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As they passed the Guanyin Hall, Chen Feng suggested offering incense to Guanyin, the God of Mercy, praying for a smooth delivery.
Chen Feng now held deep superstitions, believing in reincarnation, and in the presence of Buddha and Bodhisattvas—after all, she had crossed over, what was impossible in that context?
In her past life, there was a belief that children shouldn’t enter the main hall to avoid disturbing the deities. Thus, Chen Feng had her two children wait in the corridor with ten guards protecting them, while five guards accompanied her.
After devoutly praying and making an offering, Chen Feng, supported by Hong Fei, exited the main hall. As she stepped out, Dabao and Hanyan ran towards her in the corridor, exclaiming, “Mother, Mother, the Bodhisattva will surely bless you with two younger brothers.”
The children, influenced by old Marquis Chu, no longer mentioned sisters but only brothers.
Their joyful cries amused the other worshippers.
Blushing, Chen Feng was intercepted by Hong Fei as the children reached her, playfully pulling on her skirt and expressing their hopes for two brothers.
Speechless, Chen Feng smiled and held their hands, ready to lead them back to the corridor. However, she noticed the guards surrounding them protectively, with two guards gently lifting the children and Hong Fei supporting her.
Turning her head, she saw the last person she wanted to encounter—Princess Rong Zhao. Princess Rong Zhao had heard about Chen Feng’s pregnancy in the capital, resulting in her breaking a few teacups. Upon learning it was twins, she broke several more decorations. Worried about the potential heirs being born from that “wretched woman”, she sought solace in her ambition to have a son of her own.
Thus, she insisted on accompanying Marquis Chu to Lingyin Temple, ostensibly to pray, but secretly to seek treatment from Master Wuzhi.
Lingyin Temple held a revered status during the Dachun Dynasty, even surpassing the Bao Guo Temple in the outskirts of the capital. A hundred and ten years ago, during the reign of Emperor Chun, at the age of forty, he turned devout and abdicated the throne to his crown prince, embracing Buddhism at Lingyin Temple where he took monastic vows and was ordained as Xuan Neng. Fifty years later, upon Xuan Neng’s passing, his relics were enshrined in the temple.
Master Wuzhi was Master Xuan Neng’s nephew, which even the Emperor respected. No one dared to force him to do anything he didn’t wish to do.
Forty years ago, Master Wuzhi predicted an unprecedented flood in the south during the Dachun Dynasty and treated numerous individuals during a widespread epidemic twenty-six years ago. Although he never publicly read fortunes or treated anyone openly, everyone in the Dachun Dynasty, including the royal family, considered Master Wuzhi an all-powerful monk.
The disaster forty years ago was mitigated due to the former Emperor heeding the Master’s prediction, saving the lives of over a million people. During the epidemic, Master Wuzhi saved countless lives.
Busy with his tasks, whether traveling, meditating in seclusion, or handling affairs, Princess Rong Zhao sought to try her luck in finding him.
She had heard that her second and third brothers were also looking for Master Wuzhi, but the Emperor had sent them on missions to assist with earthquake relief and inspections, diverting their attention.
While Marquis Chu wouldn’t accompany her to other temples, he was obliged to accompany her to Lingyin Temple because Yingshuan Monastery was located there, and he was concerned she might cause trouble there.
Upon arriving at Lingyin Temple, Princess Rong Zhao headed straight to Master Wuzhi’s meditation room. To her surprise, not only was Master Wuzhi present, but he agreed to see her, much to her delight.
Entering the room, Master Wuzhi glanced at her and respectfully said, “Amitabha, Your Highness, I am unable to cure your ailment.”
Indignant, Princess Rong Zhao retorted, “I may not be a doctor, but I know that diagnosis involves observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking. You haven’t done the last three, so how can you claim you can’t treat my illness?”
Master Wuzhi calmly responded, “Amitabha, Your Highness, I have ‘observed.’ Your fate is destined to have no sons.”
Enraged, Princess Rong Zhao slammed the table, stood up, and sternly exclaimed, “How dare you speak to me this way!”
Master Wuzhi remained composed and replied, “Your Highness, you have visited me several times with sincerity, and there is a karmic connection with Buddhism. I spoke the truth… If you don’t believe me, then consider my words unsaid.”
Princess Rong Zhao, angered, retorted, “I came for medical treatment, not for a fortune-telling session.”
Master Wuzhi responded, “Amitabha, you are the sixth person who has allowed me to read their fate. The sea of suffering is boundless, turn back to the shore. Take care of yourself. Amitabha, it is virtuous, virtuous.” With that, he closed his eyes and began reciting scriptures.
Upon hearing the commotion outside the meditation room, Marquis Chu hurried in, restraining Princess Rong Zhao, and advised, “Princess, be cautious in your words. This is Lingyin Temple, and you are facing Master Wuzhi.”
He then respectfully apologized to Master Wuzhi, “Master, I apologize for Princess Rong Zhao’s inappropriate behavior. Please forgive her.”
Master Wuzhi continued chanting, seemingly unperturbed by his words.
His disciple, Gui Ling, gestured, “Please, come this way, Your Highnesses.”
Princess Rong Zhao calmed down, realizing she couldn’t behave recklessly in Lingyin Temple. She quickly composed herself, shedding tears and inquired, “Master, how can I resolve this ill-fated circumstance?”
Master Wuzhi remained seated, hands clasped together in silence.
Gui Ling added, “The will of the heavens cannot be changed. Please, come this way, Your Highnesses.”
Marquis Chu led Princess Rong Zhao out.
As soon as they left, Princess Rong Zhao burst into tears on Marquis Chu’s shoulder, lamenting, “How could this happen? I’ve earnestly wished to bear a son for Marquis Chu, to continue our lineage. What should we do if I can’t have a son?”
Marquis Chu’s expression was unreadable as he gently reassured her, “Princess, don’t be distressed. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a son, I don’t mind.”
Although his words were meant to console her, Princess Rong Zhao sensed something amiss. Raising her head, she said, “I don’t believe that Master Wuzhi is more powerful than the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Seeking his help is futile, I will pray to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. I will offer prayers to every deity in the temple, one by one.” With that, she led Marquis Chu to the main hall.
True to her words, she meticulously worshipped each deity in the temple, starting from the main hall and proceeding with utmost devotion.
As she reached the Guanyin Hall, she encountered a pregnant woman walking out. Princess Rong Zhao harbored animosity toward pregnant women, and upon realizing it was Chen Feng, her displeasure intensified.
Contemplating whether to endure the situation, given the sacred environment of the temple and her ongoing prayers, Princess Rong Zhao witnessed Dabao and Hanyan rushing towards Chen Feng, expressing their wishes for two younger brothers. Those words, to her ears, were more grating than anything else.