"Wenjin Academy? To be a teacher?"
Bai Siruo looked incredulous. The last time she saw Academician Wang of Wenjin Academy, she felt that the two of them had a similar aura. She never expected Mingyue to eventually apprentice under her and also embark on the path of a teacher.
She held Xu Mingyue's hand, unwilling to let go.
The title of female teacher was indeed impressive, and with Xu Mingyue's abilities, she would surely be competent. However, this was tantamount to cutting off her own marital prospects.
After all, in Dongdu City, no noble or powerful family would look for a daughter-in-law among female teachers.
Academician Wang was the same, living alone for many years, her heart becoming increasingly tranquil.
Xu Mingyue knew what she was thinking. To have such a caring and close friend in this life was truly a stroke of luck.
However, she still believed that a woman's path should not be limited to marriage. Although they could not take imperial examinations, achieve fame, or go to battle, their options should be broader: they could practice medicine and save lives, study books, gain renown, or engage in business and profit.
As long as they were upright before heaven and earth, and did not let down their parents.
"Don't worry. If it's truly my destiny, then I can still get married even if I become a teacher. If it's not my destiny, even if I remain a maiden, it's not guaranteed that someone will propose. Why make things difficult for myself? Isn't it better to spend my years freely amidst the mountains and seas of books?"
This breadth of mind and spirit deeply impressed Feng Jinyao.
She was indeed a daughter of the Xu family, with thoughts different from ordinary people, possessing a natural air of clarity and gentleness.
After hearing her speak, Bai Siruo, despite her worries, didn't know how to persuade her further.
Looking at Xu Mingyue's relaxed expression, she thought that perhaps roaming the world would allow her to live more vibrantly, more freely, and more joyfully than being confined to her chambers.
Having let go of her lingering concerns, Bai Siruo said loudly.
"Well said! In that case, we must not let each day go to waste and live it to the fullest. Today at the temple fair, just say whatever you want to play or eat. With me here, I'll make sure you two have a happy time."
Hearing her words, Feng Jinyao and Xu Mingyue exchanged a smile.
"Sister Xu, Aya wishes you the freedom to leap like a fish in the sea and soar like a bird in the sky."
"Thank you for your good wishes, sister."
The three sisters chatted merrily, returning to their usual carefree state.
Before long, the carriage stopped at the foot of Fahua Temple.
Due to the temple fair, all carriages had to stop at the foot of the mountain. Fortunately, the steps were wide, and there were resting spots at intervals, so climbing the mountain was not too strenuous.
Old Madam Xu had been coming here to offer incense for many years and climbed with ease. Madam Bai and Princess Wenyi, following behind her, were slightly sweating, but the old lady still looked energetic.
"You two sisters-in-law should come more often. Look, you can't even keep up with an old woman like me."
Laughing heartily at the two behind her, Madam Bai replied, slightly out of breath.
"Your health is so good, even immortals would be envious. Mother often praises you at home."
Old Madam Bai and Old Madam Xu did not know each other well. It was only through the close interactions of their grandchildren that they gradually became familiar. However, Old Madam Xu greatly admired Old Madam Bai.
Hearing her daughter-in-law speak so, she was a little surprised.
"Your mother mentions me?"
"My father and Elder Xu served in the same court for so many years, so they naturally had a deep acquaintance and knew something about you. It's a pity you weren't in Dongdu City during my mother's birthday banquet. Otherwise, if you had come, it would have been even more lively at my mother's place."
These words pleased Old Madam Xu. "Very well, then after the New Year, our two families will visit each other more often. Will it be alright if I come to your mother's place for a cup of tea then?"
"You are most welcome to come, Mother will surely roll out the red carpet for you."
They chatted as they climbed the mountain. In the time it took to drink two cups of tea, the distinguished guests, along with their servants and attendants, had all reached the summit.
Fahua Temple was the most renowned and most frequented temple among the eight great temples of the Great Jin Dynasty.
Standing on the mountaintop, it was often shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland.
The late emperor had a golden statue of Buddha erected here, drawing admiration from everyone in Dongdu City. Over time, it became a bustling place.
It was said to be most effective for praying for children and wealth.
This time, they had no specific requests, but simply came to participate in the temple fair for good fortune.
Attending the Laba Festival temple fair could dispel past misfortunes and usher in prosperity for the New Year.
As this auspicious meaning spread among the populace, Fahua Temple became crowded every Laba Festival.
Because Old Madam Xu came often, as soon as they stepped through the gate, they were spotted by a young monk at the entrance. He hurried forward to greet them and directly invited them to rest in a quiet area behind the Buddha hall.
This area was originally reserved for distinguished guests, so it was farther from the front courtyard and main hall, and much quieter, making it feel like a different world from the temple fair.
Bai Siruo had finally managed to get out. How could she bear to be confined? She pleaded and cajoled her mother.
"Mother, please let the three of us sisters wander around here. Especially Aya, she hasn't seen anything yet."
Princess Wenyi had been persuaded by her elder sister-in-law before coming out, so she had sent extra servants with them, and it was not a problem.
"Be extra careful and safe. Just look at the food and snacks for the excitement, it's best not to eat them, lest you get a stomachache again."
Bai Siruo immediately nodded, her expression very obedient.
At this moment, as long as they agreed to let the three of them wander around, she would be willing to embroider ten or eight patterns for Princess Wenyi if she asked.
"Mingyue, this girl rarely goes out. Since your sisters are all here today, you should go with them and relax too."
This way, she wouldn't be upset by the troublesome Liang family matters, which wouldn't be worth it.
Hearing this, Xu Mingyue's eyes sparkled, making her look lovable. "Grandmother, don't worry, we'll come to find you in the back courtyard after playing for a while."
"Mm." With that, the two Bai family sisters-in-law supported Old Madam Xu and walked inside. The three sisters stood at the main gate, looking left and right with surprise.
The abbot of the temple did not close its doors to ordinary people just because many high-ranking officials visited. Therefore, during these three days of the temple fair, all sorts of people could be seen.
Wealthy ladies in fine clothes, young ladies with veiled hats, hawkers moving through the streets, lively and adorable children, old and pitiable farmers, all crowded into the temple fair.
The distinguished guests were mostly there to offer incense, but the common people were mostly there to conduct small business.
The temple gates were wide open. The front courtyard was mostly for selling common animals like birds and dogs. As one moved towards the three gates, various daily household items were sold. They were not priceless treasures, but they were certainly interesting to look at.
In the courtyard, there were open-air stalls.