Free Web NovelChapter 84: Chapter 84: The Master Reads a Fate, the Imperial Star Presides
Ji Qingwu knew Jiu Jiu was only pretending to cry, but looking at the little girl’s expression, she couldn’t bring herself to be firm. freёwebnovel.com
Seeing they were about to run out of time, she sighed and lifted the little girl up.
"You can come with Mama, but you’re not allowed to cry or make a fuss, and you can’t run around. Do you understand?"
The little girl immediately stopped her fake crying, cupped her mother’s face, and gave her a few loud kisses. Grinning, she said, "Jiu Jiu will be super obedient and good! I’ll stick right by Mama’s side!"
Hanshan Temple had always drawn a great number of worshippers, but lately, the crowds had grown even larger.
At the temple entrance, the carriages of noble ladies and young misses had blocked the main road so completely it was impassable. Worshippers arriving to offer incense and oil lamps formed an endless stream.
The carriage from Duke Zhongyong’s Mansion had to stop a good distance from Hanshan Temple.
Ji Qingwu had never seen a temple so bustling with activity.
She asked with curiosity, "Big Sister, why does Hanshan Temple attract so many people?"
"Hanshan Temple was founded a thousand years ago by the enlightened monk, Han Shanzi. It has survived through many changes in dynasty, and its prosperity has never waned. Buddhist treasures like the Dragon Treasury Scripture and the Vajra Pestle are also kept here."
Ji Qingrong alighted gracefully from the carriage, supported by Chun Xing’s hand.
She continued, "Usually, people come here to pray for their family’s prosperity. The crowds have grown recently because Master Liao Ran has returned from his travels."
Ji Qingwu, holding Jiu Jiu in one arm, leaped nimbly from the carriage. The sight left Chun Xing, who was still helping the Heir’s wife, staring in stunned silence.
Ji Qingrong couldn’t help but laugh. "I don’t recall you being born in the year of the monkey, Fifth Sister."
Ji Qingwu gestured to the little girl in her arms and said with a smile, "Jiu Jiu is the monkey." Then she asked, "Is Master Liao Ran a particularly remarkable monk?"
’The name Liao Ran itself sounds like a monk who is untainted by worldly desires, dedicated to saving all living things.’
Ji Qingrong nodded. "Master Liao Ran’s spiritual cultivation is profound, and his predictions of fate are said to be the most accurate. Many people come here specifically hoping the master will personally read their destiny."
Staring at the sea of people queued up before them, Ji Qingwu was dumbfounded. "But there are so many people. Even if Master Liao Ran worked from morning till night without a moment’s rest, he could never get through them all."
"The Buddha only guides those with whom he shares a karmic bond. No more than three people a year receive a reading from the master."
’Three people a year?’ Ji Qingwu truly didn’t understand why so many would come to wait for a chance that was practically nonexistent.
Ji Qingrong covered her mouth and whispered in her ear, "When the current Holy Emperor was still just the Princely Heir of Marquis Yong’an Mansion, Master Liao Ran read his fortune. And later, when he raised his army, Master Liao Ran accurately predicted that the Holy Emperor would successfully establish his own dynasty."
It sounded so incredible. Ji Qingwu nodded, her expression a mixture of belief and doubt.
Ji Qingrong and Princess Yong had arranged to meet at the Frost Bell Pavilion, located in the southeast corner of Hanshan Temple.
The appointed hour had come and gone, but there was still no sign of Princess Yong. Perhaps she had been delayed by the congested roads.
Since they were already there, they figured they should at least offer some incense as a token of sincerity. Ji Qingwu followed Ji Qingrong into the Great Hero Hall to kneel and pray.
Facing the hall filled with statues of gods and buddhas, Ji Qingwu pressed her palms together.
She prayed silently in her heart, ’Greetings, esteemed gods and buddhas. As they say, one doesn’t visit a temple for nothing. I’ve only come because I have something to ask. I hope that my endeavor today will be successful and that my wish will be granted.’
Jiu Jiu copied them, closing her eyes and rubbing her little hands together. It was impossible to know what wish she made as she, too, bowed piously.
Ji Qingwu rose slowly, taking the little girl’s hand. A young novice in a gray, knee-length monk’s robe appeared before them.
"Patron, my master requests your presence."
The other worshippers in the Great Hero Hall all turned to look, their eyes filled with shock, envy, and jealousy.
Seeing their expressions, Ji Qingwu guessed who the young novice’s "master" was.
’Well, since I’m already here,’ she thought, ’I can’t refuse an opportunity like this. Besides, whether the fortune-telling is accurate or not, I’ll just choose to believe the good parts.’
When Ji Qingwu glanced back at her, Ji Qingrong nodded emphatically, waving a hand to urge her forward. "Don’t keep Master Liao Ran waiting."
Ji Qingwu asked, "Is it alright if I bring my daughter with me?"
The young novice bowed his head. "Of course. Patron, please follow me."
Master Liao Ran’s meditation chamber was nestled among several towering bodhi trees. Only its apricot-yellow beams were visible, and a mottled, ancient temple bell stood by the door.
After Ji Qingwu entered the room, she saw the back of a man sitting on a meditation cushion in the center. He wore a monk’s robe of beige crepe satin with wide sleeves, exuding an air of solemn composure.
’Only... why isn’t he bald?’ she wondered.
With his back still to her, Master Liao Ran said, "Patron, please be seated."
Ji Qingwu led Jiu Jiu to the cushion opposite him and sat down cross-legged.
When she saw the master’s face, she was even more astonished. ’Why isn’t he a kindly old man with a gentle face?’
Master Liao Ran opened his eyes. His voice was as deep and resonant as a bell. "This old monk invited you here, Patron, because I sensed the arrival of one who shares a karmic bond with the Buddha. I wish to read your fortune."
’This old monk...’
This eminent monk looked to be no more than in his early thirties.
Ji Qingwu said respectfully, "Then I shall trouble you, Master."
"However," Master Liao Ran said, "both patrons before me share a karmic bond with the Buddha, but I can only perform one reading."
Without a moment’s hesitation, Ji Qingwu gestured to the little girl beside her. "Then please read this little patron’s fortune, Master."
’She was all too aware of her own wretched fate; it would be a waste to have the master read it.’
’It would be much better to find out what destiny holds for her Jiu Jiu.’
Seeing her decisiveness, Master Liao Ran chanted "Amitabha" and said, "Little patron, please place your hands on your knees with your palms facing up."
Ji Qingwu whispered, "Jiu Jiu, do as the master says." The little girl obediently followed his instructions.
Master Liao Ran closed his eyelids, but his eyes could be seen moving rapidly beneath them.
「After the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn.」
When Master Liao Ran opened his eyes again, they were visibly bloodshot. He spoke: "Authority is manifest and well-rooted in its time. Blessings are vast and deep, and the star of wealth shines brightly."
They all sounded like auspicious words. Ji Qingwu nodded in satisfaction and stroked the back of Jiu Jiu’s head. ’She’s a child with deep blessings.’
’This master is pretty good,’ she thought. ’Very accurate!’
But Master Liao Ran was not finished. His eyes shone with a keen light as he continued, "The Emperor Star stands guard, while auspicious stars pay homage. Seated, she gazes upon the Purple Pole; standing, she looks to the vault of heaven."
Ji Qingwu wasn’t well-versed in classical texts, but she could still sense that something was wrong.
’The Emperor Star... the Purple Pole... those terms always refer to the destiny of an Emperor.’
Her eyes filled with profound shock. "Master, perhaps... you could try the reading again?"
But Master Liao Ran didn’t answer her. He simply closed his eyes again.
The young novice at her side said, "Patron, my master must meditate in seclusion after a reading. Please make your way outside."
Ji Qingwu picked up the little girl and left the meditation chamber, her mind reeling with puzzlement over the master’s prophecy. ’Is he accurate or not?’
As she headed southeast toward the Frost Bell Pavilion, she ran into Chun Xing, who had come looking for her.
"Fifth Missy, Princess Yong has arrived." ƒrēewebnovel.com
Ji Qingwu quickened her pace. ’Whether that fortune is accurate or not is one thing,’ she thought, ’but the only fate you can rely on is the one you seize for yourself.’
Inside the Frost Bell Pavilion, two figures were seated on meditation cushions.
One was Ji Qingrong. The other, dressed in a madder-red brocade with a subtle vine pattern, had to be Princess Yong.
Ji Qingwu walked over slowly and bowed. "Greetings, Princess Yong."
Tao Wanxin looked up. "Qingwu, there is no need for such ceremony. Please, sit."
Ji Qingwu sat down beside her elder sister. After exchanging a glance with Princess Yong, her brow furrowed...
