Chapter 104: Chapter 104: People with Wisdom
After thinking it over, she decided to keep the matter to herself.
Why should she, an outsider, interfere in the affairs of the mother and daughter?
Moreover, it’s certain that more than a few people are aware of this matter.
If no one mentions it, it indicates there’s no need to talk about it.
Just a reminder to herself to be more cautious when interacting with Du Changzai in the future.
Otherwise, she might unknowingly offend someone by saying the wrong thing.
She took a tea cup and sipped slowly.
Then she spoke to Xia An.
"Please send the scriptures I copied to the Second Prince, he will head to Jinghan Palace later."
"Yes."
Xia An picked up a thick stack of scriptures and walked towards the backyard.
Passing through the Moon Gate, she saw the lush growth of banana trees.
It’s due to the skilled artisans in this traveling palace who care for the plants.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t flourish so well.
The sight of it made one feel the green all around.
Upon reaching the door, there was no one attending.
They all knew the reason for this.
Under Nanny Du’s strict approach, who would dare to approach the Second Prince casually?
Unless they had a death wish!
So she lightly knocked on the door and said into the room.
"Second Prince, servant Xia An is here to deliver something on behalf of Miss Lin."
Soon, the door was opened from inside.
The Second Prince smiled kindly and replied to Xia An.
"What has Lady Lin sent?"
"The scriptures Miss Lin copied herself, to be taken when the Second Prince goes to Jinghan Palace later."
The Second Prince took them and looked carefully.
Each character was exquisitely written and neatly arranged, clearly copied with care.
He felt a greater appreciation for Lin Wanyi in his heart.
"Lady Lin is still unwell, why trouble herself so?"
"Miss Lin copies for three hours a day, it is not too taxing. It’s to recite scriptures for Lady Su, as a gesture of goodwill."
Hearing this, the Second Prince did not refuse.
Taking the scriptures, he said to Xia An.
"It’s almost time, I should head over. Keeping the masters waiting is not good."
Xia An looked up at the time, indeed it was so.
Then she replied.
"I will find Xiao Luzi, having him accompany the Second Prince will make us feel more at ease."
"Alright."
Currently, the Second Prince does not have a competent little eunuch by his side, so Xiao Luzi handles all the errand tasks.
One person, two jobs.
If it were anyone else, they might have complained long ago.
Yet Xiao Luzi was quite delighted, which made Qiu Ming very pleased.
Clearly, as a pupil personally trained by Mr. Qin, he had good sense and discernment.
Jinghan Palace is located on the northwest side of the traveling palace.
Though called a palace, it is quite grand.
Inside stands a Golden Buddha that has been revered for many years, referred to as the Big Buddha Tower.
With the Big Buddha Tower as the main focus, a main hall is in front.
The monks from Baolin Temple are sitting inside, reciting scriptures according to the rules.
To the left and right are zen rooms for resting at night.
The small kitchen on the southeast side is where meals for the monks are prepared.
Xiao Luzi followed the Second Prince forward, respectfully holding the scriptures sent by Lin Wanyi.
He dared not show any disorder on his face, keeping a very serious expression.
The Second Prince stepped into the hall, where Master Zhiyuan, who was leading the monks, saw him.
He was nearly eighty but looked as if he had just passed sixty.
With kindly brows and eyes, a rounded figure.
He approached the Second Prince and said.
"Amitabha Buddha, this humble monk Zhiyuan greets the Second Prince."
"Master, there’s no need for such courtesy. Junior Yu Wen Hao greets Master Zhiyuan."
In front of Buddha, even someone from the mighty Imperial Family must show respect.
So the Second Prince was extremely devout.
"We have been reciting scriptures for Lady Su for many days, I believe she will be at peace and find her way to Paradise."
"Thank you for your effort, Master. My mother and I are very grateful."
Master Zhiyuan smiled calmly, then gestured invitingly.
The Second Prince followed to the center of the main hall.
A woven brocade mat was laid on the ground, and the Golden Buddha watched all beings with compassionate eyes.
He followed the master’s lead, offering incense.
Then he knelt on the mat, clasped his hands, and devoutly recited the scriptures.
He came here every day for an hour; having listened to the scriptures often, he naturally learned a few lines.
Though not much, Master Zhiyuan saw him as someone with great insight.
Thus, he was especially kind to the Second Prince.
Xiao Luzi stood outside the hall, very sincere as well.
Constantly praying in his heart for Buddha’s blessing on his family, on Miss Lin and the Second Prince’s health.
The Emperor arrived just in time to see this scene.
Watching that small figure kneel before Buddha, sincerely praying, the Emperor felt his heart soften considerably.
Even with the Emperor’s presence, the scriptural chanting did not cease.
Xiao Luzi at the doorway respectfully greeted the Emperor, and inside, Master Zhiyuan and the Second Prince heard this, then rose and stepped out.
"This humble monk greets the Emperor, may you have perfect peace."
"Son greets Father, may you have perfect peace."
"Rise."
The two, who had just bowed and knelt, now stood upright.
"How are things progressing?"
"To report to Your Majesty, it will take three more days. Once the chanting ceremony concludes, only a hand-copied scripture by the Second Prince remains, for this humble monk to burn."
"Hmm, that’s good. Thank you for your diligence, Master."
"Your Majesty’s words are too flattering."
During this conversation, the Emperor noticed the stack of scriptures copied by Lin Wanyi.
Out of curiosity, he picked it up and looked at it.
"Who copied this? The handwriting is quite nice."
"To report to Father, this was copied by Lady Lin."
"Her?"
That’s unexpected. He considered himself frequent at the Huifang Courtyard.
Most times he saw her either sewing or experimenting with food.
He never saw her practice calligraphy or painting.
Well, she hid it well!
Such calligraphy couldn’t be produced without years of practice.
In the harem, few concubines are literate.
Princess Consort Lan is known for her painting, and Noble Princess Consort Ying enjoys poetry, yet with Lin Wanyi, the Emperor never discovered what she enjoys.
"How thoughtful of her. In that case, please have Master place this scripture before Buddha."
"Yes, this humble monk will comply with the decree."
After a few words, the Emperor had matters of state to attend to and left the Jinghan Palace.
The chanting and blessings continued uninterrupted.
The issue concerning Lady Su was not fully resolved when the Emperor issued another edict.
Coinciding with the Qixi Festival celebration, all the concubines could summon their relatives to the traveling palace for a two-hour reunion.
This announcement delighted the concubines with families in Shengjing City.