Free Web NovelChapter 1140: Chapter 976: Liao Wu
"I went to look at the door, Master Liao Wu has already seen me. I suppose once the lecture is over, he will send someone with a message."
Qin Yingyuan nodded and was the first to walk into the side room.
"My lady, are we to go to the front hall to offer incense first?" Nanny Chang’s gaze toward the Commandery Princess carried a trace of probing, and when Qin Yingyuan turned around, she hurriedly lowered her head.
The Princess had ordered her to accompany the Commandery Princess to Bao En Temple, and she must not leave the Commandery Princess’s side. Whatever the Commandery Princess did in the temple must be reported back to the Princess one by one.
In fact, she had wanted to advise the Princess not to let the Commandery Princess come to Bao En Temple. Since they had already decided on this marriage, they should not create any further complications.
The Commandery Princess and Mr. Deng were both no longer young; once the two families compared their birth characters and found them compatible, the following betrothal steps—Na Ji, Na Zheng and the like—would proceed quickly.
The engagement would be settled this year, and at the beginning of next year, once an auspicious date was chosen, they could be married. The Princess had said it herself: the sooner, the better.
The Deng Family had said the same, and expressed great satisfaction with this match. After all, the Princess was legitimate-born, and the Crown Prince was her full-blood younger brother; who in the Capital did not wish to be joined in marriage with their Duke Qin Mansion?
Having obtained such a fine marriage, the Deng Family was naturally delighted.
Now that the two families already had the intention of forming an alliance, the Commandery Princess ought to remain in the mansion embroidering her trousseau. The Princess was simply too indulgent with her; otherwise, how would the Commandery Princess dare so often to defy Her Highness’s wishes?
Which daughter of an aristocratic family marries other than by parental command and matchmaker’s words? Yet the Commandery Princess had given rise to thoughts she should not have, even harboring tender feelings toward that Mr. Gu.
Mr. Gu was already betrothed, and it was even a marriage bestowed by the Emperor. For the Commandery Princess to remain so stubborn had truly broken Her Highness’s heart.
If she had her way, the girl should be shut in the mansion and not let out until the wedding day; then what trouble could possibly arise?
As for Her Highness’s intention, how could she not understand? At such a critical juncture, fearing that the Commandery Princess might make a scene, Her Highness simply chose to indulge her in such trifles.
Nanny Chang felt this was a troublesome affair; she must keep a close watch on the Commandery Princess. If anything went wrong, she could not possibly bear the responsibility.
With a light sigh, she then plastered a full smile on her face. At the same time, she prayed silently that the Commandery Princess would not harbor any crooked designs, but return safely to the mansion early tomorrow without incident.
"We will first go to the front hall to offer incense, and then return to the side room to wait for Third Uncle." Qin Yingyuan slanted a glance at Nanny Chang; she naturally understood that Nanny Chang had been sent by her mother to keep watch over her.
She had no intention of doing anything at Bao En Temple; what if Nanny Chang was there? Could she possibly be afraid of a mere servant? frёeωebɳovel.com
Several maids carried the luggage into the side room. Having straightened her attire, Qin Yingyuan strode toward the front hall.
Qin Yingyuan knelt before the gilded Buddha statue, raised three sticks of incense, and closed her eyes to make a devout wish.
Before long, a Little Monk entered the great hall. Seeing Qin Yingyuan rise to her feet, he hastened forward and saluted.
"Amitabha Buddha! This poor monk pays respects to Princess Rong Jia!"
"Little Master Wisdom, there is no need for such formality." Princess Rong Jia cast a glance at the Little Monk’s face, recognizing him as Little Wisdom, who attended upon Third Uncle.
"Master Liao Wu has already finished his lecture, and asks that the Commandery Princess move to the Zen room for a talk."
"Then I must trouble Little Master to lead the way."
Qin Yingyuan followed the Little Monk in front, Nanny Chang trailing every step of the way. When they reached a Zen Temple courtyard, Nanny Chang and Chonglou and the others were stopped by the Little Monk.
"Master Liao Wu has invited only the Commandery Princess inside. I must ask all of you to wait outside the Zen Temple courtyard."
It had to be said that even though a Prince had become a monk, it was impossible for him to be the same as an ordinary monk.
This Zen Temple courtyard was vast, with elegant scenery within and buildings of simple yet imposing style. Even in winter, the courtyard did not seem desolate.
The plum grove of such breathtaking beauty in the southwest corner could be glimpsed even from outside the courtyard walls.
Nanny Chang was unwilling to wait outside. The Princess had instructed her not to leave the Commandery Princess’s side; if the Commandery Princess went into the courtyard and then vanished, or if some mishap occurred, how could she explain to Her Highness?
"Little Master Wisdom, Her Highness the Princess has instructed that the Commandery Princess has been somewhat unwell these two days, and this servant must attend her at all times. I beg Little Master to report this to Master Liao Wu, and not make it difficult for this servant."
The person inside was the Third Prince; though he had become a monk, his status remained exalted.
How could the Royal Family’s dignity tolerate offense? If she dared show the slightest disrespect to the Third Prince, the first who would not spare her would be the Princess herself.
Wisdom looked somewhat troubled. He glanced at Qin Yingyuan, not knowing what to do.
By rights, the master should reprimand the servants and have them follow Master Liao Wu’s wishes.
Yet the Commandery Princess was somewhat strange today; she did not speak, but fell silent instead.
"Then I must ask all of you to wait a moment; this poor monk will report to Master Liao Wu." Wisdom first let Qin Yingyuan enter the courtyard, and when another Little Monk came out from within, he handed over the task of leading the way to him.
Wisdom himself ran into the Zen room, and upon entering, he saw a young monk in a kasaya, six burn scars upon his shaven head. He was sitting on a meditation cushion, a string of Buddha Beads in his hand. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
On the table before him lay a sutra; the monk gazed at the text, turning the beads while softly chanting under his breath.
Little Wisdom saluted. Liao Wu paused in his chanting and looked toward him.
"Master, the Commandery Princess has arrived. Only, her servants wish to enter the courtyard with her, saying it is by the Princess’s order."
At these words, Liao Wu pondered only for a moment before saying, "Then let her alone come into the courtyard and wait. This is a Zen Temple courtyard; with so many female donors about, it would be inconvenient."
Little Wisdom breathed a sigh of relief and then went out the door. Just as he left the Zen room, he ran into Qin Yingyuan coming toward him.
After they exchanged another round of greetings, Qin Yingyuan stepped into the Zen room.
As soon as she entered, Qin Yingyuan began to size up Liao Wu.
"Third Uncle looks in rather good health these days." Qin Yingyuan took off her cloak and hung it on the stand.
"The Commandery Princess should address this poor monk as Liao Wu. This poor monk is now a man outside the secular world; to go on using old forms of address is no longer appropriate."
Liao Wu rose, lifted the teapot warming on the small clay stove, and poured Qin Yingyuan a bowl of tea. Fragrance spread instantly through the room, as if spring had come to the midst of winter.
At this, Qin Yingyuan let out a soft, derisive laugh.
"Why is it that each time I come to the temple, Third Uncle always says the same words? Third Uncle truly is not the same as in the past; when did you ever have such patience before?"
Letting her gaze roam over the man with a shaven head yet still fine and elegant features, Qin Yingyuan could not help a faint sigh.
"This poor monk has taken vows; I must refrain from anger and impatience. How could I speak disrespectfully to the Commandery Princess?" After pouring the tea, Liao Wu brought over a chessboard.
"Would the Commandery Princess care for a game?" Liao Wu’s expression was calm; the sweep of his sleeve carried an air of effortless composure.
Qin Yingyuan moved her gaze away from him and nodded. "Then I’ll have Third Uncle give me two stones."
