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Since Consort Chen's personal maid was already here, Xiao Yao no longer insisted and quietly waited at the side gate of the palace after getting off the carriage.
The sunlight was nice, but fortunately, it wasn't too hot. Thinking about the mountain path they would have to take to the temple, Xiao Yao changed into a pair of cushioned shoes that were comfortable for both walking and standing. She wore a convenient light lotus-colored robe, and her hair was simply styled into a bun with some lightweight decorations. However, the floral ornament on her forehead was made of finely crafted gold foil, and although her robe appeared understated, it was made of silk satin mixed with Su embroidery in cloud patterns, with delicate stitches that shimmered in the sunlight.
This understated elegance had already been seen by Jinxiu, Consort Chen's personal maid, more than once.
Indeed, everything about Xiao Yao's attire—from her clothing to her floral headpiece—was exquisitely detailed.
Although it looked plain and unremarkable, each piece was undoubtedly of the highest quality. If compared, Xiao Yao's outfit might even surpass that of many ladies in the palace. Moreover, Jinxiu vaguely remembered that since Consort Xuanping entered the palace, every time she visited their lady, she never wore the same outfit or jewelry twice.
For instance, just looking at the pair of peach wood hairpins on Xiao Yao's head, they appeared to be ordinary wooden carvings. However, they were anything but; these hairpins were crafted by Zhou Su, the foremost sculptor of the Great Feng Dynasty. Each pin was polished to perfection, feeling as smooth as silk to the touch, and the patterns carved on them were exceptionally intricate.
This set of hairpins consisted of four pieces; today, Xiao Yao only brought two with her. The four represented the Four Gentlemen: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Currently, she wore the bamboo and orchid pins, with designs so lifelike that even a ladybug perched on one of the orchids was carved with extreme precision.
Such items could not be easily replicated by ordinary people. Zhou Su had only carved two sets of these hairpins; one set was given to Empress Yuan as burial accessories, while the other set was awarded to the He Family's son. Now they were all used by Xuanping Wang to please his own princess.
Indeed...
Fate is a strange thing. Jinxiu couldn't help but sigh; she wondered how much fortune Xiao Yao's ancestors must have accumulated for their daughter to marry such a distinguished figure as a prince.
Just then, Consort Chen's carriage came out. Xiao Yao immediately bowed and said, "This servant greets Consort Chen; may you have long-lasting blessings."
"Alright now, thank you for waiting here so early in the morning," Jinxiu stepped forward to lift the curtain of the carriage, revealing Consort Chen's gentle face. "Are you tired from standing? Quickly get in and rest for a bit; we still have a ways to go to Ganyesi Temple!"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness; I am not tired," Xiao Yao replied as she stood up and smiled at Consort Chen. She felt much closer to Consort Chen now and spoke more naturally.
"Enough already; don't overdo it," Consort Chen laughed while covering her mouth. "Get in quickly! Even if you're not tired, you need to take care of yourself. If you happen to fall ill or something happens to you, Hong Ming will definitely come running here causing a fuss."
Seeing Consort Chen teasing herself, Xiao Yao couldn't help but blush and softly said, "Your Highness, please do not make fun of me. Otherwise, the Prince will..."
Consort Chen noticed Xiao Yao's flushed face and felt quite pleased. She waved her hand, urging Xiao Yao to get into the carriage. Consort Chen's carriage led the way, with Xiao Yao following behind, accompanied by guards. The group made their way to Ganyesi Temple in a grand procession.
The carriage moved slowly forward, and Xiao Yao sat inside, attended by Yun Zhu and Yun Bi.
As for Yun Yue, she was left at the royal residence. Yun Yue's personality was a bit too lively, and she had not yet mastered the art of conversation. Fearing that she might cause trouble if she came along, it was better to keep her at home.
Xiao Yao bit into a candied fruit and sighed, "Actually, I thought there would be more than just Consort Chen today. Who knew she would be the only one?"
Yun Zhu poured a cup of flower tea for Xiao Yao and smiled, "Although Consort Chen holds a high position, she is not particularly well-liked in the palace. After all, in such a deceitful place, it is quite resentful that someone without offspring like Consort Chen could attain the rank of consort."
"But surely there must be people who seek to associate with Consort Chen?" Xiao Yao asked curiously.
"Well... I’m not too sure about that," Yun Zhu replied with a smile, clearly not wishing to continue on that topic.
After all, she was a servant. While it was fine to chat about their masters with other servants in private, discussing such matters with her master was another story. Who knew which words might provoke her master's ire? She had worked hard to reach her current position and did not want to risk losing her life.
Xiao Yao understood this perspective and did not press her further. Instead, she silently planned to discuss this issue with He Yu when she returned home; surely her husband would be willing to talk about it.
During their married days, Xiao Yao had felt that He Yu truly cared for her as a person rather than merely acting out of concern for the Emperor's suspicions or other reasons.
He genuinely treated her with love and affection; whenever they were together, He Yu always prioritized her thoughts and feelings. Such behavior was indeed rare in this patriarchal society!
This also led to rumors circulating among the upper circles of the capital that Xuanping Wang was afraid of his wife or that Consort Xuanping was domineering and jealous.
However, both Xiao Yao and He Yu tacitly agreed not to pay attention to such gossip.
After traveling for almost two hours, they finally arrived at Ganyesi Temple.
After getting off the carriage, Xiao Yao couldn't help but sigh; indeed, it was a royal temple, and it was truly different. The bluestone path extended all the way to the entrance of Ganyesi Temple, which greatly spared the inconvenience of walking for the ladies. The temple itself was built in a grand and luxurious manner.
From Xiao Yao's perspective, the roof was likely covered with Glazed Tiles, shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.
In front of the main gate stood a pair of imposing stone lions. The Abbot and several monks were already waiting at the entrance. After Consort Chen got off the carriage, the Abbot and the monks bowed to her. Consort Chen held Jinxiu's hand and smiled, saying, "I have come today to pray for blessings. First, I pray for the Emperor's health and longevity. Second, I hope that our Great Feng Empire enjoys good weather and prosperity."
"Your Highness has deep blessings and a compassionate heart; the Buddha will surely hear your prayers and bless both the Emperor and our Great Feng Empire for generations to come," the Abbot chanted.
Consort Chen smiled in satisfaction and led Xiao Yao into Ganyesi Temple.
Kneeling before the statue in the main hall, Xiao Yao followed Consort Chen's example in prayer. After finishing her prayers, Consort Chen drew a fortune stick. Following that, a master took her to the courtyard behind the hall to interpret it. Xiao Yao wondered if she should also draw a fortune stick to try her luck.
However, before she could reach out her hand, the Abbot had already stepped forward to block her.
What does this mean? Xiao Yao furrowed her brows as she looked at the Abbot.
The Abbot remained calm and composed, showing no signs of panic in response to Xiao Yao's dissatisfaction. He simply smiled slightly and said, "The life of a princess is already destined; there is no need to do this again, as it would only add unnecessary detours."
"Uh, Master, may I ask what this means?" Xiao Yao felt confused and didn't quite understand.
"Gratitude for karmic retribution; all things in this world are governed by fate. To mistakenly enter this life is also by destiny; just maintain a peaceful mindset and feel it well. Digging deeper will only add to your troubles," the Abbot explained. Although Xiao Yao still found his words somewhat unclear, the phrase "mistakenly enter this life" left her deeply shocked.
Could it be that this old monk knows she has crossed over?
Thinking about this possibility made her open her mouth in shock, but she found herself unable to utter a single word. After finally regaining her voice, what came out was a jumble of incoherent sentences: "M-Master, you... you know... I am..."
The Abbot raised a finger and made a shushing gesture by his lips, saying, "The Buddha says it cannot be; the opportunity must not be leaked. Princess, do not ask about these matters in the future."
"But, but..." Xiao Yao swallowed hard; she really needed someone to confide in right now.
However, the Abbot of Ganyesi Temple only smiled slightly. "When the time is right, the puzzle will resolve itself. The princess need not trouble herself. If the time is not right, nothing can be solved."
"..." Well, facing the immovable Abbot of Ganyesi Temple, Xiao Yao felt that no matter what she did, it would be useless, so she decided to let it go.
Just then, Consort Chen came out after drawing her fortune, her face full of smiles indicating that the result was likely favorable. Seeing Xiao Yao standing still, she smiled and said, "What? Didn't you draw a fortune for yourself?"
Xiao Yao also smiled slightly at Consort Chen. "My luck surely can't compare to yours, Your Highness. I suppose I’ll just muddle through life as it is. With Your Highness's blessings, my fortunes are not as deep as yours; I definitely won't draw a good fortune like yours. So, I think I'll pass."
Consort Chen looked at Xiao Yao for a moment before breaking into a smile. She tapped Xiao Yao's forehead with her long nails painted in vermilion and said, "You know, should I praise you for being clever or scold you for being foolish?"
Xiao Yao chuckled and touched her forehead. "If I'm foolish, then so be it. After all, it's just about living day by day; all I need to do is serve the prince well and not think too much about other things."
"You..." Consort Chen sighed as she looked at the girl before her. She thought to herself that this silly girl was truly fortunate to have met someone like He Yu. She couldn't help but feel a bit envious of her. If only she had listened to Father back then and not entered the palace walls, perhaps she could have found a man like He Yu who would cherish her in his palm.
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