ABSTRACT
171 https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780429267949/a7894cf8-f1be-4da6-a5b8-25af3ccb2a6d/content/inline10.tif"/> Sixteen years earlier, Xuanzang had left China with a warrant on his head; he had departed in secret by night, against the wishes of the emperor. As he drew closer to the borders of the Tang Empire on his return, he was not sure how he would be received. It might be best for him to advise the emperor that he was returning as a loyal subject. A young Turfanese traveling with a caravan of merchants to China had given him the opportunity of writing ahead to the emperor.
