Chapter 39: This Matter is Spoken of in Private

  The abbot was a kind and gentle old man, with a white beard that seemed to have a hint of an otherworldly air about it. As soon as he saw me, he joined his hands together in a Buddhist greeting, which I hastily returned. The abbot then said anxiously, "Your noble presence honors us, but I am ashamed that I did not go further out to welcome you."

  I was slightly surprised, although the Song Mansion is a general's mansion, in this Chang'an capital, there are many high-ranking officials and nobles, not to mention me, a newlywed bride who has just entered the family and is not favored.

  The abbot saw our surprise and didn't mind, just asked us to sit down. My wife and I looked at each other and had no choice but to take a seat.

  The abbot ordered the best tea in the temple to be served, and after we had drunk two cups, he slowly said: "Last night, old Na dreamed of the Buddha, and the Buddha said that today there would be noble guests visiting. Indeed, it is not wrong." He made another Buddhist gesture, full of kindness and dignity: "The Buddha's mercy is great, good, good!"

  "Master...the honored guest you spoke of might be someone else, maybe it's not me." I said cautiously, this monk wouldn't be a swindler, would he?

  "It can't be wrong." The abbot said affirmatively: "Just now, Old Na saw the young lady and felt a red glow on her Buddha face, with extremely deep Buddhist affinity." I don't know if he will say that I should become a monk and practice with him next. The abbot paused for a moment and said: "Moreover, the young lady is plump and full, with such a good facial feature, absolutely a great fortune."

  I glanced at Lü and saw that she seemed to be thinking deeply, but didn't say anything.

  The abbot stroked his beard, counted on his fingers for a moment, and said: "Miss, you are destined to be a noble person with many good fortunes. You will marry a wealthy husband and become even more prosperous in your old age." He paused, composed himself, and continued: "However, Miss, you must remember that nothing can be forced. Your life will be filled with twists and turns, but as long as you hold on to your faith, the Buddha will protect you."

  When Lü heard the words "can marry a noble husband", her beautiful eyes had already changed color, and she only spoke after Fangzhang finished speaking: "Fangzhang, this matter can be discussed privately, but I'm afraid that if it gets out, it will bring trouble. It's just that Fangzhang has forgotten today's events, forgotten seeing such a 'noble person'."

  "Ami Buddha, Lao Na will pray day and night for the young lady's smooth journey, how can there be more troubles?"

  "That's good." Lü Shi let out a slight sigh of relief, and the abbot also stopped entangling himself in this matter, only instructing the young monk to go prepare some plain dishes.