Li Fang slowed his astonishing pace, the scenery below them shifting from wild forest to cultivated serenity.
The Temple of the Jade Lotus emerged from a gentle rise, a breathtaking testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. It wasn't a towering, imposing structure, but one that radiated quiet dignity and harmony with its surroundings.
The temple's walls were built of pale, polished marble, their surfaces worn smooth by centuries of gentle breezes and pilgrims' hands.
Intricate carvings of lotus blossoms and mythical creatures adorned the eaves, catching the sunlight in their delicate lines. Its multiple tiered roofs, crafted from deep emerald-glazed tiles, swept upwards with elegant curves, culminating in gilded finials that gleamed like distant stars.
The air here was noticeably different, carrying the clean scent of incense, aged wood, and the faint, sweet fragrance of actual jade lotus flowers blooming in carefully tended ponds that mirrored the sky.
A grand, arched gateway, flanked by two imposing stone guardian lions, marked the main entrance.
The heavy wooden doors, bound with bronze, were currently ajar, inviting a sense of peace and contemplation from within.
Beyond the gates, a flagstoned courtyard promised quiet pathways and tranquil gardens.
Li Fang descended with practiced grace, his feet barely whispering against the air before he touched down precisely at the temple's threshold.
He set Su Lihua gently onto her feet, his hands lingering for a moment, supporting her before he fully released her.
His gaze immediately sought hers, his princely demeanor softened by genuine concern and a touch of something akin to awkwardness.
He cleared his throat softly, a faint flush rising on his own cheeks.
"Lady Su," he began, his voice losing its imperious edge and taking on a more hesitant, earnest tone. "I must offer my sincerest apologies for my... unconventional method of transport.
My actions were born of a singular, overriding desire to ensure your swift and absolute safety after such a harrowing ordeal.
However, it was unforgivably rude of me to presume upon your person without your consent."
He offered a deep, respectful bow, his eyes fixed on the ground in a rare display of humility. "It was entirely improper, and I ask for your forgiveness.
My only excuse is that my concern for your well-being momentarily eclipsed my good judgment and proper etiquette."
His head remained bowed, awaiting her response. He knew the apology was necessary, not just for propriety, but to solidify the impression he'd made. It was another layer to the complex persona he was weaving – the protective, powerful man who was also capable of humility and respect.
Su Lihua, her hand still instinctively hovering at her mouth, watched Li Fang's bowed head.
The sheer audacity of his rescue had stolen her breath, and now, this unexpected, earnest apology completely disarmed her. The Crown Prince, known for his distant pride, was showing a humility she had never witnessed.
His words, delivered with a genuine roughness, resonated deeply. He had acted out of fear for her.
A faint smile, as rare and delicate as a blossom in winter, touched her lips. "Your Royal Highness," she murmured, her voice soft but steady. "There is no need for apology. Your actions were… expedient. And your concern, profoundly appreciated. I confess, I was... surprised. And grateful."
She looked at him, her obsidian eyes, usually so guarded, now held a warmth that was entirely new. "More than grateful, in truth. You arrived when hope seemed lost, and your warning proved chillingly accurate."
Li Fang slowly straightened, meeting her gaze.
The subtle shift in her expression, the softening of her features, was more rewarding than any system notification. He saw the genuine emotion, the burgeoning trust, in her eyes. It was a victory far sweeter than mere statistics.
"Then I am relieved, Lady Su," he said, his voice settling into a tone of quiet contentment. "To know you are safe, and that my efforts were not... misinterpreted."
He allowed a small, tender smile to touch his lips, a truly personal one that melted away the last vestiges of his princely façade for her eyes alone. "Come, the Jade Lotus Temple awaits. Perhaps its tranquility will help soothe the lingering unease of this morning's events."
He offered her his arm, a gesture both formal and intimate. Su Lihua hesitated for only a fraction of a second, then gently placed her hand on his forearm, a silent acknowledgment of their altered dynamic.
Together, they walked through the grand gateway, the heavy bronze-bound doors now seeming to welcome them into a haven of peace.
The cool, dappled light of the temple courtyard enveloped them. The air was thick with the scent of aged incense and the gentle murmur of unseen water features.
They passed by meticulously sculpted bonsai trees, their ancient forms reflecting years of dedicated care, and tranquil koi ponds where flashes of gold and crimson moved beneath the surface. The distant chanting of monks was a soft, rhythmic hum, a balm to the soul.
As they walked, a young acolyte, clad in simple grey robes, approached them with a respectful bow. "Your Royal Highness, Lady Su," he greeted, his voice calm. "The abbess has been informed of your arrival. She awaits you in the main prayer hall."
Li Fang nodded, his grip on Su Lihua's arm subtly tightening in reassurance. "Lead the way, young one."
The acolyte turned, leading them deeper into the temple complex. Li Fang glanced at Su Lihua, whose gaze was now fixed on the serene beauty around them, her earlier tension visibly easing.
Li Fang and Su Lihua followed the acolyte through the winding pathways of the Jade Lotus Temple.
The tranquility of the surroundings seemed to steadily calm Su Lihua, her posture softening, her earlier tension visibly easing. Li Fang observed her subtle shift, a cold satisfaction blossoming in his chest.
He had not only foiled Long Min's play but had also carved out a unique space in Su Lihua's guarded heart. This was just the beginning. The Crown Prince was no longer a destined villain; he was a player, and he intended to win.
The acolyte led them to the entrance of the main prayer hall. The doors, crafted from dark, polished wood, stood open, revealing an interior bathed in the soft, golden glow of numerous butter lamps. The air within was even denser with the scent of incense, and the chanting of monks, though still gentle, was now more distinct, a deep, resonant hum that vibrated through the very stones of the temple.
An elderly woman, clad in simple but dignified grey robes, stood at the center of the hall. Her face was a network of fine wrinkles, her eyes ancient and perceptive, holding a profound serenity that seemed to see through all pretense.
This was the Abbess. She bowed deeply as Li Fang and Su Lihua entered, a gesture that conveyed both respect for their station and the quiet authority of her own spiritual realm.
"Your Royal Highness, Lady Su," the Abbess's voice was soft, like the rustle of old silk, yet it carried an undeniable presence.
"Welcome to the Temple of the Jade Lotus. We have been expecting you." Her gaze settled on Li Fang for a moment longer than necessary, a faint, knowing flicker in her ancient eyes before moving to Su Lihua.
"Lady Su, you have endured a trial. May the tranquility of this place offer you solace."
Li Fang's grip on Su Lihua's arm remained light, yet subtly possessive. He offered the Abbess a polite, imperial nod.
"Abbess, your wisdom is renowned. Lady Su has indeed faced a harrowing ordeal. We seek a moment of peace and, perhaps, a blessing for her recovery." His words were smooth, a perfectly crafted facade for his true intentions.
He was here to solidify his image as the protector, to gain the temple's subtle endorsement, and to further entrench himself in Su Lihua's good graces.