Chapter 195: Merit Points +1
“Wow… the little flower fairy is so powerful.”
“Wow, it climbed another step!”
Amidst the cheers of encouragement from the people around, Qin Wanwan gritted her teeth and climbed over seventy steps, then couldn’t climb anymore.
Her short legs were weak and trembling.
She shakily showed her little feet to her daddies.
“I can’t climb anymore QAQ”
Her pitiful expression, however, inexplicably carried a hint of amusement.
Shang Wuyang was about to die of laughter.
Rong Zhi also had a smile on his lips: “Not bad, you’ve climbed this high. Many children haven’t climbed as many steps as you.”
Qin Wanwan secretly glanced around and discovered that many children were being carried by their parents.
Even those who were climbing by themselves would rest after a little bit.
It seemed she wasn’t a little waste.
So Qin Wanwan stretched out her little arms and acted spoiled.
“Daddy, carry me~”
Rong Zhi bent down and picked her up.
Rong Zhi and Shang Wuyang, one in red and one in light blue, were both tall and elegant, possessing an extraordinary aura. Even with masks on, their exposed chins were so handsome and delicate that they sparked imaginations.
It even gave them a sense of mystery.
This caused the unmarried young ladies around them to frequently cast their gazes upon them.
Some bold ones even stepped forward to ask if they could walk together.
Shang Wuyang: “No, I already have a daughter.”
He pointed at Qin Wanwan.
The beautiful little milk bun was like a pretty figurine, with curled eyelashes, large, dark, bright eyes, and a pink, plump little mouth. Every feature exuded delicate cuteness.
“Ah? Isn’t she his daughter?”
They heard the little girl call the man in blue “Daddy.”
Shang Wuyang said righteously: “I am her daddy too.”
The woman: ………
However, they only assumed this was Shang Wuyang’s polite refusal and didn’t think much of it.
“Young Master, may I ask, where did you collect these fragrant flowers?”
Someone’s attention was drawn to the small flower basket Qin Wanwan was carrying.
Although spring had arrived, it was still early in the season, and logically, not many flowers should be blooming.
But the flowers in Qin Wanwan’s small basket and on her head were too beautiful, not only good-looking but also very fragrant, intoxicating.
Many ladies and madams sent their maids to inquire.
Qin Wanwan felt a little proud: “I grew them myself~”
Some people wanted to buy the flower basket in Qin Wanwan’s hand, but neither the little chubby cub herself nor her two daddies agreed to sell.
Those who wanted to buy flowers could only leave with regret.
Qin Wanwan, carried by her daddy, climbed a section of stone steps and used a small handkerchief to wipe Rong Zhi’s sweat.
“Daddy, let Wanwan down so I can walk myself. If you’re tired, Daddy Shang can carry me then.”
She didn’t want to tire her daddy.
Temples and Taoist temples, perhaps to test people and for spiritual cultivation, are generally built in very high and secluded places.
However, in those times, people believed in gods and Buddhas. No matter how far, there would be people who sincerely prayed to climb the mountain, just to burn incense and pray for blessings for themselves and their families.
Qin Wanwan was a bit confused: “Then why do so many people go to temples instead of Taoist temples?”
Rong Zhi: “Many people used to go to Taoist temples, but there were always some who pretended to be Taoist priests to swindle people, and some noble scions who died from taking elixirs. Over time, many people stopped believing in Taoism. Coupled with Buddhism’s good propaganda, more people started going to temples.”
“Besides, Taoism doesn’t hold temple fairs.”
“However, our Imperial Advisor came from Baiyun Temple. After becoming Imperial Advisor, he ordered the severe punishment of those who defrauded people under the guise of being Taoist priests. He also presides over the annual Spring God Festival with several highly respected abbots from Taoist temples, so the reputation of Taoist temples has gradually recovered.”
Shang Wuyang: “After the Spring God Festival, we can go to a Taoist temple.”
Compared to Buddhism, which was introduced from the West, Shang Wuyang and Rong Zhi actually preferred Eastern immortal culture.
However, in terms of propaganda, Taoism was indeed not as good as Buddhism.
But true Taoist priests also possessed real skills.
Apart from the common knowledge of Taoist priests exorcising ghosts, which is debatable, Taoist priests also study many scriptures, medical arts, health preservation, celestial observation, and so on.
A truly capable Taoist priest might not be able to catch ghosts, but their knowledge would undoubtedly be profound.
The two daddies took turns carrying Qin Wanwan. After an hour of climbing, they finally reached the mountaintop.
Bai Ma Temple, being the most famous temple in Shangjing, had a large flow of pilgrims and was thus built very grandly.
Although it was a Buddhist temple, this culture, introduced from the Western regions, had integrated with the Central Plains culture upon entering. The temple housed many famous statues of Central Plains deities.
For example, the currently popular Yue Lao (Matchmaker God) and the God of Wealth.
In front of the temple, there was even a giant marriage tree.
At this time, the red silk hanging from the marriage tree was quite spectacular.
When they arrived before the Buddha statue, Qin Wanwan and her two daddies held incense, and the abbot suddenly walked over.
“Three benefactors, you may stand to offer incense.”
Qin Wanwan tilted her head to look at him.
The abbot clasped his hands together: “Amitabha, three benefactors, your merit shines universally. Standing to offer incense is sufficient.”
The abbot appeared calm, but inwardly he was sweating profusely.
This was not a situation where they could kneel.
Shang Wuyang and Rong Zhi did not believe in Buddhism themselves, so they naturally had no objections.
After standing and placing the incense, the abbot led the three of them away.
“Three benefactors, my uncle, Abbot Shan Chan, requests an audience.”
Shang Wuyang and Rong Zhi knew of Abbot Shan Chan; he was quite famous, but even powerful nobles rarely had the chance to see him.
The two of them took Qin Wanwan to a meditation room.
Abbot Shan Chan, dressed in a kasaya, was sitting on a meditation cushion, striking a wooden fish.
He looked up upon hearing footsteps.
He was indeed a monk with a kind and benevolent face.
“Amitabha, esteemed benefactors, this old monk greets you.”
Qin Wanwan imitated him, clasping her two chubby hands together, and followed with a milky voice, “Amitabha.”
“Little divine beast, your presence is a blessing to our Bai Ma Temple.”
Qin Wanwan widened her eyes and looked at him.
Shang Wuyang and Rong Zhi raised their eyebrows slightly. This old monk actually recognized Wanwan’s identity; he possessed some skill.
Qin Wanwan asked curiously: “How did you know I’m a little divine beast?”
The old monk smiled and said: “It cannot be said, it cannot be said.”
Shang Wuyang: “So cryptic.”
Qin Wanwan looked at the pastries on the table in front of him and craved them.
Climbing up from the foot of the mountain had exhausted a lot of her energy, and she was hungry.
“Little benefactor, you may eat.”
Qin Wanwan politely said with slight embarrassment: “This, it’s not good, is it?”
But her little body honestly and stealthily moved closer to the table.
She was utterly adorable.
The old monk handed her a piece of pastry.
Qin Wanwan’s eyes curved, and she smiled softly, saying, “Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
Then she ate without reservation, and even got pastries for her two daddies.
The little one sat on the cushion and chatted with the old monk. While talking, she again set her sights on the wooden fish.
“Can I tap that wooden fish you’re striking?”
“You may.”
The little one, with food in her mouth and the wooden fish stick in her hand, sat cross-legged on the cushion and began to strike it with an air of pretense.
However, what she mumbled directly made Shang Wuyang spit out his laughter.
With one tap, the little chubby cub mumbled, “Wanwan’s merit +1.”
With another tap: “Daddy Xie’s merit +1.”
“Daddy Shang’s merit +1.”
“Daddy Rong’s merit +1.”
“Keke’s merit +1.”
The Abbot: ………
