05, Water's Edge (Above)

Upon entering the temple, Chu Lianyi beheld a scene where the pines and cypresses concealed the verdant landscape, and the tall bamboos reflected the lush green. To the left within the temple was a wide pond, its clear waters like a mirror, where wild ducks and egrets frolicked, creating a delightful contrast of tranquility and liveliness, which made her instantly fall in love with this place

As she resided in the temple and it was summer, Chu Lianyi abandoned the bright colors and donned a white sheer gauze dress with dark silver embroidered chrysanthemums that trailed on the ground. Around her waist, she tied a wide white silver chrysanthemum sash, complemented by a strand of light pink silk ribbon. Her hair was simply styled in a double loop bun, with two jade beads hanging from each loop, producing a pleasant tinkling sound as the gentle breeze blew, creating an exquisite charm.

Chu Lianyi instructed Anxiang and Yunliu to tidy up the table and head back. The two of them lifted a small table, so Chu Lianyi took the horn lamp from Anxiang's hands and carried it herself, walking ahead of the two. The three of them took a shortcut, crossing the entire pond by stepping on the stones laid in the water from Qingchuan Pond, heading towards the small courtyard in the east where she lived.

As the sun sets in the west, Chu Lianyi always enjoys brewing a pot of fragrant tea by the clear waters of the Rainy Moisture Temple's pond, gazing at the gradually blooming white lotus flowers and the egrets returning home in the evening in search of food, which can be considered a stolen half-month of leisure in this fleeting life

On a summer evening by the Qingchuan Pond, a gentle breeze blows, making it an ideal place to cool off. It is not only the three of them, Chu Lianyi and her two servants, who are still awake at such a late hour

Chu Lianyi found this place to be extremely tranquil, so she only brought Anxiang and Yunliu to reside in this Rain Moisture Monastery. She vaguely mentioned her identity, claiming her surname to be Su, which is her mother's surname, in order to prevent others from knowing that she is the woman who was rejected in her engagement

Upon returning home, Chu Lianyi instructed Shuying, Anxiang, and her four second-class maidservants to pack their luggage, as it is better to leave early than late. The temple has been chosen; it is the Jiyun Monastery located in the suburbs of the capital, presided over by the highly respected Master Yuantong, who has previously entered the palace to pray for blessings for the Empress.

Before Tang Lou helped his mother through the moon gate, he saw a woman sitting by the pond from a distance. However, the distance was too great to distinguish between white and gray, and he assumed she was a nun. As they approached, he caught a glimpse of a fluttering white dress, only seeing the trailing hem of the woman's white skirt and the crisp jingling sound lingering in the wind.

"Grandmother, please take care of Lianyi. Just let Lianyi bring along some girls and old women. Grandmother..." Chu Lianyi tugged at the matriarch's sleeve, tears streaming down like pearls, her already large and bright eyes now resembled a lake, evoking deep sympathy.

The woman known as the princess turned to look at the man beside her and said, "Old Six."

Tang Lou was leaning against a flat rock on the stone mountain by Qingchuan Pond, dozing with his eyes closed. Upon hearing voices, he slowly opened his eyes and saw a woman emerging gracefully from the emerald willows, holding a horn lantern. The evening breeze lifted her layered sheer skirt, which billowed like the most radiant white lotus.

Upon returning to the house, Chu Lianyi did not allow Anxiang to light the lamp. The three of them groped in the dark to tidy themselves up before each went to bed to rest. After a while, she finally managed to calm her heart, which was pounding vigorously.

Chu Lianyi had them pack only some slightly worn ordinary clothes, and the utensils were also kept simple. She only brought along Anxiang and a few second-rate maids, while Shuying and the wet nurse stayed behind to help take care of the household. As for the old women, young servants, and guards, there were a total of twenty to thirty people, including those specifically sent by the matriarch, which was difficult to refuse. Fortunately, Jiyun Monastery was a bustling temple, and the female relatives could stay in the monastery, while the guards and young servants rented a few houses outside the monastery.

The moon hangs high in the sky, and everyone in the courtyard is asleep. In the silence, only the chirping of crickets can be heard. Under the moonlight, it is clear to see that the tea on the table remains in its original place

The moonlight and the lanterns cast a soft and bright halo on the face of that woman, allowing one to clearly see her captivating beauty at a glance. A single glance is worth a thousand pearls, and her brows are like willow branches, while the gentle spring breeze cannot be cut or tailored. She outshines the lotus of Wuxiu and is more beautiful than the brocade of the Shu River. As she walks towards the water, she resembles the Moon Goddess descending from the moon and the Dragon Maiden gliding over the waves. It is an image that etches itself into the eyes, melts into the heart, and captivates the soul.

"How can a young girl who has not yet reached the age of marriage stay in a temple?" Although the matriarch's words were negative, her tone was much more relaxed.

Naturally, the noble lady and the prince are great benefactors of the Yurun Monastery, which was funded for repairs by the late prince during his lifetime. The prince, being of noble birth, is not one of those whose origins are unknown. However, the dwelling is simple and humble, and we ask the prince for forgiveness.

Tang Lou saw the woman emerge from the pool, standing dazedly as she walked into the dark woods by the pond. Following her, the shadows of three others hurried after her, resembling a group of young men who had never encountered a woman before

Chu Lianyi heard a sound behind her; the footsteps were steady and powerful, unlike those of a woman. Her heart tightened, realizing that she could not afford to make a fool of herself at the Rainy Ruan Temple. She immediately whispered, "Anxiang," and then extinguished the horned lamp.

The guest rooms arranged by Yuanjue for the Tang Building are located on the west side of the Rainy Moisture Monastery, while the old lady still resides in her previous courtyard. After everything was arranged, everyone settled down to rest, and little was said.

Today marks the fifteenth day of the month, and the moon hangs in the sky like a silver plate, truly enchanting. Chu Lianyi had been quiet in the room for half a day, gazing at the round moon outside, recalling the tea set that was left by the Qingchuan Pond. The table itself was a trivial matter, but that set of jade-green bamboo-patterned teaware, which she cherished dearly, was something she could not bear to leave behind. Thus, she took the dim fragrance and the cloud-willow to seek out that table of tea with a sheep-horn lamp.

On this day, Chu Lianyi brought along several maidservants, including Anxiang and Yunliu, as well as a few matrons, to stroll around the back mountain of Jiyun Temple. Upon reaching the mountain peak, they gazed into the distance and noticed what seemed to be a temple hidden among the forest. As they approached and inquired, they learned that it was indeed another temple, named Yurun Temple. Because the name contained the character for 'rain,' it delighted Chu Lianyi, as she felt a connection with the water element in her own name.

As the female guests visiting the inn increased, it became apparent that the women residing in the temple all had a sorrowful story. Upon seeing Chu Lianyi's dignified demeanor, which was not one of frivolity, he chose not to inquire further.

Thus, Chu Lianyi requested an audience with the guest nun, explaining her desire to stay for a period of time, and presented offerings of incense and silver. The guest nun, seeing her generous demeanor and noting that she was a quiet and composed person, reported to the abbess Yuanjue, who was in seclusion for meditation, and agreed to this arrangement. This ultimately led to a series of troublesome events that followed.

Shu Ying and An Xiang saw their master reveal a rare smile, and they felt happy in their hearts. Both being thirteen or fourteen years old, they were excited to go out, and they lively prepared themselves.

"Thank you, Grandmother, you are still the one who loves Lianyi the most." Chu Lianyi's face immediately brightened, like a clear sky after rain, the most enchanting scenery that leaves one mesmerized. Even the matriarch was momentarily taken aback, feeling a deeper sense of regret for the future of such a granddaughter.

After moving into the Rainy Retreat, Chu Lianyi participated in the morning and evening sessions held in the retreat. It was not that she had any particular study of Buddhist scriptures; rather, she found that the low, murky voices of the monks and nuns reciting the scriptures created a unique atmosphere that could bring about a sense of tranquility. It was within this sound of the Buddha's teachings that she could cast aside the troubles of the secular world

The rules of the Rainy Retreat are particularly strict, and few men are allowed to enter. Upon seeing the visitor, Chu Lianyi furrowed her brow, knowing that the person's identity must be extraordinary. After leaving the water's edge, the Rainy Retreat is not large, so after seeing the visitor, it was already somewhat late for Chu Lianyi to tidy up her utensils and leave. Not wanting to meet strangers, she abandoned the table of tea before her and hurriedly hid in the bamboo forest, taking a detour back to her own courtyard. After leaving the water's edge, the Rainy Retreat is not large, so after seeing the visitor, it was already somewhat late for Chu Lianyi to tidy up her utensils and leave. Not wanting to meet strangers, she abandoned the table of tea before her and hurriedly hid in the bamboo forest, taking a detour back to her own courtyard.

"Alright, but we must take a few guards with us; it is better to be cautious. After all, she is the direct granddaughter, and now she is facing great difficulties. She still has to go to the temple to eat vegetarian food and chant sutras, which weighs heavily on the old lady's heart.

The abbot of the Rainy Retreat is the senior sister of Master Yuan Tong from the Jiyun Monastery. Unable to endure the disturbances of the Jiyun Monastery, she requested her master Huiming to find a piece of auspicious land on the back mountain of the Jiyun Monastery, and she established the Rainy Retreat through alms, making it a place of utmost tranquility and peace.

As he approached the pond, Tang Lou cast a glance at the table set with clear tea, the air still lingering with a faint fragrance of lotus. After a long journey, this kind of refreshing aroma was particularly delightful

She wondered which bold scoundrel it was. It seemed that staying at the Rain Moisture Monastery was no longer feasible. In the middle of the night, she instructed Anxiang to pack their belongings, and before the morning service, she got up to bid farewell to the abbot. The three of them hurried down the mountain to Jiyun Monastery, and the next day they set off to return to the Chu family

Due to the heavy rain in the mountains over the past few days, the carriage got stuck in the mud several times today, which delayed our ascent. We only arrived at the Rainy Retreat in the evening. If we were to descend the mountain overnight and encountered heavy rain or if the horse stumbled, it would not be a good situation. Therefore, Tang Lou arranged for us to stay overnight on the mountain.

"Master, do you think this is feasible?" The old lady inquired of Yuanjue, knowing that she had always been strict with the rules and did not allow men to enter the temple, which is why she asked this question

As expected, even the usually reclusive Master Yuanjue came out to greet them. Before long, a group of people entered, with Yuanjue personally leading the way. Behind him was a woman whose features were obscured, but her attire suggested she was either wealthy or noble, accompanied by a throng of maids and servants. However, the most surprising was the figure standing beside the woman, which appeared to be a man.

Tang Lou took a deep breath, and indeed, a faint fragrance of lotus flowers wafted through the wind

An Xiang had been following Chu Lianyi for many years and had also heard the footsteps. Being a clever person, after the sheep horn lamp was extinguished, the surroundings immediately fell into darkness, with only the moonlight casting its glow. The three of them, master and servants, quietly slipped into the garden, hiding behind a cluster of osmanthus trees, and stealthily made their way towards the side courtyard

On this day, Chu Lianyi was brewing tea and enjoying it, when a gentle evening breeze arrived, bringing a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere, only to be interrupted by an unwelcome disturbance. As the weary birds returned to their nests, they were startled by the neighing of horses outside the temple, causing them to flutter and scatter chaotically into the woods

The one referred to as Lao Liu is none other than the current Prince of Yu, Tang Lou. He merely nodded to the Grand Princess and said, "Let the guards set up camp outside the temple. Mother can stay in the original courtyard; I can rest anywhere for a night."

Although she was laughed at by the whole family, at least her wish was fulfilled, so Chu Lianyi felt much better. The Buddhist pure land is a place that can cleanse sins, and she believed that her circumstances would change after returning. Chu Lianyi thought positively; she had never been out of the second gate in her life, so she considered it a trip.

There was a moment when Tang Lou felt as if he had almost forgotten how to breathe. He questioned himself, having seen countless stunning beauties, yet none had stirred his heart like the woman before him, who inexplicably set off ripples in his heart, spreading out in circles, growing larger and larger.

"Your Highness, it is already late. What arrangements should be made?" Yuanjue inquired with his head bowed before the noble lady.

Chu Lianyi could not endure staying at Jiyun Temple for three days. The place was bustling with incense offerings and a constant flow of visitors, which disrupted the nuns' practice, creating an atmosphere of restlessness. During the ninth day, there was a small temple fair, and the number of worshippers coming to offer incense was overwhelming. What was originally a place for quiet cultivation had instead become a crowded spot.

Hearing such a loud noise, it is likely that a distinguished guest has arrived

It is said that to be charming, one must embody filial piety. This attire not only enhances Chu Lianyi's inherent beauty but also brings it to a perfect twelve out of ten.

Master Yuanjue practices the dry Zen and is currently in seclusion. Chu Lianyi does not wish to disturb her. The three of them have settled in the side courtyard of the Rain Moisture Monastery, isolating themselves from the world. Their days pass like those in the Peach Blossom Spring, blissfully forgetting their homeland

Such a scene, set in a quiet temple within the mountains, evokes the suspicion that a fox spirit has descended from the heavens