บท 26: 26. Going to the abbey
Already the same evening she got a positive answer. Liu Mei accepted going with her as a friend, as she was worried that she would travel in such a condition and the elder of the abbey accepted their request about seeing them.
Early next morning a carriage waited for Liu Mei and Xiao Ran in front of their house and when they came out, they shocked Hua Lan and her new maids. They rushed to help them out as they started taking out pots and bags, filled with as it seems herbs and food.
When Liu Mei entered the carriage Hua Lan had to ask her. ''Uhm, what is that about?''
Liu Mei smiled. ''Those monks live from what people give them. But tell me, how much can anyone give them in this kind of situation? This is my gift to you. I want a great abbot to pray for your safe delivery and health for both of you. The herbs are for those in the abbey that might get sick later on. Herbs are expensive, I do not think anyone would give money for such expensive things.''
Hua Lan was feeling grateful. Instead of selling, she planned to gift it just for her sake. ''But you?''
Liu Mei shook her head. ''The two of us will be fine. We have enough food.''
The two women chatted until the main door of the abbey, where the monks already waited for their arrival. The old monk told them that the shiny star will come into their abbey. At first, they were thinking about Hua Lan, as she was from a famous family, but seeing the secretive woman with the veil again, they already knew it's her.
The few female monks came to her side and bowed happily. ''Benefactor you came back.''
She just nodded. ''I actually planned to pray until the drought is over, but my friend is about to go into labour soon. So I wanted to bring her here and pray for their safe delivery and healthy life.''
Her steady and soothing voice made them even happier. ''Then come into the shade. It is already burning hot.''
This time they went to the main hall and closed the doors as the abbot gave them permission. Xiao Ran helped Liu Mei out of her veiled hat and a small pale face came out. The monks were a bit shocked.
They rushed to give her some water and looked at Xiao Ran. ''What happened?''
Xiao Ran pouted. ''My mistress is quite a stubborn person. Since last time she didn't stop praying. She prays in the morning, she prays in the evening and then prays while she sleeps sometimes. She is so worried about the outside world. But that is only one of the reasons. Due to the heat, she lost the wish to eat. No matter what I cook, she seems to eat less and less. Look, she is almost half a person now. I wish someone smart and wise could speak to her about this. If she continues this way...''
The female monks nodded. ''Let her pray a little bit. We need to report to the abbot about their arrival.''
Xiao Ran got a hint while the other two women already started praying sutras. Liu Mei felt comfortable in this place. She smiled. Maybe she should transfer here, but then remembered Xiao Ran. When she marries she will be anyway alone. The monks are friendly and she was really thinking about it.
Ten years is a long time. If she wants to avoid any nobles, maybe the best way is to become a monk. At least none of them would dare to have some weird thoughts about her. Right?
She continued to pray wholeheartedly while two eyes stared at her intently. Is it time right or not?
After they finished praying, Liu Mei and Hua Lan were called to the abbot's office and she left her face open out of respect.
The moment she entered the small room, she could feel the energy seeping from this man somehow. His face was that of an old man, but the way he sat there... Why does she feel like someone is hiding in an old person's skin?
Maybe the way his energy was. There were many energetic old people even in the other world. Of course. He probably just has a lot of energy, what else.
On the other hand, the abbot felt strange under her calm but deep eyes. But soon her expression became softer so he left a sigh of relief inside of himself. ''The two benefactors, please sit down. I heard you came to see about your future?''
Liu Mei shook her head and Hua Lan nodded. He smiled lightly and just ignored the motion that Liu Mei was doing. He looked at Hua Lan and pointed at the soft cushion in front of him. ''Sit.''
Liu Mei relaxed and listened to the words.
He started counting on his fingers, then looked at her face, then counted again. It took him a while until he was done. ''Let's see. Your child will be healthy and will be very close to the Emperor. Let's see. Hmmm. A guard? No. So close. Maybe minister?''
Most females would happily gift him with smiles or present but as he expected the two women became stiff and looked at each other in fear. Hua Lan shook her head. ''Can't you change it? Give such luck someone else. Let my child stay out of that crazy place.''
He shook his head. ''The fate can't be changed. Your child will be a minister. Definitely. But he will live a long and happy life. I see only one woman in his life. Many children and grandchildren and he will die of old age happily. So stop worrying.''
Hua Lan still hated the idea but hearing that her son will be happy until the end, made her happier. She turned her head and saw earnest joy for her child on Liu Mei's face. She really must have saved the country in the past life. To have a real friend like her.
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