In front of the temple gate, the spacious platform was filled with two rows of monks, standing with their hands clasped and heads bowed, respectfully awaiting the arrival of the Empress and the Princess.
When Liu Liu and Wu Yang descended from their carriages, they were greeted by a procession led by the Abbot and several other distinguished monks of Tianxiang Temple, all clad in bright red kasayas.
"We welcome Her Majesty the Empress and Her Highness the Princess with a thousand years of good fortune," the Abbot declared, followed by the prostration of all the monks of Tianxiang Temple.
Liu Liu raised her hand, her clear voice resonating, "Thank you, Abbot. There is no need for such formality. Please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Highness," the resounding voices echoed towards the heavens. The monks slowly rose, and the Abbot turned, respectfully addressing them, "Your Majesty, please proceed. Your Highness, please."
Liu Liu took the lead towards the grand Treasure Hall, with Feng Wu Yang following closely behind. Their personal maids accompanied them into Tianxiang Temple, while guards such as Ri Ying and Yue Ying remained at the temple gate to await their orders.
The Abbot first invited Liu Liu and her party to the side chambers for tea. After partaking in the tea, they were then led to the main hall to offer incense.
After offering incense and praying for blessings, the Abbot inquired if Her Majesty wished to draw lots. Liu Liu and Wu Yang nodded simultaneously, indicating they had no need for such things. They then gestured for the Abbot to withdraw, and they proceeded to wander around the temple.
Tianxiang Temple was ancient, having served as a royal temple throughout successive dynasties. It was only the imperial family that could afford to support such a grand temple and maintain so many people.
A gentle breeze brushed against their faces as they strolled. They noticed a nunnery not far from Tianxiang Temple. Wisps of smoke curled upwards, and amidst the lush greenery, a touch of grey stood out. The nunnery appeared to have fallen into disrepair, and a Taoist nun was sweeping fallen leaves at the entrance.
Liu Liu and Dai Mei, filled with curiosity, followed the bluestone path leading to the nunnery. The Taoist nun, casting a long shadow on the ground, slowly raised her head and spoke respectfully, "Do the benefactors wish to offer incense?"
Her face was one of pure serenity, devoid of any worldly desires.
Liu Liu and Wu Yang were startled, for this person was none other than Princess Jie Lan of Yue Bi Yuan.
How had the Princess, who was supposed to be at Prince Yan’s estate, ended up in this dilapidated nunnery as a nun? She was dressed in Taoist robes, her head covered by a hat, a whisk in her hand, emanating an aura of peaceful tranquility.
Even when facing them, her eyes merely flickered with a fleeting glint of light before she swiftly lowered her head.
"Princess, why are you in this place?"
Liu Liu stepped forward and took Jie Lan’s hand. Although Jie Lan had once plotted against her, seeing her in this state, Liu Liu could not remain indifferent.
How could such a talented person suffer such a fate? Even if she had done wrong, it was for her love. At least she had been true to Feng Lie.
She remembered how bravely Jie Lan had declared her intention to reside in Prince Yan’s estate in front of everyone, smiling even when facing Feng Lie’s embarrassment, vowing to win his heart. And now, here she was, in this temple.
Upon hearing Liu Liu’s voice, Jie Lan’s body trembled. She quickly replied, "The benefactor is mistaken. This humble nun’s Dharma name is Wuqing."
"Wuqing?"
Liu Liu and Wu Yang exchanged glances. It seemed Feng Lie had broken her heart completely.
What had Feng Lie done to extinguish a woman’s cheerful and optimistic spirit? Liu Liu stared intently at Jie Lan, "Does being called Wuqing truly make one emotionless? If one had truly forgotten, they wouldn’t need a name like Wuqing to remind themselves to be emotionless. Only those with deep feelings would do such a thing, wouldn't they?"
Wuqing lowered her head even further, but remained silent. She turned and walked back into the nunnery. Liu Liu and Wu Yang followed her, intending to see what was within. From the nunnery gate, a young Taoist nun in Taoist robes ran out, calling out repeatedly, "Princess, what is wrong?"
"Nonsense, this humble nun is called Wuqing. There is no princess here," Wuqing rebuked the young Taoist nun. Liu Liu looked over and realized the young Taoist nun was the Princess's personal maid.
To think that both mistress and servant had become nuns in the nunnery behind Tianxiang Temple. The dignified Princess had fallen to become a nun. Liu Liu’s heart ached for her and she couldn’t help but ask, "Princess, what exactly happened? You can tell us, we will help you."
Wuqing had already slipped inside. She turned and instructed the young Taoist nun to close the door. Liu Liu and Wu Yang walked over, preparing to enter. The young Taoist nun raised her face and stared intently at Liu Liu. After a long pause, she spoke with disdain.
"Your Majesty, please return. This humble abode is not a place for someone as divine as you to visit."
With that, she closed the dilapidated nunnery door right in front of them.
"You?" Wu Yang pointed at the door in anger, about to speak, but Liu Liu pulled her hand down.
"Don't be angry. This girl is simply worried about her mistress. Their master and servant came all this way for the Tian Feng alliance, only to end up as nuns in a nunnery. Something must have happened that is unknown to us. Let's not trouble them any further."
"Everyone has their own destiny. I hope she and Feng Lie will eventually have a fated connection."
"Yes."
Wu Yang lowered her head and followed behind Liu Liu as they walked forward. After this considerable detour, the day had grown late. The Abbot was preparing a vegetarian meal. Liu Liu did not wish to inconvenience the monks further.
Moreover, with guards stationed outside the temple gate, there was nowhere else to find solace. She announced their return to the palace, much to everyone's disappointment.
A grand procession formed once again at the temple gate. The Abbot, along with over a dozen monks, escorted them to the entrance of the main hall. Liu Liu and Wu Yang slowly boarded their carriages, the gentle sunlight illuminating them, making them appear incredibly beautiful and radiant.
Suddenly, a white silhouette called out from a distance, its voice filled with extreme surprise, "Wu'er?"
Feng Wu Yang and Liu Liu turned their heads simultaneously. In the distance stood a man dressed in white, holding a jade flute. He exuded an air of refined elegance and grace, his demeanor distant, yet a hint of delighted surprise flickered in his bright eyes.
He moved to rush forward, but Ri Ying and Yue Ying swiftly stepped forward, blocking his path. Drawing their swords, they sternly asked, "Bold one, who are you?"
The man completely ignored Ri Ying and Yue Ying's questions, only calling out painedly to Wu Yang, "Wu'er?"
Feng Wu Yang, after a moment of stunned silence, quickly darted into the carriage. Liu Liu followed closely behind as she also entered the carriage. Her body trembled slightly, her delicate hands tightly gripping the hem of her skirt. Her bright red lips had completely lost their color. She called out to the eunuch driving the carriage, "Return to the palace."
"Yes," the carriage slowly departed, heading towards the distance.
Ri Ying and Yue Ying, their faces grim, glared at the man before mounting their horses. The group left Tianxiang Temple in a grand procession. The Abbot and the monks at the temple gate were almost terrified to death. The Abbot walked over and looked at the man, "Benefactor, how did you come up the mountain? You nearly caused the death of everyone in our temple."
The refined and elegant expression on the man's face had vanished, replaced by profound pain. He had searched for her for a long time and had not expected to see her here.
And she had acted as if she didn’t recognize him. It was all his fault, he was a scoundrel. He had fallen in love with her, yet still married his cousin, breaking her heart.
However, it was only after she had disappeared that he realized how important she was to him. Thinking of her smile, her naughtiness, her playful spirit – every aspect warmed his heart. Therefore, he immediately canceled the wedding and searched for her everywhere.
But over a month had passed, and despite mobilizing all the manpower of Yanxia Villa, he had not found her. Just as he was about to despair, he saw her. Yet, she looked at him as if she hadn't seen him. Had she stopped loving him?