Doted By The Regent King

Chapter 1508 - 1446: Experiences at Xiangguo Temple

With laughter and chatter, they arrived at the foot of Xiangguo Temple’s mountain. Wufu got out from the carriage, gazing into the distance. The towering peaks loomed high, and ahead, a long White Jade Stairs led straight to the temple halfway up the mountain.

The autumn scenery was perfect now. The sky was azure, and the sun shone brightly, casting its light on the majestic and splendid temple, making it appear exceedingly solemn and grand.

Xiangguo Temple is a Royal Temple, and it’s said that the mountain range it sits upon is all part of the Dragon Vein, guarding the feng shui of Nanyue’s fortune. Hence, its incense offerings are more abundant and popular than anywhere else.

Wufu looked again at the mountain’s base, where tea houses and small eateries for pilgrims to rest were ubiquitous. Many peddlers were hawking their goods by the roadside, selling mountain produce, incense sticks, as well as peace charms, Peace Buckles, and red hair ties. Naturally, the clever peddlers would claim these items had all been blessed in the temple, imbued with the Bodhisattva’s spiritual aura.

The clear-headed understood it was just a sales gimmick, but many were still willing to spend one wen money or a few wen money for peace of mind.

Where there are people, there is business, and so there were also beggars. Wufu glanced at the beggars squatting by the roadside and still instructed someone to hand out a basket of pre-purchased buns.

"Do we have to walk up to Xiangguo Temple?" Wufu glanced at the long White Jade Stairs.

"Of course not; this is the most popular temple, and many nobles visit it regularly. There’s also a carriage road leading to the temple, but it’s not for commoners," Ah Jiu pointed to the left and said, "There’s a saying that walking up shows your devotion, but if you truly can’t make it, look over there. There are also porters for a palanquin."

Wufu followed his finger and indeed saw many men waiting to do business in front of the White Jade Stairs. In front of them were simple bamboo chairs and small palanquins.

"Shall we walk up?" Wufu, not one to be delicate like a Jiaojiao, invited with a smile.

Ah Jiu bowed slightly, extending a gesture of invitation.

Wufu walked forward.

As soon as they reached where the porters were, someone came up, inviting them to sit on the bamboo chair, boasting about how stable their carrying was.

Wufu and the others said they wanted to walk up, so they regretfully dispersed.

"This is livelihood; this is how the people’s lives are," Wufu had just noticed these men; some wore patched clothes, likely relying on this trade to make a living.

"That’s why the monks at Xiangguo Temple won’t drive them away; after all, everyone is just trying to survive."

A child caught up to them, blocked by Chi Wu and others from getting too close.

"Esteemed guests, do you need a young guide? I can guide you and know which Bodhisattva to worship first, every temple hall and each Bodhisattva’s story, and I know where the scenery is the most beautiful. I can also run errands for you for divination and incense offerings. It won’t cost you much Silver; you can reward me with just a few wen if you wish." The kid looked about eleven or twelve, with a tigerish head and big eyes, full of cleverness, slinging a cloth bag over his shoulder, wearing coarse clothes with patches, likely a rural lad.

Wufu raised an eyebrow and smiled, "So young, and already a guide?"

She had seen many like him before, some specifically waiting at scenic spots to help tourists with directions and explanations, earning a bit of money through hard work.

"I’m twelve, turning thirteen after the turn of the year." The child slipped past Chi Wu’s blockade like a fish, following beside Wufu, quickly saying, "Don’t underestimate me, I’ve been doing this for five years. If you don’t believe me, you can test me. By the way, my name is Du Deer; you can call me Dezi. How about I tell you the story of these White Jade Stairs?"