Chapter 372 Going to Huguo Temple Again
Half an hour later, a large carriage of extraordinary size and luxurious decoration, escorted by the imperial guards, slowly drove away from the majestic palace walls and headed steadily towards the Huguo Temple on the outskirts of the capital.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious, filled with children's laughter.
Wen Li'er was wearing a smoky-colored skirt with a green willow pattern today. The simple and elegant color made her skin look whiter than snow, and her temperament was gentle and soft.
She was holding Miaomiao in her arms. The little girl had her big black eyes open, trying to pull at the car window, looking out curiously.
Yan Shixu hugged Tiantian.
The little fellow snuggled docilely in his arms, one of his little hands unconsciously wrapped around the bright yellow tassel hanging from the jade pendant at his waist.
Xiaoxiao was like an energetic little monkey, twisting his butt on the brocade cushion, sometimes clinging to his father's knees, sometimes slumping over to his mother's side, looking up at his little face, and asking questions one after another like a machine gun:
"Father, Father, is Huguo Temple the place with so many huge, golden Buddhas?"
"Should we go and thank the Buddha and Bodhisattva for blessing our father to drive away the enemy and return home safely?"
"Mother, did you go to the Huguo Temple last night?"
“…….
Wen Li'er looked at Xiaoxiao's excited little face and reached out to straighten his crooked collar.
"Yes, Xiaoxiao, there are many Buddha statues enshrined in the Huguo Temple. We have come here today specifically to fulfill our vows. We thank the Buddha and Bodhisattva for their mercy and for blessing your father, your uncle and aunt, Lord Su, General Luo, and many other soldiers to return safely."
When Miaomiao heard her mother talking, she turned around and imitated her mother, repeating in a baby voice:
"Buddha...bless...peace...peace..."
That childish and lovely look made Yan Shixu laugh uncontrollably, and he bent down and kissed her smooth little face.
Tiantian still stayed quietly in her father's arms, but she raised her big, clear eyes, first looked at her father's resolute profile, then looked at her mother's gentle smile, and finally her gaze fell on the chirping owl. She pursed her lips slightly, still without making a sound.
Yan Shixu looked at the warmth and laughter surrounding his wife and children in the carriage, and recalled the heavy depression he felt when he left the palace a year ago. He felt a mixture of emotions and was extremely excited.
He stretched out his other big hand, tightly grasped Wen Li'er's soft hand on his knee, and squeezed it.
The carriage rumbled forward, passing through the bustling and noisy streets of the imperial capital and gradually entering the suburbs.
In the distance, the mountains are green and the grass is lush and verdant.
The carriage finally stopped steadily in a flat and open area at the foot of the mountain.
Yan Shixu was the first to jump off the carriage nimbly, turned around, stretched out his hands, and picked up Wen Li'er.
Zhang Sicheng held Tiantian and Qiuying held Miaomiao.
Yan Shixu lifted Xiaoxiao up high and let him sit steadily on his broad shoulders.
"Father—so tall!"
Xiaoxiao's vision suddenly widened, and he cheered, then his little hands tightly hugged his father's neck.
Looking up, the 999 bluestone steps are like a pious path, winding upwards as if reaching the sky.
Yan Shixu held the excited Xiaoxiao firmly on his shoulder with one hand, and held Wen Lier's hand tightly with the other hand, and climbed up step by step along the ancient stone steps.
The sunlight penetrates the dense branches and leaves, casting mottled and dancing light and shadows.
The mountain breeze blows gently, bringing with it the unique freshness of the mountains and forests, as well as the faint scent of sandalwood wafting from the distant temples.
The owl riding on his father's shoulder was so excited that he danced with joy, pointing at the birds that suddenly flew through the woods and chirping and asking questions non-stop.
Miaomiao leaned on Qiuying's shoulder, opened her eyes wide, and looked at the lush greenery around her curiously.
Tiantian's little face was calm, as if nothing around him could disturb him.
As they climbed up, except for Wen Li'er's rapid breathing, everyone else walked steadily.
Yan Shixu felt sorry for her and wanted to carry her on his back, but Wen Li'er firmly refused.
Her reason was the same as last time: the stairs leading to the Buddha can only be shown to be pious if one walks up them step by step with sincerity.
When I finally stepped onto the last stone step, the heavy, ancient, and vermilion-painted gate of Huguo Temple suddenly appeared before my eyes.
The entire temple is bathed in the warm afternoon sunshine, making it even more solemn and dignified.
Completely different from the quiet and mysterious atmosphere when I visited late at night a year ago, the temple gates are now wide open, pilgrims are coming and going, Buddhist chants are lingering, and the air is filled with the peaceful atmosphere of human life.
A young monk was holding a broom, sweeping the fallen leaves in front of the door attentively and gently.
Wen Lier recognized him at a glance as the young master who opened the door and led the way for them that night.
The little monk also saw them, and especially when his eyes met Wen Li'er, a hint of understanding and respect flashed in his eyes.
He quickly put down the broom, clasped his hands together, and walked quickly forward.
"Amitabha. A distinguished guest has arrived. The abbot is already waiting in the meditation room. Please follow me."
Yan Shixu and Wen Li'er exchanged a glance, each seeing a hint of understanding and emotion in the other's eyes.
It was truly miraculous that Master Void had once again predicted their arrival.
The family followed the young monk through several towering palaces filled with smoke and the sound of Buddhist chants.
The huge golden Buddha statue looks solemn and majestic, looking down at all living beings with compassion.
Xiaoxiao, who was riding on his father's shoulders, couldn't help but quiet down, looking at the huge Buddha statues and colorful murals with curiosity and a bit of awe.
Once again, I came to the simple and quiet Zen room located deep in the temple.
The young monk knocked gently on the door: "Master, the distinguished guest has arrived."
"Come in."
The door of the Zen room opened, and Master Xuwu was sitting cross-legged on a cushion. His beard and eyebrows were all white, his face was gaunt, but his eyes were still clear and bright, with compassion and wisdom that saw through everything.
His eyes slowly swept over Yan Shixu, Wen Li'er, and the three children they brought with them.
Finally, he stayed on the quiet Tiantian for two moments, with a faint smile on his face.
That smile has a special meaning.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty." Master Xuwu nodded slightly in greeting.
Yan Shixu and Wen Li'er quickly put their hands together and returned the greeting with a respectful attitude.
"Master, there's no need to be so polite."
Yan Shixu said solemnly, "Li'er and I have come here today with our child to express our gratitude to the Buddha and the Master for their protection that day. Thanks to the Buddha's mercy and the Master's assistance, my soldiers and I were able to return safely, saving our country from danger. I have come here to fulfill my vow and express my sincerity."
"Amitabha, well done, well done."
Master Xuwu clasped his hands together and said, "Your Majesty and the Empress are sincere, and the Buddha will surely bless you. Your family has returned safely, and the country has been saved from danger. This is a blessing for all mankind, and it is also the result of Your Majesty's benevolence and the Empress's sincerity. I dare not take credit for it."
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