Jiang Lingzhen sat inside the carriage, her body swaying gently with its movement as she gazed out through the narrow gap in the curtains.
Lady Wencheng, her mother, was a devout follower of Buddhism. This time, concerned over her daughter's recent misfortune, she had decided to bring her to the most renowned temple in the kingdom, Serene Dragon Temple, to light incense and offer prayers.
Gu Shengyin, inhabiting Jiang Lingzhen's body, was more than willing to accompany her. The temple was known for its stunning scenery, and even without a specific purpose, it promised to be a pleasant outing. However, this visit held a deeper significance for her. Gu Shengyin was here to meet a legendary figure tied to the story of this world.
Following closely behind their carriage was another belonging to Jiang Yunshan, a woman who had somehow managed to gain the reluctant approval of Lady Wencheng to join the pilgrimage. The woman had no maternal affection for Jiang Yunshan, but the latter's persistence and cunning had earned her a place on the trip.
Jiang Yunshan had her own motives. It was here, at Serene Dragon Temple, that Jiang Lingzhen had originally secured the admiration of the Crown Prince. Determined to rewrite the story, Jiang Yunshan resolved to win his favor and prevent Jiang Lingzhen from drawing his attention. As she brushed her fingers against the smooth, cold jade bottle concealed in her sleeve, a determined smile curved her lips.
After paying respects at the temple alongside her mother, Jiang Lingzhen excused herself, claiming a desire for fresh air. Accompanied by her loyal maidservants, Hu Zhu and Lin Liang, she headed toward the serene gardens behind the temple.
She remembered from the storyline she now inhabited that a person of great significance resided in these temple grounds. Known simply as "The Recluse," he was none other than Prince Ji Yu, the eldest son of the Emperor and the late Empress. By birth, his status was unparalleled, yet his life was shrouded in tragedy.
Ji Yu's mother, the Empress, had passed away shortly after his birth, leading the Emperor to view the child with resentment, believing him to be the cause of her death. The cold treatment that followed drove Ji Yu into isolation. At the age of ten, the Emperor sent him to this temple under the pretense of performing prayers for the kingdom. Here, Ji Yu grew into a quiet scholar, living a life of solitude away from the palace.
In the original story, Ji Yu's presence was minimal, and his fate was largely uneventful. But Gu Shengyin's mission was different—this encounter had potential to alter not just his destiny but also her own.
As she strolled through the tranquil garden, Gu Shengyin marveled at the beauty of the temple grounds. Though Jiang Lingzhen's memories guided her, experiencing the scene firsthand felt entirely new. She became so absorbed in her surroundings that she nearly forgot her true purpose for being there.
Her maidservants, Hu Zhu and Lin Liang, watched with mild amusement as their young mistress wandered around with childlike curiosity, pausing frequently to admire flowers, trees, and distant vistas. It had been a long time since Jiang Lingzhen, with her noble status and strict upbringing, had enjoyed such freedom outdoors.
Although she was captivated by the scenery, Gu Shengyin maintained her focus. She knew the secluded courtyard where Ji Yu resided was located deeper in the temple grounds, nestled within a bamboo forest.
The further she ventured, the quieter her surroundings became. Only the rustling of bamboo leaves and the soft crunch of her footsteps broke the silence. Lin Liang tugged at Hu Zhu's sleeve and whispered, "Should we persuade the young lady to return? This place feels unnervingly silent."
Hu Zhu glanced at their mistress, who was clearly in high spirits. Shaking her head, she replied softly, "It's rare to see her so happy. Let her enjoy this moment. Besides, this temple is sacred; it's unlikely that anyone would dare disturb the peace here."
Gu Shengyin continued her walk through the dense bamboo grove, curiosity growing with each step. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of man could live in such solitude for a decade.
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