After returning to her guest room, Qi Zhenzhen sat for a while before calling Qi Xuanxuan to eat in Madam Da Qin’s room. After the meal, she recounted her encounter with Xie Chen to Madam Da Qin.
“An Kang Bo asked me to send his regards to Mother,” Qi Zhenzhen said.
Madam Da Qin paused in her tea-drinking. Hidden by her sleeves, Qi Zhenzhen could not see her expression.
“An Kang Bo is thoughtful,” Madam Da Qin said calmly, setting down her teacup. “Have you prepared everything?”
“Yes, I’ll go over after dinner,” Qi Zhenzhen replied.
“Thank you for your trouble,” Madam Da Qin said listlessly. “I’m still a bit tired and won’t be attending Master Yuan Jue’s lecture today. Zhenzhen, if you wish to go, you may go by yourself.”
Qi Zhenzhen acknowledged this and took her leave with Qi Xuanxuan.
“I feel like Auntie is acting a bit strange,” Qi Xuanxuan whispered once they were outside Madam Da Qin’s room.
“Perhaps she’s still recovering from the fright of that snake yesterday,” Qi Zhenzhen said. “I’m going to thank An Kang Bo later. Would you like to come along?”
Qi Xuanxuan tilted her head. “Strictly speaking, he did save me, so it’s only right that I thank him.”
Soon, the sisters arrived at An Kang Bo’s guest room with their gifts.
“Master Yuan Jue has invited my master to debate Buddhist teachings,” the gatekeeper said. “My master said that if the 世子夫人 comes, I should inform Madam that she may go to Master Yuan Jue’s place.”
Qi Zhenzhen left the gifts and led Qi Xuanxuan to the courtyard where Yuan Jue was staying.
“Second Sister…” Qi Xuanxuan fidgeted.
“What is it?”
“I don’t want to listen to Buddhist teachings. Can I not go?” Qi Xuanxuan asked cautiously.
“Then what do you want to do?”
“I want to go to the back mountain to have a look. At this time, everyone will be listening to the Master’s lecture, so there will surely be fewer people in the back mountain,” Qi Xuanxuan said.
“Er Xi, you will accompany the Third Miss and protect her well,” Qi Zhenzhen instructed.
Er Xi blinked her eyes. She had been hoping to see Master Yuan Jue again and find an opportunity to ask for a cup of tea, but that plan was now dashed.
As her mistress had arranged it, she had no choice but to obey.
“Don’t stay too long. Just admire the flowers or something. Don’t do anything dangerous,” Qi Zhenzhen added a few more instructions.
“Don’t worry, Second Sister, I’m the most obedient,” she said, then pulled Er Xi and hurried away.
Qi Zhenzhen shook her head. This little girl… Master Yuan Jue was as famous in Da Feng as those celebrities in her past life. If others had the chance to hear the Master lecture, they would be overjoyed. How could she be like this, eagerly avoiding it? However, it was understandable. At her age, without early exposure, most people wouldn’t be interested in Buddhist teachings.
Familiar with the way, Qi Zhenzhen soon arrived at Master Yuan Jue’s residence.
She had expected many people, but to her surprise, besides Master Yuan Jue, only Xie Chen was there.
“Madam Gu,” Yuan Jue said, joining his palms and nodding at Qi Zhenzhen.
“Greetings, Master Yuan Jue, greetings, Lord,” Qi Zhenzhen quickly returned the gesture.
“Are you looking for benefactor Xie?” Yuan Jue asked.
“No, I’ve come to listen to the Master’s lecture,” Qi Zhenzhen said with a slight smile. Da Feng Novel Network.
“Then Madam Gu is late. The morning session has already concluded,” Yuan Jue said with a half-smile. “The temple holds its morning session at the Mao hour, which is also when I lecture.”
The Mao hour was five in the morning.
At that time, she was probably out for her morning exercises.
Alright, she wasn’t particularly interested in Buddhist scriptures anyway, so it was fine to miss it.
“Then I won’t disturb your discussion. I’ll have another opportunity to listen to the Master’s teachings next time,” Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile. “Oh, by the way, Master, could you lend me a copy of the Heart Sutra?”
“Does Madam Gu wish to recite scriptures?”
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Reciting more will also allow Buddha to feel my sincerity,” Qi Zhenzhen said earnestly.