"Why are there so many people?"
The entire road was filled with people. Ling Muzhu wondered why so many people had gathered at a temple. Was the Sanqing Guan truly that efficacious?
"Within a hundred-mile radius, Sanqing Guan is the most efficacious. With the imperial examinations approaching, more people come to pray for blessings. Moreover, we arrived in the afternoon; if it were morning, there would be even more people."
It took Chu Qing a long time to inquire about the efficacy of Sanqing Guan. If it weren't for Ling Muzhu to achieve success in the examinations, she wouldn't have bothered to make this trip. Who knew that this young man would be so unappreciative? Feng Jin felt that her efforts were all in vain.
Ling Muzhu couldn't help but feel guilty. Remembering his past actions, his heart felt even worse.
"I didn't realize my sister-in-law went to such great lengths. It was my fault. Please don't hold these things against me, sister-in-law."
"Seeing that you know your mistakes and are willing to correct them, I will be magnanimous and not quibble with you."
It was more important to pay respects to the Sanqing first. She was too lazy to bother with these trivial matters and quibble with Ling Muzhu any further.
Sanqing Guan was indeed efficacious, but its only drawback was that it was located on the mountaintop. One had to walk up the mountain for the prayers to be most effective.
"This mountain is so high. Are we there yet?"
Ling Wan had been raised in seclusion since childhood, never venturing beyond her small courtyard. She had never climbed a mountain before. After walking only half the way, her legs were already sore and trembling.
"We're almost there. The sky is still bright; let's rest for a while before continuing."
Fortunately, they hadn't started too late. After resting, they could continue towards the summit and return before dark.
They had just stopped to rest their feet when an unwelcome guest arrived.
"It really is the young madam Ling. I sensed a familiar figure from afar and dared not approach. Only after walking closer and confirming did I dare to greet you."
Sheng Xubai's gentle and elegant voice sounded from behind, drawing everyone to turn and look.
"What a coincidence. Meeting Sheng Sanlang in such a place is truly fate."
Feng Jin couldn't help but lament how small the world was. Meeting Sheng Xubai at Sanqing Guan was indeed a coincidence. However, why was he here at Sanqing Guan? Was he here for the same reason as them?
"Young Master Sheng, are you also here at Sanqing Guan to seek a good future?"
"Please excuse me, young madam. I am also an ordinary person in this world, and I wish to seek some good fortune. Are you also here seeking good fortune?"
"Naturally. My second brother is also participating in the imperial examinations. I specifically accompanied him to pay respects to Sanqing and pray for his success."
Sheng Xubai's gaze fell on Ling Muzhu. He had heard of the great name of the second young master Ling. However, he had also heard recently that the second young master Ling had undergone a complete transformation, like a different person. He was also participating in this imperial examination, and many young masters from the capital were waiting to see Ling Muzhu make a fool of himself.
"I have heard much about you, Second Young Master Ling."
"You are too kind, Brother Sheng. How can I deserve your 'long-heard' praise? It is your reputation, Sheng Sanlang, that resounds throughout the capital. If you also participate in this imperial examination, it seems the top scholar position is already within your grasp. I congratulate you in advance."
Sheng Xubai continuously observed Ling Muzhu. He was truly like the rumors, completely changed. Sheng Xubai was also greatly surprised. What method could possibly cause a person to change as if reborn?
"It is most important to pay respects to Sanqing now. Sheng Sanlang, we will proceed ahead."
Feng Jin interrupted their pleasantries. The urgent matter was to pay respects to Sanqing and return quickly. All other matters could be postponed.
Without paying attention to anything else, Feng Jin led the two of them forward.
Ling Wan took a step forward, hesitated, and then turned back to look in Sheng Xubai's direction. Upon meeting Sheng Xubai's gaze, she quickly lowered her head, concealed her expression, and turned away.
Sheng Xubai also seemed to sense Ling Wan's gaze. He lightly fanned himself, obscuring his face.
"Young Master, let's continue towards the summit."
The young servant accompanying Sheng Xubai reminded him to continue on his way.
"There's no need to go further. Let's go down the mountain."
"Young Master, Madam specifically instructed that it is most efficacious for you to personally ascend the mountain to pay respects to Sanqing. You've already come halfway; wouldn't it be a waste to go down the mountain now?"
He raised his paper fan and directly tapped the young servant's forehead. "You dull-witted fellow, when you go back, tell Mother that I paid my respects to Sanqing before descending. You are truly rigid, utterly lacking in flexibility!"
After scolding the servant, Sheng Xubai turned and walked down the mountain. If it weren't for his mother constantly nagging him, he wouldn't have come to Sanqing Guan at all.
If he continued up the mountain, he would inevitably run into Feng Jin and her group. His descent now was also to avoid unnecessary awkwardness.
"Young Master, wait for me... Young Master..."
The servant realized that Sheng Xubai had already disappeared and hurriedly chased after him down the mountain.
...
"Stop looking down the mountain; he's long gone."
Feng Jin kindly reminded her. They were almost at the summit. Since Sheng Xubai hadn't followed them while they were rushing earlier, she figured he had already gone down the mountain. Even if Ling Wan stared until her eyes fell out, she wouldn't see Sheng Xubai.
"I wasn't... I was just looking to see if there were many people coming to pay their respects behind us..."
Ling Wan concealed the fleeting look of disappointment on her face and said casually, her footsteps quickening unconsciously.
"What's wrong with her? Why is she walking so fast?"
Ling Muzhu looked at Ling Wan, who was walking ahead of them, and asked.
"There are wolves and tigers following behind, aren't there? You should hurry too."
With that, Feng Jin also quickened her pace and moved forward.
This left Ling Muzhu somewhat stunned, standing in place with a bewildered expression, unable to fathom what these two were up to. After a moment of confusion, he also hurried to catch up.
Inside Sanqing Guan, the bustling crowd of pilgrims waited before it was their turn to offer incense.
After offering incense and making their wishes, they slowly got up. Seeing that it was still early, they wandered around nearby.
"The red ribbons on this tree are for seeking marriage. Ling Wan, you should write one too, and let the matchmaker help you find your destined partner."
The branches and leaves of the marriage tree were covered with red ribbons. Many young girls hung red ribbons with wishes for marriage, and they did not forget to kneel by the marriage tree with their hands clasped in prayer.
Ling Wan was about to refuse these things when Feng Jin stuffed a red ribbon into her hand.
"Whether it's effective or not, try it first."