"Why are there so many people?"
The entire road was filled with nothing but people. Ling Muzhu wondered why so many people had gathered at a temple. Could this Sanqing Temple truly be that effective?
"Within a hundred-mile radius, Sanqing Temple is the most efficacious. With the imperial examinations approaching, there are naturally more people coming to offer prayers. And since we're here in the afternoon, if it were morning, there would be even more people."
It was only after Chu Qing inquired for a long time that she learned about Sanqing Temple's efficacy. If it weren't for Ling Muzhu's chance of success, she wouldn't have bothered making this trip. Who knew this young man would be so unappreciative? Feng Jin felt that all her efforts were in vain.
Ling Muzhu couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Recalling his past actions, his heart felt even worse.
"I didn't know my sister-in-law went to such great lengths. It's my fault. Please don't hold these things against me, sister-in-law."
"Given that you recognize your mistake and are willing to change, I'll be magnanimous and not hold it against you."
It was more important to worship the Three Pure Ones first. These trivial matters were not worth her dwelling on with Ling Muzhu.
While Sanqing Temple was indeed efficacious, its only drawback was that it was located on the mountaintop, and one had to walk up the mountain for the prayers to be most effective.
"This mountain is so high. Haven't we arrived yet?"
Ling Wan had been raised in seclusion since childhood, never venturing far from her home. Her largest activity space was her small courtyard. She had never climbed a mountain before. After walking only half the way, her legs were already sore and trembling.
"We're almost there. The sky is still bright, so let's rest for a bit before continuing on."
Fortunately, they hadn't set out too late. After resting, they could continue towards the summit and return before dark.
Just as they stopped to rest their feet, an uninvited guest arrived.
"It really is Madam Ling. I recognized your figure from afar and dared not approach to greet you until I confirmed it was you."
Sheng Xubai's refined voice sounded from behind them, drawing everyone's attention.
"What a coincidence. To meet Sheng Sanlang in a place like this. It truly is fate."
Feng Jin couldn't help but marvel at how small the world was. Meeting Sheng Xubai at Sanqing Temple was indeed a coincidence. However, she wondered if he was here for the same reason as them.
"Young Master Sheng, are you also here to pray for a good future?"
"Please excuse me, Madam. I am, after all, a man of the world, and I wish to seek good fortune. Are you also here seeking good fortune?"
"Naturally. My younger brother is also participating in the imperial examinations, and I've specifically accompanied him to pay respects to the Three Pure Ones and pray for his success."
Sheng Xubai's gaze fell on Ling Muzhu. He had heard of the fame of the second young master of the Ling family. Recently, he had also heard that the second young master of the Ling family had undergone a complete transformation, as if he were a different person. He was now participating in the imperial examinations, and many young gentlemen in the capital were waiting to see Ling Muzhu make a fool of himself.
"Second Young Master Ling, I've long admired you."
"Brother Sheng is too kind. How could I deserve your 'admiration'? Your reputation, Young Master Sheng, is already known throughout the capital. If you are also participating in this examination, it seems the first place is already yours. I congratulate you in advance."
Sheng Xubai continuously observed Ling Muzhu. He was indeed like the rumors, a completely changed man. Sheng Xubai was greatly surprised. What method could possibly cause such a radical transformation in a person?
"It's most important to worship the Three Pure Ones now. Sheng Sanlang, we'll take our leave."
Feng Jin interrupted their pleasantries. The priority was to worship the Three Pure Ones and return quickly; other matters could wait.
Without further ado, Feng Jin led the two of them forward.
Ling Wan took a step forward, hesitated, then turned to look in Sheng Xubai's direction. Upon meeting Sheng Xubai's gaze, she quickly lowered her head and turned away, her expression hidden.
Sheng Xubai seemed to sense Ling Wan's gaze. He gently fanned himself, concealing his reaction.
"Young Master, let's continue our journey up the mountain."
The young servant following Sheng Xubai reminded him to continue on his way.
"There's no need to go further. Let's head back down."
"Young Master, Madam specifically instructed that it would be most efficacious for you to personally ascend the mountain to worship the Three Pure Ones. We've already come halfway. Wouldn't it be a pity to go down the mountain now?"
He raised his paper fan and lightly tapped the servant's forehead. "Inflexible mind! When you return, tell Mother that I worshipped the Three Pure Ones before descending. You're so stubborn, you can't think of any way around things!"
After reprimanding the servant, Sheng Xubai directly turned and walked down the mountain. If it weren't for his mother constantly nagging him, he wouldn't have come to Sanqing Temple at all.
If he continued up the mountain, he would inevitably run into Feng Jin and her companions. He was descending now to avoid unnecessary awkwardness.
"Young Master, wait for me... Young Master..."
The servant realized that Sheng Xubai had already disappeared. He quickly chased after him down the mountain.
...
"Stop looking down the mountain. He's long gone."
Feng Jin kindly reminded her. They were almost at the summit. Since Sheng Xubai hadn't followed them while they were walking earlier, she presumed he had already gone down the mountain. Even if Ling Wan stared at the foot of the mountain, she wouldn't see Sheng Xubai's figure.
"I wasn't... I was just looking to see if there were many more people coming to pay their respects..."
Ling Wan concealed the fleeting disappointment on her face and casually replied, her footsteps unconsciously quickening.
"What's wrong with her? Why is she walking so fast?"
Ling Muzhu, seeing Ling Wan walking ahead, asked.
"There are wolves and tigers following behind. Shouldn't you hurry too?"
With that, Feng Jin also quickened her pace and moved forward.
This left Ling Muzhu somewhat stunned, standing there with a bewildered expression, completely unable to guess what these two were up to. After a moment, he also hurried to catch up.
Inside Sanqing Temple, it was bustling with pilgrims. After waiting for a while, it was their turn to offer incense.
After offering incense and making their prayers, they slowly got up. Seeing that the sky was still bright, they wandered around nearby.
"The red ribbons on this tree are all for seeking marriage. Ling Wan, you should write one too. Let the Matchmaker help guide your destiny."
The branches and leaves of the marriage tree were adorned with red ribbons. Many young girls hung red ribbons with prayers for a marriage, and they didn't forget to kneel before the marriage tree with their hands clasped in prayer.
Ling Wan was about to refuse, but Feng Jin had already stuffed a red ribbon into her hand.
"Whether it's effective or not, try it first."