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Chapter 157: Tang Lingheng
Chapter 157: Tang Lingheng
Su Su was usually groggy in the mornings, and today was no exception as she climbed into the carriage, unaware of how she got there.
Upon seeing her mother, she snuggled close and nuzzled her affectionately.
She dozed off while cuddling.
Princess Qi watched with amusement and heartache, saying, "Su Su, my good girl, go back to sleep. Mother is here."
Princess Qi gently patted Su Su's back with a warm hand.
Su Su slowly fell asleep.
When she woke up, Princess Qi and her entourage had just arrived at Lanruo Temple.
The temple was nestled on a mountainside.
Considering Su Su's stamina, Princess Qi decided against climbing up herself.
She didn't want to leave Su Su alone, fearing that the little one might get scared.
Instead, they took a winding mountain path by carriage, and once Su Su was fully awake, Princess Qi sat with her for a while in the carriage, feeding her a couple of snacks before disembarking.
Lanruo Temple was expansive, almost encircling the entire mountainside.
Upon entering the temple, all were equal.
Princess Qi didn't seek any special treatment but kept a low profile as she led Su Su inside.
They first paid their respects at the main hall before hearing that a Dharma Master was giving a sermon. Eager to listen, Princess Qi took Su Su to the lecture hall on the western side.
The lecture was taking place in an open area.
The elderly Dharma Master had a deep voice and spoke slowly, his words filled with profound meaning and wisdom.
Princess Qi and Su Su found a spot to sit, and they listened quietly.
Su Su couldn't understand most of it; the concepts were too profound for a child her age.
However, seeing how intently her mother listened, Su Su sat up straight, mimicking the way she usually listened to stories, her legs crossed like a diligent student.
Having napped in the carriage earlier, Su Su didn't feel drowsy despite the incomprehensible sutra. Instead, her eyes grew brighter the longer she listened.
In the middle of the lecture, someone else seemed to be approaching.
Princess Qi turned her head slightly and noticed it was someone from the Tang Manor. She nodded politely in greeting.
After all, it would have been rude to start a conversation while the Dharma Master was speaking.
Madame Tang spotted Princess Qi and smiled kindly, gesturing for the young lady and gentleman accompanying her to greet Princess Qi as well.
Su Su, sensing her mother's movement, turned to look as well.
The young master and lady from the Tang Manor nodded politely to Princess Qi before turning away, not paying them any further attention.
Su Su caught only a glimpse of their profiles.
As they were strangers, Su Su didn't feel curious and quickly averted her gaze, returning her attention to the sermon.
After the Dharma Master finished speaking, Princess Qi took Su Su to draw a divination lot.
They then sought an explanation of the divination from a master.
Princess Qi drew an excellent lot, and the master's interpretation was profound: "All things are fated. Do not worry, benefactor."
Although Princess Qi didn't explicitly state her concerns, she shared her worries and then drew another lot.
Now, hearing the master's interpretation, she felt reassured, even if his words were somewhat vague.
But could she truly relax now?
Princess Qi wasn't sure, but at least the anxiety in her heart had lessened, and she felt she could finally get a good night's rest.
Princess Qi thanked the master, then gestured for Su Su to pay her respects as well.
The master politely returned the gesture and recited a Buddhist mantra.
Su Su had never left her village before, so she had never visited a temple or met such masters and Dharma Masters.
She curiously examined the master's head, noticing the same radiant glow she had seen on her own head before.
But now, her hair had grown long!
The little girl's eyes shone with pure curiosity and wonder.
The master didn't seem offended at all; instead, he smiled kindly at her and recited a Buddhist mantra.
After hearing the divination, Princess Qi felt much more at ease.
Coincidentally, it was mealtime at the dining hall, and they, as visitors, could go to the back courtyard to eat.
Princess Qi had woken up early and only had a couple of snacks for breakfast, so she was already feeling hungry after the morning's activities.
Moreover, Su Su had never tasted such food before, and the vegetarian meal at Lanruo Temple was exceptionally delicious.
Thus, after thanking the master, Princess Qi took Su Su to have their meal.
Princess Qi didn't bring many people with her on this trip.
Autumn Auntie, Xiang Auntie, and Haitang were there to attend to her, along with the coachman and four guards to ensure their safety.
Naturally, they all went together to the dining hall.
On their way there, they ran into Madame Tang and her twin children.
Upon seeing Princess Qi, Madame Tang smiled and greeted her, "Your Highness."
Madame Tang's words and manners were polite, and she even bowed to Princess Qi, who, of course, returned the smile warmly.
Madame Tang then gestured to the young man and lady behind her and said, "Little Five was ill recently, but he has recovered now, so I thought of coming to offer incense and pray for peace and reassurance."
Hearing that the young master had been sick, Princess Qi asked with concern, "Is he feeling much better now?"
After asking, she glanced at Madame Tang's back and saw the fifth young master, Tang Lingheng, standing there politely with a healthy complexion and a smile on his face. Princess Qi smiled and said, "He looks completely recovered. That's wonderful. It's good to come and offer prayers for peace of mind. I've also been having trouble sleeping lately, so I came here seeking some reassurance."
The two women chatted for a while, and during the conversation, Madame Tang subtly pulled her daughter, Tang Youqing, forward.
However, the young lady didn't seem very willing to cooperate and only offered insincere and perfunctory politeness throughout, which Princess Qi noticed contained a hint of impatience.
When Madame Tang introduced her children, Princess Qi also smiled and introduced Su Su.
Su Su had been watching with interest, taking in the new, pretty auntie, the tall and pretty older sister, and the smiling young master.
Princess Qi pulled Su Su closer, and when Madame Tang saw this, she smiled warmly and showered her with compliments. She even took off the gold-inlaid jade bracelet she was wearing and gave it to Su Su as a gift.
Su Su knew better than to accept gifts from strangers.
She moved closer to Princess Qi and looked up at her mother.
Princess Qi smiled and stroked Su Su's head. "Go ahead and accept it. It's a gift from Auntie Tang."
Hearing her mother's words, Su Su obediently took the bracelet and softly said, "Thank you, Auntie Tang."
Madame Tang smiled and said it was nothing. She then looked up to continue her conversation with Princess Qi.
They talked about life in the capital and the recent weather.
As they walked, Madame Tang seemed to deliberately slow her steps, making it difficult for Princess Qi to excuse herself and quicken her pace to enter the dining hall.
The bracelet that Madame Tang had given her was quite large, and Su Su stuffed it into the pouch that Meng Meng's sister had given her the day before, distorting its shape.
Tang Youqing lowered her eyes to watch Su Su's actions.
Su Su noticed this and looked up at her with a confused expression.
When their gazes met, Tang Youqing casually looked away.
On the other side, Tang Lingheng smiled at Su Su and made a funny face. Seeing Su Su's startled reaction, he pretended to be well-behaved and hid behind Madame Tang.
Second Watch:
Former Husband: I'm here!
(End of Chapter)
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