Chapter 1627 - 1619

Chapter 1627: Chapter 1619

On this day, Shi Fei rose as usual, washed up, and after a simple breakfast, went to the Taichang Temple’s prayer hall to worship the Buddha.

With the help of Monk Feng Xi, she was able to stay in the thatched hut outside the Taichang Temple.

Although the conditions here were quite rudimentary, eating plain tea and rice and staying in a lowly abode, to Shi Fei, life here was much better than the Imperial Palace.

At least here there was no scheming.

Every day here, listening to the resonant sound of the Taichang Temple’s bell and the chanting of the monks, made her feel much calmer inside.

Although Little Xinzhuo couldn’t come every day, he would visit her every few days.

Ma Jingtian would sneak to the thatched hut every day to bring Shi Fei some delicious vegetarian snacks.

Master Mo would occasionally bring some flowers and plants from the courtyard to Shi Fei.

Gradually, a smile appeared on Shi Fei’s face, as if she had walked out from the pain.

However, she was also somewhat worried about the wandering Xin Lin, and always muttered about when Xin Lin could return.

But on this morning, Shi Fei had just finished chanting.

A monk approached.

"Female benefactor, today there’s a charity event at the temple. The abbot invites all monks and young monks to the front yard to attend. Female benefactor, please come along."

Shi Fei listened, performed a courtesy, and followed the monk forward.

Taichang Temple is the largest temple in the city, so it’s often visited by affluent families and officials’ relatives for charity.

Mostly they donate food and winter clothes.

With winter approaching and Shi Fei not having brought much clothing, the monk inviting her was out of goodwill.

Shi Fei entered Taichang Temple, only to sense something amiss.

Inside Taichang Temple, it was different from usual.

At the entrance, there were no pilgrims, only rows of soldiers.

Those soldiers, from their attire, were clearly the Imperial Army.

These were soldiers from the Imperial Palace.

Shi Fei’s pace slowed down.

Those who come from the Imperial Palace to Taichang Temple are either the Empress Dowager or...

She hesitated in her heart, wanting to find an excuse not to attend the charity, but it was already too late.

"Her Majesty the Empress personally comes for charity; everyone from the temple, including monks and helpers, has a share, all lined up properly."

The Imperial Army didn’t recognize the woman with the bamboo hairpin and cloth skirt before them as Shi Fei.

They pushed Shi Fei aside.

Shi Fei, helplessly, could only lower her eyes and submissively stand aside.

She hoped not to encounter Empress Feng.

Although the pain in her heart had gradually subsided, she could never find peace concerning Empress Feng.

Her child was killed by Empress Feng.

Her heart was discontent, but helpless, with limited means, she could only suppress this hatred deep within.

She chanted Amitabha in her heart.

Having been in Taichang Temple for over a month, she felt the sins in her heart remained unresolved, feeling genuinely guilty inside.

"Her Majesty the Empress arrives."

The eunuch’s sharp and thin voice resonated.

Empress Feng, clad in a phoenix robe, adorned with jade and jewels, jingled as she approached.

Her beautiful face was full of arrogance.

Behind her followed some nannies, bringing clothes and freshly steamed vegetarian buns.

Empress Feng seemed not to notice Shi Fei, carrying a smile as she started with the abbot, handing out clothes and pastries to monks one by one in succession.

For some reason, Monk Fengxi was not seen in the lineup.

These days dwelling in Taichang Temple, perhaps due to Xin Lin’s instructions, Monk Fengxi took good care of Shi Fei.

Though he wasn’t often present in the temple, whenever he appeared, he would guide Shi Fei.

This had also given Shi Fei a deeper understanding of Buddhist Law.

With Feng Xi’s absence, Shi Fei inevitably felt a bit uneasy.

The line ahead moved inch by inch.

Shi Fei’s heart, little by little, began to rise.