In the height of midsummer, the chirping of cicadas echoed through the ancient cypresses of Bodhi Temple. The scorching sun cast dappled shadows on the bluestone paths through the gaps in the branches of centuries-old trees.
Xiao Wanying held a round fan, waving it gently, yet it did nothing to dissipate the restlessness in her heart. Standing outside the main hall among the crowd of pilgrims, she lowered her eyes with a facade of piety, but her peripheral vision remained fixed on the tall, pine-like figure standing ahead of her.
Yao Sichen, the Heir of the Prince of Zhennan, was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, the jade belt at his waist shimmering with a mellow luster in the sunlight. His posture while offering incense was elegant and solemn; he lifted three sticks of incense with slender fingers and bowed respectfully three times before the Buddha, entirely devoid of the frivolous air common to the scions of the capital.
Chapter 106