Koi baby helps his mother farm and becomes the richest man

Chapter 209 Return to Beijing

Fortunately, although Qingfeng Temple is dilapidated, the few Taoist priests, young and old, who remain inside are all very reliable.

Zhou Yu explained his purpose, and the temple master, Taoist Qingfeng, readily agreed to grant the two girls Taoist certificates the next day. However, he said with a hint of regret, "County Magistrate Zhou should know that our temple is extremely poor, and I'm afraid I can't buy anything for you two Taoist friends."

"Thank you for your concern, Master," Zhou Yu said with a smile, "We will prepare the clothes and other things ourselves. If you have any other instructions, please let us know. We will do our best to fulfill them."

Qin Ying took out the small bundle she had prepared in advance and presented it with both hands: "Master, this is a small gift from us. It can be regarded as incense money for your temple. Please don't refuse it."

Taoist Qingfeng was very casual and took it personally, saying with a smile: "Thank you very much, female donor! These are exactly what my temple needs right now!"

A banquet was held in the temple to entertain Zhou Yu and others.

Seeing a plate of stewed chicken on the table, Zhou Qi and Zhou Mian looked at each other in surprise. Can a Taoist priest eat meat?

Taoist Qingfeng knew what they were thinking at a glance and said with a smile, "Except for the Zhengyi sect who strictly abide by the rules and regulations, the rest of the Taoists don't have too many taboos when it comes to food.

“Well, even if it’s an offering to the Three Pure Ones, as long as the ancestors have enjoyed it, we disciples can also get a taste of the incense.

"We cultivators cultivate our minds, and everything else can be ignored."

It was the first time the two sisters had heard of this. They found it unbelievable at first, but after thinking about it carefully, they found it very reasonable.

There is no shortage of Buddhist and Taoist disciples in this world who talk about rules and regulations but have corrupt morals; people even believe that "those who are loyal are mostly butchers, and those who are unfaithful are mostly scholars."

After the meal, Taoist Qingfeng brought out several Taoist classics and said, "Although we should not dwell on external things, introspection is essential. You two Taoist friends must study these classics carefully.

"It's a pity that this is the only set of books I have, so I kindly ask that you hand-copy them and return the originals."

The two sisters accepted it respectfully and said hurriedly, "This is what we should do."

After a simple ceremony the next day, the two sisters Zhou Qi and Zhou Mian received Taoist certificates and became legitimate nuns.

The original bun was changed into a Taoist bun, and the skirt was replaced with a Taoist robe.

After staying at Qingfeng Temple for another night, the group got up early and set off back.

During the two days they were away, Mrs. Zhou, accompanied by Aunt Zhao, and Uncle Chen Jiu, had chosen an ownerless yard in Tongshu Village. They cleaned it up and prepared to tear it down and rebuild it in the spring of next year. This would be the Taoist temple for the two sisters of the Zhou family to practice.

She also selected two old women and four maidservants, and ordered them to change into Taoist attire and move in first.

Of course, this yard was too dilapidated, so even after urgent repairs, it was still a little difficult for people to live here. It was just a show for outsiders. People went there to light fires and burn incense during the day, went back to eat, and did not sleep here at night.

After Zhou Yu sent Xu Xia back first, Mrs. Zhou had a plaque hung up with three large characters on it: Qingfeng Temple, and "Lower Courtyard" was specially marked in the lower right corner.

The villagers all came to see the surprise, and Mrs. Zhou Er announced the news that the two Miss Zhous had become Taoist nuns, and specifically explained: "We have asked skilled craftsmen from the neighboring village to help make statues of the Three Pure Ones.

"Then the Qingfeng Master from the upper courtyard of Qingfeng Temple will come to consecrate the statue. From now on, folks can come here to burn incense and make wishes!"

This news naturally reached Liu Song's ears like the wind. Liu Song was stunned and said hesitantly: "This...this is possible?"

The servant Qing'er twisted his fingers and complained softly, "Master, these people really don't take you seriously..."

"You slave!" Liu Song glared at him, "Be careful, there are ears on the other side of the wall!"

Qing'er didn't dare to say anything.

Liu Song sighed, "As the saying goes, a forced melon isn't sweet. Your Highness has been doing well in everything, so a few minor setbacks are nothing."

Not long after, the prince ascended the throne and became rich, so it was natural for him to enrich his inner palace.

He had seen the two Miss Zhous before. Although they were beautiful, they were not rare. Moreover, the Zhou family had made great contributions and was the prince's in-laws. If the Miss Zhous entered the palace, they would definitely be given high positions.

But His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has quite a few meritorious deeds to reward, and if they take two of them, the others will suffer...

Forget it. What qualifications do a small Hanlin like me have to interfere in the affairs of important people?

It is peaceful to turn a deaf and dumb!

After coming to terms with it, Liu Song felt relaxed. Every day, apart from chatting with Uncle Chen Jiu, he would also drink with Zhang Jinzhi, and enjoy the delicious countryside food. After a few days, he even gained weight.

Liu Song had already been in Tongshutun for seven days, and he needed to seek an explanation from Zhou Yu. He told Zhang Jinzhi, who had come to see him, "Brother Jinzhi, I should return to report. I'm sure someone at the Crown Prince's place is calculating the time. It's too late, and I'm afraid I won't be able to bear the responsibility."

Zhang Jinzhi laughed heartily and said, "Brother Huiping, I'm here to ask you out. Lord Zhou wants to see you."

Liu Song hurriedly tidied his clothes and followed Zhang Jinzhi out.

Zhou Yu met Liu Song in his study. The prince's handwritten letter was on his desk. Seeing Liu Song coming, he politely asked him to sit down and said, "I already know the purpose of your visit, Lord Liu.

"It's just that I'm busy with things and can't leave immediately. I beg Sir Liu to give me a few days."

Liu Song quickly stood up, bowed, and said with an apologetic smile, "How dare I, I'm just afraid of failing to obey His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's orders."

"That's all right," Zhou Yu waved his hand. "I will naturally speak to His Highness, so Lord Liu can rest assured.

"Lord Liu knows that the county's recent wedding has delayed official business for a few days, so we are expediting it these days. In addition, my wife also has some trivial matters to take care of locally. We will be able to set off in three days at the latest.

"Since the delay is not long, it would be inappropriate to ask Lord Liu to go ahead. It would be better for us to set off together."

Did Liu Song dare to say "no"? He just agreed.

When I came out of Zhou Yu's study, I met another old woman who said that Mrs. Zhou Er wanted to see me.

Liu Song followed the old woman to the Zhao family next door.

In the hall, Mrs. Zhou and Aunt Zhao sat in the main seats respectively. Liu Song respectfully saluted Mrs. Zhou and also bowed vaguely to Aunt Zhao.

Aunt Zhao wanted to stand up and return the greeting, but Mrs. Zhou held her back and said with a smile, "Lord Liu has come a long way, and our mother-in-law said she wanted to show her hospitality. It would be fine if it were anything else, but Lord Liu has lived in the capital for a long time, so what good things has he not seen?

"But the local delicacies are very rare, Lord Liu, please don't refuse.

"My mother-in-law even had someone make two fur coats. Although they were made of rabbit fur, they were made from wild rabbits they caught and tamed."

Liu Song quickly stood up and thanked him.

Mrs. Zhou Er ordered someone to send a large bundle and a bag full of things.

Qing'er tried to lift the bag, but failed after trying twice.

Aunt Zhao asked Zhao Hu to take them back.