Looking at the majestic and solemn temple before him, An Ke couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reverence.
"An'an also wants to light incense, and after that, pray for blessings. She can also ask for a peace charm." Of course, adults want it all, but An'an doesn't even need to think about it.
"Qing'er will come too." Qing'er believed in these things, so naturally she would offer incense and pray. Besides, An Ke was going too. Perfect, she could go with An Ke to ask for a peace charm.
An Ke smiled happily at Qing'er, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons. Even Fu Heng, who was usually stern and unsmiling by the Emperor's side, found An Ke's appearance rather endearing. It was a pity that his son was already married; otherwise, he would have certainly encouraged him to try and win her over.
Xiao Yanzi pouted; she didn't want to go to the incense offering ceremony and wanted to wander around. But judging from Ziwei's expression, it seemed she wanted to go with the Emperor. Xiao Yanzi forcibly suppressed her inner desire.
"Master, why don't we go with you to offer incense?" Ziwei said with a kind smile.
Master Ai looked around and, seeing that no one was shaking their head in opposition, waved his hand and led a large group of people to offer incense.
Abbot Yuanhui of Longshan Temple strode over. It had been many years since Abbot Yuanhui had proactively come out to receive people. According to him, he was in seclusion to study Buddhist scriptures and comprehend the profound truths of life. This was the first time in nearly three years that the abbot had come out to greet someone.
Master Ai was also quite excited. He had long heard of Abbot Yuanhui of Longshan Temple. Years ago, he had heard that the abbot was charitable and had rescued many displaced people. Later, he heard that the abbot was incredibly insightful, able to predict a person's fortunes. Master Ai had then considered sending someone to bring the abbot to the Forbidden City to have his fortune told. However, he learned that the abbot had gone into seclusion. He was quite disappointed for a long time. But unexpectedly, he would encounter the abbot during his travels; it was truly a matter of fate.
"Honored guest, please follow this old monk." Abbot Yuanhui had a kind face and a genuinely benevolent demeanor befitting a monk. His speech was also steady and measured.
Master Ai and Abbot Yuan Hui walked in front, followed closely by An Ke and Qing'er. Fu Heng and Fu Lun followed An Ke and Qing'er. Yong Qi could have walked behind Master Ai, but seeing the Shu Fang Zhai team at the very back, he decisively chose to be last.
He took the incense from the young monk beside him, followed the master in a devout bow, and personally placed the incense sticks in the burner. While offering incense, Anke also donated a gold ingot as incense money. Then he put his hands together and silently prayed in his heart: hoping that the people would live in peace and prosperity, and that all the people he cared about would live long, healthy, and happy lives.
After respectfully offering incense, Ertai saw the princess donate money for incense oil, and he followed suit. He then clasped his hands together and silently prayed: "May the princess enjoy lasting happiness and good health, and may all her wishes be fulfilled."
As soon as Mr. Ai turned his head, he saw the handsome men and beautiful women in front of the donation box. If it were anyone else, Mr. Ai would certainly be delighted, but since this pig was rooting for his own cabbage, Mr. Ai's mood wasn't so pleasant. He coughed loudly, drawing everyone's attention to himself.
"It's getting late. Those who need to get amulets should hurry up and do so. We need to leave." These words were spoken to An Ke. An Ke naturally understood, but she didn't know what was wrong with her uncle.
Just as An Ke was about to leave, Abbot Yuan Hui called out to her. "Benefactor, please wait."
An Ke turned around and looked at the abbot with a puzzled expression. "Abbot, are you calling me?" She shouldn't have any connection with this abbot, so why was he calling her?
The abbot, with an inscrutable expression, smiled and said, "May I ask if this old monk may perform a divination for you, benefactor?"
Looking at his niece, Master Ai could only sigh at her good fortune. Abbot Yuanhui's divination always relied solely on fate. It was just like his often-quoted saying: everything comes down to fate.
Although puzzled, Anke nodded; she knew of the abbot's reputation. Could he really possess such profound spiritual power, capable of knowing the past and future?
A crowd gathered around them, and the abbot spoke up politely, "The flowers on the back mountain of the temple are in bloom. If any of you have time, you may go for a stroll on the back mountain." Hearing the abbot's words, the perceptive young monks quickly surrounded them, eagerly offering to lead the way.
Master Ai naturally knew that the abbot wanted to send everyone away so he could have a divination done for An'an alone, so he said directly without allowing any refusal, "Since the abbot says so, let's all go to the back mountain to take a look."
Little Swallow was overjoyed. She had wanted to wander around as soon as she got off the carriage, but she was dragged here to offer incense. She had thought she wouldn't have a chance to visit the back mountain, but she hadn't expected to have such a wonderful opportunity. She looked at the abbot with gratitude.
Qing'er was also filled with excitement, not because she was excited to go to the back mountain, but because she was happy to see her good friend get such a great opportunity.
Ertai was also somewhat surprised, not expecting the abbot to perform divination for the princess. He wondered if the divination would bring good fortune or bad luck… Thinking this, Ertai quickly lowered his head, adopting a meek and submissive demeanor. His long eyelashes concealed the emotions in his eyes.
Ziwei bit her lip, seemingly unwilling. But then, as if remembering something, she happily followed the master to the back mountain.
After the main group had left, the abbot led Anke to a nearby room, the very place where he had previously secluded himself for meditation. The room was clean and elegant, with sandalwood incense burning in the incense burner, a tranquil scent that soothed the mind.
The abbot sat at the low table and invited An Ke to sit down, pouring her a steaming cup of tea. He then spoke, “Your status is noble, and you possess knowledge of the future. I hope you can skillfully utilize your knowledge and learning; this would truly be a blessing to the people.”
From the moment the abbot spoke of knowing the future, An Ke became wary, her body stiffening slightly. Could this abbot really be a fortune teller? After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Could it be that Master knew all along that we would be coming to your temple today?"
"Everything in this world is about fate. Perhaps I have some kind of connection with you, benefactor!" the abbot said vaguely.
“If the master speaks of fate, why not elaborate further?” Anke said cautiously.
“There’s no need for you to be too nervous, benefactor. I’ve only foreseen some things, just predicted that something big might happen in the future, and the turning point for this matter lies with you.” After saying this, the abbot put his hands together and said respectfully, “I hope you will do more good deeds and always bless the people.”
An Ke's eyes flickered with surprise at the abbot's words. "I have remembered what the abbot said."
"Heaven will bless you. You will have a smooth and prosperous life, and all your wishes will come true." After saying this, the abbot said nothing more and simply saw Anke out.
Anke wanted to ask if there would be any more misfortunes in her life, but she didn't ask. Whether it's good fortune or misfortune, it's something she had to experience in her life, so why ask? Wouldn't asking only add to her troubles?
Anke walked step by step to the tree adorned with red ribbons. Looking at those bright red ribbons, filled with the wishes of ordinary families, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
At this moment, a handsome young monk approached, holding a peace talisman in his hands. "Esteemed benefactor, this is a peace talisman given to you by the abbot. This talisman has already been blessed by the abbot. May you live a peaceful and worry-free life."
Anke accepted the amulet, thanked the young monk, and asked him to convey her gratitude to the abbot. The young monk then left after completing his task.
Anke looked at the rather plain-looking amulet in her hand and silently hung it around her waist. She then walked to the table next to her, looking at the writing brush, inkstone, and bright red cloth strip beside it.
An Ke, in high spirits, picked up his brush and wrote: "May the Great Qing Dynasty be prosperous and peaceful, may the people live and work in peace and contentment, and may the rivers be clear and the seas calm." After finishing writing, he enthusiastically used his light-footed skills to hang the strip of cloth on the highest tree branch.
Anke observed the scene under the tree for a few more moments before Master Ai returned with a large entourage. Upon seeing Anke, Master Ai hurried over.
"An'an is truly a blessed person!" Master Ai began by praising her, showing off to his ministers.
Fu Heng and the officials brought by the Emperor immediately understood and echoed, "Yes, Abbot Yuan Hui hasn't come out to divine for many years. The Princess is truly a blessed person."
The Emperor was delighted to hear his ministers' flattery, but he didn't ask anything. An Ke had thought his uncle would press for details. Unexpectedly, his uncle said, "Isn't it said that heavenly secrets should not be revealed? Well, I'd better not ask."
An Ke glanced at Qing'er, who was looking curious, but Qing'er remained silent. Seeing this, An Ke raised an eyebrow. This was fine; it saved her from not knowing what to say to them.
Master Ai started the conversation again, changing the subject. "Looking at the scenery of this temple, I'm reminded of a riddle. You girls, try to guess it together." Master Ai held a folding fan, his face full of smiles.
Little Swallow was the first to jump out. "Riddles? I can't do that. But Ziwei, she definitely can." As Little Swallow spoke, she tried to put her arm around the master's shoulder.
The master naturally pushed away Xiao Yanzi's hand with his folding fan and gave a stern "hmm".
Little Swallow gave an awkward laugh and then took the old man's arm with her hand. This time, the old man did not push her away.
Yongqi, who was following behind the master, came to Xiaoyanzi's rescue. "Master, stop with the riddles. If you keep giving riddles, Xiaoyanzi's brain will start getting all tangled up again."
Qing'er asked Yongqi with a smile, "How did you know?"
Yongqi smiled helplessly. "I go to school with her every day, how could I not know?"
Master Ji walked out with a pipe in hand and said, "This Little Swallow has three bodyguards at school. Even Benjamin is helping her. She's always making me so angry I'm practically fuming. She's really something else!"
Benjamin said modestly, "How could I possibly help her? I always get scolded by her after class."
Just as Xiao Yanzi was about to defend herself, she saw the master glare at her angrily, raise his folding fan, and tap her on the head. Xiao Yanzi released her grip on the master's arm. Everyone burst into laughter, even An Ke had a faint smile on her lips.
Ziwei stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, everyone stop interrupting. Let Master tell you about this riddle."
"Uncle, your riddle isn't too difficult, is it?" Anke asked, taking the old man's arm.
“Not difficult, not difficult at all, very simple.” The old man answered Anke’s question with a smile in his eyes. “With An’an’s intelligence, this riddle is a piece of cake.”
"Then Uncle, please speak." Hearing the old man praise her like this, An Ke happily narrowed her eyes.
"Listen up, everyone!" The old man, holding a folding fan, looked around at everyone present. "Pointed at both ends, white at both ends, sparse and layered. Guess four things, each one is the same."
When the master posed the riddle, Anke had already guessed it. However, Anke was still observing the reactions of the others. Little Swallow looked left and right.
Her eyes darted around, and she said happily to the master, "I guessed it!"
Benjamin scratched his head in disbelief. "So fast? I haven't even thought about it yet."
I suppose this is the first time the master has seen Little Swallow so enthusiastic, he asked with a smile, "Oh, then tell me your answer."
"Sir, this riddle sounds like one that I, Little Swallow, came up with, not one that you did," Little Swallow said with a smug look on her face.
The old man looked puzzled and completely bewildered. "Why?"
"These two pointed ends are rat droppings, these two white ends are chicken droppings. Sparse ones are sheep droppings, and layers upon layers are cow droppings," Little Swallow said, still somewhat smug.
Upon hearing this, the old man picked up his folding fan and fanned himself. "Where did all this shit come from? It stinks, it stinks!"
Yongqi stepped in to smooth things over. "Thinking about it this way, it makes a lot of sense, the more I think about it, the more sense it makes."
Qing'er came out with a smile and said, "I'll guess too, but the answer might be different. Two pointed ends are date pits, two white ends are eyes. Sparse ones are stars in the sky, and layers upon layers are a scripture."
After Qing'er finished speaking, everyone applauded, and Master Ji was full of admiration. "That's a truly talented woman's answer! It's not only ingenious but also rhymes."
"Yes, yes! Why don't you guess, An'an?" the old man agreed, and then asked An'an to guess as well.
“My answer is different from Qing’er’s,” An Ke said slowly. “The two pointed ends are the eaves of the temple, the two white ends are the clouds in the sky. The sparse ones are the shadows of trees, and the layers upon layers are the steps.”
The master was the first to applaud, using his folding fan to clap. "Not only does it rhyme, but it's also very fitting for the occasion! An'an and Qing'er truly deserve to be called children of the Aisin Gioro family! They are both so talented."
"Uncle, you're exaggerating a bit," Anke said, unusually modest.
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