The fifth day of the second month, Jinghe Year Fifteen.
East of Suzhou, the Dragon Pool Temple rose against the mountain, its halls solemn and deep, its Buddhist chants clear and cool.
Ancient trees stood verdant before the temple, their dense shade covering the steps. Moss mottled the stone stairs, soft as cotton beneath the feet.
Before the mountain temple's steps, Wei Zi wore informal robes beneath a Crane Cloak, a Plain Sash tied at his waist and a Silver Hairpin securing his hair.
He walked ahead, his pace unhurried.
Qu Niang attended him from behind, an incense basket on her back, her plain blue-green cotton skirt trailing lightly over the stone steps.
The abbot of the Dragon Pool Temple was already waiting outside the mountain gate.
He was in his sixties, his beard and eyebrows white, a kasaya draped over his shoulders.
Prayer beads in hand and his expression serene, he looked down the steps and slowly came forward to welcome them.
"Amitabha."
"Lord Wei, you honor our humble temple with your presence. Forgive this old monk for failing to welcome you farther afield."
"You are too kind, Abbot." Wei Nisheng returned the greeting with his palms together and smiled faintly.
"I have taken the liberty of intruding. I hope you will forgive me, Master."
"Not at all, Lord Wei." The abbot stepped aside to lead the way.
"Since your arrival in Suzhou, you have spent these past days visiting its temples, paying homage to Buddha and offering incense.
"All of us here share in the honor. Please, this way."
Wei Nisheng said no more. He followed the abbot through the mountain gate and entered the temple.
Incense haze drifted through the Great Hero Hall.
The gilded Buddha sat upon a lotus pedestal, eyes lowered and smiling as