Dongfang Shiming nodded. No matter what, since he was here, he had to go in and take a closer look.
With this thought in mind, the two of them drove the carriage and rushed towards the Buddhist temple at the foot of the mountain, kicking away the slush.
The color at the bottom of the mountain seems darker than what I saw just now. There are broken leaves and branches everywhere stuck in the mud, and the atmosphere is empty and solemn, like the tragic scene of an octogenarian.
The carriage stopped in front of the door. The two of them got out of the car hand in hand, only to see the temple door ajar, as if no one cared whether there were any visitors.
The only thing that could give the two of them a good impression was the fragrance floating in the air. This kind of incense is extremely rare, and it is not the usual incense that invites gods or precious wood.
With apprehension, the two walked to the door. I saw that no one was sweeping the door, and even a couplet was covered with dust:
"When you pick up a flower and smile, the river will fill with glory and decay."
Dongfang Shiming and Dongfang Shiming did not know much about the Buddhist teachings contained in this. They could vaguely hear voices among them, so they walked in together.
After entering, you will see a wide stone road. There are several stone sculptures of mythical animals scattered on both sides, and the simple lines seem to be natural and uncarved.
At the front is a flat hall. Several monks were carrying brooms listlessly to clean up the remaining snow and broken leaves in the courtyard, and the expressions on their faces seemed to have frozen together with the dim temple.
The two walked forward, observing the structure of the statue. Several monks in front noticed them, but they did not move forward to greet them.
Bai Hao looked at them and felt very uncomfortable. She whispered to Dongfang Shiming quietly: "They are so indifferent."
Dongfang Shiming nodded. The monks' mentality is like this, which is inseparable from the declining environment of the Nianhuazuo sect.
There were villagers coming out of the main hall to pay homage, which made him a little more lively. I saw a bald monk walking out with the villagers, talking and laughing, and seemed to be completely different from the surrounding world.
Only then did Dongfang Shiming notice that the reason why he noticed the young monk's bald head first was because the other monks were all wearing gray hats.
The young monk's clothes are equally different from those of the monks around him. Like a spark in the ashes, unlike other people's gray robes, he wore a dark red robe with green patterns, which looked quite novel.
Dongfang Shiming and the two came closer and closer to them, and the young monk happened to see them, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.
I saw the young monk bowing to several villagers and saying goodbye, and then rushed to the two of them happily. The two of them stopped and waited for the young monk to come over.
The young monk ran very fast, and even though his clothes were loose, it did not affect his movement. He stood in front of the two of them and politely clasped his hands together: "Two donors, are you coming to our temple to petition?"
Dongfang Shiming looked at the young monk in front of him. He is only fourteen or fifteen years old, and seems to be younger than Bai Hao.
After thinking for a moment, Dongfang Shiming returned the favor with a smile: "I'm visiting your office today because I want to ask you about something. I don't know if the abbot is here, but we would like to ask for his permission."
After hearing what he said, the young monk scratched his head, seeming a little embarrassed. He said: "Our abbot doesn't usually like to meet people. And during this time, he is meditating and meditating. I can't make the decision."
"Oh..." Dongfang Shiming turned his eyes to the side, looking a little regretful.
The young monk was kind-hearted and a little distressed when he saw this. After thinking about it, he suddenly had an idea: "Although I can't make the decision, I can take you to see Master Rongxing. He has the final say."
"That's great." Dongfang Shiming smiled and thanked the young monk, "Thank you, young master, for taking the trouble."
The young monk, with nimble legs and feet, walked towards the main hall first. Dongfang Shiming and two others followed and passed through several monks sweeping the floor.
The young monk waved his hands back repeatedly: "Donor, you're welcome, this is what I should do. ...Um, the poor monk's name is Hua Qiu, so there is no need to call me little master."
"Hua Qiu?" Dongfang Shiming felt a little strange when he read out this name.
I always felt that the master who gave him the dharma title had some bad intentions... although I don't know why.
However, based on the meaning of the word alone, it matches the colorful robes of the young monk very well.
"Do you usually live in this temple?" Bai Hao asked, following Hua Qiu.
Hua Qiu turned back and smiled honestly: "Haha, yes. I have been an adopted orphan since I was a child. Apart from the masters here, I have no other relatives."
"Ah... I'm sorry." Bai Hao heard this and quickly apologized.
"It's okay, it's okay." Hua Qiu didn't take this matter seriously. "The masters have told me since I was a child that this is all my destiny. There is no need to force or regret. And the masters are also very good to me. I Had a great time.”
Chatting one after another, they walked through the main hall and came to the temple at the back. Hua Qiu led the two of them to a lobby where monks held morning classes, and found the so-called Master Rongxing inside.
"Uncle, they want to see the abbot." When they arrived at the lobby, Hua Qiu's voice lowered consciously. Walking behind the broad monk, he said respectfully.
Uncle Rongxing was broad and fat, and the monk's robe seemed quite inadequate to cover his body. He turned around slowly, glanced lazily at Dongfang Shiming and the two, and said, "The abbot has not seen anyone else recently."
"This..." Dongfang Shiming felt slightly embarrassed.
Hua Qiu also looked a little embarrassed. He glanced back and forth at Dongfang Shiming and his uncle a few times, and finally begged his uncle in a low voice: "Uncle, the two donors must have something important. Our abbot really can't..."
But Uncle Rongxing still shook his head: "If it doesn't work, it won't work. The two of them are not close enough, let's do it next time."
Bai Hao hid behind Dongfang Shiming and made faces at the fat monk. Dongfang Shiming thought for a moment and tried to settle for the next best thing: "Master Rongxing has been admired for a long time. This junior is here on behalf of the Dongfang family and wants to verify the truth of something that happened many years ago. Since I have no chance to visit the abbot today, I have a few questions for the master. Give me some advice."
Master Rongxing said "Oh" without comment.
Seeing this, Hua Qiu couldn't say much. He quietly leaned aside and did not disturb the conversation between Dongfang Shiming and his uncle.
"Excuse me, Master..." Dongfang Shiming thought for a while, "Have you been practicing in the Flower Stand more than ten years ago?"
Master Rongxing clenched his thick jaw: "Yes."
Dongfang Shiming thought there was something interesting about this matter. He then asked further: "Master, do you still remember that there was once an envoy from the Dongfang family who came to inquire about some matters concerning the conduct of the wife?"
Logically speaking, the memories from more than ten years ago should have been blurred. However, the three religions of the Dongfang family are on good terms with each other, and with the influence of such a large family, they may be able to leave some superficial impressions.
Master Rongxing raised his head and began to recall in his mind. Dongfang Shiming then said: "I don't ask for any details, as long as the master has a little impression of the matter."
