Abbot of Xianyi Temple
As the Dragon Boat Festival approached, Xuanji and Shiliu were wrapping zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) by the window when Qingxing came in to report that a female Taoist priest was requesting an audience outside the door.
Xuanji was slightly surprised. She had no dealings with monks or Taoists. Despite her doubts, she straightened her clothes and said, "Please let her in."
Before long, a female Taoist priest, around forty years old and dressed in a worn, grayish-blue robe, slowly entered. She was slender, her hair was tied up tightly in a bun, adorned only with a plain wooden hairpin, which made her look neat and capable. As soon as she entered, her calm eyes subtly fell on Xuanji.
"I am Jingxu, the abbot of Xianyi Temple in the west of the city. I apologize for my intrusion and hope that you will not take offense, Miss Yu." The female Taoist priest stepped forward and bowed.
Xianyi Temple? Xuanji's heart stirred slightly. She seemed to vaguely recognize the name of this temple, remembering it as a small, less-visited place with a secluded location. Why would the abbot of Jingxu Temple suddenly visit her quiet place?
"You're too kind, Abbot. Please have a seat." Xuanji returned the greeting and invited her to sit on the couch by the window. He then ordered Qingxing to serve tea.
The abbot of Jingxu Temple quickly scanned the room again, seeing the shelves full of books and the simple yet elegant furnishings, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
Before Xuanji could exchange pleasantries, she cut to the chase: "I am being abrupt today because I have heard of your talent and recent circumstances, and I am moved by them. I have come to offer you a way out, and also to seek a glimmer of hope for my little Taoist temple." Her tone was direct, even carrying a hint of desperate sincerity.
Xuanji's eyes narrowed slightly: "Master, please speak."
“My lady is of noble character and does not covet worldly riches. I admire your courage in resolutely leaving that cage of wealth and honor.” Abbot Jingxu spoke earnestly, yet also directly addressed the reality, “However, my lady is all alone here, without anyone to rely on. Chang’an is a place of snobbery, and if this continues, you will inevitably be bullied by petty people, and rumors are like knives. As for Scholar Li… I’m afraid he won’t let this go easily.”
Her words struck at the heart of Xuanji's hidden anxieties. Xuanji remained silent, awaiting what she would say next.
The abbot of Jingxu Temple leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "Why don't you lend me your Xuanmen sect for a while, my lady? It's called 'entering the Dao,' but in reality, it's 'escaping the world.'"
Seeing that Xuanji did not reply, she continued her urgent and sincere analysis: "To be honest, my Xianyi Temple is just a small temple with few worshippers and dilapidated buildings. It is very difficult for me to maintain it. If you are willing to register your name in my temple and obtain the identity of a 'Taoist priest,' then in terms of worldly etiquette, you will be a person outside the secular world."
Her gaze was intense as she continued, "If you join my temple, you may live alone in your own courtyard. The temple will not disturb you with its strict rules. You can still read and discuss, and associate with refined scholars. I only ask that I use your name to attract some literati and pilgrims, and revitalize the temple's incense offerings. At that time, the temple will be well-funded for renovations, and your living expenses will be provided in the best possible way. Wouldn't this be a win-win situation?"
This blatant "transaction" approach, while lacking detachment, possesses a greater sense of authenticity and mutual benefit.
Xuanji pondered for a long time. Compared to those insincere pleasantries, the abbot's straightforward proposal for "cooperation" made her feel more at ease. She needed protection, and the abbot needed reputation; each got what they needed, and the boundaries were clear.
She raised her eyes, her gaze regaining its clarity and determination, and nodded slightly to Abbot Jingxu: "Abbot, your sincerity is appreciated. As for this matter... I need to consider it for a few more days."
A hint of urgency flashed in the eyes of the abbot of Jingxu Temple, but he suppressed his temper, smiled and rose, saying, "That's only right. I will await your good news in the temple." After speaking, he bowed and took his leave.
A few days later, one morning, Xuanji, carrying only Qingxing, rode in an inconspicuous green-canopied carriage, following the address left by Jingxu, heading west of the city. The carriage wound its way through increasingly narrow streets and alleys, finally stopping at the end of a somewhat deserted lane.
Looking up, one can see a small Taoist temple standing against the base of an old wall. The plaque above the temple gate reads "Xianyi Temple".
Qingxing stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker. After a long while, a young female Taoist priestess in a faded white robe answered the door. Upon hearing that Yu Xuanji had come to visit, she hurriedly turned around and ran inside to announce her arrival.
Before long, Abbot Jingxu came out to greet them, his face showing obvious surprise and eagerness.
"Madam Xuanji, it is an honor to have you grace our humble abode with your presence! Please come in, please come in!" She stepped aside to let Xuanji and her servant into the temple.
The entrance leads to a small courtyard. The main hall's door is open, and the statues of deities enshrined inside are faintly visible. Their golden bodies are somewhat faded, and the heavy donation box in front of the hall is cracked and dry, clearly having not been replaced for many years. There are several low and old side rooms on either side. Only a few old trees in the corner of the courtyard, with their lush branches and leaves, cast large patches of shade, adding to the tranquility.
"The temple is simple and unadorned, please forgive my ignorance, fellow Daoist." Abbot Jingxu led Xuanji inside, his tone tinged with self-deprecation. "You see, although there are no carved beams and painted rafters, it is rare to find such tranquility, perfect for cultivating one's character."
She led Xuanji through a narrow corridor beside the main hall to the backyard. The backyard was smaller than the front courtyard, but it was quite clean.
"This is the residence I have prepared for you, fellow Daoist." She pushed open the courtyard gate. There were three rooms in the courtyard. The windows, tables, and chairs were all a bit old, but they were spotless. Outside the window were several slender bamboos and a withered vine that had not yet been cleared. But one could imagine that if it were covered with greenery in the summer, it would be quite charming.
“This courtyard is extremely secluded, and you will not be disturbed by ordinary people. Fellow Daoist, you can read and write here without any noise. In case of any need, we will definitely give priority to you.” Abbot Jingxu looked at Xuanji earnestly.
Xuanji silently observed this small space. It was indeed simple, yet it exuded a genuine, unpretentious ease.
"You've gone to a lot of trouble, Abbot," Xuanji said calmly, his gaze sweeping over the withered vine in the courtyard. "However, even if I join the temple, I'm afraid I may not be able to bring much incense and fame to Xianyi Temple as you wish."
Upon hearing this, the abbess of Jingxu Temple showed a hint of embarrassment on her face. She said in a low voice, "Xianyi Temple is currently in a weak position. If there is no turning back, I'm afraid we will not even be able to maintain this last place of refuge. Fellow Daoist, your talent is the only hope for the survival of this temple. Let us give it a try."
Xuanji met the expectant yet anxious gaze of the Abbot of Jingxu Temple and nodded slightly.
"good."
The abbot of Jingxu Temple smiled even more warmly, "Since you have entered my temple, it is a matter of fate. Put aside worldly fame and status for now. You may choose a Taoist name for yourself, so that it will be easier for you to come and go."
Xuanji pondered for a moment and said, "Let's call it 'Wangji'."
“Fellow Daoist Wangji, very good.” Abbot Jingxu readily agreed and immediately summoned the temple’s stewards to process Xuanji’s ordination certificate and other necessary documents. The procedures were completed with exceptional smoothness, and in less than ten days, Yu Xuanji had a new identity—a female Taoist priestess of Xianyi Temple, “Daoist Wangji.”
In June of the tenth year of the Tianqi reign, Xuanji entered the Xianyi Temple.
The abbess of Jingxu Temple knew that Yu Xuanji's talent was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Xianyi Temple. She did everything in her power to spread the news that "the talented woman Yu Xuanji has moved into Xianyi Temple." Within a month, the names "Yu Xuanji" and "Xianyi Temple" were closely linked.
Upon hearing the news, Li Yi was filled with shock and anger, deeply regretting that he had given Xuanji the precious books long before their marriage. However, since Xuanji had already received his ordination and entered the Daoist order, he was now a person outside the secular world. If Li Yi continued to pester him, it would be a blatant disregard for religious rites and laws, which would be extremely detrimental to his official reputation. Li Yi was seething with hatred, but he had no choice but to suppress his anger for the time being.
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