Section 2.

The art of disguise has existed since ancient times, but has only appeared in legends, and has never been seen with one's own eyes. What surprised Tan Nu was not this secret technique, but the attitude of the national teacher. "I have been worried while you went to see the national teacher. The mysterious nature of the divine palace is not as simple as we imagine. Regardless of the national teacher's position, he is ultimately the national teacher of Dali, responsible for maintaining balance and order in Chang'an. If he suddenly changes his mind and hands us over to the Dali Temple, the consequences would be unimaginable. Regardless of the national teacher's position, he is ultimately the national teacher of Dali, responsible for maintaining balance and order in Chang'an. If he suddenly changes his mind and hands us over to the Dali Temple, the consequences would be unimaginable. I find it hard to believe that he is willing to disguise himself for you. I feel there is some deception behind it."

This issue has been considered by Lian Deng. It is not impossible, as mentioned by Zhuan Zhuan. It is like the situation where the emperor's position is passed down from one generation to another. Perhaps, Linyuan has already become a kind of official position, no longer just a name. Emperors need to establish a deified image of a national teacher, similar to the totem worship of the Western Regions. The national teacher is not only a guarantee of good weather, but also a strong evidence of the emperor's governance over the people.

Tan Nu fully supports her decision, "So what do you suggest? Since you want revenge, we will fight alongside you. If you say we should return to Dunhuang, we will immediately prepare provisions and set off."

The lotus lamp leans against the table. Now, recalling it, there is still a sense of unreality. He said weakly, "I dare not ask his age, for fear of offending him. Anyway, it's different from what you all said. The national teacher is very young, at most thirty years old."

The lotus lamp was worried after hearing this, and hurriedly said goodbye, "It's not just you who are involved in the business transactions. With your limited experience, the easy tasks will surely be taken care of by someone else. As for the more challenging and risky ones, there is a high chance of trouble. If you really have to go, it's better to wait until I leave the divine palace, so that we can look out for each other."

Tan Nu smiled and agreed, but she had her own plans in private. She was the loyal servant of King Ding, without any special skills. If we must choose something from her monotonous life, it would probably be her proficiency in killing. She had no qualms about killing the souls under her blade. The lotus lamp was seeking revenge, killing high-ranking officials. She had no need to deal with those insignificant ants. Since she didn't allow her to participate in seeking revenge, the only thing she could do was pave the way for her and ensure she had no worries.

Tan Nu waited in the corridor for half a day. Seeing that Zhuan Zhuan had packed up the baggage, she put on her veil and called out, "We will meet in a few days. Is it necessary to be so reluctant to part? Let's hit the road quickly, so we won't be delayed by the scorching sun and end up with muddy roads."

Who knew he threw away the petals, covered the pottery jar, and said, "The first snow on the peach tree is best for making tea. The snow must be pure, so the peach blossoms and branches must be cleaned thoroughly."

When going to bed, fine snow was falling, seemingly with less momentum. The lotus lamp pushed the window twice in the night, and by the time of Zi Shi, the snow had basically stopped. Only the piercing north wind remained until dawn.

Turn Turn is not happy, pouting like a toad with swollen cheeks. Lian Deng and Tan Nu went to the bridge before comforting her, whispering, "Don't make a fuss, I will keep an eye out for you and let you know when I find out. When we meet up, I will tell you."

When she woke up, she heard the sound of iron horses clanging on the eaves. Opening her eyes, she found light shining on the window mullions. After several days without seeing the sun, as soon as the weather cleared up, her mood improved. She got up, dressed, and neatly arranged her hair before heading to the Amber Pavilion. There, she saw Zhuanzhuan sitting by the window, skillfully dipping a brush in green ink to draw her eyebrows, which were curved and long like phoenix tails.

She looked up at the sky. After all, it was snowing. It wouldn't be good to not bring an umbrella. Besides, she didn't know what he was going to do. Maybe he was going to make masks. It would be good for her to help out on the side.

The lotus lamp is grateful to them in her heart. After all, friends who stay by her side when life is at stake are rare. They rely on their passion, but she has no way to repay them.

He waved his sleeve, brushing off the snow on his robe, with a carefree demeanor. However, the lotus lamp was left speechless, as his active mind suddenly became listless. It turned out that he had overcomplicated things in his own mind. He was simply collecting the accumulated snow on the flowers and trees for such a simple purpose.

She hurriedly went back to the front hall to fetch the umbrella she had used earlier, and quickly chased after him.

Tan Nu burst into laughter and said, "So it turns out she was marrying him on our behalf. Zhangzhuan's wife is truly loyal and righteous! Just wait until we finish our business in Dunhuang. You can marry whoever you want, I won't bother with you."

At this time, the snow gradually stopped, and the wind seemed to have subsided. Without saying a word, he turned and went back into the hall. The lotus lamp stood alone in the corridor, unable to move forward or backward for a while. After thinking for a while, she thought that the National Teacher must be tired after talking for so long! However, this trip was fruitful. She obtained a human skin mask and no longer needed to sneak into the city. She was very happy, rubbed her frozen cheeks, and planned to go back and tell Tannu and the others the good news. Just as she was about to leave, she saw the National Teacher coming out of the hall again, holding a pottery jar and silently stepping into the wind and snow. She was very happy, rubbed her frozen cheeks, and planned to go back and tell Tannu and the others the good news. Just as she was about to leave, she saw the National Teacher coming out of the hall again, holding a pottery jar and silently stepping into the wind and snow.

The Lotus Lamp has no requirements, "Everything is at the discretion of the National Teacher."

But it's just that simple, so what can't be done! She quickly felt relieved. The same goes for things in the world. There are many illusions on the surface, perhaps just to conceal a truth that is without suspense. The thing itself is not complicated, it is only the complexity of the human heart.

Do you think it looks good? Zhaizhai looked at herself in the mirror and said, "Wait, I will also dress you up in the future. You are more beautiful than me. If you put on makeup, it will make the gentlemen flock to you."

She is thoughtful and deliberate. When Tanu looked into her eyes, it was completely different from sitting on the sand dune and singing the Red Fox Lotus Lantern. Chang'an is her battlefield. Before going on stage, she was confused and hesitant, but once she stepped onto the battlefield, she became a general, just like Bai Li Du Hu.

At the first sight of Tanu, I was full of admiration and awe. Previously, she thought that music and dance were just about singing some frivolous tunes, but now Tanu's loyalty has made her deeply respectful. She tightly grasped the hand of the lotus lamp and said, "Before I met you, I thought I was doomed, but you carried me back and let me live until today. Since life was picked up, there's nothing to regret if it's lost. Although we are not men, we would stand by each other as friends without hesitation. Even the timid Tanu said so, what excuse do I have? My sword has not tasted blood for a long time. At night, I can hear it buzzing with thirst. I'm just waiting for your command to make the enemy perish."

She glanced at Tan Nu and asked, "Where did you hear the news that the National Teacher is 180 years old?"

She exchanged a glance with Zhuanzhuan and had to agree, "Shall we go into the city now?"

She lowered her eyes, feeling the corners of her eyes moistening. She didn't want them to see, so she evened her breath and said, "If you don't want to leave, I won't force you. However, we need to establish some ground rules. You don't need to get involved in any physical altercations, I'll handle it myself. If you agree, then stay. If not, then we'll have to part ways."

The lotus lamp stood for a while, confirming that he would not return, and then he took an umbrella back to the Linlang realm.

He walked through the snow at a moderate pace. Holding a lotus lamp and an umbrella, she dared not get too close to him and tried to keep the umbrella above him. He looked relaxed and comfortable. When he arrived at a peach tree, he collected the snow on the branches into a pottery jar. He picked up a petal with his fingertips and handed it to her, asking, "Do you know what this is for?"

The lotus lamp is bewildered, but its efficacy is certain. She thought carefully and said, "Do I have to use it to dye the mask? I remember that in poetry, it often says 'peach blossoms on a human face,' using the juice of peach blossoms to dye the color of blood, can it create a realistic illusion?"

The lotus lamp is naturally without any objections. He bowed and said, "I will follow the Grand Master's arrangements. I just don't know how long a mask should be worn."

Turned around and stomped in anger, "Nonsense, where have I lacked virtue? Today, I went to the office to make up for it. Without the Spring Official to help us resolve the situation, can things be easily resolved? Can't I express my gratitude to him on your behalf and offer myself as a token of appreciation?"

Tan Nu blinked and said, "What? Isn't it? My information is accurate. There is a record about the national teacher in the 'Annals of Emperor Taizu.' Later, in the 'Shi Mi Lu' compiled during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, he was also mentioned. It said, 'The national teacher has been in charge of the celestial affairs for more than a hundred years, and the emperor valued him greatly.' Aren't these all historical facts?"

He said, "Depending on the weather, it could take as little as half a month or as long as one month."

Tan Nu rolls her eyes, "Marry a ghost just because he looks good? A true gentleman values virtue, while a petty person values appearance. Shallow people like you will never be able to handle great responsibilities."

She looked ashamed, lowered her eyes and dared not look at him, and said softly, "Then I will have to trouble the national teacher for a few more days... To be honest, I feel very guilty. Apu once said that the national teacher does not inquire about worldly affairs, but now I have burdened him with such mundane matters. The national teacher has shown great kindness and virtue, and it is difficult for me to repay it even if I were to break my body into pieces."

He nodded and said, "It's getting late today, come back tomorrow at noon." With that, he picked up his pottery jar and went deep into the hanging curtain.

It seems reasonable to explain it this way. Tan Nu is no longer bothered by this. Look at the sky and say, "Tonight, stay overnight at the Amber House, and tomorrow morning I will leave for Chang'an with Zhuanzhuan. You wait here for the mask of the National Teacher, we will first go to the North District to inquire. When you come to meet, there may already be some information." She patted her waist again and said, "If this flying money is not exchanged, it will probably become waste paper. Three thousand guan, it's not a small amount. You wait here for the mask of the National Teacher, we will first go to the North District to inquire. When you come to meet, there may already be some information." She patted her waist again and said, "If this flying money is not exchanged, it will probably become waste paper. Three thousand guan, it's not a small amount. Give it to those maids, and they will serve you wholeheartedly. But if there is no time to exchange it, you don't have to worry. Zhuanzhuan will go to the North District first, and I will go to the Yin Yang Inn. Then we will have everything."

Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan were stunned, and exclaimed, "You're tricking us! It's clearly recorded in the historical records and cannot be wrong!"

The lotus lamp smiled, but there was no response to her. She never thought she was beautiful, nor did she ever try to dress up. Turning her colorful face, she looked terrifying. She couldn't imagine what she would look like in such fancy attire.

Turn said: "Is it a face, is it very cute? Looks like a smile dimple?" Seeing Lian Deng silly, she compared one place after another, "This is oblique red, this is forehead yellow... Dressing up grandly can attract attention. Beili is all about appearances. If you are too shabby, no one will pay attention to you." Saying that, she picked up a piece of emerald red flower hairpin from the dressing box, breathed on it a few times and stuck it on her forehead, pulled her to the mirror, and exclaimed, "Innate charm, a piece of flower hairpin can enhance your beauty." She compared one place after another, "This is oblique red, this is forehead yellow... Dressing up grandly can attract attention. Beili is all about appearances. If you are too shabby, no one will pay attention to you." Saying that, she picked up a piece of emerald red flower hairpin from the dressing box, breathed on it a few times and stuck it on her forehead, pulled her to the mirror, and exclaimed, "Innate charm, a piece of flower hairpin can enhance your beauty."

Perhaps... use snow water to cast the mold? Snow water is pure, and the texture of the mask made from it is finer?Lian Deng suddenly felt that her thinking had become very agile. Now she understood why people are willing to make friends with talented people. A good teacher can inspire inspiration. She no longer only focused on the iron pieces in the cloth bag and the sharpness of the golden wrong knife, but expanded her thoughts to think of some broader things.

Three people have reached an agreement. Tan Nu and Zhuan Zhuan are still returning to the Amber House. When Zhuan Zhuan stepped out of the threshold, she was still regretful, "I didn't have the chance to interact more with Chun Guan, what a pity. Can you find out his name for me, how old he is this year, and if he is engaged?" Leaning against the door frame, she said, "Most officials in the Ministry of Rites are from noble families and can get married. I really like Chun Guan. Can you help me make a connection? If we get married in the future, I will definitely thank you as the matchmaker."

Lotus lamp looks at herself in the mirror, with a bit more color between her eyebrows, and truly becomes more agile. She smiles and gently touches with her finger, "Like a flying bird."

It's made according to the wings of a flying bird. Turning around, he said while fastening his cloak and picking up the fine veil hanging from the brim of his hat, "You have to be extra careful when we leave. When we arrive at Beili, look for a place called Xiecai Garden. If nothing unexpected happens, we should be there."

He didn't agree with it, just waved his hand to dismiss it.

Stand tall and straight, I immediately declined, "The three of us agreed to live and die together. My life was saved by Tannu, and Tannu's life was saved by you. So we both owe you. What is there to fear? Manjusaka flowers bloom brightly on the road to the underworld. Let's consider it as a change of scenery. We will never separate from you. Your affairs are our affairs. If you want to kill, we will sharpen the knife for you. You can confidently carry out your actions, killing gods and killing Buddhas. We will follow behind you."

The lotus lamp shook its head. "I told him my thoughts. We spent so much time and effort on this journey, only to give up in Chang'an. I am sorry for my deceased parents and for you. But I have thought about it for a long time and cannot involve you. This time, entering the Shen Palace has caused quite a stir. I am afraid that both the Xiao Dynasty and the government soldiers have noticed. There must be no mistakes in the future. I have already put life and death aside. You are outsiders, do not risk your lives for me." She paused, took their hands, and with a sad expression on her face, said, "All good things must come to an end. Thank you for accompanying me to Chang'an. I have been happy these past few months and did not expect to make such righteous friends like you. But now I must part ways with you. Please return to the Western Regions. In case I make a mistake, it will not affect you."

She still respectfully held an umbrella for him, escorted him back to the main hall, and then made a bow before leaving. He asked her to wait for a moment and carefully examined her eyes, saying, "The greatest charm of disguise lies in transformation. How about transforming into an old woman?"

She touched her face, which was covered in thick powder, leaving a layer of white on her fingertips. She pointed to the red dot on her lip and asked, "What is this?"

Turning around to pick up the burden, Lian Deng pulled her aside, "I can't leave for the time being. I need the national teacher to help me change my appearance. It may take more than half a month to make the mask. Xiao Chaodou is responsible for the defense of the capital region. Once there is any unusual movement in the city, he will be the first to arrive. I'm worried that he will recognize me, and then it will inevitably lead to the discovery of the Supreme God Palace. The national teacher's status is esteemed, and we cannot involve him in this trouble, so the best solution is to change my appearance. As long as I am still alive, no one will know who I am."

The Lotus Lamp Path is good. "Sometimes half a month, sometimes a month, I will definitely go to the Color Picking Garden to find you."

However, she is unwilling to further explore those matters. She came to the Central Plains with her own purpose. Whether the National Teacher is truly immortal or needs to maintain eternal youth for some political reason, those are not her concerns. She said, "I just had a detailed conversation with the National Teacher, and I can tell his intention. Like Wang Apu, he hopes that I can let go of hatred and return to Dunhuang."

Of course, we absolutely cannot express any doubts about his identity as a piper. Speaking without certainty is risky, and if it were to leak out, it would be a serious problem.

The lotus lamp looked dull and said, "Have you already decided to marry him?"

After listening, he seemed to be lost in thought. He lifted the pottery jar in his right hand and asked, "What about this? What is it used for?"

Zhuanzhuan also chimed in: "I used to run around Chang'an and Dongdu, and I've heard many rumors about the National Teacher. What Tannu said is all true. For over a hundred years, there has only been one National Teacher, Lin Yuan. Unless every successor to the position is also named Lin Yuan, his age is a certainty... After all this talk, what kind of person is the National Teacher?"

Turning around, he finally revealed a smile, nodded, and walked lightly towards Amber Harbor.

Zhuanzhu sneered beside me, "You rarely use your brain, and when you do, it's not on point. In the Divine Palace, whether the National Teacher wants to roast us or dip us in salt for his pleasure, it's entirely up to him. Do we, people like us, still need to fear him? He opposes Lian Deng seeking revenge, but Lian Deng doesn't listen. He can't kill her, so he reluctantly helps to save Lian Deng, also preserving the Divine Palace, killing two birds with one stone."

Tanu and Zhuanzhuan are still waiting for her. When they saw her appear at the end of the wooden bridge, they hurried out of the house to greet her. Zhuanzhuan asked eagerly, "How did it go? Did the Grand Master persuade them? Do you need Lu, the Chief Secretary, to explain it on the side?"