Amrapali was an exceptionally talented dancer, but she did not perform for just anyone. No matter how much money they offered, she would not dance for people whose conduct was vile or who displeased her.
When she was sixteen, she went through a heartbreaking romance. Afterward, she met the young Prince Bimbisara, and the two fell deeply in love. She bore him a son, but no one in the palace was willing to accept either of them. Some members of the royal family even threatened to drown Amrapali's son in a barrel as though he were an abandoned infant.
Having endured so much slander despite her beauty, Amrapali came to believe that freedom was the only thing worth defending. From then on, she no longer lived in the palace. She would rather never return than surrender her freedom again.
Pomona took an art book from the shelf and happened to turn to The Return of the Prodigal Son, painted by Rembrandt.
The Buddha told Amrapali that beautiful birth and death were no different from any other phenomena, nor from fame and fortune. Only meditation could bring peace, joy, and freedom.
When Zhineng chose to leave Mantou Nunnery to find Qin Zhong, her master had already understood what was in her heart. Once she had broken her vows, returning would not be so easy, especially with all the gossip she would have to endure.
"Do you want to study this today?" the Fat Friar asked, looking at the art book in her hands.
Pomona did not know what to say.
The Fat Friar was here every day, leaving Severus unable to come and study with her. Only by the Serpentine Beast window during the day did he have a chance to pour out his thoughts.
The youngest Head of House sounded