Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 138

“Yes, go ask your elder brother and sister-in-law first,” Madam Song urged. She had overheard the quarrel in the East Room earlier while in the kitchen. Even if the oil-paper umbrella business didn’t pan out, it might at least help Madam Zhang vent her frustrations. 

The two households had been in-laws for many years, and the main household had supported the second household many times, especially during the days when Yu Mengshan had broken his leg. Madam Song truly hoped the main household would also catch a break.

Yu Mengshan went to the West Room. Since Madam Zhang had argued with Yu Qiaoshan, the atmosphere was still chilly. When Yu Mengshan explained why he had come, Madam Zhang was immediately intrigued. What upset her the most was seeing both the second and third households finding ways to make money, while her own household seemed left behind.

Making oil-paper umbrellas, at the very least, offered a potential source of income. It required little upfront cost, just some umbrella paper and tung oil.

No longer sulking, Madam Zhang called for Yu Zhixing from inside the room. The three of them discussed the idea for a while and decided to wait until Yu Zhizhou returned before making a final decision.

After mending the bedding, it was already late. Knowing they were headed to Fahua Temple the next day, Madam Song urged Yu Jiao and Yu Fuling to go to bed.

Mount Chile is tall and majestic, with emerald peaks that roll into one another, forming a grand natural amphitheater. Waterfalls hung beside the mountain path, crashing against rocks with a rhythmic roar. Streams trickled through the greenery, and a massive reclining Buddha carved into stone lay solemn and awe-inspiring, making one instinctively reverent.

Yu Fuling was full of excitement, gripping Yu Jiao’s hand as she looked around in wonder, exclaiming every so often. Yu Qizhe followed behind them, occasionally reminding them to watch their step on the stone stairs.

The three of them had set out for Fahua Temple after breakfast, taking their time along the way, so the journey wasn’t tiring. On either side of the mountain path grew exotic herbs and wildflowers, flanked by dense bamboo groves. A light mist still clung to the mountain, and the scenery was serene and soothing. 

Yu Jiao felt that she ought to go out more often, after so many days of bottled-up emotions, the peaceful and clear surroundings of this mountain filled with Zen energy seemed to wash them all away.

Halfway up the mountain, they came to a pavilion and rested for a while before continuing the climb.

Fahua Temple faced northwest and was built along the slope. At the entrance stood the Main Hall, housing a golden Buddha statue, flanked by the imposing figures of the Four Heavenly Kings. Behind the hall stood the statue of Bodhisattva Weituo, holding a staff with a formidable presence.

The temple’s various halls ascended the mountain layer by layer: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Grand Hall of Great Strength, and the Hall of Great Compassion. On the east and west sides, crimson corridors surrounded the three main halls, forming a protective loop.

As soon as they entered, Yu Fuling dropped to her knees on a prayer mat and kowtowed devoutly to the golden Buddha, silently making her wish with sincerity.

Despite it not being a festival or special day, the temple was bustling with worshippers. The air was thick with sandalwood incense, calming and centering.

After Yu Fuling finished her prayers, Yu Qizhe led them through the eastern corridor to the Grand Hall of Great Strength. Inside, dozens of monks were chanting scriptures, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of wooden fish drums. With great reverence, Yu Fuling took the five copper coins Madam Song had given her that morning and dropped them into the donation box beside the hall.

Yu Qizhe then approached a young novice monk and whispered a few words to him. The monk pressed his palms together and bowed before leading them through the wishing turtle pond and into the temple’s back courtyard.

“Big sister, you and Yu Jiao can walk around the courtyard. I’m going to visit Master Huijue,” Yu Qizhe said. “The back quarters are for the monks’ meditation and residence, it’s not convenient for women to enter.”

Yu Jiao and Yu Fuling nodded and sat at a stone table nearby to wait for him.

The novice monk led Yu Qizhe into the courtyard and approached the meditation quarters on the left. Knocking on the door, he said, “Abbot Huijue, a patron named Yu is here to see you.”

A weathered voice came from inside, “Understood. You may leave.”

The novice bowed to Yu Qizhe and quietly took his leave.

After a moment, the door opened, revealing Lu Jin’s face, worn and tired, worry etched into his expression. He looked noticeably more haggard than the last time they met.

“You’re here, Junior Brother?” Lu Jin greeted. Then, noticing no one was with him, he asked, “That master you mentioned, didn’t you bring them?”

Seeing Lu Jin’s worn state, Yu Qizhe couldn’t help but feel concerned. “How is Master doing?” he asked.