Lanyin Under the Moonlight

Lanyin Temple is situated on the eastern outskirts of Lan City, boasting a history of over two hundred years. Far removed from the bustling world, it is renowned for its vibrant incense offerings. 

As Xuan Yue departed from the palace, accompanied by a handful of attendants, including Lü Zhu and Yi Lan, along with Xu Mama and four maidservants, they endured a long day's journey in a carriage, finally arriving at the foot of Lanyin Mountain.

Before her lay an endless flight of stairs, long and winding, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, casting a vibrant glow over the surrounding decrepit trees.

"Princess Consort, the queen is still waiting for you," Xu Mama remarked, approaching Xuan Yue and bowing respectfully.

"What's the hurry? Such a splendid view would be a pity to miss," Xuan Yue replied, stretching lazily and yawning, "After a day in the carriage, my bones feel like they might crumble."

Xuan Yue's words rang true; despite Lanyin Temple's popularity among the people, it remains a royal temple. Although there exists a grand road from the palace to the temple, Xu Mama and the others seemed to be in a great rush, opting for a rugged shortcut. Though the carriage was well-appointed for comfort, spending an entire day inside it, bouncing along the rough terrain, would have exhausted any pampered young lady to the point of collapse.

When she made the decision to replace Lan Yixuan on the battlefield, she anticipated this day. How could Gong Shaohua, who sought to bind her, Feng Xuan Yue, to Lan Yixuan, allow such a thing to transpire? Before her brother encountered his misfortune, she would never have easily distanced herself from Lan Yixuan; it was only natural that she wished to see him.

Could she truly retain her resolve? The decisions she had made were beyond Gong Shaohua's control. Yet, the decisions made by Gong Shaohua could be altered. She was privy to far too many of her own secrets, while Gong Shaohua knew nothing about her; this was her advantage, her capital for victory.

As dusk settled, the mountain path became increasingly desolate, with only a few hurried souls making their way back down. Rarely would one encounter someone ambling upwards, leisurely as Xuan Yue was.

The sky grew darker, and the surroundings fell into a deeper silence. Lanterns ignited along the path, reminiscent of the previous night's journey to Qiqiao Mountain, when the sky was yet to be fully enveloped in darkness. Back then, the lanterns along the winding path had shimmered like serpentine flames in the night, alive with the chatter of young maidens. Now, despite the ten or so companions trailing behind her, with Lü Zhu and Yi Lan chattering merrily, Xuan Yue felt an unusual stillness.

In the distance, the sound of bells resonated, echoing gently against her heart.

Xuan Yue stood at a bend in the path, leaning forward. Many leaves had already fallen from the trees on the mountain, and the pavilions nestled among the trees exuded a faint sense of desolation.

Her steps came to an involuntary halt as she slowly closed her eyes. The cool mountain breeze brushed against her face, her body surrendering completely to relaxation, as if she were about to take flight.

The melodious chime of the bells lingered, and though she typically disliked such silence, Xuan Yue found her thoughts gradually drifting away. Her heart, for the first time, felt an unparalleled peace, especially after having overheard the conversation between Liu Xinyou and Gong Shaohua. This moment, she felt, was the quietest her heart had ever been, as if she had been cleansed.

"Princess Consort." 

Seeing the darkening sky, Xu Mama approached to urge her on, but Xuan Yue, sensing her footsteps drawing nearer, spoke up suddenly, "Xu Mama, isn't it quite delightful?"

So delightful that one's lips couldn't help but curve upward.

"Lü Zhu, why don't you all try it as well?" 

Xuan Yue's voice was soft, soothing those who heard it.

She spread her arms wide, feeling the wind slip through her fingertips, every pore on her body unfurling in bliss. The tranquility surrounding her was palpable, enough to sense Xu Mama's anxious breaths nearby.

Xuan Yue smiled, realizing that this place could not change her inherent nature, just as her master remained unchanged.

Allowing Xu Mama's worry to simmer behind her, she waited until the distant sound of bells gradually faded before opening her eyes, turning to Xu Mama, "Let's go."

She skipped ahead, her spirits lifted considerably compared to when they had arrived.

The temple's entrance faced a winding mountain path, which featured a nearly hundred-meter-long corridor known as the "Heavenly Gate," the necessary passage to Lanyin Temple, called the White Sheep Gate. After traversing the White Sheep Gate and climbing several hundred steps, they would reach the temple itself.

Lanyin Temple was vast; its front half was built on level ground, serving as the main hall, while additional temples were constructed to the east, west, south, and north. Notably, the Golden Immortal Temple to the north stood as the tallest in the kingdom. By night, standing atop the Golden Immortal Tower, one could reach for the stars on tiptoe; it was the closest place to the celestial realm. Legend has it that a young monk once encountered a resting fairy while cleaning the tower, thus giving rise to its name. For this reason, the imperial ancestral rites were often held there, and Gong Shaohua currently resided within the Golden Immortal Temple.

At night, the lamps illuminated the long stairway, creating an endless expanse. Entering Lanyin Temple's grand gates instantly made one feel diminutive, just a speck amidst the vast sea of humanity.

Leading the way, Xu Mama maintained a straight posture, and Xuan Yue couldn't help but admire her resilience. Though in her fifties, she had traveled all day and still showed no signs of fatigue.

The halls and corridors seemed interminable, adorned with countless statues of Buddha and steps, while the intricate patterns on the stone walls were filled with legendary colors, drawing gasps of awe from onlookers. Amidst the temple, young monks could be seen chanting verses, their murmurs creating an unexpectedly tranquil atmosphere despite the surrounding clamor.

Xuan Yue gazed at the towering Buddha statue, smiling. If all settled in the future and her heart remained restless, could she not spend her remaining days in this sanctuary? Here, perhaps, she could gradually wash away the turmoil and pain in her heart.

After exiting Lanyin Temple with her entourage following Xu Mama, Xuan Yue noted the considerable distance between Lanyin Temple and the Golden Immortal Temple. If walking, it would take approximately half an hour.

Contemplating Xu Mama's persistent urging, a smile involuntarily crept onto Xuan Yue's lips. How anxious must that person be? The hour was already late, and reaching the Golden Immortal Temple would mean arriving close to the next hour. She had hurried here without even having dinner; surely any pressing matters could wait until tomorrow.

Was it a matter of impatience? Or did it stem from excessive concern? Did she really wish to drive Lan Yixuan to despair? Wasn't this separation already more than sufficient?

Before they could reach the Golden Immortal Temple, they were halted.

"Xu Momo."

A strange woman stood before them. Judging by her demeanor towards Xu Mama, she seemed to be acquainted with her, likely one of Gong Shaohua's associates. She leaned in close to Xu Mama's ear, whispering something inaudible. Not particularly interested in the content of their exchange, Xianyue merely observed as Xu Mama nodded in response and approached her. "Princess Consort, the queen is waiting for you at the Bodhi Pavilion. Please follow this old servant." 

Xu Mama gestured toward a small pavilion not far along the left path. By nightfall, the Bodhi Pavilion was illuminated, and seated at a marble table was a woman clad in deep crimson, her back turned, exuding an air of grace and unapproachability—undoubtedly, it was Gong Shaohua.

Xianyue took a few steps forward, her entourage in tow, but was halted by Xu Mama, who stood firmly in her path. "The queen has instructed that only the princess consort may approach." 

Unfazed by Xu Mama's warning, Green Pearl and the others disregarded her words. Seeing that Xianyue had not objected, they pushed past Xu Mama, intent on following her. The four maidservants who had accompanied Xu Mama to relay the message rushed forward to intercept them, leading to a standoff between the two groups.

Turning around, Xianyue patted the maidservants attending Gong Shaohua and approached Green Pearl and the others. "Wait here for me, and—" She pointed at Xu Mama. "After a whole day in the bumpy carriage, we haven't had dinner yet. Please have someone prepare food for them. It's been too long since I've seen my mother; I wish to speak with her alone." 

Before Xu Mama could respond, Xianyue had already turned and walked toward the Bodhi Pavilion. Xu Mama attempted to follow but was quickly intercepted by Ya'er, who stepped in front of her. "Didn't you hear what our princess said? Have someone prepare our meal." 

Ya'er smiled, winking and playfully patting her belly as she spread her arms to block Xu Mama's path.

Both the Bodhi Pavilion and Lanyin Temple were situated on level ground, facing steep cliffs. The cool night breeze, laden with dampness, sent shivers down their spines.

"You've arrived," Gong Shaohua said, turning suddenly at the sound of footsteps. A warm smile graced her face as she beckoned to Xianyue.

Xianyue smiled back, following the direction of Gong Shaohua's gesture to see a table laden with covered dishes. With a grin, she rushed forward.

It had been some time since they last met; Gong Shaohua appeared much thinner yet retained her regal bearing. Her smile was reminiscent of the biting eastern wind of winter, bringing with it a chill that was hard to ignore. Beneath the warm glow of the lanterns, however, the hints of anger were unmistakable, her eyes burning with an intensity that revealed her discontent.

"You haven't had dinner yet, have you?" As she spoke, Gong Shaohua lifted the lids, revealing an array of light vegetarian dishes, still steaming with freshness and enticing aromas.

Xianyue sat down with a smile, accepting the bowl Gong Shaohua handed her. Grasping the chopsticks from the table, she realized how hungry she truly was. In such frigid weather, standing out in the cold with an empty stomach was hardly pleasant—even with her internal strength.

"Thank you, Mother. I'll eat now." Xianyue smiled brightly at Gong Shaohua, her eyes sparkling as she devoured the food with gusto.

Gong Shaohua watched her with a gentle smile, pulling out a silk cloth to tenderly wipe away the grains of rice from Xianyue's lips. "You really ought to take better care of yourself. How can your mother rest easy knowing you are heading into battle alone?"

Xianyue tightened her grip on the chopsticks, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards as a cold irony flickered in her eyes—Gong Shaohua was delving straight into serious matters much too quickly.