly approached, startling Sultan Gu, causing a slight furrow beneath his mask.
Yao Ying whispered, "General Su, Haidu Aling is here, right at the door."
Sultan Gu remained calm, glanced at the door, and recognized Haidu Aling's figure. No wonder she pounced on him suddenly.
He lowered his eyes and his gaze fell on the top of Yao Ying's dark shiny hair. Her body trembled slightly and her head was buried low. Her braided hair adorned with silk ribbons and gemstones fell down and brushed against his arm. Her fingers were clenched tightly. Holding his sleeves, her knuckles were stiff.
She was very nervous.
Sultan Gu didn't pull away his arm but instead turned Yao Ying around so that she could avoid Haidu Aling's sight.
Yao Ying leaned against his arm, like a cat snuggling up to him, following his movements slowly until they were facing away from the door. Haidu Aling could no longer be seen from the corner of her eye, and her body slowly relaxed. She let out a breath, lifted her face, and looked at Sudan Gu.
There was nothing to fear; Sultan Gu was here. As long as he was there, she felt very at ease, even though he was taciturn and didn't say a comforting word.
Yaoying's chaotic mind slowly calmed down, "General Su, is Haidu Aling here to see Yuchi Bodhidharma?"
With her hand on Sultan Gu's arm, leaning and looking up at him with clear eyes full of trust, she spoke softly, her warm breath brushing over his chest and chin. There was a faint, delicate fragrance lingering on the tip of the nose.
Sultan Gu raised his eyes and looked in the direction of the corridor.
Haidu ALing was pacing back and forth in the hall, holding a horn-shaped wine cup. While drinking, he kept looking around, as if he was looking for something.
Yaoying couldn't see the scene behind her. Sultan Gu was a man who cherished his words like gold, not speaking for a while. She felt a bit anxious, couldn't help but reach out from his arm, wanting to see if Haidu ALing was going to find Yuchi Damo. Just as she raised half of her face, she felt a sharp gaze sweep over, her body stiffened, and she shrank back into Sultan Gu's embrace.
The fingers gripping his arm were all soft, and the nails were painted with cinnamon, which was a light and gorgeous light hazel color.
Sultan Gu raised his hand and a few inches away, lightly encircled Yao Ying's shoulder, and said softly, "Don't move."
His tone was mild.
Yaoying immediately stopped moving and leaned in his arms, acting very well-behaved.
Haidu A Ling's gaze wandered around. When he saw the masked Sultan Gu, even though they were separated by half the hall, he still felt his imposing presence and couldn't help but glance at him for a moment. He then saw him holding a slender, black-haired young lady, the two of them snuggled up to each other as if whispering sweet nothings, and quickly shifted his gaze away.
Sultan Gu retracted his arm and said: "Haidu Aling is looking for an opportunity."
Yao Ying's eyes lit up and guessed the purpose of Haidu Aling's visit: "Princess Yina and her personal bodyguards are the eyes and ears of Wakhan Khan. Haidu Aling wanted to see Yuchi Bodhidharma, but was afraid of being discovered by her, so he also sneaked here in disguise, and he came to persuade Yuchi Bodhidharma to lend him troops."
The two of them talked and slowly walked to the dark corner. In the eyes of outsiders, it appeared as if Yao Ying was holding Sultan Gu's arm, with Sultan Gu bowing his head to speak to her intimately. The two seemed affectionate, with one being graceful and the other tall and steady. They thought they were a couple in deep love, and didn't pay much attention to them. This happens all the time at banquets.
Yao Ying pretended to be drunk, hiding in Sultan Gu's arms, and retreated to an empty seat behind in the corner. She released her tight grip on Sultan Gu's hand, found a healthy servant serving wine and asked him to pass a message to "cousin" Yang Qian.
After a while, Yang Qian came over in a hurry. He smelled of alcohol but was very clear-headed. He was used to heavy drinking and could hold his liquor.
Yao Ying informed him that Haidu ALing had arrived.
Yang Qian was shocked and lowered his voice and asked, "Did the princess recognize the wrong person?"
He has never seen Haidu Aling.
Yaoying nodded: "I will not mistake Haidu Aling."
She was now very glad that she insisted on meeting Yuchi Bodhidharma today. If Haidu Aling had met Bodhidharma first, her meeting with Bodhidharma would not have been so smooth.
Yang Qian looked solemn and said, "I'll go to the Lord to have a look."
Yao Ying watched him as he turned and went inside, her mind racing.
This was Gaochang. Haidu Aling had concealed his identity, and it was the perfect opportunity to kill him. However, he was the top warrior of Northern Rong, with strong martial arts skills. Based on his style, his personal guards must be nearby. If they couldn't strike him in one go, Yuchi Damo and his people would be in danger.
Moreover, just like Haidu ALing, she couldn't reveal her identity and couldn't let him recognize her.
The situation of an exiled princess in distress and that of a princess protected by the Buddha in the royal court were undoubtedly in completely different situations. It was Tumoroga's proclamation that allowed her to safely arrive in Gaochang. It was only because of this that she could get the Hexi wealthy family and Yuchi Bodhidharma to recognize her princess status with almost no effort. Those who sought to take advantage of the situation would rethink the idea of offering her to Haidu Aling.
If she were exposed in front of Princess Yina, it could easily provoke a conflict between the royal court and Northern Rong.
She couldn't recklessly act on the mercy of Tumoroga.
Yao Ying sat in front of the empty seat, her hands clenched into fists. Thinking of the possible consequences of acting on impulse, the murderous intent in her eyes gradually faded away.
A cold, sharp gaze fell upon her face.
Yao Ying raised her head.
Sultan Gu keenly sensed the change in her demeanor within a few breaths.
Yao Ying smiled softly and said in a low voice, "General, you don't need to worry about me. I understand the gravity of the situation and won't act recklessly."
She has no strength to restrain a chicken, and would not foolishly go and assassinate Haidu Aling unless absolutely necessary.
Sultan Gu moved his eyes away, looked around, and found Haidu Aling leaving the banquet table and walking towards the felt tent. He gestured to get up, "He went to see king, I will send the princess back."
Yao Ying shook her head, "Just wait a bit longer. I'm afraid that something might go wrong. I have to wait for Yang Qian to come out."
Sultan Gu lowered his gaze and looked at her.
Yao Ying looked into his eyes, with a slight smile on her lips, and said each word, "I'm fine, the general is here, I'm not afraid at all."