Rebirth: The Fourth Lady Wants to Lie Down

On this day, the sunlight shines through the window lattices of the temple's library, casting mottled shadows, adding a bit of mystery and warmth to this ancient building.

Yi Ya had just extricated herself from the mountain of ancient books, still holding tightly in her hands a yellowed scripture, her heart filled with desire and satisfaction for knowledge.

She gently closed the heavy wooden door of the library, walked into the courtyard, and prepared to enjoy a moment of peace and fresh breeze.

Just after taking a few steps, Yi Ya's sight was attracted by a towering ancient tree in the courtyard. The tree had deep roots and lush leaves, as if it had witnessed the vicissitudes of the temple for hundreds of years.

And under the tree, an old monk was standing quietly with his back to her, as if he had merged into one with the ancient tree, exuding an otherworldly aura.

Out of politeness and curiosity, Yi Ya slowly approached and called softly, "Master, how are you?" Her voice was soft and clear, and sounded particularly pleasant in this quiet afternoon.

Upon hearing this, the old monk slowly turned around, and his eyes, which had seen all the vicissitudes of life, suddenly froze for a moment when they met Yi Ya's face.

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, as if he was looking for some distant memory or subtle clues on Yi Ya's face.

Seeing this, Yi Ya couldn't help but feel a little confused. She asked softly, "Master, what's wrong with you? Is there anything wrong?"

The old monk came back to his senses and smiled. That smile contained too many indescribable emotions. "Don't blame me, young lady. I was rude."

He paused, and his tone became solemn. "Just looking at the girl's face, it seems that she has been troubled by worldly affairs and has a lot of problems in her heart. I dare to remind you that in life, you must stick to your original intention. Some things cannot be forced, and it is best to let nature take its course."

After saying this, the old monk took out a small jade pendant from his sleeve, on which were engraved the eight characters "When you reach the end of the water, sit and watch the clouds rise", and gently handed it to Yi Ya.

“I hope these eight characters can accompany you and remind you to remain calm and detached no matter what difficulties you encounter.”

Yi Ya took the jade pendant, and an inexplicable feeling of emotion and deep thought surged in her heart. She looked up to ask the old monk about his meaning, but was surprised to find that the old monk who had just stood in front of her had quietly left without knowing when, leaving only a series of faint, fading footsteps.

Just as Yi Ya was immersed in this sudden change, Bai Zhi's voice came from the direction of the library: "Fujin, why are you here? I've been looking for you for a long time."

Yi Ya came back to her senses, held the jade pendant tightly in her hand, and smiled at Bai Zhi. "It's okay, I just met a master here, and he said something very meaningful."

She did not mention the old monk's sudden disappearance, but secretly decided in her heart to keep the old monk's teachings in mind.

So, the two of them left the library together and set out on the road back to their residence. However, Yi Ya's heart was filled with ripples because of this chance encounter. She knew that her future path might become more determined and calm because of these eight words.

Back in the wing room, the soft candlelight flickered, illuminating Yi Ya's gentle face. She gently stroked the corner of the table, turned her eyes gently to Bai Zhi who was busy at the side, and asked softly: "Bai Zhi, you seem to be worried, what's wrong?"

Bai Zhi stopped what she was doing and turned around, her expression solemn: "Fujin, Nanny Su just sent me a message saying that Emperor Kangxi is about to end his southern tour and return to Beijing."

Yi Ya heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she fell into deep thought. After a moment, she seemed to have made up her mind and said to Bai Zhi: "In this case, we should also prepare to set off. You go and pack our things, and we will go back tomorrow."

Bai Zhi quickly responded with a "OK" and turned around to continue working. Yi Ya stood up and prepared to leave the room. Seeing this, Bai Zhi quickly asked, "Fujin, where are you going?"

"I'm going to meet the abbot of the temple." Yi Ya explained with a smile, "We have been here for many days, and we should say goodbye and express our gratitude before leaving."

After that, Yi Ya went out and walked along the bluestone path of the temple to the abbot's meditation room. This was the first time she had the opportunity to meet the highly respected abbot since she entered the temple.

After waiting outside the door for a while, Yi Ya gently pushed the door open and walked into the meditation room after getting the young master's permission. The room was simple and solemn, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood.

When she looked up, Yi Ya was surprised to find that the abbot sitting on the cushion with his eyes closed was the old monk she met in the library today.

She hurried forward and bowed respectfully: "Master, I, your disciple Yi Ya, am here to take my leave."

The host opened his eyes, smiled slightly, and nodded for her to sit down. "What brings you here?" he asked gently.

Yi Ya expressed her gratitude and said that she had prepared some money to thank the temple for its care during this period. The abbot did not say much after hearing this, but took the money and handed it to the young master beside him, asking him to take it to the main hall for offering.

After the young master left, only Yi Ya and the abbot were left in the Zen room. The abbot stared at Yi Ya and said earnestly: "Donor is about to leave, I have a message for you - 'Keep good thoughts, good luck will come'. I hope that in the days to come, no matter where you are, you can keep good thoughts and good luck will follow you."

When Yi Ya heard this, a warm feeling surged in her heart. She nodded solemnly, expressed her deepest gratitude to the abbot, and said goodbye. When she walked out of the meditation room, it was already dark, but her heart was filled with light and hope because of the abbot's words.