Fulu

Chapter One

Wanbao Temple stood halfway up the mountain. Its winding, treacherous paths usually kept visitors away, leaving the grounds quiet and deserted. Today, however, it was thronged with guests; carriages from the capital blocked the temple gates completely, their arrival making the place almost unrecognizable.

The officials who had journeyed here were travel-worn, faces drawn and pale, their usual dignified manners abandoned. They clung to the pillars, panting like oxen, creating a scene both absurd and pitiable. Yet the young woman in the monk's quarters remained composed, her expression serene. Even the dignified curve at her lips did not falter, despite the wailing of the young eunuch at her feet. She seemed impervious to all entreaties.

Ji Fang’s cries grew louder, tears streaking his face as he continued, "Princess, you are far away in Dengzhou, unaware of the peril in the capital. Since Prince Yin raised the banner of 'cleansing the court' two months ago and rebelled, chaos has reigned. Open and covert struggles abound, each faction plotting, and some, seeing the emperor’s weakness, are already seeking a new master. The enemy now threatens Gongzhou, and in a few months they will reach the capital. His Majesty is exhausted and anxious, but he lacks troops, lacks supplies, and has no one he can trust. Even the Grand Tutor feigns illness and refuses to leave his home... Princess, you and His Majesty are twins born of the same mother, bound by blood since the womb. How can you bear to see your brother besieged and alone...&q