The sun is getting worse and worse, and the long line of people asking for signatures seems to show no sign of moving forward.
Sun Jiarou had been in the sun for a long time, and her delicate body was shaky. It seemed that she had to use a lot of strength to stand still. The two maids who were with her were so frightened that they dared not show up, so they quickly helped her to the side to rest.
Xia Houshu was very surprised by Sun Jiarou's fragility, but after all, it was the first time they met, so she couldn't help but curl her lips and put away her curiosity.
She took out her handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her forehead, then squinted her eyes and looked up. The sky was clear and cloudless, not even a passing bird.
Weather like this is the best time to hide in the shade and eat some iced fruits to pass the time. However, Huguo Temple is high in the mountains and far away from the water. Let alone the iced fruits, there is not even a hint of cool breeze at this time, only the hot air rushing towards people.
Stick it on your body.
Feeling bored, Xia Houshu stretched his neck and looked around for some fun. He accidentally spotted Zhong Yuqing and Mrs. Liu drinking tea leisurely under the shade of a hundred-year-old Bodhi tree not far away. They were chatting and laughing, so comfortable.
After being in the sun for so long, Xia Houshu felt like fire was coming out of his throat, so he didn't care about asking for a signature, and walked carelessly to the shade of a tree and asked the maid to pour him a cup of tea.
Seeing her daughter suddenly coming back, Zhong Yuqing, who was having a lively chat with Mrs. Liu, was stunned for a moment, looked at her daughter and asked doubtfully: "Shur, why are you back after lining up so well?"
Xia Houshu took a sip of the tea handed over by the maid, waved her hand and said nonchalantly: "Mother, asking for Buddha is just a trick to deceive yourself and others. It doesn't matter if you don't ask." Seeing everyone's frightened faces, she continued to explain, "Buddha
It is often said that the world's people are like drowning in the sea, but the Buddha has compassion and a universal desire to save all sentient beings. If this is the case, the Buddha must not have the heart to see us coming to offer incense in the scorching sun. The heat is unbearable, and we
After trekking all the way, it’s better to find a place to rest as soon as possible.”
"Amitabha! My little girl is young and ignorant, she talks uncontrollably, and she has committed many sins!" Zhong Yuqing was shocked when she heard this. She covered her chest to let out a sigh of relief. She quickly put her hands together and bowed in the direction of the main hall, with a sincere and humble attitude.
After she finished her confession, she turned back to look at Xiahou Shu and scolded him: "Shun'er, in the pure land of Buddhism, don't talk nonsense! If the Buddha heard what you just said, he would probably be blamed. Why don't you apologize to the Buddha quickly?
!”
He is just a clay Bodhisattva covered with gold. How can he control his life?
If so, let him be blamed.
Xia Houshu smiled disapprovingly and continued drinking tea.
"Shur, you have to be sincere when asking for a signature. You go ahead and line up." Zhong Yuqing suddenly said seriously. Regardless of Xia Houshu's reaction, he emphasized, "I will wait for you here. When you ask for the signature, we will
Go to the Zen monastery to rest."
This is to warn her that she will not be able to rest if she does not follow the rules when asking for signatures.
Xia Houshu's head buzzed, as if countless small insects were flying by. She couldn't even swallow a sip of tea, and her tears overflowed. She controlled her expression to prevent herself from being embarrassed in front of outsiders. She raised her eyes and looked at her mother, and then
He turned around and stared with wide eyes at the pilgrims who had appeared again at an unknown time, and his heart was bleeding with hatred.
At this moment, she really hoped that she could be as weak to Liu Fufeng as Sun Jiarou, so that no one would force her to ask for a signature.
However, Zhong Yuqing had always been true to her word, and no one in the entire Yue Kingdom dared to directly disobey her orders. Now, under the eyes of his mother, Xia Houshu really couldn't think of any way to disobey her orders, so he had to go back and continue to line up full of resentment.
Mrs. Liu quietly watched the mother-daughter fight, bowing her head and drinking tea gracefully throughout the whole process, completely aloof. Until the hammer was settled, she continued to persuade Zhong Yuqing, saying that children are debts, and parents are here to
Those who repay debts must be patient and teach them, and don't let your anger break your body.
After almost another stick of incense, Xia Houshu finally entered the main hall filled with incense.
The hall is splendid, with a golden Tathagata as high as the roof sitting cross-legged on a golden lotus, with a plump and kind face, as if he is smiling at the world. The eighteen Arhat statues on both sides are tall, graceful in shape, with different expressions, lifelike.
Xia Houshu was sweating profusely, kneeling on the futon with weak legs. She just wanted to roll her eyes at the smiling Buddha on the lotus throne. However, in the public, with so many young monks chanting sutras watching, she didn't want to
Dare to act recklessly.
She took a deep breath, straightened her posture, respectfully offered a stick of incense, knelt down on the futon and kowtowed three times, and then looked at the lotus tube on the altar.
Monk Wei Na, who was standing in front of the altar, didn't seem to notice Xia Houshu's previous unreasonable behavior towards the Buddha. He bowed to her in a polite manner and asked, "What kind of sign does the donor want?"
Xia Houshu raised her head and saw Monk Weiner's handsome features, pious face, celestial demeanor, and gentle manner. She was immediately in awe and did not dare to do anything wrong again. She thought about it carefully, and it was her mother's request to come to Huguo Temple.
Yes, it was my mother's suggestion to ask for the signature. She was just following orders and didn't ask for anything. She really didn't know what to ask for at the moment.
But her mother knew clearly that she had grown up in a Taoist temple, so why did she have to take her to the Huguo Temple to ask for a fortune?
Xia Houshu was very confused. She turned to look outside the main hall and happened to see Zhong Yuqing hastily ended the greetings with Mrs. Liu and was slowly walking towards the main hall. Thinking of her mother's hard work for half her life and the pain of losing her son,
He was still so strong, so he smiled and said: "Then I will ask for a safe sign for my mother."
"Amitabha!" Wei Nashang said and handed the lotus tube to Xia Houshu. He probably felt that her filial piety was commendable and even her movements were extremely gentle.
Xiahou Shu held the lottery tube and closed his eyes in a formal manner, praying silently in his heart that his mother would be safe and happy and not keep an eye on her whereabouts all day long. That would be the blessing for her and the entire Xiahou family.
Before the lot was cast, Zhong Yuqing's voice came from behind. She said, "Shur, the Buddhist lotus in the temple is the most effective. Please get a marriage lotus for yourself."
"Marriage lot?" Xia Houshu suddenly opened his eyes, thinking that he heard wrongly, and turned to look at Zhong Yuqing in confusion. He thought to himself, what kind of evil happened to his mother today? What is the purpose of asking for a marriage lot? Could it be that those two people just now
The fact that a woman hung up a red string to seek marriage also stimulated a certain sensitive nerve in her mother?
Although she has reached the age of Ji, and according to the rules, she has reached the age to discuss marriage, but the Xiahou family has always been particularly valuable because of the few girls, and they have never been worried about getting married. Even the elders have to choose from thousands of relatives.
, leaving their daughter to leave the court until she was seventeen or eighteen years old. I remember that their ancestors had a great-aunt who was addicted to swordsmanship since she was a child. She went to the mountain to learn the art from a master at the age of twelve, but she just didn't come down until she was twenty-five years old. As soon as the news was released,
There was also a daughter in the family who was sought after by thousands of families. Therefore, she never thought that her mother bringing her to offer incense would have such meaning.
"You heard me right, I'm asking for a marriage sign." Zhong Yuqing's expression was serious and her words were clear, not like she was joking.
Xia Houshu was full of doubts. He had just made fun of the rumored "marriage tree" outside, and many people had seen it. Now that he came here to pretend to beg the Bodhisattva for blessing, wouldn't he be slapping himself in the face?
But why should she worry about her marriage? Compared with her who just got married, her parents should worry more about Xia Houyi, who is about to lose her crown but has not yet been engaged.
But she couldn't disobey her mother's wishes in person, so she had to pretend to be pious and continue to close her eyes and silently pray for a lucky lot in her heart, holding the lotus tube and shaking it in a decent manner.
There was a crisp "pop" sound, and a bamboo stick fell out of the bamboo stick and landed just in front of the futon. Xiahou Shu hurriedly put the bamboo stick back carefully, and then leaned over to pick up the bamboo stick that fell out.
But Zhong Yuqing took the lead.
Zhong Yuqing picked up the lottery and looked at it. When he saw that there was only one number written on it, he saluted Monk Weiner and without any explanation, he took Xia Houshu to the side hall.
The side hall on the right side of the main hall was filled with the smell of candlelight. One of the walls was covered with yellow cloth bags marked with numbers. Zhong Yuqing found the corresponding bag according to the numbers on the bamboo stick and took out a piece of yellow cloth from it.
She unfolded the strip carefully. After seeing the content on the strip, she couldn't help but frown slightly and glanced at Xia Houshu very strangely.
Xia Houshu noticed his mother's abnormality and hurriedly walked over. Before he could say anything, Zhong Yuqing had already carefully kneaded the yellow cloth strip into a ball and held it tightly in his hand.
"Mother, is there something wrong?" Xia Houshu couldn't help but wanted to ask, but Zhong Yuqing gave him a sharp look and had to swallow down his curiosity.
She has always been knowledgeable and knowledgeable, and she would never ask a question in person about something that others didn't want her to know.
Anyway, she can always find a way to find out what she wants to know.
In the back corner of the side hall is a long table covered with old yellow cloth, which is piled with incense, candles, paper money and incomplete ancient books. Sitting inside is an old monk with a gray beard. He looks very old.
My hands and feet are not very flexible either, so after working for a long time I still couldn't repair the dilapidated ancient book in my hand.
Zhong Yuqing bowed to the old monk, briefly explained his purpose, and then handed over the yellow cloth strip.
The old monk stopped what he was doing, stretched out his hand and slowly took the yellow cloth strip, and looked at it through the dim yellow candlelight in the side hall. As if his eyesight was bad, he rubbed his eyes and looked carefully. This was inappropriate.
Tight, the wrinkles on the forehead, which were already covered with wrinkles, became even more spectacular, as if the sea waves were difficult to level.
He was silent for a while, seeming a little shocked and a little excited, all kinds of unknown emotions intertwined together, and his old face looked very strange. After a while, he recovered, raised his eyes and looked at the woman in front of him, and then
His eyes stayed on Xia Houshu, who was dressed in red, for a moment, and then he took out an ancient book in front of him and looked through it carefully, as if he was looking for something.
Xia Houshu thought that he was relying on his old age to show off, and he felt a little unhappy. He wanted to ask more questions, but Zhong Yuqing held him down without any trace. She looked at her mother and then at the old monk in confusion, and had no choice but to
Just curl your lips and give up.
After a long while, the old monk looked up at Zhong Yuqing again and said calmly: "Donor, this lot has no solution."
Xia Houshu could no longer suppress his curiosity and quietly moved forward. His eyes quickly scanned the yellow cloth strips, and his heart suddenly blossomed with joy.
There is clearly not a single word on the yellow strip of cloth!
Generally speaking, Buddhist lots will be divided into upper, middle, lower, or bad luck. It was better for her, so she asked for a lot with nothing. And in the eyes of her mother, it was still her marriage lot.
Does this blank space mean that she has no marriage, or does it mean that even the omnipotent gods and Buddhas in the hearts of the world feel that she is not sincere and simply turn a blind eye and let it go?
It seems that the gods and Buddhas are also bullies and shy of the strong. Knowing that she doesn't believe it, they don't dare to take care of her.
Xia Houshu thought this way, and when he looked at the old monk again, his eyes were full of pity and ridicule. He thought to himself that this old monk was really sanctimonious, just a sign and nothing. Whether he was good or bad depended on his mouth.
.And he was not sure about the person asking for the autograph's mind at the moment, so he definitely didn't dare to say anything casually.
If you don't know how to understand it, then you don't know how to understand it. You are already old, so you have to pretend to be mysterious and make people feel uneasy.
However, Zhong Yuqing, who believed deeply in Buddhism, became more and more frowning and stood there without speaking for a long time.
As if he couldn't bear it, the old monk stroked his beard and said calmly: "There is a cause and effect for the existence and destruction of conditions. The causes in the past life will have the results in this life. Let nature take its course and resolve the previous conditions."
Xia Houshu didn't understand a word, but Zhong Yuqing looked even more sad.
Just when Xia Houshu wanted to comfort his mother with a few words, not to listen to these strange words, he saw a handsome, middle-aged monk coming over. He first saluted the old monk, then turned to Zhong Yuqing, saluted slightly, and said loudly
: "Little monk Zishen, my master invites the female benefactor to come to the Zen room for a talk."
Xia Houshu recognized Monk Zishen. He was a disciple of Master Zhishen. He was sincere, considerate and appropriate, and proficient in medical skills. He was highly regarded by Master Zhishen. He also went to the Yue Kingdom to perform religious services with Master Zhikong.
We have met each other several times.
Speaking of Master Zhikong, he is a well-known eminent monk in Nanqi. He can be said to know astronomy from above and the past and present from below. His speech and behavior are even more unpredictable. He often makes people feel like they are confused and enlightened. The whole Nanqi, regardless of
Both dignitaries and ordinary people respected him very much. People traveled thousands of miles to Huguo Temple. In addition to offering incense and making wishes, their biggest desire was to meet him, understand the teachings of Buddhist scriptures, and resolve their injustices.
In the past, every autumn, Zhong Yuqing would send someone to invite Master Zhikong to stay in his mansion for a few days. Firstly, he would recite sutras for his eldest son Xia Houhui, who died young, and secondly, it would comfort her from the pain of losing her son, which had lingered for many years.
However, Master Zhikong is nearly 70 years old, and his movements are gradually not as flexible as before. In recent years, except for the royal sacrificial ceremony, he has paid no attention to other people and things, and has only focused on meditation.
I am lucky enough to meet you today, which is really rare.
"Amitabha!" Zhong Yuqing's face was filled with joy, and she looked at the young monk Zi Shen with very earnest eyes, "Master Zhikong is willing to meet, I am really lucky!"
Seeing his mother's excited and gratified expression, Xia Houshu breathed a sigh of relief. Master Zhikong was really timely this time. With him here, his mother would definitely not have random thoughts. This chapter has been completed!