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“My mother’s been having trouble with her legs these past few days, making it hard for her to climb the mountain, so she asked your big brother and I to take the two kids with you,” Fang shi said with a smile. “She also gave some money for offerings, asking me to help burn incense for her, a way to pay respects to the Buddha.”
“My sister-in-law’s legs have been hurting frequently in the past. It’s probably an old ailment acting up again. When you have time, take her to see a doctor and get some medicinal patches,” Jiang Chunshi suggested.
Fang shi and Jiang Chunshi’s visit to the temple this time was also a request for a child. After all, Jiang Maihua was already over two years old, and there had been no sign of a pregnancy, causing some concern at home.
However, when it came to such matters, it was only natural for the couple to visit, and if the mother-in-law intervened, it might make the daughter-in-law feel uncomfortable.
Yang shi understood this principle, so she found an excuse to avoid causing any discomfort.
Liu shi, seeing the situation clearly, added a comment to smooth things over.
“Chunshi and I have been thinking about this as well. After visiting the temple, we plan to visit the county town and find a good doctor.”
“Indeed…”
As they swayed and swayed along, by the time they reached the foot of Deyin Temple, the sun was already halfway up in the sky.
The market at the foot of the mountain had grown in size, with many people selling their wares, creating a lively atmosphere.
It was Jiang Maihua’s first time in such a bustling place, and her excited eyes couldn’t take in enough of the novelty.
Concerned about the crowd, Jiang Chunshi, fearing that his young daughter might get stepped on, decided to carry her on his shoulders.
Jiang Maihua, perched on high, had a wide view and could see many small stalls and vendors, rather than being surrounded by countless adult legs, which heightened her excitement even more.
After strolling at the foot of the mountain, Jiang Mixia and the others discussed their arrangements. Jiang Mixia, Liu shi, Fang shi, and Jiang Maihua headed up the mountain to Deyin Temple. To ensure the convenience of the female members, just in case, they had Song Jingyun accompany them.
Meanwhile, Jiang Youcheng and Jiang Chunshi found a spot at the foot of the mountain to sell their goods. They planned to meet up later for lunch.
With their tasks assigned, everyone went their separate ways.
Jiang Chunshi had to tend to the stall, leaving the task of looking after Jiang Maihua to Song Jingyun.
Seeing Jiang Maihua, chubby and plump, Jiang Mixia was worried that her husband might struggle to carry the child all the way up. She offered, “Should I carry her instead?”
“I’ll do it,” Song Jingyun insisted.
After all, he was a man and was prepared for physical work. Furthermore, not being assigned to watch over the stall and being able to stay with Jiang Mixia, Song Jingyun was quite pleased at the moment. Feeling energized, he carried Jiang Maihua up the stone steps.
“Song Jingyun looks much stronger and more energetic than before,” Liu shi sighed.
Initially, when considering a husband for Jiang Mixia, Liu shi had reservations about Song Jingyun. She thought he seemed frail and timid, likely due to being fostered in his uncle’s family after his parents passed away. His gaze seemed timid, not at all like a man.
Liu shi worried that a person like him might not be able to sustain a household or protect her daughter. Instead of finding a support, she feared they would be burdened.
However, Jiang Youcheng was adamant at the time, insisting that such a person was ideal.
He had endured hardship and toil and would appreciate the comforts of home. A slender, timid nature wasn’t a bad thing—it meant he wouldn’t have other intentions…
Now, looking at Song Jingyun, Liu shi felt that her husband had been right. Song Jingyun seemed to excel in every way, and even his slender frame appeared to be developing. He would be able to take good care of their daughter.
Seeing Liu shi’s expression, Fang shi joined in with a smile. “Just put your worries aside and enjoy the good life from now on.”
“As long as we don’t have to worry…”
The group chatted and laughed as they made their way up the steps.
Deyin Temple was bustling, and the temple was quite large. With the main hall, side halls, and various other buildings, there were over a dozen halls in total. At the entrance to the main hall, a massive incense burner was filled with a variety of incense, and the aroma filled the entire temple.
Liu shi was there to fulfill a vow, while Fang shi had come to make a request. Both were sincere individuals, and they paid their respects at each of the dozen or so halls.
Jiang Mixia, originally a non-believer, went along with Liu shi and Fang shi, following their lead and kneeling for prayers.
Jiang Maihua, despite usually being obedient, found the experience terribly boring. She looked around with lackluster eyes, observing the people coming and going in the temple. Especially when she saw older children holding things or playing, her eyes lit up with excitement.
Seeing this, Jiang Mixia and the others let Song Jingyun take Jiang Maihua to play nearby. The temple was filled with fragrant orchids and gardenias, and Jiang Maihua was keenly interested in observing the flowers, with Song Jingyun attentively watching over her.
“Auntie, flowers, flowers,” Jiang Maihua said, reaching up to smell the flowers in a high place. Her short legs and arms made it impossible, so she sought help from Song Jingyun.
“Uncle, carry,” she said, Song Jingyun reached out and lifted her up to the flowers.
Jiang Maihua successfully smelled the fragrant blossoms, beaming with a wide, toothy grin.
“Look at the child’s rosy complexion, plump features—this is an auspicious sign,” said a venerable old man with wispy white hair and long beard, catching Song Jingyun’s attention as he held Jiang Maihua on his shoulder.
“Are you speaking to me?” Song Jingyun pointed to himself, a bit uncertain.
“I am indeed referring to the little gentleman,” the old man chuckled, stroking his beard. “Would the young sir be willing to step aside and let me read your fortune?”
“No, thank you,” Song Jingyun shook his head firmly, as his wife had instructed him to wait for them and not engage with strangers.
The old man seemed slightly surprised by Song Jingyun’s refusal. “Are you afraid my divination won’t be accurate?”
“No,” Song Jingyun shook his head again.
His wife had told him not to talk to strangers, and he had already said enough.
“I still need to watch the child, please excuse me,” Song Jingyun said as he carried Jiang Maihua to look at other flowers nearby.
The roses were in full bloom, the slight rain from last night making them even more vibrant, with dewdrops sparkling on the petals. Jiang Maihua was thoroughly enchanted by them.
Song Jingyun scratched his head. Did all children like flowers, or was it just girls? Come to think of it, there were a few rose bushes at home, and his wife seemed to like them.
He remembered…