Qinniang also wanted to go, but was persuaded not to because she had to take care of Chebao.
Su Ruojin and Zhao Jingning, under the pretext of fulfilling a vow, set off for Tianning Temple with a large entourage of guards.
As always, Tianning Temple was bustling with worshippers, who knelt and offered incense in turn, their hands clasped together as they expressed their wishes, their faces filled with piety.
The red walls and yellow tiles complement the ancient trees of unknown age in the Taoist temple, and the sound of bells echoes from time to time, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Upon receiving the news, Master Qingxuan came out to greet him, saying, "This humble Taoist greets Layman Zhao."
Then he saw Su Ruojin standing next to Zhao Jingning and asked, "May I ask, Layman Zhao, what is this layman's name?"
Zhao Jingning introduced, "This is my cousin, her surname is Su."
"So it's Layman Su. My apologies for not being here sooner. Please come in, both of you. My master is currently in seclusion and it is unknown when he will emerge."
Master Qingxuan was about forty years old. He wore a blue Taoist robe and his hair was neatly combed, giving him an air of otherworldly elegance.
Zhao Jingning introduced to Su Ruojin that Master Qingxuan was the eldest disciple of Master Tianyi, and that Master Qingxuan was in charge of most affairs of the Taoist temple.
“Thank you, Daoist Master. My grandfather has recovered, and my cousin and I have come to the temple to fulfill our vow. We dare not disturb Daoist Master Tianyi,” Zhao Jingning said.
"May you enjoy boundless longevity and blessings. Elder Zhao is truly a person of profound fortune. This way, please."
Master Qingxuan led the way, guiding Zhao Jingning and Su Ruojin to the guest rooms of the Taoist temple. He bowed and said, "You two have had a long journey. Please rest for the night and we can fulfill our vows tomorrow."
Zhao Jingning and Su Ruojin returned the greeting, "That's wonderful, thank you for your trouble, Daoist Master."
Xing'er, Zhao Jingning's head maid, stepped forward and handed a silver note to Daoist Qingxuan, saying, "This is a little money from my young lady for Daoist Qingxuan. Please accept it."
Master Qingxuan accepted the gift with a smile, without any hesitation. "In that case, I thank you, Layman Zhao. I will not disturb you two any longer. Farewell."
After Master Qingxuan left, Zhao Jingning walked mysteriously to Su Ruojin's side and asked in a low voice, "Sister Jin, did you notice anything wrong? Is this Master Qingxuan a bad person?"
Su Ruojin was both amused and exasperated. What was her cousin Ning up to?
"Cousin, there's no one in this room, you don't need to speak so softly."
Zhao Jingning continued to lower her voice, "There might be eavesdroppers, so I'd better keep my voice down."
Su Ruojin then realized that her cousin Ning, who always appeared dignified and elegant in front of outsiders, also had such a quirky side. She laughed and said, "I'm not a Taoist priest, I can't read faces, how could I tell if someone is good or bad?"
"Jin-mei, when are we going to set off?" Zhao Jingning asked, her eyes showing a mix of worry and excitement.
"Cousin, we're not here to play, we're here to rescue people." Su Ruojin found it somewhat amusing.
"Oh, no, no, Jin-mei, I also want to find Yingzi as soon as possible." Zhao Jingning became a little embarrassed.
Zhao Jingning was raised from a young age to be a proper young lady from a respectable family, and never did anything out of line with her husband's wishes.
Zhao Jingning felt somewhat excited to be able to come to Tianning Temple to save people, as if she were a chivalrous heroine from a storybook.
"No rush, let's rest for a while, eat something, and then go for a walk."
"Okay, I'll do whatever you say." For some reason, the longer Zhao Jingning spent with her cousin Jin, the more she unconsciously wanted to follow her arrangements, always feeling that listening to her wouldn't be wrong.
After resting for a while, the two took Xing'er and Yanluo for a walk in the temple.
It was nearing dusk, and there were far fewer people in the temple.
As Su Ruojin passed by a courtyard, she saw a large group of people gathered at the gate, all kneeling on the ground, seemingly waiting for something.
"They are waiting for Master Tianyi to emerge from seclusion," Zhao Jingning explained softly.
The last time she brought her grandfather to ask Master Tianyi to cure her illness, she knelt and sat at the door of the Taoist priest in the same way, waiting.
Master Tianyi treats everyone equally, whether they are high-ranking officials or ordinary people, they all have to wait in line outside.
Su Ruojin asked with some surprise, "With so many people, can Master Tianyi keep an eye on everyone?"
Zhao Jingning's answer left her speechless and unable to refute it.
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