Chapter 354: Urgency

Even with such a precious item in hand, Chen Feng couldn’t find comfort. If those two items couldn’t be procured, the family would be in danger. In such circumstances, what use would the medicine be? Furthermore, even if the Ninth Prince’s leg was healed, the Chu family would still face disaster.

Observing Chen Feng’s distress, Master Wuzhi reassured her, “Amitabha, do not carry this burden. Have faith in the abilities of the little one. The Buddha teaches that saving one life is more significant than building seven pagodas. If both items are obtained, you will save more than just one life. Your path ahead is bright. You will not only have continuous blessings in this life but also accumulate merits for the next. If all goes well, you might even become a queen in your next life.”

Indignantly, Chen Feng retorted, “I have no desire to be a queen.”

The monk chuckled and remarked, “Then how about being the First Lady?”

Taken aback, Chen Feng was about to inquire further, but noticed the monk had closed his eyes and begun reciting prayers with his prayer beads.

It was time for her to leave.

Chen Feng rose and bid farewell to Master Wuzhi, “I take my leave. May you have a safe journey and return soon.”

Exiting the side room, she discreetly stored the sandalwood box in her space storage.

Chen Dabao and Chu Hanyan had been led out of the west room, awaiting their mother in the main hall.

As Chen Feng emerged, Chu Hanyan tugged at her skirt, saying, “Mother, we’re hungry. I only had two snacks earlier, I saved room for the vegetarian meal.”

Chen Dabao added, “Mother, I want to try the temple’s vegetarian meal.”

Having heard about the delicious meals at Lingyin Temple, Chen Dabao had expressed his desire to eat there before they arrived.

Prior to entering the meditation room, Chen Feng had arranged for Hong Fei and others to purchase the vegetarian meal in the courtyard.

Agreeing with her children’s requests, Chen Feng led them out of the meditation room, where the “flock of birds” still hovered above the main hall, much to the children’s delight.

At this point, Chen Feng had completely lost interest in spectating. How could she, with what face, ask the Golden Swallow for a large amount of green swallow’s nest and then request it to search for Tricolor Ball in the north?

Recalling the Golden Swallow’s previous tears, she felt utterly helpless.

Yet, she had to muster the courage to make these requests, otherwise, the entire Chu family, including her two children, would be at risk of perishing.

A guard approached to report that Hong Fei had arranged for the courtyard and purchased the vegetarian meal.

They proceeded to a small courtyard among several others, nestled amidst lush trees and blooming flowers, designated for esteemed guests.

Inside the room, the vegetarian meal was laid out on the table. As the three sat down to eat, the children enjoyed their meal while Chen Feng had lost her appetite.

Thinking the meal might not suit Chen Feng’s taste, Hong Fei advised, “Madam, for the sake of the children, consider having a bit.”

Indeed, given the uncertainty of when those two items would be acquired, neglecting her own well-being for the sake of her children, including the two she carried, was paramount.

Reluctantly, Chen Feng forced herself to eat some food.

Leaving the room, she pinched the left palm of her hand, summoning the Golden Swallow back and sending away Princess Rong Zhao from Lingyin Temple.

A miracle unfolded as the thick “flock of birds” in the sky gradually loosened, dispersing the birds in all directions. Onlookers in the temple pointed and exclaimed, even rousing the half-asleep Chen Dabao and Chu Hanyan, who pointed and cheered at the spectacle.

Many birds perched on the trees in the courtyard, and upon seeing a member of the “flock of birds”, Hong Fei and others rushed to bring out the remaining vegetarian meal, rewarding these heroes.

The Golden Swallow returned, initially landing on Chen Feng’s pregnant belly to boast of its accomplishments, only to be snatched by Dabao. Delighted, he exclaimed, “Did Golden Treasure also go to poop? Did he also become a ‘lid’? He must have, you’re amazing!”

Chu Hanyan admired the Golden Swallow, saying, “Golden Treasure is so capable, I admire you.”

The Golden Swallow wriggled out of Dabao’s grasp, nearly revealing the golden hairpin hidden in its wings.

Concerned that the others might notice the hairpin, Chen Feng held the Golden Swallow and announced, “Alright, it’s time to go. We need to visit the Yingshuan Monastery.” Concealing the hairpin with her sleeve, she discreetly stored it in her space storage.

The children grew sleepy and were carried by the guards and Mama Song to rest.

On their way, they encountered the guard left behind by Chen Feng, who whispered, “Princess Rong Zhao has already left the temple…”

Princess Rong Zhao was terrified, continuously kowtowing to the Bodhisattva in the main hall, reportedly bruising her forehead.

Unaware of Rong Zhao’s princess status, the worshippers speculated that the woman had offended the Bird Deity, leading to the birds coming to punish her by defecating on her.

Offending the Bird Deity was a serious offense, potentially bringing disaster upon the Dachun Dynasty. Many worshippers rushed to the main hall, intending to drag the woman who angered the Bird Deity out as an offering.

However, they were stopped by the guards, eunuchs, and warrior monks at the entrance since many worshippers could cause trouble. The monks explained that the person inside was a princess and not to be disturbed.

An eloquent eunuch remarked, “The princess is like a phoenix, with so many birds arriving, it’s like a hundred birds paying homage to a phoenix.”

Upon learning that the woman was a princess, the worshippers refrained from forcing their way into the main hall, questioning, “If it’s a homage to a phoenix, shouldn’t the birds be dancing instead of defecating?”

The eunuch added, “Oh, everyone experiences nature’s call, even the birds. They were just about to dance when they felt the urge.”

Another worshipper mentioned, “I heard a princess in the palace was defecated on by birds, I wonder if it’s her.”

This couldn’t be admitted.

All the eunuchs and guards denied, “No, it’s not her, it’s someone else.”

A monk personally intervened, explaining that it was a natural phenomenon, a coincidence unrelated to the Bird Deity. He mentioned a similar occurrence in the palace without any abnormal signs.

Gradually, the worshippers dispersed from the main hall entrance upon listening to the monk’s explanation.

Listening to this, Chen Feng couldn’t help but chuckle.

Finally, the guard added, “But Marquis Chu hasn’t left the temple, it seems he plans to copy scriptures and observe a vegetarian diet for three days to pray for the princess.”

For Princess Rong Zhao to grant Marquis Chu a three-day leave, she must have been truly frightened.

Leaving Lingyin Temple, Chen Feng boarded a sedan chair heading towards the Yingshuan Monastery.

At this moment, with the Honglin Mountain at its most beautiful, filled with blooming mountain flowers, lush trees, and the harmonious sounds of birds, cicadas, and bubbling water, the journey became increasingly serene and refreshing.

As Chen Feng gazed at the picturesque scenery, she sighed deeply. The current situation would need to be discussed with Chu Lingxuan upon his return.