Chapter 6

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Chapter 6: Entering the Temple

Nie San somehow managed to procure an ox cart. Though it was merely a simple black-canopied vehicle from a farmer, Awu and the two sturdy matrons accompanying her finally breathed a sigh of relief. They boarded the cart and followed Nie San toward the region of Nanqiongzi.

Along the way, the matrons chatted, and Awu gradually learned much about Nanqiongzi.

Nanqiongzi was not simply a secluded estate; rather, it referred to a vast mountainous area south of the Imperial Capital. The region was naturally situated along the north-south mountain ranges, and by a stroke of luck, the Yonghui River ran through it. The river’s tributaries formed lakes and streams, nourishing the extensive grasslands and mountain slopes.

In the previous dynasty, the court had set this area aside as an imperial reserve, constructing palaces with grand roofs, Daoist temples and altars, hunting grounds, and drill fields, and raising rare birds and exotic beasts.

In the current dynasty, the reserve was doubled in size. Over a hundred miles of walls were built to prevent the precious beasts from escaping, and special "Qiong Household" officials were appointed to oversee the herding and maintenance of the grounds.

Thus, the area within the walls was called "Qiongzi Inner," and the area outside, "Qiongzi Outer." Such a vast imperial reserve naturally included Daoist temples reserved for the royal family; Yanxiang Temple was one such convent.

Listening to this, Awu understood: Nanqiongzi was essentially another palace, larger than the one she knew, filled with Qiong officials, temples, and nunneries—all servants of the court.

In other words, it was not the carefree life she had imagined, becoming a Daoist nun at leisure. Instead, she would never be able to leave Nanqiongzi for the rest of her life.

A heavy feeling settled in her heart. Still, she decided to take things as they came, step by step.

After all, she had not truly offended the Crown Prince; now, all he felt toward her was guilt. If things became unbearable, she could swallow her pride and ask him for help.

Thinking of the Crown Prince, she recalled his last words concerning Nie San.

The cart let in drafts from all sides; she could easily glimpse Nie San through the cracks. His sharp, elongated face was taut, as if weighed down with troubles.

What was he thinking?

Nie San, or Nie Qianpei, had originally belonged to the Duke of England’s household, the family of the Crown Princess.

As she watched, Nie San’s gaze suddenly darted toward her.

A martial artist’s eyes were too sharp and piercing; startled, Awu instinctively withdrew her gaze and looked elsewhere.

Thus, throughout the journey, Awu remained anxious, fearing Nie San might rob her.

Perhaps he would steal her gold, violate her, and then kill her.

If that happened, no matter how powerful the Crown Prince was, he could only avenge her after she was gone.

She spent the entire trip in unease, until finally, under the starry night, they arrived at Nanqiongzi, ascended the mountain, and entered Yanxiang Temple.

An elderly Daoist nun came out to greet them, opening with, "Boundless blessings from the Heavenly Lord."

Nie San handed over the Crown Prince's official letter. The old nun took it, opened it—though it was late and Awu could not see clearly, she thought she glimpsed the Crown Princess's red seal.

After examining it, the nun said, "Thank you, sir. We will escort this benefactor up the mountain. Once she formally joins our order, a reply will be sent. Please wait a couple of days."

Nie San replied, "A couple of days? Please conduct the ceremony as soon as possible, lest complications arise."

The old nun cast him an arrogant glance. "Yanxiang Temple has its own rules."

Nie San said no more, only looked at Awu.

Then Awu followed the old nun into the temple. As the doors swung shut behind her, she was uncertain whether to feel relieved or more apprehensive.

The old nun, her face cold, led Awu through the temple with little patience, intending to present her to the temple’s spirit guardian.

The temple stood deep within the mountains. In the night, distant rocks and woods appeared ominous; the buildings were old, the trees lush, and the lanterns dim, all lending an eerie air.

Following the nun, Awu grew increasingly uneasy, as if she were entering a ghost city.

She even began to miss Nie San; he might harbor ulterior motives, yet he was, at least, a proper man—not a ghost.

Fortunately, after passing through a corridor, they reached the main hall, which was brightly lit. Several Daoist nuns waited there; seeing Awu, they led her to meet the temple’s spirit guardian.

The spirit guardian was the temple’s abbot, appointed by the imperial family—a woman surnamed Song. Her hair was sleek and tied high, her long face somewhat drooping as she observed Awu.

Awu regretted her situation even more, with deep remorse. Song Lingguan was obviously strict; Awu would rather suffer at the hands of the Crown Princess than fall under this abbot’s authority!

Was it still possible to run away now?

Song Lingguan asked Awu a few questions, to which she replied listlessly.

Song Lingguan frowned at her. "Do you have any questions?"

Awu remembered her personal belongings and asked, "Abbot Song, where are my things? My possessions are still with Lord Nie San; I need them back. Abbot Song, please wait—I’ll go out and call for him."

Song Lingguan said, "Go out?"

Awu looked at her cautiously. "Am I not allowed?"

The surrounding nuns were dumbfounded. Wasn’t she from the Crown Prince’s household? How did she lack even the most basic manners?

Song Lingguan’s face remained taut and expressionless. "Benefactor, your personal belongings will be kept by Lord Nie San. After you have received the ceremony, they will be returned to you."

Awu listened, full of reluctance.

First, she couldn’t escape—there was no way out. Second, her things were in Nie San’s care; what if he peeked at them, or stole all her gold?

The gold itself had been secretly taken from the Crown Prince; she couldn’t admit it openly. If it were stolen, could she raise a fuss?

She felt utterly aggrieved, swallowing her losses in silence.

Then, Song Lingguan ordered someone to take Awu to rest in the rear quarters. Having no other choice, Awu followed the abbot, observing her surroundings as she went.

It seemed to be a temple building; in the deep, oppressive night, it was solemn and unsettling.

They continued on, passing through a stone archway, then a corridor lit by lanterns, their light filtering through carved stone walls. Awu glimpsed the interior of another hall, and at the sight, nearly lost her soul, crying out in alarm.

At this late hour, in the dark, the hall was illuminated by lanterns, their light falling upon a statue.

The statue wore golden armor and a red robe, its face crimson and bearded, three fierce eyes glaring—an image of a fearsome deity!

A ghost!

Her cry caused the old nun’s heavy expression to crack.

Her brows furrowed as she stared at Awu. "Do you know where you are?"

Awu pointed timidly toward the hall. "Ghost... there’s a ghost..."

The old nun’s face darkened. "That is the guardian mountain god, General Wang Lingguan."

Awu was doubtful. "Wang Lingguan? The spirit guardian?"

The old nun retorted coldly, "Is this how the Crown Prince’s household behaves? You entered the order by imperial decree, yet you shout and scream like this—where are your manners? Do you have any respect for the temple’s abbot?"

Awu was surprised. "Elder, you yourself said I entered the order by imperial decree. Since it’s not my desire, I’ll do what’s required, but as for respect... what does that have to do with anything? The spirit guardian’s face is terrifying—how can you blame me for that?"

The old nun gasped, brows raised. "You!"

Awu shrank back in fright, taking a step away.

Yet even so, she mustered her courage and declared loudly, "What are you doing? I am from the Crown Prince’s household; he favors me greatly. Tomorrow he’ll send someone to check on me. If I lose even a hair, he’ll hold you accountable!"

The old nun was stunned.

Awu thought to herself that this was an imperial edict, and the Crown Prince might not be able to help. So she brought out the Emperor as well. "I entered the order by imperial command. If anything happens to me, how will you answer to the Emperor?"

Then, she threatened, her face resolute. "I have a fierce temperament. If I suffer even a slight grievance, I'll bite my tongue and die. When the Emperor and Crown Prince investigate, none of you will escape blame!"

The old nun was speechless.

All the nuns stared, dumbfounded, exchanging glances.

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All the nuns were seasoned, and temple discipline was strict. A new nun must learn the rules, likely enduring many hardships, but this one—

So beautiful, and so eccentric in temperament!

They were all at a loss for words.

After a while, a chill wind blew by.

***********

That night, Awu was settled in a guest room. The room faced distant peaks; the night was dark, and all she could see were endless layers of shadowy clouds. In a daze, she seemed to hear the cries of wild beasts far off, which unsettled her.

She hurriedly closed the window, lay down fully dressed, and slept.

She was filled with worries, her mind heavy, but exhaustion overcame her and she soon fell asleep.

The next morning, she was sleeping soundly when someone woke her.

Confused, she opened her drowsy eyes to see a young nun.

Still sleepy, she asked, "What is it?"

The young nun replied irritably, "Look at the time! Aren’t you going to receive the ceremony?"

Awu remembered, "Am I to become a Daoist nun?"

The young nun said, "First, come see our abbot. She has things to tell you."

Awu got up to dress. "All right."

The young nun watched Awu fumble with her clothes, unable to look away.

Usually, those who came to Yanxiang Temple to burn incense were imperial relatives or palace consorts; the young nun was used to seeing distinguished women, yet even so, Awu stood out among them.

Like snow and jade, flawless, she was impossible not to stare at.

But—

She saw Awu clumsily climb from the couch, looking utterly disheveled.

The young nun couldn’t bear to watch, sighing inwardly; no wonder such beauty was forced to become a nun.

Awu paid no mind to what the nun thought. She dressed and rose, then, with the young nun’s help, washed and prepared to meet Abbot Song.

On the way, she looked around curiously.

Arriving late last night, she had seen nothing but strange shadows. Now, in broad daylight, she observed that the courtyards and buildings were orderly, the roofs and halls well arranged, with fish ponds in the yards, and pines and cypresses along the paths. Though autumn had come, everything was still lush and green.

It was, indeed, a tranquil place.

Stepping along the mossy paths, Awu asked, "You live here every day—is it peaceful and free?"

The young nun replied, "Peaceful? Free?"

She looked at Awu in disbelief. "Our temple is strict, a place of purification."

Awu said, "Is it? Isn’t Zhouzhuang a Daoist? Didn’t he mention the freedom and purity of heaven and earth?"

The young nun looked at Awu, bewildered and confused. "Benefactor, you—"

She didn’t know what to make of Awu’s mind, but dared not say more. After all, this woman was rumored to be the Crown Prince’s favored concubine, and the Emperor had ordered her to become a nun.

Not someone to offend.

So the young nun mumbled, "It’s not quite like that."

Awu stepped over the stairs, asking casually, "Then what is it like?"

The young nun replied, "Well... Benefactor, Yanxiang Temple is a place of purification, with many rituals, different from ordinary temples."

Awu asked, "How is it different?"

The young nun explained, and Awu took the opportunity to ask questions, gradually learning about Yanxiang Temple.

It turned out that Yanxiang Temple had been an imperial Daoist site since the Taihe era, responsible for imperial rituals and venerating the Yuanming Birth Emperor, as well as relics of past empresses.

Since the late Emperor, on major festivals like the Imperial Birthday, Autumn Festival, New Year, and Winter Solstice, Abbot Song led the nuns into the palace to chant scriptures and perform rituals for the consorts, praying for longevity.

Speaking of this, the young nun’s face was full of admiration. "Our abbot has gone into the palace several times to chant for the Empress Dowager. With the Emperor’s decree and the Ministry of Rites’ order, our abbot holds eighth rank and oversees all religious affairs!"

Awu didn’t understand much, but vaguely realized, "She’s an official of the court."

The young nun nodded vigorously. "Yes. Besides our abbot, there’s a deputy abbot—she’s eighth rank too!"

Awu said, "That’s impressive, such high rank."

The young nun agreed, "We endure here, hoping for fortune someday!"

Awu thought it was indeed good, but had no interest.

If she became a nun here, she would have to worship those fearsome deities every day, which was intimidating. Serving such gods was worse than serving the Crown Prince—at least he was warm and provided pleasure and good food.

But thinking back on yesterday’s events, she felt despondent.

Following the Crown Prince was no longer possible; the Emperor would never permit it, and she herself did not wish to bow to the Crown Princess, becoming a lowly chambermaid or concubine.

As she walked, suddenly cries of alarm came from ahead, followed by the sound of swords.

Awu and the young nun exchanged glances, hastening toward the main hall.

Upon arrival, they found Song Lingguan.

Panting, Awu asked, "Abbot Song?"

Song Lingguan scrutinized Awu, noting her rosy cheeks and enchanting demeanor, a bead of sweat on her brow making her look as fresh and alluring as a dewy peony—anything but a purified Daoist.

With disgust, she asked, "Who let you come here?"

Awu was confused. She glanced at the nuns standing by. "Isn’t today the ceremony for me to enter the order?"

Song Lingguan said, "Benefactor, please return to your room immediately."

Awu asked, "Why?"

Everyone was shocked she dared to ask why.

In Yanxiang Temple, Song Lingguan was strict and no one dared speak to her like this.

Song Lingguan looked at her stubborn expression, her face cold. "This is Yanxiang Temple, a place of purity—not somewhere for you to act out!"

Awu was indignant. "The Emperor ordered me to become a nun. Are you defying the imperial edict?"

At this, Song Lingguan’s face turned ashen.

A nun stepped forward, saying, "Who do you think you are? The Emperor wants you to become a nun to teach you discipline. You came from the Crown Prince’s household, and the Emperor dislikes you. Now you’re arrogant, waving the imperial decree around like a chicken feather?"

Awu perked up—arguing was her forte.

She pointed at the nun. "What did you say? Waving the imperial decree like a chicken feather?"

The nun retorted, "You are waving a chicken feather!"

Awu replied, "Did you just call the Emperor’s decree a chicken feather? The imperial decree? Chicken feather? What crime is that?"

Everyone gasped.

Song Lingguan’s expression shifted, glaring fiercely at the nun.

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The nun realized what she had said, her face pale.

Awu said graciously, "Never mind, you spoke without thinking. We won’t report you—just step back."

The nun quickly withdrew.

Awu turned to Song Lingguan. "Abbot Song, what happened outside? Please tell me, for—"

She smiled, innocent and pure. "The Emperor ordered me to become a nun, yet the Crown Prince insists on taking me back. I’m troubled. If the Crown Prince loses his temper and surrounds this place with soldiers, how will you handle it?"

The nuns were speechless—so bold!

Song Lingguan gave Awu a long look, then, restraining herself, explained what had happened.

That morning, the Crown Prince’s personal guards had arrived, intent on taking Awu back. But then the Imperial Guards appeared, bearing the Emperor’s token, blocking the Prince’s men and ordering them to return to the palace and await instructions.

Song Lingguan’s face was cold, her voice icy. "Benefactor, please be quiet."

Awu realized the matter had been settled.

She thought for a moment. "Fine, I’ll be quiet. When will the ceremony be held?"

Song Lingguan replied, "Tomorrow."

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

That day, Awu was sent back to her room. From time to time, she heard sounds outside—carriages, horses—suggesting unrest. But by nightfall, all was quiet.

Song Lingguan sent the deputy abbot to visit Awu, saying, "The Crown Prince has left, and left you a message."

Awu replied respectfully, "What is the message, Abbot?"

The deputy abbot said, "The Crown Prince says he feels guilty toward you."

She handed Awu a wooden box. "This is from the Crown Prince."

Awu took it and opened it to find a box of fine pearls, each one pure and lustrous, a rare treasure.

The nuns were stunned, unable to look away.

Awu picked up a pearl, examined it closely, and felt a pang.

Once, in the intimacy of bed, the Crown Prince had spoken tenderly of past events. She had mentioned how, as a child, she saw the neighbor’s brother labor to collect pearls, most of which had to be handed over to officials, with only a few left to sell for daily expenses.

She had longed for a fine pearl for jewelry, but it was only a dream. She had merely mentioned it; the Crown Prince said nothing more, and she forgot about it.

Unexpectedly, he sent her a whole box of pearls.

She sighed and accepted them.

She acknowledged the affection of her former lover.

That night, Awu lay on her couch, unable to sleep for a long time. Her mind wandered through thoughts of the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, her past, and her future.

Yanxiang Temple was no paradise; it too was under imperial control. If she remained here, life would be hard.

She pondered endlessly; she had to leave, but how, she did not know.

The Emperor’s edict weighed heavily. The Crown Prince could not take her away, nor could anyone else.

She sighed deeply and was about to rest when she heard a faint sound, as if someone were tapping lightly at the stone wall.

Curious, she listened, but the sound ceased.

She tried to ignore it, lay down again, but the sound returned.

Knowing she was in a precarious situation, perhaps someone meant her harm, she dared not be careless. She held her breath, crept to the wall, and listened carefully.

After a while, all was quiet. Confused, she turned to leave, but suddenly noticed that a stone brick was loose—the person outside seemed to be pushing it.

Startled, she pressed her hand against it and demanded, "Who are you, creeping about?"

The person outside paused, then spoke. "Lady Awu?"

Awu understood at once. "Lord Nie San?"

It was indeed Nie San, his voice low. "Lady Awu, forgive my intrusion."

Awu asked, "Why are you here?"

Nie San replied, "I have something to tell you."

Awu protested, "Men and women should not interact."

Nie San said, "Lady Awu, I—"

Awu interrupted, "I am about to become a nun. I must observe the rules. You are a man; don’t sully my purity!"

Nie San was silent.

In a deeper voice, he said, "Lady Awu, I have heard rumors that someone intends you harm. I thought I should warn you."

Awu asked, "Harm me? Who?"

Nie San hesitated. "I do not know."

Awu said, "Then why come? Are you here to frighten me, to make me anxious?"

Nie San said, "Lady Awu..."

He took a breath, suppressing his frustration. "If possible, I hope to protect you, lest you fall victim."

Awu asked, "Is that so? So kind of you?"

Nie San replied, "I would not call it kindness. I simply cannot bear to see you come to harm."

Awu pressed, "Why can’t you bear it? There are many beggars on the street—why don’t you pity them?"

Nie San was silent.

Such a beautiful young lady, with such a sharp tongue...

Suddenly, Awu softened her voice, laughing. "Just say it—do you covet my beauty?"

Nie San felt his heart stir.

Awu’s voice became even softer, full of laughter. "Tell the truth."

The night was deep, the mountains silent. Separated by a wall, her voice was alluring, sweet as silk and honey.

Nie San’s stern face tightened, lips pressed together.

At that moment, he recalled his orders, and also the young lady’s guileless candor throughout the journey.

Feelings and duty, gratitude and honor, all tangled, leaving him stuck.

Just then, he heard footsteps in the distance. He lowered his voice. "Someone’s coming. I must leave now; in a few days, I will visit you again."

With that, he departed.