In the Tang Dynasty, yellow was respected and purple was valued. Khotan was deeply influenced by the Tang Dynasty and followed this example - yellow is a color reserved exclusively for the Heavenly Family and is not allowed to be used by the people. As for purple, even under formal circumstances,
Only high-ranking officials of the third rank or above can wear it, but it is not prohibited for civilians to wear it. However, there are very few folk who wear purple. This is not because they are afraid of violating taboos, but because purple clothing is extremely expensive, but it must be matched by an excellent temperament.
, if not, it would be like wearing a crown while wearing a monkey. Not to mention the people, even the dignitaries in Chang'an City are not willing to wear purple easily, because this purple requires people with outstanding temperament to show their nobility.
For ordinary people to put it on, it would just make the Fang family laugh. However, this rule has no effect on Princess Mingyue. As for the effect, you can know it just by looking at the dumbfounded looks of Li Xian and others.
"It's my fault that your Highness has been waiting for so long."[]
Just when Li Xian was in a daze, Princess Mingyue had already walked up to her with great grace, blessing her with all her grace, and performed the court etiquette meticulously. Her red lips parted slightly, and her beautiful voice came out.
"It's okay, it's okay. I just arrived. The princess is ready, so let's set off."
Looking at the extremely dignified Princess Mingyue in front of him, even though Li Xian was calm by nature, he couldn't help but feel a little surprised, because he really didn't expect that the little girl with always hot personality would have a mother once she became serious.
The contrast between her demeanor and the people behind her was so great that Li Xian secretly lamented the fickleness of women. However, this is in line with Li Xian's aesthetic point of view - he can go to the hall, he can enter the kitchen, well, of course.
, the most important thing is to be able to enter the bridal chamber. Of course, at this time, I can only think about it in my heart. I can't say it categorically. Li Xian can only laugh.
He turned sideways and signaled Princess Mingyue to get on the carriage first.
"Your Highness."
Princess Mingyue obviously planned to be dignified to the end. She was blessed again. She stretched out her little hand and allowed Li Xian to serve her and get into the carriage. But before the curtain of the carriage could be lowered, a sly smile appeared on the little girl's face.
He stuck out his sweet tongue and blew into Li Xian's ears teasingly: "Your Highness, didn't you secretly scold me in your heart?"
"..."
Li Xian was speechless when he heard this, but before he could think about how to answer this strange question, Princess Mingyue had already reached out and lowered the car curtain, giving Li Xian no chance to take revenge.
Damn it, this girl is really an ever-changing witch! Inadvertently being tricked by Princess Mingyue, Li Xian didn't know what to say except for a wry smile. Then he looked at the people waiting beside the car.
Li Xian had no choice but to pretend that nothing happened, shrugged his shoulders, got on the horse, waved his hand, and loudly ordered: "Let's go!"
With the order, the large group of people and horses moved with great force, escorting Princess Mingyue's carriage and headed straight for the White Horse Temple outside the South City Gate...
People in Khotan are devout believers in Buddhism and worship Buddha devoutly. As the New Year is approaching, many people go to White Horse Temple to burn incense and make wishes, especially since the rumor came out that His Royal Highness King Zhou of the Tang Dynasty and Princess Mingyue will go to White Horse Temple together.
There are countless followers. This early in the morning, there is already a sea of people outside the White Horse Temple, which makes the Zhike monks in charge of order all tired and spitting out their tongues. But no one dares to be lazy. You have to know what is coming.
He is not an ordinary person, but the famous King Zhou of the Tang Dynasty. If something goes wrong with the reception, everyone in the temple will be in trouble. Not even the abbot, the supervisor of the temple and other people in the temple will be embarrassed.
The giants are all lined up outside the temple gate now. Everyone knows that no matter how hard and tired the monks are, they can only support themselves.
"I'm coming!"
"Look, it's coming, it's finally here!"
"Oh, that is His Royal Highness King Zhou, such a mighty person, so sharp!"
…
Countless onlookers gathered outside the temple from sunrise to almost midday, and finally waited for the arrival of Li Xian and his party. The curious people all started talking randomly, and almost everyone's eyes fell on the guard in the carriage.
There was nothing that could be done about Li Xian next to him. Li Xian's tall figure and the extremely handsome Zhaoye lion horse under his crotch were so eye-catching that it was difficult not to attract attention.
"Amitabha, the poor monk Zhixin, the abbot of Baima Temple, led all the monks in the temple to greet His Royal Highness the King of Zhou of the Tang Dynasty, and to welcome His Royal Highness Princess Mingyue."
Seeing the approaching convoy from afar, Master Zhixin couldn't help but tremble slightly, and his hands clasped together trembled slightly because of this. However, he quickly calmed down and waited for the convoy.
As they approached, Master Zhixin calmly led the temple supervisor and other high-level monks to greet him, proclaimed the Buddha's name, and saluted with his hands together.
"Xiao Wang took the liberty of visiting and caused trouble to the master."
Although Li Xian does not believe in Buddhism, he often went to temples with Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu to offer incense in the past years. He is no stranger to this practice. At this time, seeing Master Zhixin describing him as ancient and having the air of an eminent monk, he did not dare to do so.
He looked down upon him, so he hurriedly got off the horse, raised his hands and returned the favor, being polite.
"I don't dare, I don't dare. Your Highness and the princess come hand in hand. It is really the glory of this temple. The poor monk has heard of Your Highness's famous name for a long time. It is really a blessing to see you today."
Master Zhixin took a small step back to show that he did not dare to accept Li Xian's courtesy. He had long eyebrows and a flattering smile on his face.
There were some traces of it, and Li Xian couldn't help but start to murmur.
Tsk, isn't this old monk good at flattering horses? It would be a pity not to join the officialdom. Li Xian has also met some eminent monks in the past years. Most of them are people who cherish words as much as gold. Even if they have words, they are mostly concise and to the point.
It is rare for someone to flatter someone just because they are a distinguished visitor. Li Xian naturally looked down upon Master Zhixin's flattering behavior, but he couldn't say much at this time. Li Xian
He could only smile slightly and say no more.
"Master Lao Zhixin has been waiting for a long time. I am really sorry for Ming Yue."
Just as Li Xian was greeting Master Zhixin, Princess Mingyue had already got off the carriage, being attended by the maids. Seeing Li Xian smiling and saying nothing, Princess Mingyue stepped forward and blessed Master Zhixin.
, interrupted, and avoided a cold scene without leaving any trace.
"Don't dare, don't dare. Your Highness the Princess has spoken harshly. The poor monk and others have prepared rituals and respectfully invite Your Highness and the Princess to come inside to meditate." Seeing Princess Mingyue also show up, the smile on Master Zhixin's face suddenly became even brighter.
After a few minutes, he clasped his hands and bowed, took a step back, and then waved his hand to signal Li Xian and Princess Mingyue to enter the temple.
"Thank you, Master." Princess Mingyue blessed her. After returning the gift, she smiled slightly at Li Xian and said, "Your Highness, please come first."
"Well, Master, please!"
Li Xian has always had an indifferent attitude towards worshiping Buddha or not. However, since it was Princess Mingyue's letter, Li Xian was overjoyed. But deep down in his heart, he still hoped that this matter would be settled as soon as possible, and he did not want to get involved in red tape.
It took a lot of trouble, so he nodded with a smile and walked towards the temple gate first.
"Generals, wait a minute. Swords are taboo among Buddhists. I ask you generals to be considerate and don't bring swords into the temple."
As soon as Li Xian moved, Luo Tong, Liu Ziming and other personal guards naturally followed closely. But before everyone could take a few steps, an old monk who had been following Master Zhixin silently suddenly stood up.
, blocking the way of the guards.
"presumptuous!"
Liu Ziming believed in Buddhism, but Luo Tong was a master who only believed in fists. When he saw that the old monk dared to block the way, he immediately became furious. He opened his mouth and shouted unceremoniously, holding the knife in his hand.
On the handle, if a faction disagrees, they will draw their swords and fight each other.
"Um?"
Li Xian accompanied him to worship the Buddha many times, but he had never seen any monks dare to stop the guards. This time he saw the old monk standing in the way with an uncompromising look on his face. Although his face was calm as before, his eyes became sharp and he didn't care.
He opened his mouth and just snorted coldly.
"Your Highness Haihan, Buddhism is a pure place, and it is indeed not suitable for weapons to enter. In the past, when the king came here to offer incense, he did it in the same way. Your Highness, please be considerate." Master Zhixin saw that Li Xian seemed very dissatisfied, and his face immediately changed.
He showed a hint of panic and hurriedly explained.
"Well, if that's the case, then I, the king, should just go to the countryside and do as the Romans do. Luo Tong and Zi Ming will go in with me, and the others will stay behind."
Li Xian did not answer in a hurry, but took a look at Princess Mingyue first. Seeing that Princess Mingyue nodded uncertainly and seemed to be overwhelmed by the matter, doubts in his heart could not help but arise. After thinking for a moment, Li Xian
, we decided to go inside to see what was going on, so we ordered Luo and Liu, two of the most skilled guards, to accompany them.
"I will obey your orders, general!"
Since Li Xian had spoken, Luo and Liu naturally did not dare to disobey. They each agreed loudly, then took off the sabers from their waists and handed them to the other guards, who followed closely one on the left and the other on the right.
Behind Li Xian and Princess Mingyue.
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness. The poor monk and others are very grateful. Please do it!"
Seeing that a possible dispute had been resolved, Master Zhixin was obviously relieved. He quickly thanked them, waved his hand, and let Li Xian and Princess Mingyue move towards the mountain gate.
What does the old bald donkey want to do? Hey, let's wait and see! Seeing Master Zhixin acting like this, Li Xian's doubts became a little more intense, but he didn't pay too much attention to it. He just quietly put his hands behind his back and said to
After Luo Tong gave a signal, he and Princess Mingyue walked side by side through the queue of welcoming monks, walked slowly and unhurriedly to the mountain gate, walked silently through the small square in front of the temple gate, and entered
Go through the temple gate, pass through the Tianwang Hall, and come to the small square in front of the Main Hall.
"Your Highness, Princess, please wait a moment while the poor monks open the altar to greet us."
Master Zhixin, who was always following him with an apologetic smile, rushed to Li Xian, clasped his hands together, saluted respectfully, and said something very polite.
"It's time to work."
Li Xian smiled nonchalantly and waved his hand, signaling Master Zhixin to help himself.
"Amitabha, good, good."
After Master Zhixin proclaimed the name of the Buddha, he led the monks and walked quickly to the Main Hall. In the small square, except for Li Xian and his party, there were only about ten young monks not far away accompanying them.
Everything seemed normal, until Master Zhixin walked up the steps in front of the Main Hall, a sudden change occurred...