Chapter 1106: At Fayun Temple
Editor: Henyee Translations
The capital was a truly captivating place!
Shao Yunduan didn’t stop Qiao Xuan when she expressed her desire to visit the Fourth Prince’s side yard and join the n.o.ble ladies in offering incense.
He understood that his wife couldn’t stay confined indoors, and they were currently unable to leave the capital. He shouldn’t be overly anxious. He should trust her words.
Qiao Xuan had a sense of propriety and knew how to conduct herself.
Fayun Temple, located in the northern part of the capital’s suburbs, was one of the eight renowned monasteries. Nestled in the Jade Mountain, it possessed an air of solemnity and grandeur. Waterfalls and natural springs adorned its surroundings, with peculiar peaks and unique stones dotting the landscape. The scenery was especially captivating, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons.
Every year, a continuous stream of pilgrims flocked to the monastery to offer incense and to admire the beauty of the back mountains.
Qiao Xuan, along with the wife of the censor, Madame Su, and several other young women, had come here for leisure rather than solely for offering incense.
The back mountain of Fayun Temple boasted picturesque scenery, but the vegetarian fare served within the monastery itself was rather ordinary. On the other hand, there was a restaurant called Xi Feng located at the foot of the mountain that served exceptional dishes, featuring various wild game from the countryside. The food was fresh and unexpectedly popular among the affluent visitors in the capital, leading to bustling business each day.
Accompanied by Madame Su, Qiao Xuan, and a few maids and elderly women, they embarked on their excursion. Qiao Xuan had chosen not to bring Lixia or Liqiu with her this time. They had reserved a private room at Xi Feng before making their way towards Fayun Temple.
As the temple was situated halfway up the mountain, it would be arduous for the n.o.ble ladies to climb all the way there. Since the wagons couldn’t reach the temple directly, they opted to use litters instead and arrived at the temple after a half-hour journey.
It wasn’t a day of high religious significance, so there weren’t many visitors present to offer incense. They entered the hall to pay their respects before listening to the sutras recited by the revered elderly Master in the small courtyard.
This marked Qiao Xuan’s first visit to Fayun Temple. After listening to the sutras recited by the Master, they engaged in a discussion about karma over tea. However, Qiao Xuan didn’t particularly enjoy the topic and politely excused herself with a smile, venturing outside to explore the surroundings.
When Qiao Xuan and Lixia returned to the yard, Madame Su and the others were nowhere to be found. The young monks who remained behind respectfully joined their hands together and bowed, addressing Qiao Xuan and the other female benefactors. “Benefactor Qiao and esteemed guests, Madame Su and the others have already proceeded to the back mountains. I will wait here to accompany Benefactor Qiao and guide you there. Please, Benefactor Qiao.”
Qiao Xuan nodded in acknowledgment and returned the greeting, responding politely, “Very well, thank you, Master.”
“No, Benefactor Qiao, please.”
“Please!”
The young monk appeared unfazed by Qiao Xuan’s presence and led her serenely into the mountains.
Qiao Xuan harbored no concerns. She was immersed in the picturesque scenery and had no fear of being deceived by the n.o.ble ladies in the mountains.
Curiosity flickered within her, wondering if they would engage in any distinctive activities compared to the locals.
After all, they were in the capital!
The scenery at the back of Fayun Temple’s mountain lived up to its renowned reputation. Breathtaking peculiar peaks and unique stones greeted the eye, igniting a sense of wonder. The autumn mountains displayed a vibrant tapestry of colors, exuding beauty and charm. Streams meandered through the mountains, cascading in various sizes and forming picturesque waterfalls at several locations. The tranquil sounds of flowing water blended harmoniously with the stunning landscape.