Chapter 3

Chapter 3: She Must Enter the Daoist Temple

After she finished speaking, a long silence followed without a sound from ahead. Cautiously, she glanced over and saw, beneath a window inset with glazed tiles, a low couch of rosewood placed nearby, with golden curtains hanging at its side.

The distinguished lady from earlier sat upon a cushion of embroidered gold silk, leaning slightly against a cloud-patterned pillow, languidly enjoying fragrant soup. Nearby, three or five maidservants attended her, holding lacquered tea bowls and trays.

It was clear this was the Princess Consort.

When she first lifted her eyes outside the door, facing the sunlight, everything appeared dazzling gold, and she hadn’t seen clearly. Now, observing closely, the Princess Consort wore a purple gold circlet adorned with brilliant golden beads, gleaming brightly, accentuating her refined and fair features—clearly the bearing of nobility.

She wore a pale pink collared jacket of silk, with a skirt sprinkled with gold threads, and her wrist was loosely adorned with a shimmering bracelet, her demeanor lazy and relaxed.

Compared to her earlier warmth toward Lady Denning, she was now cold and distant, not sparing even a glance at Awu, as if she hadn’t heard a word from her.

It was instead a woman serving at her side who suddenly snorted disdainfully, “Pretentious, not a bit of proper conduct!”

Awu listened, curious, and looked over.

The woman wore a silver-threaded cloud-shaped hairpin, dressed in a lotus silk jacket, with a deep blue skirt below, appearing dignified and steady.

She had overheard whispers among the servants and knew that the Princess Consort had a confidante named Lady Su, who had served the Princess Consort’s mother and watched her grow up. When the Princess Consort married into the prince’s household, she brought Lady Su along.

Lady Su was the Princess Consort’s most trusted attendant, arranging everything for her.

Awu bowed her head again, quietly waiting.

A long time passed, and the mistress and servant both remained silent, leaving Awu to her wandering thoughts. As her mind wandered, she heard the faint sound of porcelain rubbing—the soft scraping of a fine white porcelain lid against a tea bowl.

She lowered her gaze to the exquisite brocade carpet, picturing the Princess Consort’s long, armored fingers, eyelids lowered, gracefully grinding the lid, then sipping tea.

At last, she heard the Princess Consort’s gentle sigh: “Your name is Awu?”

Awu replied, “Your Highness, my name is Awu.”

The Princess Consort asked, “What is your surname?”

Awu paused, then answered, “My family name is Ning.”

The Princess Consort spoke slowly, “You’ve been in the prince’s residence for some time now, haven’t you?”

Awu said, “I have been here for two months.”

The Princess Consort said, “Then you should understand the rules by now.”

Awu was confused, unsure.

The Princess Consort continued, “His Highness traveled to Songzhou for official duties. Now he brings you back—do you realize that news of this could harm his reputation?”

Awu began to understand, “It is I who have brought trouble to His Highness’s reputation.”

The Princess Consort said, “His Highness is compassionate; since he brought you here, he will arrange for you. But—” She smiled, cool and contemptuous, “That night, you saw for yourself: His Highness may tolerate you, I may tolerate you, but the Emperor will not.”

Awu, hearing this, lifted her head and looked at the Princess Consort. “Your Highness, I know my status is humble. I never dared hope to serve His Highness. Since you summoned me, please give your orders as you see fit.”

The Princess Consort was momentarily taken aback, then curled her lips in a mocking smile. “Do you think I have anything to order you?”

Awu studied the Princess Consort closely.

Those present witnessed the young woman’s gaze, clear and serene as autumn water, honest and calm, showing not a trace of meekness.

Awu said, “Your Highness, surely the palace issued an edict for me to come before you. But it cannot be for my death, otherwise I would have been given a white silk and a cup of poison long ago, wouldn’t I?”

The Princess Consort’s heart paused; Lady Su’s expression subtly changed.

This girl seemed weak and unworldly, yet she spoke boldly.

After the Emperor saw her that night, he was displeased and wanted her dealt with. But the Prince insisted, and now the Prince and Emperor were at odds, causing quite a stir and alarming the Empress Dowager and Empress. The Empress Dowager, doting on her only grandson, intervened, and though the Empress’s feelings were unclear, she too had to protect him.

The issue escalated, and the Emperor finally sent a decree: the girl was to be sent to Yanxiang Convent, entering the Daoist order.

But the Prince immediately sent a message via a young eunuch, instructing the Princess Consort to prevent Awu from leaving before his return.

The Princess Consort understood her duty: to be virtuous and generous, to give an account to the Prince, to be filial and obedient, and to follow the Emperor’s command.

As for herself, she naturally wished this girl would disappear—completely!

She must preserve her own reputation, avoid offending anyone, and vent some frustration; the Princess Consort would have to plot carefully.

She had not expected this seemingly timid girl to suddenly speak so boldly.

She gave a cold laugh, “Are you emboldened by His Highness’s favor, forgetting your own place?”

Awu knelt, gazing up at the Princess Consort. “I am self-aware, Your Highness. I know my willow-like beauty and humble status, and I would never risk His Highness’s reputation. Since you mention these matters, as long as you grant me a way to live, I will do all I can to comply.”

She leaned forward, hands respectfully pressing the carpet worn by many feet. “With my status, I dare not hope for anything else—only to gain some silver, to live a few peaceful days.”

To gain some silver...

Everyone fell silent—was this girl asking the Princess Consort for money?

The Princess Consort was even more surprised. As the wife of the heir, she had seen countless people flatter her, but never had anyone asked her for money.

Lady Su frowned and quickly signaled the Princess Consort.

The Princess Consort said, “Today, the Emperor sent word: you must leave and become a Daoist nun.”

Awu asked, “Enter the Daoist order?”

The Princess Consort said, “Lady Su, explain it to her.”

Lady Su answered respectfully, “Yes.”

---

Lady Su then explained to Awu: South of the capital lies Nanqiongzi, with imperial palaces, training grounds, and hunting fields. In the mountains, there are sites for royal rites; among them, Yanxiang Convent is a women’s temple, where the garments of past empresses are enshrined. Elderly palace matrons or honored maids who cannot return home are sent there to live out their days.

Lady Su said, “Being sent to Yanxiang Convent is the Emperor’s mercy. Palace maids toil all their lives to earn a place there, receiving court stipends and living without worry. On festivals, when there are rites, royal kin and noblewomen all visit Yanxiang Convent, and you’ll be given many rewards. With empresses’ garments enshrined there, even the high-born must show respect to you.”

Awu listened intently, eyes wide, long lashes fluttering—she seemed to understand, and yet not.

Lady Su looked down on her, “Do you have any questions?”

Awu asked, “As a Daoist nun, will I receive a stipend each month?”

Lady Su replied, “Of course.”

Awu said, “How much per month?”

Lady Su was momentarily stunned and looked to the Princess Consort.

The Princess Consort said coolly, “I don’t know the exact amount; it depends on seniority. But rest assured, since I’m sending you, I’ll make sure you’re settled properly, and you’ll receive some silver to start.”

Awu nodded, then asked, “May I take what His Highness has given me?”

The Princess Consort’s lips twitched.

What an odd girl!

Never in her life had anyone dared mention silver so often in her presence.

The Prince favored such a one?

She cast a contemptuous glance at Awu. “Take it, take it all.”

Awu promptly replied with docility, “Thank you, Your Highness. I will obey the Emperor and Your Highness, go to Yanxiang Convent, and pray day and night for the Prince and Your Highness, wishing you longevity and blessings.”

The Princess Consort raised her hand, “Go now; Lady Su will arrange your departure.”

Awu kowtowed, “Yes, thank you, Your Highness!”

She kowtowed earnestly, three solid bows.

Watching Awu, the Princess Consort felt that this girl truly had no desire to cling to the Prince.

Her heart eased slightly.

But soon she thought, what did it matter? The Prince was surely obsessed, longing for her day and night. If she vanished suddenly, he would never let it go.

So...she needed a method, a way to sever the Prince’s feelings forever.

**************

As Awu walked out along the covered corridor, her steps were especially light.

Though she would no longer have soft tofu braised with water chestnuts, Awu felt it was for the best.

The Prince adored her, cherished her, and she enjoyed it, even liked it; yet she always felt uneasy, as if walking a rough road at night, never knowing when she might stumble.

Now, summoned by the Princess Consort, it was clear the Emperor’s displeasure did not mean her death. The decree was for her to become a Daoist nun.

With this order, the Princess Consort, even if she disliked her, could not harm her, and the Prince could no longer approach her.

As she pondered, the setting sun cast its glow over carved beams and embroidered railings, revealing grand towers and high pavilions, with green pines brushing the eaves and magnolias winding around the steps—a truly magnificent sight.

Somehow, her thoughts turned to childhood: her parents and brother, the sea shimmering at dusk, the wind-blown lilies by the shore, herself chasing butterflies and grasshoppers.

Two years had passed. She wondered if she would ever return home, ever see her family again.

She considered her current fate: if Yanxiang Convent was as they described, serving as a nun with a court stipend would surely be better than remaining in the Prince’s residence.

She remembered her savings; the Princess Consort had said she could take them, so she would. Once at Yanxiang Convent, being generous would surely help her stand firm.

Awu was lost in thought when Madam Sun cast a glance her way.

Awu looked at her in confusion.

Madam Sun stared at Awu for a long moment before withdrawing her gaze. “Pack your things quickly. The court’s order came down—you must leave tonight. Carriages and guards are waiting at the second gate for you.”

Awu replied, “Alright.”

The two hurried back to Awu’s quarters at Jade Ring Court. Her former maids were surprised to see her return, looking on in confusion.

Madam Sun ordered sternly, “Everyone leave. Awu will no longer be here; you need not serve her. The residence will arrange new duties for you.”

The maids were shocked, but dared not protest, bowing respectfully as they departed.

Under Madam Sun’s supervision, Awu packed her belongings simply.

As she packed, Madam Sun’s eyes never left her. When Awu reached her hair ornaments, Madam Sun strode over and snatched a phoenix hairpin.

It was gold, filigreed, with a large agate set in the phoenix’s head—rare and dazzling.

Madam Sun frowned, “Do you know what this is?”

Awu shook her head, confused, “No, His Highness gave it to me.”

Madam Sun was both amused and annoyed. “This belonged to the late Lady Xian, the Prince’s mother. You mustn’t use such things!”

Awu said, “I...didn’t know.”

She glanced at the filigree, “I don’t want it, Madam Sun. You keep it.”

Madam Sun was speechless, glaring at Awu with an indescribable look.

How could someone be so shameless—accepting favors and feigning innocence!

Lady Xian had been the Prince’s birth mother, frail and deceased when he was seven. Her treasured belongings were left to him; this filigree hairpin had been seen by Madam Sun, a gift from the Emperor, worn by Lady Xian at festival banquets. Madam Sun, then a young maid, had glimpsed it from afar.

And now, it was to be given to such a low-born girl?

Awu, seeing Madam Sun’s fierce glare, was bewildered, “I’m giving it to you—what more do you want? I don’t want it, isn’t that enough?”

---

She looked at Madam Sun’s wide eyes, feeling aggrieved, and explained, “His Highness insisted I keep it. I said it was too heavy and I didn’t like it, but he told me to hold it for him.”

Madam Sun nearly fainted.

If she were the Princess Consort, she would have killed Awu on the spot!

Seeing Madam Sun’s increasingly harsh glare, Awu quickly stuffed the phoenix hairpin into her hands. “Madam, take it, keep it.”

Madam Sun’s eyes widened, her hands trembling.

Awu then grabbed a handful of gold hairpins and offered them too. “Madam Sun, these are yours, take them all!”

Madam Sun drew a sharp breath, seized the heavy gold pins, and furtively glanced out the window. No one noticed, so she slipped them into her sleeve.

Then she straightened, cleared her throat, and instructed the maids, “This phoenix hairpin is no ordinary item—imperial and Lady Xian’s relic. It must be returned to His Highness. Since he is absent, the Princess Consort will keep it. I will deliver it personally.”

Awu blinked, “Madam Sun, do as you see fit.”

She cared nothing for the hairpin’s fate. Even if she didn’t understand the rules, she knew she couldn’t touch it.

Not to mention its dazzling phoenix head, the gold and rare white jade—none of it for ordinary people. The Great Hui dynasty had long forbidden such things.

She never wanted to stay as the Princess Consort’s concubine. Since she was leaving, why seek discomfort?

If she tried to pawn it, she’d be stopped and reported!

As for silver, Awu had no worries.

She was extremely careful with money, all her thoughts focused there. During her months with the Prince, she seized every chance to ask for gold and silver, preferring solid pieces rather than intricate designs or filigree—those were mere show, wasting craftsmen’s effort and offering little value.

She wanted solid chunks!

The Prince seemed to know her taste, gifting her large gold bracelets, heavy and substantial—the real thing.

She had planned this, leaving the phoenix hairpin out so they would take it, and offering two or three pieces as favors.

Madam Sun, after pocketing the hairpins, cleared her throat and instructed the maids, “This item is special, treat it with care. Bring a lacquer tray.”

The maids hurriedly fetched one, and Madam Sun placed the phoenix hairpin on it with ceremony, instructing them to keep it safe until she presented it to the Princess Consort.

While Madam Sun was busy, Awu seized her chance.

She stuffed her accumulated gold bracelets into her cotton jacket and trousers, piling them until her clothes bulged, and only stopped when she could barely carry them.

Madam Sun returned, and Awu had folded her clothes neatly, leaving only a small bundle.

Madam Sun eyed the bundle.

Awu looked at her nervously, “Madam...do you want to check the silver inside? It’s from His Highness...that’s all there is...”

She cautiously offered it.

Madam Sun took it, feigning a glance—inside were some gold items, but nothing excessive.

She sighed, “The Princess Consort allowed this. With her status, she won’t begrudge you. Keep it, but these must be recorded, so I can report to her.”

Awu nodded carefully, “Madam, please record them.”

***********

Awu’s packing was nearly done; it was time to leave.

She insisted on carrying her own luggage, refusing help.

Her cotton jacket and trousers hid valuables; if anyone else carried them, they might discover something. Fortunately, Madam Sun had no such intentions, and there were no maids or servants present.

Awu, frail by nature, had been kneeling before the Princess Consort for ages, her knees aching, and now struggled to carry her load.

But there was no alternative—she simply had to endure.

With gold among her belongings, she would carry them no matter the exhaustion.

Before she left Jade Ring Court, she saw a small sedan chair and seven or eight attendants in blue livery, neat and tidy.

Awu struggled to place her luggage on the chair and tried to climb in herself.

Just then, a voice called, “Has her luggage been checked?”

Awu looked—it was Lady Su.

Madam Sun was deferential before Lady Su, smiling, “It’s checked. I’ve listed all her valuables and was about to show Lady Su.”

She handed over the list, but Lady Su did not take it, her gaze fixed on Awu’s bundle.

Awu, embarrassed, her fair cheeks flushing, explained softly, “It’s just cotton clothing, jackets and trousers, for warmth.”

Lady Su frowned.

Awu’s nervous manner prompted her to whisper, “Lady Su, once I leave the Prince’s residence, I won’t easily get such cotton clothing, so I thought to take a couple with me for winter…”

Lady Su continued to stare at the bundle, silent.

Awu was helpless, and offered, “Lady Su, why don’t I give you this jacket? You keep the jacket, I’ll keep the trousers!”

She tugged at her jacket, pulling out the hem, and eagerly tried to hand it to Lady Su, “Lady Su, wear this, it’s warm, good cotton!”

Lady Su was disdainful but understood.

Cotton was rare in Great Hui; ordinary folk used reed fluff for winter clothes. Cotton jackets were only for the wealthy. Once Awu left the Prince’s residence for the convent, she’d never have such again.

This Awu, born with such beauty, possessing a rare appearance, yet so muddle-headed—hardly fit for noble company!

Yet the Prince once favored her so…

Lady Su’s eyes were full of contempt. She commanded coolly, “Set out.”