Chapter 106: The High Priestess

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The Jade Purity Temple is located at the southwest corner of Fuxing Ward, directly opposite the Golden Immortal Temple. It is an exceptionally unique place within the city of Chang’an.

Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a Taoist temple—and furthermore, a temple for women.

Since the Tang dynasty claimed descent from Laozi through Li Er, regardless of the authenticity of the lineage, Taoism has always been highly esteemed by successive dynasties. Especially in this reign, from Emperor Xuanzong himself to his siblings and the common people, promoting Taoist doctrines became a prevailing trend.

These two temples served as the places where his two sisters, Princess Jade Purity and Princess Golden Immortal, entered the Taoist path. Naturally, they were built with utmost luxury, rivaling any noble mansion. Their construction had once stirred much debate throughout the court.

After Princess Jade Purity embraced the Taoist way, she was bestowed the title “Master of the Three Scenes of the Great Cavern of Supreme Clarity and Mysterious Capital.” Later, during the Tianbao era, she was further honored with the title “Bearer of Fulfillment,” hence commonly referred to as “Master Bearer of Fulfillment.”

The Jade Purity Temple was not only a place of quiet cultivation but also a lively venue. Esteemed poets and scholars were often invited to gather there for poetic exchanges, naturally accompanied by elegant banquets. Even when purely vegetarian, these feasts were exquisitely prepared.

This was Li Shu’s first visit. Like others in the city, he had only heard of this nominal aunt, but by now she was over sixty, and there were naturally few rumors left about her.

In fact, even the other notable figure associated with the temple, the so-called “Poet Buddha” Wang Thirteen, had long since departed the capital.

Wang Wei—a name immortalized far beyond emperors, generals, or any other figures.

Accompanying him were the Crown Prince’s guards and several palace eunuchs carrying the emperor’s gift—a jade ruyi scepter resting on a tray. One eunuch held it carefully as they approached the temple steps. After a brief inquiry, a eunuch knocked on the door.

Unexpectedly, the female Taoist priest who answered said that Master Bearer of Fulfillment, the Jade Purity Princess, had left on a journey over a year ago, and no one knew when she would return.

Upon hearing this, Li Shu looked at the intricately carved jade ruyi and hesitated. Although the princess had petitioned to renounce her title and fief, she remained the emperor’s sister and a subject of the realm. Her whereabouts and departure should have been reported. So why send this gift? Was it merely a token of the emperor’s fraternal affection, or was there some other meaning?

Simply leaving the item for the temple to deliver might be the safest choice. Li Shu dismounted and took the tray in his own hands. This was his own aunt; every gesture and word would be reported to the emperor by palace staff. It was better to show ample respect than risk offending.

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“I dare not disturb the Master’s quiet cultivation. This is a gift personally bestowed by the emperor and must not be taken lightly. I humbly ask that the virtuous ones within the temple receive it on the Master’s behalf.”

“In that case, please wait a moment. I shall summon the Master’s disciple to receive the imperial decree.”

Soon, the triple-layered vermilion-lacquered gates opened. Li Shu left the guards behind, entering with a few palace attendants. He stood outside the main hall dedicated to the Three Pure Ones, awaiting the disciple the female priest had mentioned.

Standing before the hall, elevated by more than six steps, Li Shu realized its height surpassed even that of the Crown Prince’s residence. Across the entire city of Chang’an, perhaps only a few imperial palace halls were taller. The temple was fully equipped with all manner of features—landscaped mountains and waters, rare stones, pavilions, corridors, bridges, and blooming flowers. The beauty was overwhelming. No wonder its construction had sparked unanimous opposition throughout the court.

This was no mere place of Taoist practice; it was clearly the rear garden of a noble mansion.

“Outsider, thank you for your patience in waiting for the celestial envoy. Please forgive any offense.”

At that moment, a melodious female voice rang from behind. Li Shu turned, and his gaze seemed to freeze. The tray in his hands trembled, nearly slipping from his grasp.

Approaching was a young Taoist priestess, clad in a flowing azure robe, holding a dust whisk adorned with eight treasures. Her feet wore simple cloth shoes. Though tall and slender, her figure’s delicate curves could not be concealed beneath the loose garment. Yet it was not her beauty alone that unsettled Li Shu—even a peerless beauty would not move him so.

Beneath a cascade of dark blue hair was an unforgettable face, possessing an indescribable allure. Unlike the typical Han women, her skin was whiter than snow, and her small, flawless nose was straight and sharp, lending her face a striking three-dimensional quality. Most unusual were her slender, sharply arched eyebrows framing a pair of amber-colored eyes.

Chang’an had many women of foreign descent—blonde-haired, blue-eyed concubines were common enough. But this was a temple reserved exclusively for royal and noble women, with no fewer than four princesses of the dynasty residing there. This was not a place for ordinary women to come and go, much less the disciple of the emperor’s own sister.

“This is the Master’s personally appointed disciple. You may speak your purpose to her directly,” the guiding priestess broke the silence.

Li Shu suddenly recalled a palace rumor and never imagined he would see the true face one day. He drew a deep breath, steadied himself, and bowed respectfully.

“Your servant pays respects to my aunt.”

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“Having embraced the Tao, there is no longer any worldly attachment. If you have any message, please speak it plainly.”

“Understood.” Li Shu did not press further. He raised the tray steadily, still not daring to meet her gaze. “By imperial command, I, Li Shu of Guangping, personally bestow this upon Master Bearer of Fulfillment.”

“The disciple accepts the emperor’s gift on the Master’s behalf. May the emperor enjoy everlasting peace.”

The priestess handed the dust whisk to a nearby disciple and reached out to take the tray. Unexpectedly, it did not move at all. She had to exert some force several times before it finally left Li Shu’s hands.

“Having conveyed the message, you may take your leave,” she said with a hint of displeasure, turning away without waiting for a reply.

When Li Shu lifted his eyes, only a back hidden among the crowd remained. He mentally scolded himself for losing composure here. Although she was an unentitled princess, a princess was still a princess—her father was the emperor.

For a grown man to react so was no surprise to the disciple, nicknamed “Insect Maiden.” The man claiming to be her nephew was many years her senior. It was only natural to be somewhat taken aback. As for any improper thoughts—none existed.

She looked down at the face reflected in the water, so different from her sisters, and smiled wryly. No wonder her father despised her so much he refused to see her. Every time she looked at herself, she wished she could just plunge into the water to end it all.

How much foreign blood flowed in the Tang family remains a matter of debate in later generations. But a princess who looked so entirely alien would surely become a joke among the upper echelons, perhaps destined to spend her days here in quiet exile.

Insect Maiden clutched the jade ruyi, momentarily lost in thought.

How many in this world can truly command their desires?