Chapter 37: Within Hongfu Temple, a Graceful Lady

Qingyuan Temple is located south of Chang'an City, at the foot of the Zhongnan Mountains.

The Fang family’s carriage procession wound its way out of Mingde Gate, the southern gate of Chang'an, and headed south. Within two hours, they entered the Zhongnan Mountains. After navigating a few turns along the moderately wide mountain road, a picturesque peak surrounded by mountains came into view.

The environment was exquisite and serene, with lush, shaded woods and tangled grass. Birds chattered in the canopy, a symphony of natural sounds, while babbling streams flowed through deep gullies on both sides.

Nestled among the green hills and trees, a Buddhist temple was tucked away.

The sky had cleared, the sudden snowfall having ceased, and the heavy clouds had dispersed. The temple, with its apricot-yellow walls, grey-tiled roof ridges, and towering, verdant ancient trees, was bathed in the rosy glow of the morning light.

Surrounded by towering trees with intertwined branches—the pines being the most prominent—the temple was built upon a steep, craggy cliff, perfectly capturing the essence of an ancient monastery deep in the mountains.

Connecting the temple was a stone-paved path that appeared and disappeared intermittently through the woods. It wound along a gentle, long slope, made a sharp ninety-degree turn to the right of the temple, and then "wandered" a short distance further before reaching the main gate.

Before the gate stood two stone lions, majestic but not fierce, as if they had been warned and tempered by Buddhist teachings.

Every famous temple must have its famous trees. Even if a temple sits on barren mountains, deserts, or reefs, it must be embraced by significant trees and auspicious feng shui. This synergy of flora and geography constitutes the temple’s spiritual essence, gathering the vital energy of heaven and earth.

Without such trees and feng shui, a temple is but a dead shell.

A dead temple possesses no wisdom or spirit.

The three ancient pines before the gate, having absorbed the essence of heaven and earth, were bursting with life. They grew in reckless, overlapping abandon, thick and lush, towering into the clouds with gnarled, knotted roots.

Three trees gave life to the entire temple.

Wu Meiniang had thought that by departing at dawn, her party was early enough. Yet, upon arriving at the temple gate and seeing the long line of luxurious carriages in the clearing, she realized there were those who were even earlier.

As the Fang carriage came to a stop, Wu Meiniang climbed out impatiently and snuck a look ahead. Just then, the curtain of the leading carriage was lifted, and a figure leaped down with agile grace.

He was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe with black deerskin boots. His build was average, yet well-proportioned and remarkably sturdy—broad-shouldered, thick-backed, with the lithe limbs and trim waist of an athlete. His movements carried an air of ease and natural detachment.

Wu Meiniang bit her lip slightly, observing him in secret, wondering to herself: Can such a masculine and robust young man really be a "rabbit"?

Just then, she met the gaze of Fang Jun, who was looking in her direction. Caught off guard, their eyes locked.

His thick eyebrows were like ink, his nose bridge stood tall, and his slightly full lips were pressed together. His square, easy-going face still held a trace of boyishness, and his slightly tanned skin gave him a look of vibrant health.

His appearance was undeniably handsome and possessed a strong sense of masculinity. However, compared to the prevailing trend that favored men with "pale skin, flowery makeup, and a fragile constitution," he seemed rather ordinary.

The most striking feature of his appearance was his pair of jet-black, gem-like eyes. They shimmered with a profound brilliance. As he looked at her, his expression was a bit complex—like stars in the night sky, deep and distant, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

Wu Meiniang’s heart pounded. This was the first time she had ever locked eyes with a boy of her own age, and for some reason, a trace of shyness welled up within her.

The sound of jewelry clinking beside her announced the arrival of the Princess of Han.

Seeing Wu Meiniang and her younger brother staring at each other from a distance, the Princess of Han couldn't help but smile. She leaned over to Wu Meiniang’s ear and whispered, "Isn't my second brother quite handsome? Let me tell you, what a woman needs in a man is a strong, masculine physique; that is the kind of reliance that provides a lifetime of security. Those pretty boys who wear makeup and powder can't carry anything, can't lift a finger, and are nothing but whining weaklings in the bedroom..."