Returning to Secular Life

Jiaojiao, the youngest daughter of the Prince of Hengyang, is sent by her father to practice lay Buddhism at Wenshan Temple after several young noblemen get into a brawl over her.

On her first day at the temple, she encounters a monk sweeping snow on the back hill.

He is aloof and handsome, dressed in monastic robes like an immortal descended to earth, untouched by worldly concerns.

On her second day at the temple, she decides she will have him.

She fusses over him while he sweeps snow.

She waits by his side while he worships the Buddha.

She is everywhere, leaving no opening untouched, until at last the immortal falls for her and the Buddha's disciple breaks his vows.

That day, he kneels before the Buddha until the flesh on both knees is raw and bloody, finally persuading his master to let him return to secular life.

When Jiaojiao comes to collect him, she is deeply moved too, and vows to treat him well for the rest of her life.

But even the most eventful story eventually settles into an ordinary life. Once he takes off his monk's robes and starts counting every coin spent on food and necessities, she suddenly loses interest.

The day they part, he wears plain clothes, his eyes red as he says each word slowly: "Chen Jiaojiao, don't let me see you again."

The late emperor dies, and the new emperor takes the throne. Everyone in the Prince of Hengyang's family except Jiaojiao is thrown into prison.

Jiaojiao seeks help everywhere to save her family, but every door is shut in her face.

In the end, an old friend of her father's can't bear to see her keep running around and points her toward a way out:

"The new emperor once practiced at Wenshan Temple too. Perhaps you could appeal to him directly.

By the way, his knees aren't in good shape. Remember to bring him a pair of knee pads when you go. It would be a small token of your concern."

That very night, Jiaojiao goes to see the man she once loved and then abandoned.

Purpose: Stay positive and live life in the sunshine