On March 3rd, Xinglong Temple became lively because of Master Zhiran’s sermons. However, this excitement was only in a small area, and not many people could hear Master Zhiran’s teachings.
When Gu Shiba Niang helped Mr. Cao get into the carriage, people on the street pried their heads.
"Where are you going this early in the morning?" Several familiar women came over and asked.
"It's to Xinglong Temple." Ms. Cao replied with a smile.
This statement aroused everyone's surprise. Are you going to Xinglong Temple at this time
"Going to listen to Master Lingran's lecture?" someone asked tentatively, feeling very unsure of the answer.
Ms. Cao nodded and said yes.
A carriage slowly came from behind, followed by Gu Yu on horseback. His light green cloak fluttered as he moved, revealing the snow-white robe he was wearing underneath.
He looked down from a high position and saw the girl in black rose clothes and a simple bun, standing quietly next to her mother, listening to the women talking.
As if aware of the attention, she raised her head and looked over, smiled slightly, and then lowered her head to give a shallow salute.
Gu Yu's expression remained unchanged, he nodded slightly in return and looked away.
Seeing this carriage, everyone knew that the third grandma was coming, and they all got out of the way and said hello.
The car curtain was opened by the little maid, and the plain third grandmother inside nodded in return, her eyes falling on Mrs. Cao.
"Fourth family members, let's go together." She said with a slight smile.
Mrs. Cao nodded hurriedly and let the carriage of the third mistress go first, then got in the carriage and followed.
Looking at the two carriages one behind the other, the women standing there looked envious.
"Master Mingran would actually leave a message for her?" Everyone murmured to themselves, feeling like they were dreaming. You must know that there are less than a hundred people in Master Mingran's class, Quan Jiankang, and no matter how you calculate it, it won't be the turn of the Cao family and her daughter. .
"Maybe they bought it with money..." a woman said, "...Have you heard that Shiba Niang is the apprentice of a great pharmacist. The medicine she sells is valuable, so everyone has to rob it... They all begged her for medicine with gold in their hands... Their family is rich now..."
"What kind of disciple of a great pharmacist," another said disdainfully, "not to mention that her father once served as a county magistrate. Now that Brother Hai has passed the imperial examination, she is a rich lady. How can she do such a low-level craft? ?”
"Yes." Someone echoed, "It means that in the drug store she opened, the great pharmacist was the concocting master, so she became very rich. I heard that the money she earned was all gold, and she brought back box after box..."
Everyone couldn't hide their envy when talking, how much would it cost...
"This family is different from before." Everyone sighed in unison, looking towards the street, and the two carriages could no longer be seen.
A carriage stopped outside Xinglong Temple. With the help of the maid, they all got out of the carriage. The third mistress, Huang Shiying, fell down. Gu Yu, Cao Shi and Gu Shiba Niang immediately attracted many people's attention.
Master Ming Ran’s lectures attract a fixed number of people every year. Occasionally, a new person joins, which will definitely attract everyone’s attention. To come here to listen to the lectures, one must be rich or noble. Of course, there are also those who are neither rich nor noble. This is what Master Ming Ran said. Destined person.
As Mrs. Cao and Huang Shiying walked side by side, everyone speculated whether this person was rich or noble, or a destined person.
It is said that Master Mingzhuan can know the past and the future. Of course, the destined person in his mouth is not just destined, but must have extraordinary fortune, but it is not known yet. The more this kind of destined person, the more people will pay attention to it, and the more powerful and powerful people will remember it. To win over in private.
Giving help in times of need is always better than adding icing on the cake. Everyone still understands this truth, but the worldly eyes often cannot see through it.
Mrs. Cao was originally behind Huang Shiying, but after being invited by her, the two walked side by side, talking in low voices as they walked. The maid followed closely behind her. In this way, Gu Yu and Gu Shiba Niang left. together.
Gu Shiba Niang lowered her head slightly, looking at the cyan cloak that swayed as she walked in the first few steps, and felt something strange in her heart.
She seemed to have a guilty conscience. She thought that Gu Yu got second place in the exam and was only one step away from being the murderer of that life's destiny. All this might have something to do with her rebirth.
But what does this have to do with myself? Gu Hai was not reborn. All of this was obtained by his diligent study. It was neither stealing nor robbing.
She remembered a passage she had read once, to the effect that fate is determined by God and not by man. However, there are some people in this world who have a strong will, and it is ambition rather than wisdom that can change their destiny. Word.
Is this the kind of person my brother is? With his own diligence, he reversed the fate of being slow in qualifications. Perhaps if his father had not died early in that life, his brother might have achieved something in his studies...
In this life, all I want to do is to change the fate of my relatives who died in vain, that is, to use my strong will to reverse the fate that cannot be controlled by others. Whether the rest of the people or things remain unchanged, it is not enough to care about them.
Thinking this, feeling relieved, she raised her head and smiled, facing Gu Yu and looking back.
"Congratulations..." Her smile grew wider, but she didn't know what to call him, uncle? elder brother? The clan had a lot of headaches because Huang Shiying passed through generations, and finally they all called him Young Master Yu.
The corner of Gu Yu's mouth curved into a smile, "Same joy."
Gu Shiba Niang looked at him, and through the young man's friendly and bright face, she did not ignore the trace of hatred hidden in his eyes.
She sighed in her heart, if it weren't for her soul in her twenties, she wouldn't have discovered it at all. It was really good that he was able to hide his emotions like this for a teenager who was only a teenager.
It’s just that she still doesn’t understand why this hatred comes from. Is it just because of the dispute with Gu Leshan
She couldn't see what feelings Gu Yu had for Gu Leshan.
"Master Mingran only invited you? Didn't you invite your brother?" Gu Yu suddenly asked.
Gu Shiba Niang responded attentively, nodded with a smile, "Yes."
"The entire Gu family only invited your family," he slowed down, stopped in front of Gu Shiba Niang, turned his head and said slowly, "Tell me, why is this?"
Gu Shiba Niang was stunned for a moment, then looked at him with some confusion and said: "Only our family? How could it be possible, Third Grandma and Young Master Yu..."
Gu Yu pursed his lips and smiled, interrupted her, turned his head slightly, and whispered: "Maybe the master wants to give you some advice."
His eyes were deep, bright, and solemn as he looked over. Gu Shiba Niang couldn't help but feel excited. It was like the day when she was about to enter the wing to poison the water, and a burst of Buddha's chant suddenly sounded behind her, and she felt like her soul could be seen through.
What does he mean by what he says? Gu Shiba Niang's mind was spinning rapidly. The old monk wrote down a post and clearly stated that she and her mother were being invited. If she didn't include herself, she would not be allowed to accompany her. In that case, any lady who received the invitation could bring as many people as she wanted. No matter how many people I have brought with me, what’s so strange about Master’s sermons that are so clear to me...
Huang Shiying came because of his old friendship with Master Mingran, and Gu Yu also came because of Huang Shiying's face? face? If it's about saving face, the old monk is afraid that his eyes will go blind due to fatigue...
That said, he also received a separate invitation... why? Why? Because of good knowledge? Then Gu Hai is the leader of the case...
A guess spread in her heart, and Gu Shiba Niang's breathing quickened for a moment.
It is said that the old monk knows the past and the future. What he said that day revealed that he had seen through her origins. So did Gu Yu... also see through her
How can it be
She felt that her mind was instantly confused. After all, she was just an ordinary woman who couldn't be more ordinary.
But so what if you see through it? She is not afraid of the Heavenly King, but she is afraid of a young man like him.
"What's your advice?" She raised her head, looked at him and said with a smile, "Young Master Yu is very knowledgeable, but I can't even understand what he said."
Gu Yu smiled and raised his eyebrows, "The Eighteenth Mother is good at learning if she is good at literature and martial arts."
Gu Shiba Niang laughed and said, "Thank you so much, Master Yu, for your compliment." After saying that, she smiled meaningfully, "I'm just trying to make ends meet, and it's not as good as your bright future, Master Yu."
"Thank you for your good wishes." Gu Yu also smiled meaningfully.
The two of them walked and talked with smiles on their faces. The young girl was as bright as the sun, which was really pleasing to the eye compared to most of the older women and men around them.
"Whose child is this?"
"Are they a young couple?"
"What are you thinking about? It's obviously the dress of my daughter's house..."
"Like a golden boy and a virgin..."
The women walking slowly talked in low voices and asked, with some curiosity in their eyes. Young children were taboo about being simple, and few people came to listen to Buddhist scriptures. What's more, they must have been invited to this occasion. Whose family is this? children? Is he a newly wealthy person from Jiankang or a destined person
Huang Shiying and Cao turned around and saw the two people walking away talking, and they both smiled.
"Yu'er has a cold temperament and seldom interacts with others. Brother Hai and Shiba Niang are calm and kind. It is a blessing for Yu'er to have friendship with them." Huang Shiying said with a smile.
"What the hell, Third Grandma is so complimentary," Mrs. Cao said humbly. Looking back, she saw her daughter covering her mouth and raising her head to smile. Her whole face lit up. She couldn't help but sigh in her heart, "Brother Hai and Shiba Niang There’s no one to play with, so that’s fine.”
"Oh, by the way, the exam is due in August. Mr. Li Jianzhou from Yunmeng Academy is a great scholar today. I will benefit a lot from his guidance before the exam. I have relied on a few old acquaintances to let Yu'er go. In the capital, let Brother Hai go too, so that they can keep company." As he approached the Buddhist temple, Huang Shiying thought of something and said suddenly.
Ms. Cao was stunned for a moment, and then her surprise was beyond words.
Although she is a woman, she also knows the name of the great scholar Li Jianzhou. Many ministers and servants in the court have worshiped under his sect. Being able to get his guidance, whether they pass the exam or not, will be a great reputation in the future.
"Thank you, Third Grandma..." Ms. Cao thanked her happily.
"Don't thank me in advance. You also know that those great scholars have some weird tempers. I don't know if they can be recommended. It depends on their opportunities. But I think it is the year of the Great Competition in the capital. There are so many students, even if you don’t meet Mr. Li, you will still benefit a lot from studying under other famous teachers..." Huang Shiying said with a smile.
Ms. Cao nodded in agreement.
Gu Shiba Niang, who was walking behind, couldn't help but feel strange when she saw Mrs. Cao beaming with joy.
Gu Yu also saw it, but he frowned, thinking of something.
"I'm going to Beijing next month." He said with a smile, slightly lifted his white robe, and stepped up the steps with a leisurely and free movement.
"Oh? Doesn't the exam take place in August?" Gu Shiba Niang asked.
"Mom and I are looking for a famous teacher." Gu Yu replied, looking back at her.
"Then congratulations, Master Yu, you must go to high school," Gu Shiba Niang said sincerely.
Gu Yu glanced at her, "Oh? Don't you want your brother to go to high school?"
The smile on Gu Shiba Niang's face fell away. Just as she was about to say something, her expression suddenly changed and she stopped abruptly.
Several women walked by. One of them had a fair face and was about thirty years old. She had several golden hairpins on her temples and wore a dark brown cloak with gold edges. She crossed her hands in front of her body, revealing the impatiens dyed hair. Her long nails, with a noble and majestic expression, are really eye-catching.
Gu Shiba Niang felt her heart beating faster, mother-in-law, mother-in-law...
She hadn't seen such a high-spirited mother-in-law for a long time. Ever since her uncle Shen Andong was accidentally killed by a horse thief, her mother-in-law felt like her backbone had been taken away. She was in a daze all day long. Finally, she was bedridden with phlegm and was less than forty years old. She passed away at the age of 18. Before she died, she made Shen Anlin vow not to give up on her. Although she did not prevent this outcome in the end, her mother-in-law's feelings for her were...
The plain white robe flashed in front of her eyes, and Gu Yu's probing eyes fell on her face. Gu Shiba Niang felt a chill in her heart, and she quickly calmed down and lowered her head.
Mrs. Shen San walked past them without talking or laughing, without squinting her eyes. Gu Shiba Niang lowered her head and watched the dark red skirt fly away from her eyes.
"Going in." Gu Yu said in front of him and left first.
Gu Shiba Niang took a step forward and felt that her legs were a little weak. Naturally, the servants could not enter. Gu Yu and Gu Ba Niang took off their cloaks and handed them into the hands of the servant women. Then they stepped into the Buddhist hall.
In the Buddhist hall, men and women sat separately on the left and right. Gu Shiba Niang sat behind Cao and Huang Shiying. She left Gu Yu and didn't have to worry about his scrutiny. Her whole body relaxed and she was in a trance.
In the Buddhist hall, Master Qingming has not yet arrived, and everyone is talking in low voices at their seats.
Gu Shiba Niang raised her head and cast her gaze to the right. Behind several women, Mrs. Shen San, wearing a dark red satin gown, sat with her back straight. Because there were many people blocking her, only half of her face could be seen. The golden hairpin on her head trembled as she occasionally spoke to the people next to her, emitting a dazzling light.
"Eighteen Mother?" Cao asked in a low voice in her ears.
Gu Shiba Niang looked back and saw her mother's worried eyes.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked in a low voice, frowning, looking uneasy, "But...but what's wrong with you?"
Her daughter was reborn, and this matter was like a huge stone in her heart. If something so contrary to common sense and unimaginable happened to her daughter, would she be like a demon in the eyes of gods and Buddhas
The reason why she often brings her daughter to offer incense and worship Buddha is to prevent the gods and Buddhas from condemning her. But if her daughter is still a monster in the eyes of the gods and Buddhas, will that happen...
"If you feel uncomfortable, let's go out." Ms. Cao felt her heart beating with fear. She reached out and took Gu Shiba Niang's hand and was about to get up.
Gu Shiba Niang naturally knew what her mother was thinking. She couldn't help but smile, held her mother down with her backhand, and shook her head.
"I'm fine." She said seriously.
As soon as the Buddha chant sounded, the hall immediately became quiet. Master Mingran walked in slowly. A moment later, a loud recitation sounded, echoing in the hall. Gu Shiba Niang was absent-minded at first, but gradually she felt that her mind was clear and clear, and she unconsciously Listening carefully, the restlessness caused by the presence of Mrs. Shen San by his side slowly dissipated.
"...The reason why the Buddha said this is because everything in the world has neither an absolute beginning nor an absolute end, nor absolute ugliness, nor absolute purity and flawlessness, nor does it appear to be so beautiful on the surface. The joyful blooming of flowers and the depressing withering of vegetation..."
Gu Shiba Niang felt Master Qingran's eyes sweeping over her, and she couldn't help but smile.
".. There is no worry, no worry, so there is no fear..." She murmured in a low voice, but Buddha knew how it feels every night, as long as you close your eyes, you will see your loved ones die and your family destroyed...
"Eighteenth Mother?" Ms. Cao pushed her gently.
When Gu Shiba Niang came back to her senses, she realized that the sutra class had ended. Master Ming Ran was surrounded by several believers talking, and the crowd was slowly dispersing.
"Let's go." She quickly stood up.
"Go and say a few words to the master." Huang Shiying called them and said with a smile.
Mrs. Cao hesitated for a moment and looked at Gu Shiba Niang.
No matter what you say when you receive the invitation, you should express your gratitude. Gu Shiba Niang pondered for a moment and nodded to Mrs. Cao.
"I'll wait for you outside," she said.
Huang Shiying nodded and looked at Gu Yu, who was walking over, "Yu'er, you and Shiba Niang wait outside for a moment."
Gu Yu responded, stood still, and watched Huang Shiying leave with Cao.
Gu Shiba Niang paused for a moment, waiting for Gu Yu to take a step forward before following her. She couldn't help but glance back, but did not see Mrs. Shen San's figure.
Because she was absent-minded, she didn't notice that Gu Yu stopped and Gu Shiba Niang bumped into his arm while walking and apologized hurriedly.
"Buddha's teachings are so mysterious that you lose your mind after listening to them?" Gu Yu said with a hint of a smile but not a smile.
Gu Shiba Niang smiled and gently rubbed her nose, "It sounds like I am confused."
Seeing the servant woman coming from the side, Gu Shiba Niang hurriedly excused herself and walked away. Before she took two steps, she saw a person standing in front of her.
"Ms. Gu." He said in a deep voice, looking down at Gu Shiba Niang.
Gu Shiba Niang raised her head and met his gaze.
This is the first time in their lives that they have met face to face.
Shen Anlin was slightly startled and paused for a moment.
What kind of eyes are these? They are indifferent and cold. Such eyes appear particularly strange on the face of a delicate girl.
For a moment, Gu Shiba Niang lowered her eyes.
"Master Shen, do you have any advice?" she said calmly.
Seeing her calling out her name, Shen Anlin felt that there was no need to ask what she was going to ask. She had obviously admitted that she was the new owner of Shunhe Hall, and that this new owner had certain respect for the old owner's family. learn.
Shen Anlin laughed at himself and suddenly felt that there was nothing to say.
"I wish Madam Gu a prosperous business and abundant wealth." He said with a hint of smile.
Gu Shiba Niang suddenly raised her head and glanced at him, her eyes dark.
Shen Anlin's smile couldn't help but condense on his lips. His eyes were as cold as a sword, piercing his heart without hesitation. If the eyes were tangible, Shen Anlin had no doubt that he was in danger at this time.
He couldn't help but take a step back.
"Of course, I will definitely make a lot of money and have a prosperous business." Gu Shiba Niang looked at him and said one word at a time, then walked away.
Shen An and Lin Shang were in shock. The shock was not the girl's arrogant words, but the fact that he had regressed just now because of a look in his eyes, and it was the look in the eyes of a girl.