Then, the two of them left the tent and walked towards the Cangtou River’s riverbank.

At that moment, the sun was about to set, and the golden net that had just been spread over the grassland was gradually being withdrawn. However, the light did not actually dim, because the surrounding Turkic people were all holding torches. Although they hadn’t lit the almost tent-sized pile of wood in the center of the riverbank, they still surrounded it, lighting several small bonfires, and the flames once again illuminated the vast grassland.

As the sky grew darker, more and more people gathered around.

Due to their status, Shang Ruyi sat with Lei Yu at the very front of the crowd. Behind them, heads were densely packed, all wearing thick fur coats, talking and laughing loudly. Amidst the wet and cold air, there was an atmosphere of joy and laughter, as well as a faint smell of sweat. Although Shang Ruyi was not accustomed to it, she wasn’t uncomfortable either, just sitting quietly on the felt, occasionally whispering a few words to Lei Yu.

Soon, a gust of frigid wind blew past.

Shang Ruyi shivered and turned her head, seeing the tall and burly figure of Ashina Shali. He was leading the nobles of the Western Turks who had accompanied him yesterday in the King’s Tent, slowly approaching. Supporting one of his arms was still the charming and enchanting Lady Jiayuan, while Ashina Zhuxie followed behind with his head lowered.

As he approached, the surrounding Turkic people immediately stood up and saluted the Khan.

Today, Ashina Shali looked considerably better than he had in the King’s Tent the previous day. Slowly, he walked to the main seat and sat down. Lady Jiayuan still knelt behind him, while Ashina Zhuxie sat on the felt on the other side. As soon as he sat down, servants immediately brought freshly grilled, sizzling mutton before them, along with large jugs of wine.

Ashina Shali waved his hand, "Light the fire!"

Upon his command, those standing around the woodpile threw their torches onto the towering stack.

With a loud "boom," flames surged upward.

Shang Ruyi felt a sudden brightness before her eyes, followed by a wave of heat on her face. Behind them, a more intense noise erupted, and upon seeing the bonfire ignite, the surrounding Turkic people immediately began cheering joyfully, some dancing, some singing, reveling in the merriment. The nobles seated around the bonfire began lifting their cups, and for a moment, the scene was filled with the clinking of glasses and great excitement.

Shang Ruyi and Lei Yu weren’t in the mood to join them in singing and dancing, they simply sat quietly in their places, feeling the warmth of the flames repeatedly rush towards them with the wind, making them break out in a thin layer of sweat.

Yet soon, amidst the warmth, there was a touch of cold harshness.

It was Ashina Shali’s gaze.

After settling in, he drank while observing the surroundings. After surveying his people, his remaining eye emitted an icy and sharp light directed at Shang Ruyi. His fierce gaze was like a knife, slicing across her face as if wishing to cut off a piece of flesh.

At that moment, a pair of gentle hands held out a cup of wine before him.

Ashina Shali turned back to see Lady Jiayuan, and upon seeing her, the fierce and malicious look in Shali Khan’s eyes diminished. He accepted the palm-sized cup and tilted his head to take a big sip. Lady Jiayuan softly whispered a few words into his ear, filling him with delight and prompting him to laugh heartily.

As the Khan laughed, the people around him became even more enthusiastic, and the singing and dancing became increasingly fervent.

In such a joyful atmosphere, Lei Yu whispered into Shang Ruyi’s ear, "Drink a few more cups; once they’re drunk, they won’t recognize anyone, then we can leave."

Shang Ruyi quickly nodded.

But just then, from afar, across the Cangtou River, came the sudden sound of chaotic hoofbeats.

Though the people here were singing and dancing, they were very alert. Immediately, a team of horsemen rushed to the riverbank to carefully discern the newcomers. Ashina Shali also paused from drinking, furrowing his thick brows as he stared across the river at the dark night, where a distant firelight was gradually approaching.

Soon, a soldier rushed to Ashina Shali’s side, knelt down, and said, "Khan!"

Ashina Shali inquired, "What’s the matter?"

The soldier replied, "It’s General Pasha. He has returned from Taiyuan with his men!"