Beneath the century-old Bodhi tree at Lingguang Temple, a young man dressed in white stood quietly, his face filled with sorrow, his hand constantly fiddling with a string of prayer beads.
Although his eyes were covered by a thin veil, his face was incomparably handsome.
The Bodhi tree is called a sacred tree in Buddhism because, according to legend, Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
Therefore, people often believe that standing under the Bodhi tree can lead to enlightenment and a transcendent state of being.
From the distant halls, melodious music drifted out from time to time, soothing the soul.
The monk Huixian spotted a familiar figure in the distance, who slowly walked towards him and asked with concern,
"Young Master Zhiyan, it's been a long time. Why are you standing alone under the tree, lost in thought? Is something troubling you?"
The young man in white turned the Buddhist prayer beads in his hand and asked the monk Huixian beside him.
"Buddha said everything is due to cause and effect. Old monk, do you think it's possible for a person to be reborn?"
Upon hearing this, the monk Huixian's eyes showed surprise. He clasped his hands together, his expression respectful, and said...
"What is life? What is death? Life and death are merely processes within the cycle of reincarnation. You only need to be optimistic, accept your fate, and let nature take its course!"
"In my previous life... I once wronged a woman."
Now that God has given me another chance, perhaps it's so I can repay her?
Monk Huixian was startled. He carefully examined the familiar person in front of him, and an ominous feeling welled up in his heart. He took a step closer and asked in a soft voice,
"Young Master Zhiyan, you could not possibly have already...?"
“I already knew when the sun fell into the water that day. As you said, life is death, and death is life.”
Upon hearing this, the monk Huixian frowned and sighed softly.
"Everything is destiny, Amitabha!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the figure disappeared into the distance, leaving behind a handsome and dashing figure standing under the Bodhi tree.
A spring breeze swept by, scattering petals from the Bodhi tree, some landing in the hands of the white-robed young man. He picked up a cluster of petals and murmured...
"Qianqian, in my past life, I wronged you. Time has passed, and you have returned to my side."
This time, I promise I will not let you down again!
Outside the gate of Lingguang Temple, the carriage of the Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion had just arrived. Han Ying and his servants carried the prepared offerings into the main hall one by one.
Before the Buddhist ceremony begins, guests must first bathe and fast, and male and female guests will eat vegetarian food in separate rooms.
Therefore, as soon as they got off the carriage, Chen Jinheng and Gu Qianluo were led by the young monk to different rooms to wait.
"Madam, I will come to see you after the fast is over. Be good and wait for me in the side room."
After saying that, Chen Jinheng took a jade pendant from behind him and tied it around Gu Qianluo's waist.
Gu Qianlu raised an eyebrow, looking in surprise at the jade pendant at her waist engraved with the three characters "Chen Jinheng".
"Is this your personal jade pendant? You've given it to me, what will you do with it?"
Seeing the worry in her eyes, the man raised his hand and brushed her forehead, sneering.
"Silly girl, is there anyone here who doesn't recognize this general? But you, you're so calm!"
"We're about to welcome the Emperor, so take it easy!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo looked surprised and exclaimed.
"You didn't tell me yesterday that His Majesty would be coming?"
"Not only will His Majesty be here, but the Empress Dowager and the Empress will also be coming. By the way, they said they really want to see you properly this time!"
"Oh? Well, then I'll go to the main hall and see if there's anything I can help with. I need to do my best."
"Heh, those things can be done by the servants, why are you worrying about them?"
Gu Qianlu snorted coldly and looked up at the servants who were cleaning inside the main hall.
"My mother told me that the most important thing in worshipping Buddha is sincerity."
Look at their expressions; most of them are just there to get by. How could they possibly be thinking about praying for their master?
Some things, only by doing them personally can one truly demonstrate one's sincerity!
"Good, good! My wife is virtuous! Remember to be careful not to be bullied by the other women!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianlu smiled, took out a jade pendant from her waist, and said proudly,
“With my husband’s jade pendant in my hand, who would dare to bully me?”
My general is notoriously ferocious!
Seeing her flatter him so blatantly, Chen Jinheng's cold eyes suddenly lit up, and he smiled wryly.
"With such praise from you, my wife, I must work even harder!"
As the two were chatting and laughing, a eunuch's announcement came from outside the main hall of Lingguang Temple: "The Emperor has arrived!"
Hearing the sound, the two looked towards the gate. Gu Qianlu nudged Chen Jinheng's arm and softly reminded him,
"The Emperor has arrived? Shouldn't my husband go forward to greet him?"
The man glanced at her reluctantly, tidied a strand of hair behind her ear, and said coldly,
"Of course I'll go. I'll go first. Take good care of yourself, Luo'er."
"Yes, no worries. I'm not a child, I'll be fine."
Watching the man's departing figure, Gu Qianluo's gaze burned with intensity. Remembering everything Chen Jinheng had done for her, her affection for him surged. She snorted coldly.
"It seems that this Chen Jinheng has quite the gentlemanly demeanor!"
Last night I was buried in his arms, and he didn't even lift a finger around my neck.
"Hmm, he's a good man who knows how to control himself!"
Gu Qianlu muttered this to herself, but another voice flashed through her mind.
"Gu Qianluo, weren't you hurt enough by men in your previous life?"
All crows are black; he only said a few sweet words to you, and you were won over by him?
Aren't you afraid he'll treat you like the Second Prince did?
Gu Qianluo! Wake up!
Sure enough, as soon as she turned her gaze, she saw the man who had just been being affectionate with her turn around and had his arm linked with that of a young-looking woman.
Hmph! I really shouldn't have any expectations of him.
From a distance, Chen Jinheng's gaze was cold and his face was reserved, but he did not deliberately avoid being close to the woman, letting her lean against him.
The woman's eyebrows were curved, and her gentle smile was stunning.
She wore a golden phoenix crown inlaid with jewels and a magnificent red phoenix robe, the hem of which was embroidered with exquisite phoenixes and blooming flowers in gold and silver threads, revealing her noble temperament.
The man glanced at Gu Qianluo out of the corner of his eye and noticed her disgusted look. His gaze darkened, and he pretended to turn around and talk to someone else before shaking off the woman's hand.
Seeing this, Gu Qianlu frowned, her lips twitched, and she sneered, "This man has a strong survival instinct!"
Xiao Cui was arranging the fruit offerings when she walked towards Gu Qianluo.
Seeing her standing there motionless, Xiao Cui couldn't help but feel curious and looked in the direction her gaze was directed.
"Miss! Who is that girl holding the young master's arm?"
"It is Princess Zhiya, the Emperor's most beloved youngest daughter, who has been in love with Chen Jinheng since childhood."
"Miss, don't worry, you're much prettier than that Princess Zhiya!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Qianluo narrowed her eyes slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and asked in return,
"Who said I was worried? I just wanted to see the beauty!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
