After realizing what had happened, the Zhou family members were all a little embarrassed, especially the young master of the Zhou family. He blushed and bowed to Cheng Ruyi, then apologized, "Thank you for your hospitality today, Madam Cheng. Madam Cheng's skills are extraordinary and have broadened my horizons. On the contrary, I wasted your ingenuity by eating it all in one go. I am truly ashamed!"
Scholars in this era speak in such a complicated way. They must praise the other person first and then belittle themselves in order to appear polite. Over this period of time, Ruyi has figured out their routine and naturally does not take it seriously that her skills are so good.
"Young Master Zhou, you're too kind. These are just some ordinary home-style snacks. It's my honor that they've caught your eye."
However, the Zhou family all seem to be foodies, which makes things simple. She has plenty of creative and imaginative culinary ideas, so it seems she has already found a way to get closer to them!
As if to confirm her thoughts, the young lady of the Zhou family couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Mrs. Cheng, I just heard you say that your family owns a food shop in the county town. May I ask if all these foods can be purchased at your shop?"
Cheng Ruyi looked at the little girl with willow-leaf eyebrows, an oval face, and red lips and white teeth, who was gazing at her expectantly with her big, watery eyes. She couldn't help but sigh in her heart, "The ancients were right when they said that beautiful women are a source of trouble!"
Who could bear to refuse being stared at by such a beautiful girl?
"Ahem! This egg pancake is available for sale in the shop, but the others are just our family's usual snacks and are not sold in the shop..."
Seeing the obvious disappointment on Miss Zhou's face after hearing this, Ruyi suddenly had a sudden urge to speak up: "But if Miss Zhou wants to eat it, you can send someone to let us know, and we can deliver it directly to your residence after it's made!"
"Really?" Zhou Ci had thought she wouldn't have another chance to eat it, but the unexpected turn of events made her smile happily. "Then thank you very much, Madam Cheng!"
"You're welcome..." Could it be that Cheng Yunle's appearance-obsessed traits were inherited from the original owner? Cheng Ruyi realized for the first time that she had no resistance to pretty and well-behaved girls!
Well, she's still a young lady from the Zhou family, so trying to please her should have about the same effect!
After eating and drinking their fill and resting well, the two families continued their journey towards the mountaintop. Although the rest time was a little longer than expected, there was only one-third of the journey left. If they sped up a bit, they could still arrive before noon.
All the way, Cheng Yunle hovered around the young master and young lady of the Zhou family, acting like a little infatuated girl. Fortunately, the Zhou family did not seem annoyed. After Cheng Ruyi tried to persuade her youngest daughter several times but failed, she could only turn a blind eye to it.
Because she knew the two families would definitely separate soon.
Sure enough, in less than half an hour, the Zhou family members' stamina could no longer keep up with the Cheng family's, so the two families "had no choice" to split up.
As expected, the Cheng family members, having quickened their pace, arrived at Dabeisi Temple before noon.
Standing at the temple gate and looking up, the main hall in the distance stands on the towering mountaintop, appearing magnificent and solemn. From time to time, clouds and mist drift down from the sky, making the ancient buildings surrounding the main hall appear and disappear, giving one the feeling of being in a fairyland.
"Thump! Thump! Thump!"
Suddenly, a deep and melodious bell rang out from somewhere, pulling Cheng Ruyi back to reality.
She wasn't particularly interested in things like Buddhist rituals and prayers, so after completing the routine, she made an excuse and slipped away alone.
After leaving the main hall, she deliberately walked towards a less crowded area, and sure enough, she got lost in no time. At this moment, Cheng Ruyi was not nervous at all, but rather very excited. Getting lost in a temple in a novel was almost a guaranteed trigger for special plot events!
Sure enough, after casually passing through a few doorways, she arrived at a quiet courtyard. The vermilion wooden gate was half-closed in the shadow of two ancient, vigorous trees, making the interior appear even more secluded and mysterious, perfectly suited for clandestine transactions.
Of course, she wouldn't be so foolish as to push the door open and go in; if she were to stumble upon something unspeakable, she would really be asking for trouble.
Just as she turned to leave the courtyard, the gate suddenly opened. Ruyi instinctively dodged behind a pillar, and when she glanced at it out of the corner of her eye, she froze on the spot!
How can one describe this perfect couple?
The man wore a snow-white brocade robe and a sable cloak, which outlined his tall and slender figure, though he was slightly thin. The hem and cuffs of his robe were delicately embroidered with silver patterns. His long, dark hair was simply tied up with a white ribbon. He had a pair of warm, jade-like eyes, a sculpted nose, and thin lips. Every gesture he made exuded an air of refined elegance and nobility.
The woman wore a fiery red fox cloak, a light pink cotton-padded jacket with silver trim and a pleated skirt of gold brocade, which made her look graceful and elegant. Her face was as white as jade, her skin as white as snow, and she was extremely beautiful. The ruby phoenix-patterned gold hairpin in her black hair bun shone brightly in the sunlight, showing her nobility.
When Cheng Ruyi came to her senses, she hurriedly turned around and looked, but could only see the two of them disappearing hand in hand at the door.
She had previously thought that people who chose to meet in a place like this must have a clandestine relationship, but the two people just now acted very openly from beginning to end, and their relationship was not only intimate but also very natural. It felt more like an old married couple who had been married for many years.
Moreover, the two men clearly appeared to be wealthy and influential; if they were truly having a secret rendezvous, they would surely be guarded by bodyguards or similar personnel, yet she hadn't encountered any such individuals throughout the entire meeting...
So people just come here to worship Buddha, and then rest in a quiet little courtyard when they get tired?
Well, it seems she was overthinking it.
However, to be fair, those two people, even in the modern entertainment industry, would definitely be considered top-tier actors and actresses, and they have the potential to become top-tier celebrities!
I originally thought that people in ancient times would have difficulty growing up to be good-looking due to their diet and nutrition. After all, I had never met many good-looking people in my childhood.
She was being narrow-minded. The truly good-looking people all live in wealthy families; how could ordinary people possibly have the chance to meet them?
Moreover, they've been pampered since childhood, and their daily lives must be extremely refined. They might even bathe in milk and use pearls for skincare!
Cheng Ruyi once again felt ashamed for underestimating the ancients. This experience broadened her horizons; there are always mountains beyond mountains and people beyond people. It is always better to maintain a sense of awe.
Looking at the sun, she estimated it was almost noon. Remembering that she had arranged to have a vegetarian meal with her family at the charity hall near the entrance, she quickly walked towards the main hall.
Along the way, there were few tourists, and the place was quiet and peaceful. There were towering ancient trees, pine and cypress trees, lush bamboo, and green grass everywhere. If one stayed here for a while, it would be very peaceful and leisurely. I wonder if I could see through the secrets of heaven and find the way home by being surrounded by the fragrance of incense for a long time?
Although she appears to be adapting to life here positively, if she could go back, she would leave immediately without the slightest hesitation!
“Amitabha! Everything has a cause and an effect. All things in the world are predetermined. You might as well go with the flow, keep your true heart, and the laws of nature are clear and cause and effect are cyclical. Time will give you the answer.”
Cheng Ruyi was startled by the sudden sound. She immediately turned around and saw an old monk in a red robe standing behind her, smiling kindly at her.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind, and she asked, "Excuse me, are you Master Lingjue?"
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