Chapter 157: Is Xiao Fu Bao Disliked? The Whole City Loves Me With Their Lives
**Chapter 157: Tang Lingheng**
Suisui was still groggy all morning, not even knowing how she ended up on the carriage. Upon seeing her mother, she instinctively snuggled up to her and soon fell asleep.
Qi Wangfei smiled with affection and concern, gently patting Suisui's back. "Sleep, sleep. Mother is here."
Suisui woke up just as they arrived at Lanrou Temple. The temple was built halfway up the mountain. Concerned about Suisui’s physical strength, Qi Wangfei didn’t climb up herself, fearing the child might feel scared if left alone.
After sitting in the carriage for a bit and letting Suisui wake up fully, Qi Wangfei fed her a couple of pastries before helping her down. Lanrou Temple was vast, sprawling across the hillside. In the temple, everyone was equal, and Qi Wangfei kept a low profile, simply guiding Suisui through.
After visiting the main hall to pay their respects, they heard a monk was giving a sermon, so they went to the western side of the temple grounds where it was being held. The elderly monk’s voice was deep and slow, and his words carried a sense of wisdom and profundity.
Qi Wangfei and Suisui found a spot to sit and listen. Suisui didn’t understand much—these were deep concepts for a young child. However, seeing her mother listening attentively, Suisui sat properly, like a little student, ready to absorb it all.
While listening, some new people arrived nearby. Qi Wangfei glanced over and saw people from the Tang family. She nodded slightly in greeting, as it wasn’t appropriate to converse while the monk was speaking.
Madam Tang, upon seeing Qi Wangfei, also smiled kindly and gestured for her daughter and son to greet her as well. Suisui noticed the movement and turned her head, but seeing only unfamiliar faces, she quickly lost interest and resumed listening.
After the sermon, Qi Wangfei took Suisui to draw lots and consult with a monk about the reading. The lot she drew was exceptionally auspicious, and the monk’s interpretation was somewhat cryptic: “Everything is destined by heaven. Be at peace, benefactor.”
Qi Wangfei, although not explicit about her concerns, still explained her request while drawing the lot. Hearing the monk’s reassurance, her anxiety lessened somewhat, though she wasn’t entirely sure if it was enough to let her sleep peacefully.
After thanking the monk, Qi Wangfei indicated for Suisui to pay her respects as well. The monk courteously returned the gesture and chanted a Buddhist mantra. Suisui, who had never left her village before, was naturally curious about the temple and the monks. She stared at the monk’s bald head, which was shiny like her own had been not long ago, though hers had grown some hair now.
The little girl’s eyes were clear, filled only with innocent curiosity and amazement. The monk, far from feeling offended, smiled gently at her and chanted another mantra.
Feeling somewhat more at ease after the monk's words, Qi Wangfei noted that the dining hall was open for a vegetarian meal. She hadn’t eaten much for breakfast and was quite hungry, plus Suisui had never tasted temple food before.
While heading towards the dining hall, they encountered Madam Tang with her son and daughter. Madam Tang greeted them warmly, and Qi Wangfei returned the gesture with a smile.
During their brief exchange, Madam Tang mentioned, “Little Five was sick recently and has just recovered. I thought it best to come and offer some incense, to pray for his continued health and peace of mind.”
Qi Wangfei, concerned, inquired, “Is he fully recovered now?” Glancing at the young Tang Lingheng, who looked healthy and cheerful, she smiled and said, “He looks well! That’s wonderful. Coming to offer incense is a good idea—I’m here today because I haven’t been sleeping well and wanted to find some peace of mind.”
They exchanged pleasantries, and Madam Tang subtly nudged her daughter, Tang Youqing, forward. However, the young girl seemed uninterested and responded with barely concealed impatience.
Noticing this, Qi Wangfei introduced Suisui in return. Suisui, who had been curiously observing the newcomers, saw the graceful Madam Tang, the tall and beautiful young lady, and the smiling young boy.
Madam Tang, seeing Suisui, warmly complimented her and slipped a gold and jade bracelet onto her wrist as a gift. Suisui, unsure about accepting gifts from others, instinctively shrank back towards her mother and glanced up at her.
Qi Wangfei patted her head with a smile. “Go ahead and accept it. It’s a token of Madam Tang’s kindness.”
Following her mother’s words, Suisui obediently took the bracelet and said sweetly, “Thank you, Madam Tang.”
Madam Tang responded with a gentle smile, and the conversation turned to mundane topics about the city and the weather. However, it seemed like Madam Tang deliberately slowed her pace, making Qi Wangfei feel it would be rude to rush ahead to the dining hall.
The bracelet from Madam Tang was large for Suisui, so she tucked it into the pouch Mengmeng had given her the previous day, which now bulged slightly from the extra weight. Tang Youqing noticed this, her eyes momentarily fixed on Suisui’s actions.
Sensing the stare, Suisui looked up, her face filled with innocent curiosity. Tang Youqing quickly looked away, feigning disinterest.
Meanwhile, Tang Lingheng, with a mischievous grin, made a funny face at Suisui, startling her into widening her eyes. Pretending to be obedient, he then hid behind Madam Tang.
---
"IF YOU LIKE THE TRANSLATIONS, CONSIDER SUPPORTING US ON PATREON."
Comments
Post a Comment