Could it be that the loss of appetite occurred during the illness, and the appetite only rebounded after recovery?
Jiang Huaiyu calmed herself down and suppressed the urge to eat more.
...
The next morning, to avoid the scorching midday sun, Jiang Huaiyu and the other two set off early.
Yingxiang prepared a lot of delicious food, including candied fruit, fruit, tea and snacks. When leaving the city, she also bought Jiang Huaiyu her favorite thin-skinned tofu buns from a street vendor.
As Deng Shen drove the carriage, a steamed bun dangling from his mouth, he mumbled, "I am very familiar with Lion Ridge. There is a little-known Taoist temple on the mountain. Although it is not very popular, it is extremely efficacious. Miss has gone through many hardships. I will take you there to pray for peace and good fortune later."
Yingxiang leaned forward and asked, "Since the incense isn't burning brightly, how can you be so sure of its efficacy?"
Deng Shen shook his head with a hint of mystery, his tone revealing an unbelievable legendary quality, "You probably can't imagine the twists and turns of this. I was an orphan since childhood and wandered the streets and alleys. Once, I accidentally broke into that quiet Taoist temple and stole the offerings on the altar."
Unexpectedly, the Taoist priest in the temple didn't get angry with me. Instead, he warmly took me in for a year, providing me with food and clothing and teaching me to read and write. Eventually, he even offered to take me as his disciple, but I felt that being a Taoist priest was too lonely, so I politely declined his offer. Who could have imagined that I would later be tricked by human traffickers and unwittingly sign a contract of servitude…
After hearing this, Yingxiang said with deep emotion, "It sounds like that Taoist priest is a truly kind person. He lives in seclusion deep in the mountains, and he might really be a reclusive master. It's a pity that you didn't cherish this kindness back then. I heard that before you met him, you couldn't even get a full meal on the street. If you had chosen to become a Taoist priest back then, you wouldn't have suffered so much."
Deng Shen chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If a Taoist priest can't marry and have children, and spends his entire life cultivating and seeking the Tao, what fun is there in that?"
"Hmph! They talk about these things all the time, don't they feel ashamed!"
"Sister Yingxiang, you were the one who brought this up first, so why are you blaming me now?"
Jiang Huaiyu sat in the carriage, listening with a smile to their banter. She admired the scenery through the window, her mood brightening. About an hour later, they arrived at the foot of Lion Ridge, just as the sun was rising above the horizon.
This is the perfect time to go into the mountains.
The three of them, master and servants, slowly climbed up the winding forest path. Although the wildflowers had faded, the grass on both sides of the path was lush and vibrant, and the trees in the forest were verdant and lush. Under the sunlight, the distant mountains were clearly outlined, stretching and undulating, like a beautiful landscape painting.
The three walked for about half an hour. Jiang Huaiyu felt a little tired, so she found a smooth rock to sit down and rest. Yingxiang immediately took out a kettle and poured her a cup of spring water.
Deng Shen looked around and said with a smile, "Just around this ridge is the Taoist temple. Young lady, would you like to go and see its splendor?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and replied, "Since you're here, it's only right that you offer incense. You can also visit the Taoist priest who was kind to you."
After a short rest, the three resumed their journey. About fifteen minutes later, they finally found the Taoist temple Deng Shen had mentioned. Hidden halfway up the mountain, it wasn't easy to find. The three followed Deng Shen, turning left and right, even going astray at one point, before finally finding the correct path.
Deng Shen said apologetically, "It's been so long, and my memory has become hazy. I've caused you so much trouble..."
Jiang Huaiyu waved his hand lightly and smiled, "It's alright. Although this area is sparsely populated, its scenery is more beautiful than other places."
The Taoist temple in front of us is not grand. It has a square courtyard, blue tiles and mud walls, and looks more like an ordinary house.
"Is this really a Taoist temple?" Yingxiang asked with some doubt.
Deng Shen scratched his head and explained, "I'm not lying, this really is a Taoist temple. It's just that because it's located in a remote area, most of the people who come here are villagers from the foot of Lion Ridge, so the incense offerings aren't very plentiful, and the temple doesn't look very grand..."
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled and said, "There are often reclusive masters in the world. We'll find out once we go in and take a look."
The three of them stepped into the Taoist temple, and as soon as they reached the entrance, they heard the sounds of fierce fighting, with swords clashing, coming from inside.
Yingxiang's expression changed drastically, and she hurriedly grabbed Jiang Huaiyu's arm, "Miss, it's quite unsafe here, let's leave as soon as possible!"
Deng Shen, looking remorseful, stood in front of Jiang Huaiyu and said guiltily, "It's all my fault for being so careless. I was so eager to see the Taoist priest that I forgot to scout the way beforehand!"
Over the long years, who knows what changes have occurred to this Taoist temple during this time?
If his suggestion puts Jiang Huaiyu in danger, he would rather take the fatal blow himself!
Just as the two were preparing to protect Jiang Huaiyu and evacuate, the fighting inside the Taoist temple suddenly stopped.
One of them laughed and said, "Fine, don't scare away my VIP. I admit defeat today!"
Upon hearing the voice, Deng Shen's face lit up with joy, and he exclaimed excitedly, "It's the Taoist priest!"
Before he could finish speaking, two figures appeared in the doorway.
A figure dressed in white, with black hair flowing down his shoulders, stood in this secluded mountain courtyard, like a visitor from the celestial realm.
Another man, dressed in a slightly worn blue Taoist robe with a flowing beard, smiled and bowed to the group, warmly inviting them: "Since you have come from afar, if you do not come inside for a look, you might incur the wrath of the Ancestral Master. Why not come in?"
The man in white said disdainfully, "Master Qiu, you've really struck gold today. These are VIPs who are generous spenders, unlike your ordinary villagers. Even if you use all your skills, you might not be able to get much money."
Master Qiu angrily blew on his beard and said indignantly, "Don't undermine me! These past few years, the temple's incense offerings have been sparse, and every time you come, you eat and drink extravagantly, even taking my winter food reserves. If I weren't struggling financially, would I be so humble as to solicit worshippers?"
The man in white ignored his complaints, gently pushed him aside, and then gestured with his hand, saying politely, "Please come in."
Jiang Huaiyu met his gaze and nodded with a smile.
The two walked ahead, and she asked curiously, "What are you doing here?"
The young man in plain clothes was none other than Ling Mo. He smiled and explained, "Master Qiu and my master have a long-standing friendship, and I also have a deep friendship with him. Therefore, I come here to stay for a few days every year."
"I see." Master Qiu was speechless as he witnessed the familiar way the two were behaving.
"You...you actually know each other?"
He stamped his foot impatiently, eager to catch up, "Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling, when did you meet such a beautiful lady, without even telling me, an elder? If it comes to marriage compatibility, who in the world can compare to me? Come quickly, let me divine your marriage destiny..."
Ling Mo frowned slightly, his face darkening. "Don't talk nonsense. This young lady... is already married!"
Young lady? Already married?
Master Qiu was once again dumbfounded.
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