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Dabao, being sharp, had already learned from Chen Feng and the others about the woman’s relationship with his mother. Understanding the situation, he remarked, “Even the sturdiest oiled-paper umbrella is still made of paper, it will surely be pierced by bird droppings and fall on her.”
The little girl wrinkled her nose in disdain, saying, “Bad princess smells bad.”
Chen Feng whispered, “Call her a bad woman, never a bad princess.”
The little girl nodded and added, “That bad woman smells bad.”
News of this strange occurrence attracted all the temple residents to watch the commotion. Monks chanted Buddhist prayers with joined hands, while some worshippers even knelt and bowed to the flock of birds, declaring, “The Bird Deity has arrived”.
Chen Feng and her group proceeded to the outside of Master Wuzhi’s meditation room, where they witnessed the “Flock of Birds” still hovering above the main hall.
Since the guards were unarmed due to temple rules, they were helpless against the birds. Princess Rong Zhao could only wait inside the hall until the flock dispersed before venturing out.
Even if they had brought weapons, the monks at Lingyin Temple would never permit any killing on temple grounds.
Inside the meditation room, the two children were led by a young monk to a side room for snacks. Initially reluctant, they followed Chen Feng’s nod and went along.
Chen Feng was escorted to the left side room by Guiyi. Inside, there were rows of food boxes against the wall and two more on the table, snacks she had brought for the old monk.
She greeted Master Wuzhi, who was seated cross-legged on the kang, with clasped hands, “Greetings, Master.”
Master Wuzhi reciprocated, “Amitabha, please have a seat, kind lady.”
As Chen Feng sat down, Gui Ling served tea.
Master Wuzhi then mentioned, “In a few days, I will embark on a journey across the seas for at least five years. Upon my return, things may have changed significantly.” Pausing briefly, he continued, “There are two unresolved matters that I would like to ask for your help with.”
Chen Feng was aware of her limitations and questioned her ability to assist the venerable monk with his requests. She immediately expressed, “Master, if you require the previous items again, I truly cannot assist you.”
The monk proceeded without acknowledging Chen Feng’s concerns, stating, “With those items, I healed a patron’s leg. However, the leg injury also affected… the core, requiring the use of a medicinal herb called ‘Tricolor Ball’ for a complete cure. Therefore, please find a Tricolor Ball. Additionally, a small portion of green swallow’s nest, just the size of a fingernail, is needed for medicinal purposes. In case of a major epidemic outbreak in the future, this remedy will be crucial. If you locate these items, hand them to Gui Ling.” Seeing Chen Feng seemingly indifferent to his words, he added, “If you agree, I will reveal to you a looming disaster that your Chu family will soon face.”
The impending calamity for the Chu family startled Chen Feng. Fully trusting the monk’s words, she couldn’t help but fear for the family’s future hardships. Could it be that the Chu family was on the brink of a major catastrophe?
However, the concept of such a disaster seemed immense. Was it related to the second prince ascending to power to harm the Chu family, which seemed unlikely? The monk’s use of the word “soon” implied a specific timeframe, possibly within a few days or at the latest by next year.
Considering the Emperor’s health and the Ninth Prince’s healed leg, could this disaster be a natural calamity? Chen Feng, caressing her belly, pondered with distress. Could it be that before her children were born or right after their birth, misfortune would befall the Chu family?
Contemplating the situation, she mused about the possibility of escaping with her children if the worst occurred. Yet, what about Chu Lingxuan, Dabao, Chu Hanyan, the beloved old Marquis, and the Third Madam… what would happen to them?
No, the Chu family couldn’t face such adversity! Anxiously, she inquired, “What disaster is looming? Previously, you mentioned that I had great fortune, capable of benefiting those around me. Can’t my blessings shield my family from harm?”
The monk responded, “Everything I said before was accurate. If you are wise, your blessings can indeed aid your family, saving loved ones from danger and averting misfortune for the Chu family. However, if you are dull-witted, no one can be saved.”
Curious, Chen Feng asked, “How can I act wisely?”
The monk replied, “Once you complete those two tasks, I will enlighten you further.”
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Feng responded, “I will do my best to obtain the green swallow’s nest. However, I can’t guarantee the Tricolor Ball. The little one mentioned that after searching deep in the woods, only one plant was found. Moreover, it is approaching late summer now, so even if found, the flowers would have wilted, requiring us to wait until late spring or early summer next year. Is there still enough time?”
The monk advised, “If it’s not found in this particular forest, search in the deep woods elsewhere, it will surely be found. Send the little one to the northern regions where spring arrives later, it’s currently the flowering season there.”
Reluctantly, Chen Feng nodded in agreement, saying, “Alright, I will persuade the little one to handle it. Now, can you please enlighten me about the impending disaster?”
The monk replied with folded hands, “Amitabha, once you hand these two items to Gui Ling, he will give you a pouch containing my handwritten notes.”
Chen Feng earnestly requested, “Master, I value honesty. I will fulfill my promises with all my might. Therefore, please inform me about the matter so we can prepare in advance.”
The monk gestured, “Fulfilling a promise with all your might is slightly different from giving it your all. For fairness, a handover of goods for services rendered.”
Indignant, Chen Feng retorted, “What is this? Are we conducting a business transaction? Master, you are a revered monk who saves people from calamities, not someone who trades.”
Master Wuzhi chuckled, “I’m left with no choice. As long as it helps save more lives, a little trading won’t hurt.”
Fuming, Chen Feng muttered a curse under her breath, calling him an “old donkey”.
The monk smirked, took a piece of snack that Chen Feng had brought and ate it, nodding with satisfaction.
Realizing the monk’s upcoming journey, Chen Feng had prepared snacks mostly consisting of biscuits that could last and were easily portable. The numerous food boxes were now filled to the brim.
Angrily, she asked, “Since you seem to enjoy trading, how should I account for all these snacks I prepared for you?”
Maser Wuzhi wiped his hands clean of the crumbs, chuckled, and assured her, “I won’t let you come out at a loss.” He then reached for a sandalwood box from the cabinet, handing it to Chen Feng, saying, “Inside are two pills left over from treating the patron, containing green swallow’s nest, specifically for treating external injuries. They can be ingested or dissolved in water for external use. Regardless of the injury, timely application can heal it.”
Considering the miraculous healing of the Ninth Prince’s leg after a decade, this medicine was indeed remarkable.