(3) Layer upon Layer of Mystery

The accompanying physicians were disciples of the Medicine King; they exchanged glances, having never witnessed such a bizarre affair, and so sent someone back to the Celestial Court to fetch the Medicine King himself. The Medicine King examined the entire camp, inside and out, at great length, mulling it over again and again, before pausing for a long moment and bowing to Ziyuan. "Your Highness, allow this one to speak."

By then Ziyuan had removed his armor and sat plainly dressed on the edge of his bed, the arrow wounds on his right hand and right foot already properly bandaged. Outside the command tent, preparations for striking camp were already underway, with sounds drifting in now and then. Ziyuan signaled Changxiu to pull up a chair for the Medicine King to sit before him. "Medicine King, please sit and speak at your leisure." He raised his left hand and made a courteous gesture inviting him to sit.

"My thanks to Your Highness for the seat." The Medicine King clasped his hands in salute, then took his seat. "This matter reeks of the strange." The Medicine King furrowed his brow, pointing to the pair of ochre-red arrows set to one side. "I've just examined every corner of the camp, and found that the arrows drawn from the soldiers' bodies have all vanished without a trace — only these two that wounded Your Highness remain."

"Is that so?" Hearing this, Ziyuan too showed an expression of disbelief. "Such a thing is possible?"

The Medicine King nodded, his face showing some difficulty. "This subject has never witnessed such a thing before, and can only venture a guess. It may be that only Your Highness's wound is a true wound, while all the others' are false."

"False wounds?" Hearing the Medicine King's words, Changxiu was so astonished his jaw very nearly dropped.

"Changxiu!" Ziyuan signaled Changxiu not to interrupt so rudely, then turned to ask the Medicine King, "The reasoning does hold up, but this is still hard to believe. How could the opponent possibly have managed such a thing?"

"This subject has turned it over from every angle, and it may be that the enemy has crafted an illusion, causing everyone to fall into it unknowingly." The Medicine King paused, as if pondering something further, then continued, "First of all, for anyone of a certain level of cultivation, creating an illusion is no difficult matter — one who can create it can also dispel it, and would not fall into the illusion unknowingly. Even if the common soldiers might not realize it, someone of Your Highness's cultivation should surely not fail to see through the workings of such an illusion." As the Medicine King spoke, his brow remained deeply knit. "And so this subject dares to venture that this illusion is built upon a foundation of enchantment."

"Enchantment?" Ziyuan's brow furrowed as well, the confusion on his face deepening further. "How so?"

"This is precisely the second point this subject wished to raise." The Medicine King continued at once. "This art of enchantment can be possessed by any woman of sufficiently fine appearance within the Three Realms and Six Paths, yet a woman can generally only enchant one she wishes to enchant — say, a man she is fond of — causing him to lose himself entirely, his mind and spirit adrift. And though the strength of the enchantment does depend on the level of one's spiritual power, it does not follow that the higher the spiritual power, the more accomplished the enchantment — celestial women, for instance, are ever dignified and self-possessed, and are by nature unskilled in this art. It stands to reason, then, that Your Highness should find enchantment unfamiliar."

"Traditionally, they say the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan is most skilled at bewitching the human heart. Is this what the Medicine King means?" Ziyuan listened to the Medicine King's explanation and found himself, without quite realizing it, growing intrigued.

"Both and neither," said the Medicine King. "The Nine-Tailed Fox Clan does indeed possess great spiritual power and great skill at bewitching the human heart, and this ability belongs to both male and female alike — that much is beyond dispute. But as this subject has just said, the range of their enchantment still remains confined to whoever they come into contact with; they could never conjure an illusion out of thin air by way of two arrows to bewitch the human heart in such a manner. Though it may simply be that this subject's own knowledge is limited, and I have never before witnessed or heard of such a thing."

"Even if the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan possessed such an ability, they would never rashly involve themselves in a war between two other clans — that is their clan law. Besides, the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan has always had little dealing with the Asura Clan, and would never do something so reckless as to bring disaster upon themselves for their sake." Ziyuan tilted his head, beginning to untangle the threads of the matter in his mind. Layer upon layer of mystery remained unresolved, truly plunging him into deep thought.

"Your Highness's analysis is correct, and this is precisely the third point this subject wished to raise. Even should the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan possess such ability, on account of their clan law against involvement in war, they need not be considered. As for the Demon Clan, most of them care little how large a spectacle grows so long as there's a show to watch, and once they act, they are sure to stir up trouble on a grand scale. This incident, though it appears to have wounded Your Highness and the Celestial soldiers, in truth amounts to no more than minor flesh wounds. Had the opponent truly meant to harm the Celestial Clan, they could have struck far more viciously — it would not have been out of the question to gravely wound Your Highness first, while the entire army, trapped in illusion, had no power left to defend itself; had the Asura army then turned to strike back, the consequences would have been unthinkable. And yet the opponent gave up such an ideal opportunity entirely — this manner of restraint is unlike the Demon Clan's usual style, and besides, the Asura King is far too proud to condescend to consort with the Demon Clan. As things stand now, it seems most likely that someone within the Asura camp wished to bring the war to a swift end, and made this decision precisely to prevent the Celestial Clan from pressing their advantage during the withdrawal."

"Does the Asura Clan have someone with such refined skill in enchantment, of such good disposition, and possessed of such influence?" Ziyuan racked his mind, searching through everything he knew of the Asura Clan. "Their men are ill-favored in appearance — where would such enchantment come from? The Asura women, while outstanding in appearance, unmatched by the women of any other clan, have by all accounts never once set foot on the battlefield, and hold no real influence over military affairs." Ziyuan tilted his head, turning toward Changxiu. "Given the temperaments of Geluqi and E'na, it seems unlikely either would give up the chance to turn back and strike a crushing blow; Wurui, meanwhile, looks to Geluqi for guidance and holds no influence of his own; as for Hemuda, he has hardly amounted to anything at all..."

At this the Medicine King rose and bowed respectfully to Ziyuan. "Matters of politics and military strategy are not within this subject's proper duty. I can offer only my speculation regarding this strange affair of the wounds — beyond that, it would not be fitting for me to inquire further. Your Highness and Changxiu have matters to discuss; allow this subject to take his leave first."

"Very well. Ziyuan thanks the Medicine King." Ziyuan turned and instructed Changxiu to see the Medicine King out.

* * *

Ziyuan returned to the Celestial Court along with the Celestial army without further incident, his arrow wounds already eighty or ninety percent healed. As for the soldiers, on the Medicine King's instruction, no further medicine was administered, and their improvement matched Ziyuan's own precisely, without the slightest discrepancy. Everything unfolded just as the Medicine King had predicted: the soldiers' wounds were "false wounds" that were nonetheless "as good as real," confirming beyond doubt that this had indeed been the work of an illusion.

Having paid his respects to the Celestial Sovereign, Ziyuan returned to his chambers, and no sooner had he taken his seat than a voice announced from outside, "The Crown Princess requests an audience."

"Come in." Ziyuan lifted his gaze to see the Crown Princess Shenya enter with a somewhat hurried step.

"This concubine pays her respects to Your Highness." Shenya bent her knees slightly and bowed to Ziyuan.

"Rise, my dear." Ziyuan sat on the edge of the bed, watching Shenya in her vivid crimson attire, hairpins and jewels chiming softly, as radiant as a riot of blossoms in full bloom; with every step she took, her hair ornaments swayed gently, and the noble bearing of a Crown Princess was plain beyond question. Ziyuan by nature preferred simplicity, dressing in fine robes only when occasion required; ordinarily he wore not the slightest trace of pearls or jewels, his clothing uniformly cast in muted, elegant tones. At that moment he wore a plain grey robe, forming a stark contrast against Shenya. Ziyuan glanced at her once — though he had never cared for her lavish manner of dress, he had also never once spoken a word of criticism. He could well understand the sentiment that "a woman adorns herself for the one who delights in her," and he knew, too, that his own preferences differed sharply from those of everyone else at court. Being of an easygoing and generous nature, he simply let Shenya be, never interfering with her.

"What brings my dear consort here?" Ziyuan asked.

"Hearing that Your Highness had been wounded, this concubine's heart was left hanging with worry, and at last, when word came that you had returned, this concubine rushed over at once to see to your injury." Shenya hurried toward Ziyuan, her urgency and concern plain upon her face.

"There is no need to worry, my dear. My wound has very nearly healed, and besides, it was never anything more than a minor flesh wound — nothing to concern yourself with." Ziyuan raised his right arm slightly, to show that he was perfectly well.

Perhaps Ziyuan had spoken without any particular intent, but these few words, as they fell on Shenya's ears, struck her as rather callous. Though by celestial reckoning the war had only just begun, in the mortal world nearly twenty years had already passed, and hearing that Ziyuan had been wounded, she had worried herself sick. Now, with no one else present in the chamber but the two of them, husband and wife, she longed to rush straight into Ziyuan's arms — yet she could sense nothing in him of the same burning feeling she herself carried. This lukewarm response was like a basin of ice water poured over her head, and Shenya could not help but feel a flash of anger rising within her.

"As long as nothing is wrong, then the great stone weighing on this concubine's heart may finally be set down." She was somewhat sulking, though careful not to let it show too plainly on her face. Though there was still space beside him on the edge of the bed, Ziyuan had given no clear indication that she might sit there, and for a moment she did not know whether to step closer or withdraw; in the end she dared not simply seat herself beside him, and so could only silently find a seat elsewhere, quietly stewing in her own frustration.

Ziyuan glanced at Shenya, and seeing she had fallen silent, turned and summoned Changxiu to come in and speak with him.

"Changxiu greets Your Highness, greets Your Ladyship." Changxiu entered Ziyuan's chamber and bowed first in greeting.

Shenya returned the courtesy, her heart aching with resentment. She had only just been silently reproaching Ziyuan for his cold indifference, before they had even exchanged more than a few words, and now he had summoned Changxiu again — where exactly did that leave her? And so she rose and bowed to Ziyuan, saying, "Your Highness still has official matters to attend to; this concubine shall take her leave, then."

"Off you go." Ziyuan gave Shenya a faint, distant smile.

As Shenya walked out of Ziyuan's chamber, her attendant Xiang'er, who had been waiting outside the whole while, hurried to catch up with her at once; seeing Shenya's displeasure written plainly on her face, she dared not be the least bit careless. Mistress and servant walked straight back to Shenya's own palace, and once every attendant had been dismissed, Shenya finally let loose the full measure of her pent-up frustration.

"Ziyuan calls me 'my dear' with his mouth, but in truth he doesn't love me at all — always so lukewarm toward me, what does that even mean? I think he loves Changxiu more than me! Always at his heels, front and back — far more affectionate than he ever is with me!" Though she knew full well she was speaking nonsense, the resentment she held toward Ziyuan was such that she could hardly find peace without some outburst. In front of others, she had to strictly observe the etiquette befitting royalty, without the slightest deviation, and so could only pour out her grievances in private to Xiang'er.

"Your Ladyship, mind your words — do you even know what you're saying?" Xiang'er grew extremely nervous, signaling Shenya not to speak so recklessly. "If anyone were to hear such talk, that would be a matter of the utmost gravity! How could you speak so of Your Highness's conduct?"

"I... I went to see Ziyuan with my whole heart full of hope, and what did I get? He clearly didn't even want to see me at all — there wasn't the slightest trace of joy in him, and all he cared about was talking with Changxiu. The two of them spend every hour together — haven't they had enough to say to each other already? And with me, whom he hasn't seen in so long, he wouldn't even offer a few words of intimacy. Ever since we were married, I've never once heard him speak a single warm or tender word to me. Even his smiles toward me seem so hollow, without a shred of warmth in them." Shenya complained on, looking utterly dejected.

"Could it be Your Ladyship is thinking too much into it? Isn't Your Highness's temperament simply always that calm and unruffled? Haven't you heard how he often leaves the whole army fretting with anxiety while he himself has not a care in the world? And think of it, Your Ladyship — including the Celestial Sovereign and all the princes, who among them doesn't keep three wives and four concubines, their harems filled to bursting? Only Your Highness, all these years, has kept to Your Ladyship alone, taking no other consort — how many other ladies would envy you if only they could! And here you are, resenting Your Highness over this, when this servant feels it isn't even fair to Your Highness!"

"That's because they don't understand — I'm like a mute who's eaten a bitter herb, unable to voice my suffering. Back when the Celestial Sovereign arranged the marriage, he said my Shen clan's sons were outstanding, spread throughout every important post in the Celestial Court, with even considerable sway in the army, and that he must marry a daughter of the Shen clan as his consort. Ziyuan is by nature deeply filial — how could he dare disobey when the Celestial Sovereign arranged the marriage? And yet father and son had, it seems, reached some understanding between them: Ziyuan yielded to just this one arranged marriage, then told the Celestial Sovereign plainly that this was not to his liking, and asked that unless it were a match of his own true choosing, the Celestial Sovereign not press him further on the matter. The Celestial Sovereign, seeing how he had always cared little for worldly pleasures, and being especially fond of this eldest son of his, went along with him and never again forced the matter upon him. As for me, this daughter of the Shen clan — he most likely doesn't love me, and yet cannot bring himself to be entirely cold toward me either, and so can only treat me with lukewarm courtesy, all correct formality and nothing more. Neither the Celestial Sovereign nor the Shen clan can find fault with him in this — that is precisely where Ziyuan's cleverness lies."

"Even so, what of it?" Xiang'er tried once more to console Shenya. "Your Ladyship, look at every palace and hall around — who ever receives so very much true devotion? But His Highness is a man of noble character, and will surely go on treating you with respect and honor. Should His Highness one day succeed to the throne as Celestial Sovereign, you would become the Celestial Empress — among all the Three Realms, what woman's status could ever surpass yours? Why must you dwell on whether His Highness truly loves you or not? After all, beauty fades and love wanes, and the fickle favoring of ever-new faces, an ever-growing harem — such is simply the nature of the Celestial royal house. Isn't holding fast to your position as principal consort a far more meaningful thing?"

"Xiang'er, never again mention that talk of 'should His Highness one day succeed to the throne as Celestial Sovereign.' Ziyuan finds such talk most taboo of all, calling it treasonous. Even with his usual gentle and easygoing temperament, hearing such words could still provoke him to anger — mind your head doesn't roll for it. That is the one thing I've ever seen truly anger him, so don't you dare be so careless with your life."

"Yes... yes... Xiang'er will remember."

Shenya looked at the flustered Xiang'er and thought to herself: after all, she is still an unmarried girl, who has perhaps never once truly cared for anyone — how could she understand love? What wife does not long for her husband's love? Especially when she herself loved Ziyuan so deeply — Ziyuan, who was excellent in every way, who had earned the reverence of the Celestial Clan on no false reputation — how could such a man not win her heart? And yet it was precisely because Ziyuan treated others with such gentle warmth, while reserving for her alone a lack of any tenderness, that left her heart truly aching.

Back in Ziyuan's chamber, Changxiu had brought word of what he had discovered. It was less a matter of newly uncovered intelligence than something long heard of but never given much thought — only now, upon this particular inquiry, had a certain matter of years past come back to mind.

"Has Your Highness forgotten that the Asura King has been secretly keeping a young heir hidden away in the Mist Forest of the mortal world? Through all these long years, this heir has never once entered anyone's field of view, and so naturally we too have overlooked their existence. This heir is close in age to Hemuda, and by reckoning should already have come of age. If we're speaking of someone with influence over the outcome of this war, besides Geluqi and E'na, could this obscure young heir also be a possible candidate?"

Ziyuan, hearing Changxiu's report, fell into deep thought for a long while. Even before leading his troops into this campaign, he had already thoroughly studied the Asura King and each of his four sons, coming to know their personalities and manners inside and out; turn it over as he might, he could find no answer among these few that could account for it. Having racked his brain to no avail, he could only return to the beginning, wondering whether some important piece had been overlooked. And so he had Changxiu look further into the matter from every angle, and gather together, while he was at it, whatever information could be found concerning the Asura Clan.

"He is a prince — it is indeed possible he could influence the outcome of the war, but where would such consummate skill in enchantment come from? Unless some woman of the Asura Clan were involved as well?"

"Could it perhaps be the Queen?" Changxiu said. "It's said the Queen is the greatest beauty the Asura Clan has ever produced. Back in those days, wary of history repeating itself and fearing the Celestial Clan would once again seek her hand out of admiration for her fame, and on the other hand, the Asura King, in the full bloom of his youth at the time, was utterly captivated by her. It's said the Asura King, fearing the Celestial Clan might interfere, pursued her with all his might, and the Queen was at last won over by the Asura King's true and sincere devotion; to this day, the Asura King has never once looked with favor upon a second beauty."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Changxiu caught sight of Ziyuan glancing at him, and at once realized he had spoken out of turn — having carelessly discussed matters of the Asura Clan's private affairs, he had overstepped the bounds of his own place. "Changxiu has spoken out of turn — I beg Your Highness's punishment." He lowered his head in a show of contrition.

Seeing Changxiu acknowledge his fault, Ziyuan glared at him briefly but pressed the matter no further.

"This Queen has never once taken part in any battle of the Asura Clan. If she truly held such an accomplished art of enchantment within her grasp, she would surely not have waited until now to make use of it, leaving us here so utterly unable to fathom the workings of this mystery."

"Your Highness speaks wisely."

Ziyuan's analysis was reasonable and sound; this Asura Queen had always kept herself behind the Asura King, taking no part in court affairs, tending only to her husband and children — she was not even of the Asura Clan by blood, and indeed hardly anyone had ever laid eyes on her noble countenance.

Having discussed the matter this far, they seemed once more to have lost the thread, and the truth remained truly difficult to unravel. "Whoever it may be, we owe this person our gratitude — had it not been for them, a great calamity would have been all but unavoidable."

"I think I shall go and take a look at the Mist Forest," Ziyuan said suddenly.