Blessings Festival (1) Xiaohua temple

'"The temple is filled...with such an awe-spring... aura, my lady,"' Nanny Na panted, struggling to breathe even. '"I can feel a heart-warming presence...wrap around me."' 

'"That warmth you feel is Ruyi supporting you. Not anything else,'" Han Aeng dismissed Nanny Na's spiritual musings with a faint smirk. She cast her gaze over the panoramic view below. The sprawling palace and the bustling city seemed distant, almost insignificant against the backdrop of the mountain. The journey had begun at daybreak, and they had yet to reach the temple. "How much longer, Ruyi?"

"We're not too far from the temple, Wangfei," Ruyi replied promptly, attempting to maintain her pace while supporting Nanny Na as they continued their journey.

Today was the seventh of the sixth moon, and from what Han Aeng had learned, the seventh and eighth days of the sixth moon held a particular significance within the inner court.

Recognizing the challenges and pressures women in the imperial family and noble circles faced, the Empress Dowager sought to establish a symbol of harmonious and supportive unity among them, giving rise to the Blessings Festival. It reflected Empress Dowager's visionary approach to court life—one that transcended the rigid constraints of hierarchy and embraced the idea that a unified inner court would fortify the foundations of the imperial household.

During this time, she hoped the differences that often characterized courtly life melted away—wishing the festival to become a unifying force, emphasizing the bonds of sisterhood and mutual support. It would be a period when women set aside personal differences to celebrate their shared experiences and aspirations. 

As the festival evolved, it acquired an additional layer of spiritual significance. It became an opportunity for women to gather in prayer, seeking divine intervention for various blessings that touched upon every aspect of life. From prosperous marriages to the gift of fertility and beyond, the collective prayers during the festival were believed to usher in blessings that would reshape destiny.

Over time, what originated as an exclusive affair for the imperial family swiftly became a festival that found a place in the collective consciousness of noble women and, surprisingly, even among the common people. Various temples opened their gates to partake in the festivities, and families from all walks of life would eagerly send their wives and daughters to participate in the night-long prayers, hoping to secure blessings for their household. 

As they reached an iron gate, the grandeur of the Xianhua temple loomed before them. From the beginning of the temple and up to this very moment, the sacred sanctuary had maintained its exclusivity, welcoming only the imperial family and their entourage for all festivals.

The exclusivity of the Xianhua temple, while carrying spiritual significance, was also rooted in practical considerations. Positioned closest to the palace, the temple provided the convenience needed for the imperial family to partake in the festival's sacred rituals without venturing far from the heart of their power.

The temple's strategic placement on the mount facilitated easier and enhanced security measures. Fortified with four protective gates – one at the base, the second midway up the mount, the third at the temple gates, and the final one at the summit where the priests and guests would stay – it was a formidable stronghold.

The meticulously positioned gate served as both a symbolic and physical barrier. They stood as a testament to the careful planning and dedication to safeguarding the imperial family, ensuring that the sanctity of the Xianhua temple remained preserved. Those who sought blessings within its sacred walls were shielded against external influence.

The heavy doors swung open, revealing a priest and two younger attendants flanking him, their heads bowed in reverence. The priest stepped forward, a figure of age and wisdom, commanding the gathered women's attention.

"My humble greetings to the esteemed women of the imperial household. On this auspicious occasion of the Blessings Festival, you gather to seek harmony, unity, and the divine blessings that grace your lives."

His voice resonated with a timeworn authority as he spoke, echoing through the temple courtyard. The lines on his face seemed to soften as he shared words of assurance, and his eyes twinkled with subtle warmth, imparting a sense of comfort and trust to those who listened.

"Harmony and unity," Han Aeng mused, her expression betraying a subtle skepticism. She couldn't deny her reservations about the festival's vision. Considering the values that defined court life, the concept of the festival felt elusive and almost laughable. 

As beautiful as the festival's ideals were, they clashed with the reality these women dealt with daily.

In court politics, threads of ambition, rivalry, and hidden agendas intertwined. A smile could hide a dagger, and a seemingly innocent conversation could carry the weight of political consequence. The delicate balance of power could shift with a whisper, and alliances were as fragile as the petals of a cherry blossom in the wind. It was a palace you wouldn't dare trust your own shadow. 

Han Aeng's gaze flickered across the faces of the women surrounding her. 

In such an environment, can these people find it in themselves to truly trust and wish the best for each other? If so, how wonderful that would be. 

Beside her, Nanny Na nudged her, a silent inquiry in her eyes. 

"I was thinking," she whispered to Nanny Na, stealing a sideways glance at the priest who, in her eyes, seemed more a relic of a bygone era. "He's practically got a foot in the grave! I wouldn't be surprised if he witnessed the Dowager's birth."

Her words promptly earned her a jab to the ribcage. Nanny Na's reprimand was clear despite not uttering a word. "Tsk."

Han Aeng felt a rebellious satisfaction in her jest, a small act of defiance against the occasion's solemnity. 

"I say this every time, but I'll repeat it. As someone who watched Empress Dowager grow into the mother of the empire, I assure you are all in good hands.," the old priest continued, his gaze encompassing every woman in the room. "Follow her teachings, and you will receive blessings, and blessings alone."

He paused momentarily, letting his words sink in before continuing with unwavering confidence, "May the bonds you forge during this festival be as unyielding as the mountains surrounding us. May this festival strengthen the bonds among you and bring prosperity to your household and the empire."

With those words, the heavy doors of the temple creaked open, revealing the serene interior. 

Led by the Empress Dowager herself, the imperial household women entered the temple doors, their steps synchronized with the beating of ceremonial drums and the melodious tunes of musicians.

The guards who had accompanied them from the palace positioned themselves at the gate—handing over the task of safeguarding these important women to the temple.

As Han Aeng passed the gate, she felt a chill run down her spine. Her eyes swiftly darted around, scanning the shadows and corners, but nothing out of the ordinary met her gaze. 

A subtle shake of her head dispelled the unease that briefly crept over Han Aeng. She lowered her gaze, masking her expectant smile with practiced composure. 

To think she had to be vigilant, even in the seemingly serene confines of a sacred temple.

Nanny Na, noticing the subtle shift in Han Aeng's demeanour, followed her gaze and raised a worried eyebrow.

'"The temple is prettier than the ones in Jeontu."' Han Aeng shrugged her shoulders, a hint of amusement in her voice.

With a subtle nod of approval, the old priest allowed the doors to close behind them. 

The echoes of their footsteps mingled with the distant hum of prayers, marking the beginning of the sacred rituals of the Blessings Festival.