The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 209 - Master Yinian

He Liangdi never expected to be caught bad-mouthing by Pei Yao himself, making her whole body tense up.

"Your Highness," she muttered again, tearing at her handkerchief in frustration.

But it wasn't Pei Yao who spoke first, it was Fang Yun.

"He Liangdi was so lively just now. Why so weak now? Do you only get spirited when talking behind someone's back?"

Caught gossiping, He Liangdi froze, unable to say a word.

In front of Pei Yao, what could she say?

Seeing her silent, Fang Yun tugged at Pei Yao's sleeve, playing the part of the seductive woman, and said sweetly, "Your Highness, He Liangdi doesn't like me. She won't even speak to me. If I had known how she felt, I wouldn't have come, to avoid disturbing the peace of the temple."

This made Pei Yao frown and take a deep breath.

Turning to He Liangdi, he said, "Your temper is too restless for a temple. Go back."

"Your Highness..." He Liangdi protested but, seeing Pei Yao's displeasure, swallowed her words. "I understand."

Fang Yun watched coldly, feeling more that He Liangdi had ruined her chances by being indiscreet.

Lately, Pei Yao had either visited her or He Liangdi, likely due to He Liangdi's family's influence.

Had He Liangdi followed nicely and spoken politely, Pei Yao might have gone to her later or the next day.

But now, her imprudent words had only further irritated Pei Yao, who already disliked her gossip.

Out for relaxation, Pei Yao would avoid unnecessary irritation.

Pei Yao had spoken politely, but barely contained his frustration.

After He Liangdi left, they continued up the mountain.

Though briefly disturbed, Fang Yun's sweet words soon eased Pei Yao's mood.

Hong Zheng, following at a respectful distance, couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

People's words indeed carry different weight.

When He Liangdi first entered the Eastern Palace, her straightforwardness had been endearing. But as she lost her sense of propriety, it became a problem. The Crown Prince preferred those who knew and observed decorum.

Occasional breaches showed genuine character, but too many were off-putting.

While he mused, the two ahead didn't dwell on it.

Soon, they reached the summit, where a small temple with yellow walls and red pillars stood.

An elderly monk and some young monks were repairing the walls and gate.

Hearing them, the old monk turned, saw Pei Yao, and smiled, hands joined in greeting.

"Amitabha, greetings, Your Highness, greetings, benefactor."

Unaware of Fang Yun's status, he used a safe address.

"Abbot, no need for formalities," Pei Yao waved, introducing them, "This is my concubine, Fang Liangdi. This is Master Yinian, abbot of Xiao Yin Temple."

Fang Yun bowed slightly, "Greetings, Master Yinian."

"No need for such courtesy. Your Highness and Fang Liangdi may call me Yinian," Master Yinian replied, smiling.

Seeing his kind, slightly plump face, Fang Yun thought he resembled the Maitreya Buddha in scripture.

As she pondered, Pei Yao chatted with Yinian.

"Why are you personally repairing the walls?"

"Recent rain and wind damaged the old walls. Few visitors these days, so I decided to fix it with the monks. But I'm old, moving bricks is tiring," Yinian said amiably, leading them inside.

The small temple was about the size of a two-courtyard house.

Entering, they saw a large incense burner with scattered sticks. The main hall held a few statues, flanked by meditation rooms.

Guided by Master Yinian, they paid their respects to the Buddha statues and then settled in the eastern meditation room.

The small temple had no luxurious offerings, unlike royal temples, but Pei Yao didn't seem to mind. He chatted comfortably with Master Yinian over simple tea.

Fang Yun joined in occasionally, finding their conversations pleasant and calming. Master Yinian's serene presence brought an inexplicable peace, making trivial worries fade away.

After nearly an hour, a young monk knocked, announcing that the meal was ready. Master Yinian instructed him to bring it in, while Pei Yao stepped outside to change.

Left alone with Master Yinian, Fang Yun, curious about monks, asked, "Have you encountered women seeking children here? Were their prayers answered?"

Master Yinian smiled, "Children come with harmony between people and heaven. Buddha is compassionate but cannot defy nature. Seeking children this way is often a last resort."

Surprised by this answer, Fang Yun felt that Master Yinian was different from other monks. She asked further, "I've heard that good deeds bring blessings and evil deeds bring retribution. If one retaliates against a wrongdoer with equal or greater malice, what would that be?"

"You already know the answer in your heart, so why ask me?" Master Yinian's eyes were calm and profound.

Pouring her another cup of tea, he added, "You are blessed, but whether you enjoy your blessings depends on keeping true to your heart."

Fang Yun was taken aback, about to ask more when Pei Yao's footsteps approached, so she held back.

They had a simple vegetarian meal and chatted more until dusk, knowing it would take time to descend the mountain. They bid farewell.

Before leaving, Pei Yao offered to donate money for temple repairs, but Master Yinian declined, giving them each a handmade charm for safety instead.

With no donation accepted, Pei Yao couldn't insist and they left, walking down the mountain at sunset, enjoying the serene beauty.

Pei Yao stayed with Fang Yun that night and the following days.

Just as they thought these peaceful days would last until returning to the palace, something unexpected happened on the fourth day at the villa.