Chapter 557: The Abbot is Waiting for You in the Back Hall
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The monk smiled and said unhurriedly, “In response to Patron’s question, our Abbot instructed me before he left, foreseeing that someone destined would come to meditate under the Bodhi tree. I have been waiting here and, upon seeing Patron, came over to convey the Abbot’s message.”
“I see.” Only then did Su Qian understand.
Among the Buddhist disciples, some of the monks with higher cultivation often possessed knowledge beyond the understanding of ordinary people. Although Su Qian had some exposure to such things in her past life, being referred to as a destined person by the Abbot of the national temple was a first for her.
“Then, please follow me. The Abbot is waiting for you in the back hall.” As the monk spoke, he gestured at Su Qian.
Su Qian didn’t refuse. Instead, she quickly followed the monk’s brisk pace and headed towards the back hall.
Along the way, the courtyard was filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers. Su Qian was quickly brought to the back hall.
“Patron, please.” Standing outside the back hall, the monk stopped in his tracks and gestured for Su Qian to enter.
“Thank you.” Su Qian nodded in acknowledgment and pushed open the door to the back hall.
It was noon, and the windows of the back hall were open. Sunlight shone in and illuminated the Abbot sitting in front of the table. It was as if he was plated with a layer of Buddhist light, and his entire body revealed a gentle aura. It was as if a single gaze was used to soothe the power of the heart.
When Abbot Shanhe saw Su Qian, he seemed surprised, but at the same time, he felt that it was reasonable. He stood up and pressed his palms together before bowing to Su Qian. “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Please take a seat.”
Su Qian sat down opposite Abbot Shanhe and found a cup of steaming tea on the table. It was prepared for her.
Seeing Abbot Shanher raise his cups and make an inviting gesture, Su Qian followed suit and took a sip. She realized that the fragrance and temperature of the tea were just right. It was as if Abbot Shanhe had predicted that she would come at this time.
Sensing that Abbot Shanhe’s gaze had been on her since she entered the room, Su Qian smiled gently and said, “May I know why Abbot Shanhe called me here? Do you know me?”
Su Qian was certain that this was the first time she was meeting Abbot Shanhe, but Abbot Shanhe looked at her with a special expression. There was nostalgia and emotion in his eyes.
“It’s my fault for offending you. However, I’m only doing this because you and your mother look too much alike. Looking at you, I can’t help but recall the scene when I saw your mother back then,” Abbot Shanhe said with a smile.
“Abbot has met my mother?” Su Qian said in surprise.
She had never expected that Abbot of the Haotian Temple would be acquainted with her mother.
“Not only have I met her, but your mother and I shared a close bond despite the age difference.” Abbot Shanhe smiled. “Your mother was truly an extraordinary woman. Despite her youth, she once greatly helped me, and I consider her my benefactor. Unfortunately, she didn’t visit often. On the day before her pa.s.sing, I foresaw an impending disaster and tried to warn her through messengers, but alas, I was still a step too late…”
“Life and death are impermanent. It’s not something that can be controlled by humans,” Su Qian said as she took a sip of tea.
“Patron is right. However, destiny can be altered. Judging from your facial features, it seems your fortune took a sudden turn about six years ago. I wonder if you experienced any major changes six years ago?” Abbot Shanhe inquired..