Chapter 6 Entering the Temple

Chapter 6 Entering the Taoist Temple

Nie San scrounged up an oxcart somehow. Though it was just a farm cart with a black canopy, A Wu and the serving women sighed in relief nonetheless. They boarded the carriage and followed Nie San toward Nanqiongzi.

Along the way, the serving women kept chattering, and A Wu gradually learned about the various aspects of Nanqiongzi.

Nanqiongzi was not merely a simple retreat but the nickname for a huge stretch of mountain land south of the imperial capital.

This land was situated along the path of the north-south mountain ranges and happened to be cut through by the Yonghui River. The river’s overflow formed tributaries, lakes, and marshes, watering wide swaths of mountainous grasslands.

During the previous dynasty, the imperial court had designated this area as an imperial game reserve, constructing palaces, Taoist temples, altars, hunting grounds, and drilling grounds, as well as breeding rare animals and birds.

By the current dynasty, the original park had doubled in size, with walls running over a hundred miles built to prevent the escape of the park’s prized beasts. Special Qiong families were established here, tasked with herding, breeding, and guarding the park.

Thus, the area within the walls was called Qiongzi Inside, while the area outside was called Qiongzi Outside.

Within such a vast imperial park, Taoist temples were naturally established exclusively for royal use—Yanxiang Temple was one such temple for women.

Listening to this, A Wu understood: Nanqiongzi was basically a second palace, a larger palace. The Qiong families, Taoist temples, and nunneries within were all court lackeys.

In other words, she would not be living as a carefree Taoist nun as she had imagined but would instead be trapped in Nanqiongzi for the rest of her life.

A Wu’s stomach sank, but she decided to take things one step at a time.

After all, she hadn’t ruined her chances with the Crown Prince. Now, he only felt guilt toward her. If things became unbearable, she could stomach her pride and beg for his help.

Thinking of the Crown Prince reminded her of his final words—about Nie San.

The cart was leaky, and through the gaps, she could easily see Nie San. His chiseled face was tense, as if weighed down by thoughts.

What was he thinking about?

Nie San—Nie Qianpei—originally belonged to the household of the Duke of Yingguo, the Crown Princess’s maternal family.

Just as she was watching, Nie San suddenly turned his gaze toward her.

Trained in martial arts, his eyes were razor-sharp. A Wu’s pulse jumped, and she instinctively averted her gaze, looking elsewhere.

For the rest of the journey, A Wu was on edge. She feared Nie San might rob her.

He might take her gold, rape her, and leave her dead.

Even if the Crown Prince wielded immense power to avenge her afterward, she would already be dead.

Her anxiety lasted the entire journey until, under the stars, they finally arrived at Nanqiongzi, ascended the mountain, and entered Yanxiang Temple.

An old Taoist nun came out to greet them. Upon seeing the group, she uttered, "Boundless blessings of the Heavenly Lord."

Nie San presented the sealed letter from the Crown Prince’s residence. The old Taoist nun took it and unfolded it. In the dim light of night, A Wu couldn’t see clearly but noticed what seemed to be the Crown Princess’s red seal stamped on the document.

After inspecting it, the old Taoist nun said, "Thank you for your trouble, sir. We will escort this devotee up the mountain. Once she formally enters our Taoist order, a reply will be issued. Please wait for two days."

Nie San replied, "Two days? It would be best to conduct the rites as soon as possible to avoid complications."

The old Taoist nun glanced at Nie San with an air of arrogance. "Yanxiang Temple has its own rules."

Hearing this, Nie San said nothing more, only giving A Wu a look.

Then, A Wu followed the old Taoist nun into the temple. As the gate slowly closed behind her, she wasn’t sure whether to breathe easy or brace herself.

The old Taoist nun led A Wu with a cold and displeased expression, taking her to meet the temple's Lingguan.

The temple was nestled deep in the mountains, where jagged rocks and shadowed forests looked unnaturally grotesque in the night. The ancient buildings, dense trees, and dim lanterns only added to the creepy vibe.

As A Wu followed the old Taoist nun, her unease grew with every step, as if she were heading straight into a ghost town.

She even began to miss Nie San—though he might’ve been up to no good, he was at least a real human, not a ghost.

Fortunately, after passing through a corridor, they arrived at the main hall, which was well-lit. Several Taoist nuns waited there and, upon seeing her, guided her to meet the temple's Lingguan.

The Lingguan was the temple's abbess, appointed by the imperial court, surnamed Song. Her glossy hair was tied high, and her long face sagged a little as she scrutinized A Wu.

A Wu’s regret deepened, her heart sinking.

Lingguan Song clearly looked strict, no-nonsense—A Wu would rather endure the Crown Princess’s abuse than fall into this Taoist nun's hands!

Could she still make a run for it...?

Lingguan Song asked A Wu a few questions, to which she answered halfheartedly.

Frowning, Lingguan Song asked, "Do you have any questions?"

A Wu thought of her belongings and inquired, "Lingguan Song, what about my belongings? They're still with Nie San. I need them back. Lingguan Song, wait a moment—let me shout for Nie San."

Lingguan Song: "Go out?"

A Wu glanced at her cautiously. "Is that not allowed?"

The other nuns gaped. Wasn’t this woman from the Crown Prince's residence? How could she be so clueless about manners?

Lingguan Song's face remained rigid as she replied impassively, "Patron, your belongings will remain in Nie San's custody. After your initiation, they will be returned to you."

A Wu listened, seething with resentment.

First, she couldn't leave—she was trapped. Second, her belongings were in Nie San's hands. What if he snooped? What if he stole all the gold she had hidden?

That gold had been secretly obtained from the Crown Prince—it was off the books. If Nie San really stole it, could she even make a stink?

She felt utterly aggrieved, as if she had swallowed a bitter pill.

Then, Lingguan Song ordered someone to take A Wu to the back courtyard to rest. With no other choice, A Wu followed Lingguan Song dejectedly, cautiously observing her surroundings as they walked.

Ahead stood what seemed to be a grand hall, appearing solemn and eerie in the dead of night.

They continued forward, passing through a stone archway with three gates, then walked along a corridor illuminated by lanterns. Through the hollowed stone murals, A Wu caught a glimpse of the hall's interior—and almost shrieked.

In the dead of night, the hall was dimly lit by lanterns, their glow falling upon a statue.

The statue wore golden armor and a crimson robe, with a fierce red face, a thick beard, and three glaring eyes—a truly terrifying deity!

It looked like a demon!

Her scream instantly cracked the old Taoist nun's stony expression.

Slowly frowning, the old nun stared at A Wu. "Do you know where this is?"

A Wu pointed timidly toward the hall. "A ghost... there's a ghost..."

The old Taoist nun's face darkened. "That is Wang Lingguan, the Temple’s Guardian God, protector of our mountain."

A Wu said with disbelief, "Wang Lingguan? The guardian deity?"

The old Taoist nun replied coldly, "Is this the kind of behavior expected from someone from the Crown Prince’s residence? You have been made to take vows by imperial decree, yet you make such a fuss—what kind of propriety is this? Do you hold even the slightest respect for the temple’s guardian deity?"

A Wu was stunned. "Venerable Mother, you yourself said I was ordained by decree. Since it was against my will, I’ll do whatever you ask. But as for respect—what does that have to do with anything? That guardian deity’s face is hideous—is that my fault?"

The old Taoist nun drew a sharp breath, her eyebrows shooting up. "You—!"

A Wu flinched and took a step back.

But even so, she steeled herself and declared loudly, "What are you going to do? I’m from the Crown Prince’s residence, and he dotes on me. He’ll send someone to check on me tomorrow—if even a single hair on my head is harmed, he’ll have your head!"

The old Taoist nun froze.

A Wu then realized that since it was the Emperor’s oral decree that forced her into ordination, the Crown Prince might not be of much help.

So she brought up the Emperor instead. "I was made to take vows by the Emperor’s own command. If I come to harm, how will you explain it to His Majesty?"

Then, with a threatening and resolute expression, she added, "I have a strong will. If I suffer even the slightest grievance, I’ll bite my tongue off and kill myself. When the Emperor and the Crown Prince investigate, you’ll *all* pay for it!"

The old Taoist nun fell silent.

The other Taoist nuns stared in shock, sharing stunned looks.

They were all Taoist nuns, and the temple’s rules were strict. New initiates always had to endure hardship while learning discipline—but this one?

Gorgeous—but what a strange, defiant creature!

For a moment, no one spoke.

A chilly wind swept through.

***********

That night, A Wu was settled in a guest room facing distant mountains. The night was dark, and she could only see endless layers of ominous clouds. Faintly, she thought she heard the distant howls of wild beasts—bone-chilling.

She quickly shut the window, lay down in her clothes, and fell asleep.

Though troubled and burdened with worries, exhaustion overtook her, and she was out.

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

Bleary-eyed, she saw a young Taoist nun standing there.

Still half-asleep, she mumbled, "What is it?"

"Do you see what time it is?!" the young Taoist nun snapped. "Aren’t you supposed to undergo the initiation rites?"

A Wu finally remembered. "So I’m really becoming a nun?"

The young Taoist nun said, "First, go see our Lingguan. She has instructions for you."

A Wu got up and struggled with her robes. "Fine."

The young Taoist nun watched A Wu fumble, unable to look away.

The Yanxiang Temple usually received noblewomen and imperial consorts for worship, so the young nun was used to seeing beauties. Yet even among them, A Wu stood out—radiant as polished jade, spellbinding.

Yet—

She watched as A Wu clumsily climbed down from the bed, looking like a complete mess...

The young Taoist nun couldn't bear to watch and sighed inwardly. No wonder even with such beauty she was still ordered to take the veil.

A Wu paid no mind to what the nun thought. After dressing, she rose from the bed and performed her ablutions with the young nun's help before preparing to meet Lingguan Song.

On the way, she drank in her surroundings curiously.

Having arrived the previous night, she hadn’t been able to see clearly in the dark, only sensing a surreal, dreamlike quality. Now, in broad daylight, she could observe the orderly arrangement of courtyards and buildings, the hipped-and-gabled roofs staggered gracefully, and along the path, fish ponds in the courtyards and lush pines, cypresses, and nanmu trees lining the roadside. Though autumn had arrived, the greenery remained vibrant.

It truly was a peaceful retreat.

Walking on the moss-covered path, A Wu asked the young nun curiously, "You live here every day—it must be quite leisurely and carefree?"

The young nun hedged. "Leisurely? Carefree?"

She looked at A Wu with disbelief. "Our abbey maintains rigorous discipline; it’s a place for austere spiritual practice."

A Wu said, "Really? Isn’t Zhuangzi a Taoist? Didn’t he speak of the carefree harmony between heaven and earth?"

The young nun stared at A Wu, utterly bewildered. "Honored Guest, you—"

She truly had no idea what was going through this woman’s mind, but she didn’t dare say anything, given that this Honored Guest was said to be the crown prince’s favored concubine and had been ordained by imperial decree.

Not someone to offend.

So the young nun only hedged, "Well, it’s not exactly like that."

A Wu stepped over a stair and asked casually, "Then what’s it like?"

The young nun hesitated. "Honored Guest, our Yanxiang Abbey is a place for austere spiritual practice with many customs, unlike ordinary Taoist temples."

A Wu pressed, "How is it different?"

The young nun began explaining, and A Wu took the opportunity to ask more questions. As they talked, she gradually learned a bit about Yanxiang Abbey.

It turned out that Yanxiang Abbey had been a royal Taoist site since the Taihe era, responsible for conducting imperial rituals and enshrining deities like the Primordial Destiny Emperor and the Sensate Emperor, as well as preserving relics of past empresses.

Since the previous emperor’s reign, on major occasions such as the imperial birthday, the empress’s birthday, New Year’s Day, and the winter solstice, Lingguan Song of Yanxiang Abbey would lead the Taoist community into the palace to chant scriptures and perform rites for the imperial consorts, offering prayers for the emperor’s long life.

Mentioning this, the young nun’s face shone with reverence. "Our Lingguan has entered the palace multiple times to chant scriptures for the Empress Dowager! By imperial decree and the Ministry of Rites’ order, our Lingguan holds an official rank of the eighth grade and oversees all religious affairs!"

A Wu naturally understood none of this, but she vaguely grasped, "So she’s an official of the court."

The young nun nodded vigorously. "Yes! Besides our Lingguan, there’s also a Deputy Lingguan, who holds the assistant eighth-rank position!"

A Wu remarked, "Quite prestigious."

The young nun agreed wholeheartedly. "If we persevere here, who knows—one day, luck might come our way too!"

A Wu admitted it seemed respectable, but she had no interest in it.

Being a nun here probably meant bowing daily to those fierce guardian deities—positively frightening. Serving such gods was worse than serving the crown prince, who at least was warm, could bring pleasure, and offered the finest delicacies.

But then she recalled the events of the previous day and felt disheartened again.

Staying by the crown prince’s side was no longer an option. Not only would the emperor never tolerate her, but she herself had no desire to endure the crown princess’s scorn as a mere bedchamber attendant.

As they walked, sudden shouts of warning erupted ahead, followed by the clang of steel.

Both A Wu and the Taoist nun were startled.

They exchanged a glance and hurried toward the main hall.

As soon as A Wu arrived, she saw Lingguan Song.

Breathless and still recovering, she asked, "Lingguan Song?"

Lingguan Song scrutinized A Wu, noting her flushed cheeks, charm radiating from her, and the faint sheen of sweat on her forehead, which only accentuated her radiant beauty—like a dew-kissed peony in full bloom!

There was nothing remotely resembling the austere demeanor of a Taoist practitioner.

Disgusted, Lingguan Song snapped, "Who allowed you to come here?"

A Wu, puzzled, glanced at the other Nuns standing nearby and asked, "Isn’t today the day for my ordination ceremony?"

Lingguan Song replied coldly, "Layperson, return to your room immediately."

A Wu pressed, "Why?"

The others gasped that she dared to question Lingguan Song.

In Yanxiang Temple, Lingguan Song’s discipline was strict—no one would ever dare speak to her so boldly.

Lingguan Song, her expression icy, retorted, "This is Yanxiang Temple, sacred Taoist ground. It is not somewhere you can act so recklessly!"

A Wu fired back defiantly. "The Emperor decreed that I be ordained. Are you defying His Majesty’s decree?"

Lingguan Song’s face darkened at this.

A Nun cut in sharply, "Who do you think you are? The Emperor ordered you to take vows to learn discipline! You were from the Crown Prince’s household, and His Majesty disapproved of you—that’s why you were sent here. Now you’re acting so arrogantly, waving the Emperor’s decree like a flag?"

A Wu’s spirits lifted immediately.

A fight? Bring it on!

Pointing at the nun, she fired back, "What did you say? Waving the Emperor’s decree like a flag?"

The nun sneered, "You’re the one waving it like a flag!"

A Wu widened her eyes in feigned outrage. "You dare call the Emperor’s decree a flag?? The Emperor’s decree—a flag? What kind of crime is that?"

A collective gasp went up.

Even Lingguan Song’s expression shifted, and she shot the nun a scorching glare.

Horrified by her slip, the nun paled.

A Wu flicked her wrist dismissively. "Never mind. What’s said is said. We’ll consider it a slip of the tongue and won’t report you. Go. Now."

The nun hastily retreated.

Turning back to Lingguan Song, batting her eyelashes, she cooed, "Lingguan Song, could you kindly explain what’s happening outside? After all—"

She paused, her smile widening. "The Emperor decreed that I take vows, but the Crown Prince won’t let me stay. I’m quite troubled. What if the Crown Prince loses his temper and marches soldiers here? What then?"

The nuns were floored—"As if he’d *dare*..."

The audacity!

Lingguan Song shot A Wu a meaningful glance before finally restraining herself and describing the scene outside.

It turned out that early that morning, the Crown Prince’s retinue had arrived, demanding A Wu’s return. However, the Imperial Guard from the inner court soon arrived, carrying the Emperor’s seal. They blocked the Crown Prince’s men and ordered them to return home immediately to await further instructions.

Lingguan Song said coldly, her expression stern: "Enough, laywoman. Settle down."

A Wu listened, realizing the ruckus outside was over.

She thought for a moment and replied, "Very well, I’ll behave. So when will the rites take place?"

"Tomorrow," Lingguan Song answered.

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

That day, A Wu was taken back to her room. From time to time, she could hear noises outside—the clatter of horses and carts, clearly trouble brewing. But by evening, everything finally quieted down.

Lingguan Song later sent an aide to visit A Wu, who said, "The Crown Prince has returned and left a message for you."

A Wu responded respectfully, "What message, venerable sister? Please speak."

The aide replied, "The Crown Prince said he owes you an apology."

After saying this, the aide ordered someone to hand her a wooden box. "This is what the Crown Prince instructed us to deliver to you."

A Wu stepped forward to receive it and opened it, finding inside a box of premium pearls—each pristine, white as jade, perfectly round and lustrous, a rare treasure indeed.

The surrounding Taoist nuns were stunned, gawking at the pearls, spellbound.

A Wu picked one up, studying it closely between her fingers. She couldn’t help but feel moved.

Once, in their private moments, the Crown Prince had held her tenderly, reminiscing about the past. She had mentioned how, as a child, she had seen a neighbor’s boy slave away to gather pearls, only to have most confiscated by officials, scraping by on what little they could sell.

She had once longed for a fine pearl to make into jewelry, though such a wish had seemed a pipe dream.

At the time, she had merely spoken of it casually, and the Crown Prince had not mentioned it again afterward. She herself had forgotten about it.

Yet now… the Crown Prince had sent her an entire box of pearls…

With a sigh, she took them.

She’d honor the sentiment of her former lover.

That night, A Wu lay awake for hours, unable to rest. Her mind was filled with thoughts—of the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, her own past, and her uncertain future.

This Yanxiang Temple was no safe haven; it too was under imperial control. If she stayed here for long, she’d be in for hardship.

After much deliberation, she concluded that she must leave. But how? She didn’t know.

The Emperor’s edict loomed large—neither the Crown Prince nor anyone else in the world could take her away.

With a long sigh, she prepared to rest. But just then, she faintly heard a sound—a faint scratching against the stone wall.

Puzzled, she strained her ears but heard nothing more.

Dismissing it, she lay back down. Yet the sound came again.

Realizing she was in a precarious position—perhaps someone sought her life—she dared not be careless. Holding her breath, she crept out of bed and tiptoed to the wall, listening intently.

After a long while, there was no further sound. Perplexed, she was about to return when suddenly, she noticed something—one of the stone bricks in the wall seemed loose, as if someone outside was testing its give.

Startled, she quickly covered her mouth and demanded, "Who's sneaking around here like a thief?"

The movement outside stopped, and a voice spoke, "Lady A Wu?"

A Wu immediately understood, "Lord Nie San?"

Sure enough, it was Nie San outside, who replied in a very low voice, "Sorry to bother you."

A Wu: "What are you doing here?"

Nie San: "I’ve got something to tell you."

A Wu: "Men and women shouldn’t be alone together."

Nie San: "Lady A Wu, I—"

A Wu cut him off directly: "I’m about to become a nun. I have to follow the rules of the convent. You’re a man—don’t ruin my reputation!"

Nie San: "..."

His voice dropped even lower as he said, "Lady A Wu, I heard someone might be after you. I came to give you a heads-up."

A Wu: "After me? Who?"

Nie San hesitated: "No idea."

A Wu: "...Then why are you here? Just to scare me, keep me up at night?"

Nie San: "Lady A Wu..."

He took a slight breath, suppressing his frustration, and said, "I just wanted to look out for you in case of trouble."

A Wu: "Oh? You’re being nice to me?"

Nie San: "Wouldn’t call it kindness. I just don’t want to see you hurt."

A Wu: "Why don’t you want to see me hurt? Plenty of beggars on the street—why not pity them instead?"

Nie San: "..."

So pretty, but such a sharp tongue...

Then, out of nowhere, A Wu’s voice softened, and she teased, "Just say it—are you crushing on me?"

Nie San’s heart skipped a beat.

A Wu lowered her voice further, smiling coyly, "Be honest."

The night was dark, the mountains still. Through the wall, her voice wrapped around him, soft and sweet.

Nie San’s rough face tensed, clenching his jaw.

In that moment, he remembered the orders he had received, as well as the young lady’s innocent candor along the journey.

Feelings and duty, favors and morals—all mixed up, leaving him stuck in the middle.

Just then, he heard faint footsteps in the distance and immediately whispered, "Someone’s coming. Gotta go. I’ll come back in a few days."

With that, he vanished.