After consulting with the Prime Minister, Zeeniya began preparing for her journey. She ordered her ministers and soldiers to accompany her. The state affairs were handed over to the Prime Minister, and as always, a protective safety shield was placed around her tribe.
Then, Zeeniya's journey began. It was a long and demanding voyage, so she used her power as the King of Sandail to create a fast-moving carriage to complete the travel more quickly. After several days on the road, they finally reached the Silk Road. Traveling along it, they passed through vast deserts and were now moving through a hilly region.
The Silk Road was not a straight path—it twisted and turned, sometimes crossing plains, sometimes mountains, and sometimes valleys. A Chinese man told Zeeniya that the Silk Road begins from China's city of Chang'an, and that countless merchants travel along this route for trade into and out of China.
As they continued their journey and talked, night fell. The Chinese man informed Zeeniya that they would reach Chang'an City by morning. He explained that Chang'an was the capital of China and one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world. It was surrounded by a vast wall with twelve massive gates, each guarded day and night by soldiers for the city's protection.
Of these twelve gates, the **Western Gate—called Pingxing Gate—**was the main entry point for caravans entering the city. Only those carrying the Emperor's permission letters, trade documents, and passports were allowed to enter, and every merchant was required to pay a tax.
Zeeniya listened to the Chinese man's words with great interest and appeared deeply impressed. Gradually, the light of dawn spread across the sky, and the air filled with the fragrance of silk and spices. Zeeniya stepped out of her carriage to feel the fresh air and saw in the distance the tall watchtowers of Chang'an, where red and golden flags fluttered in the wind.
Chang'an was surrounded by strong walls, resembling a mighty fortress. After a while, Zeeniya's carriage reached Pingxing Gate, which was the Western Gate. Guards stood beside the enormous doors, opening them for those entering and leaving.
Zeeniya saw a long line of caravans—camels, donkeys, and wagons—entering the city. When her carriage stopped at the gate, the Chinese man stepped out and spoke to the guard, explaining their arrival. Hearing this, the guard said something to another guard, who then went inside.
After a short while, several guards wearing royal uniforms came out with a grand royal carriage and stopped beside Zeeniya's. One of them whispered something to the Chinese man, who then approached Zeeniya and said softly,
> "This royal carriage has been sent for you by the Emperor himself."The guard told Zeeniya,
> "You are to proceed to the royal guest house at the Honglu Temple as the Emperor's honored guest. This royal carriage has been waiting here for several days for your arrival. Such protocol is given to all royal guests who visit China."
Hearing this, Zeeniya felt very happy. She stepped out of her own carriage and sat in the royal one. The royal carriage then entered the grand city of Chang'an.
Inside the city were straight streets and open squares. In these squares stood various temples, each beautifully built. After some time, the royal carriage reached the royal guest house located inside Honglu Temple.
When Zeeniya entered the guest house, royal maidservants greeted her. They presented her with silk garments and perfume scented like roses. One of them said politely,
> "Princess, please change into this attire and refresh yourself. Breakfast has been prepared for you."
Zeeniya changed into the new dress, refreshed herself, and enjoyed a delightful breakfast.
Just then, a royal soldier arrived from the palace, carrying a message from the Emperor. He announced,
> "Tonight, His Majesty has ordered a royal banquet in honor of Princess Zeeniya. The Princess should be ready by evening. She will be escorted to the palace with full royal protocol for an audience with the Emperor."
Delivering this message, the soldier bowed and departed.
Because of the long and tiring journey, Zeeniya was very exhausted. After breakfast, she went to her chamber to rest. Many hours later, when she woke up, she saw a maid standing beside her, holding a beautiful dress. The maid bowed respectfully and said,
> "Princess, evening is approaching, and it is almost time for the royal banquet at the palace. Please wear this dress and get ready."
Zeeniya took the dress from the maid, wondering how long she had slept that evening had already arrived. She dressed quickly and got ready.
Soon, the royal carriage arrived to take her to the palace. Upon reaching the grand palace, Zeeniya was escorted inside to meet the Emperor. When the Emperor saw Zeeniya, he stood up in respect, welcomed her warmly, and introduced her to his ministers.
Moments later, it was time for dinner. At the Emperor's command, everyone proceeded to the dining hall. Zeeniya saw that the hall was decorated magnificently, glowing with countless beautiful lamps. The long dining table gleamed with fine and precious utensils, and it was filled with China's traditional dishes and many exotic fruits.
Zeeniya especially enjoyed the roasted duck and dumplings.
During the meal, the Emperor began speaking with Zeeniya about the important matter for which he had invited her to China. Zeeniya assured him,
> "I will certainly help you, Your Majesty, and free your kingdom from this problem."
Just as they were speaking, a soldier rushed in and reported to the Emperor,
> "Your Majesty, the guards who were stationed near the mysterious Jade Idol to stop people from approaching it… have all turned into stone!"Zeeniya said,
> "I will go to that place in the morning and resolve this problem myself."
The next morning, Zeeniya had her breakfast early and instructed one of the soldiers there to show her around the city and then take her to the area near the Jade Idol. Saying this, she sat in the royal carriage.
It was early morning, and Zeeniya's carriage moved through the streets of the city. The streets were slowly coming to life—silk merchants were opening their rolls of fabric, and the rays of the rising sun shimmered beautifully upon them.Blacksmiths were opening their shops, and the sound of hammers striking stones echoed through the air. The aroma of tea and soup drifted around, prepared by people for breakfast. Caravans of camels and horses stood in the middle of the market, loaded with goods from the Silk Road—silk, perfumes, gold, silver, and other treasures. Zeeniya watched all this with great curiosity.
Suddenly, she heard a man's voice shouting,
> "Be careful! Last night, the Jade Idol's eyes glowed again!"
At these words, people around her became frightened and began glancing nervously in all directions.
A short while later, the royal carriage came to a halt—signaling that they had reached their destination. Zeeniya stepped out and looked around. In front of her stood a huge Jade Idol, and around it were many stone figures—humans turned to rock. A strange chill filled the air.
Zeeniya closed her eyes and called upon her power, The King of Sandail, asking,
> "Why is there such mysterious energy here? How did all these people turn into stone?"
Then she heard a whisper in her ears:
> "Zeeniya, all of this is because of the Jade Idol. Inside it dwells a powerful jinn—one of the mightiest of all. But he is trapped within the idol, bound by an ancient force. In his captivity, he has lost much of his power, and to regain it, he needs the life energy of many humans."
The whisper continued:
> "When the eyes of the Jade Idol glow, they are actually the eyes of that jinn. Through that mysterious light, he drains the life energy from people's bodies, turning them into stone. Ever since the Emperor forbade anyone from approaching the idol, the jinn has grown furious. Now, in his rage, he opens his eyes again and again, casting that strange light farther and farther—this is why even the royal guards were turned to stone last night."Zeeniya asked her power how they could destroy the jinn. Then she heard a whisper in her ear:
> "If a large mirror is brought and placed in front of the Jade Idol the moment its eyes open and that light pours out, the light will strike the mirror and be reflected back into the idol's eyes. The reflected light will turn the jinn to dust, and the people who had been turned to stone will return to their original forms. But be very careful — do not look directly into its eyes while you do this."
Zeeniya asked, "How will I know when the Jade Idol will open its eyes? It seems to open them at any time."
Her power, The King of Sandail, answered her:
> "This jinn in the Jade Idol is enraged now and will open his eyes repeatedly. You must remain here and keep watch on its eyes, and you must have a large mirror with you to reflect the light."
Hearing this, Zeeniya told the Emperor's soldiers who were with her to bring a very large mirror.When the Jade Idol's face-sized mirror appeared, after a while, a large enchanted mirror was brought there. Zeeniya picked up the mirror and stood beside the Jade Idol, waiting. After waiting for a long time, Zeeniya heard a faint cockroach-like sound. She saw that the Jade Idol's eyes were beginning to open.
At that very moment, Zeeniya used her power — The King of Sandail and commanded the mirror to rise and face the Jade Idol. As soon as the power was released, it struck the mirror and rapidly positioned itself before the Jade Idol's open eyes. Immediately, the Jade Idol's eyes began to glow.
The light from the idol's eyes hit the mirror and bounced back, creating bright sparks that entered the idol's eyes. From inside the Jade Idol came horrifying screams — like someone was dying in great pain. After a few terrifying moments, silence fell. Then, a puff of smoke emerged from the Jade Idol's mouth and drifted away into the air — meaning that the Jin (evil spirit) had finally been destroyed.
The people who had been turned into stone began to return to their normal form. Everyone was overjoyed, embracing their loved ones again, their happiness beyond measure. All of them thanked Zeeniya deeply. Seeing their joy, Zeeniya herself felt very happy.
She then returned to the royal palace. The king was also very pleased with her and expressed
his gratitude. Zeeniya asked for permission to return to her tribe, and the king sent her back with many gifts and treasures.