Chapter Nine, Camellia Rolls and Changle Temple

Fang Yishao looked at the tombstone and asked in confusion, "Alas, my lord, why are there no words on this tombstone? Does this person not have a name?"

Indeed. Fang Yishao nodded slightly, feeling the cold wind blowing in waves. She stood up and held onto Shen Yong, saying, "My husband... could it be the ghost of that shopkeeper?"

The young nun said there was a small stream in the back mountain, and with just one scoop, she had Lian'er and the coachman make a donation, taking Shen Yong to the back mountain

I am hungry. Shen Yong nodded

After much effort, Shen Yong, panting heavily, carried Fang Yishao to the top of the mountain. Once he set Fang Yishao down, Shen Yong collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath while looking up at the sky

Shen Yong looked at Fang Yishao and asked, "Is it a hundred fruits?"

"Unlucky!" Shen Yong couldn't help but say

"What is a ghost?" Shen Yong said, "Do ghosts even burn paper for themselves? Moreover, the case is still unsolved, and the body should currently be in the coroner's office at the yamen. How could it possibly come here?"

... ...

However, Shen Yong let out a sound of surprise, "Eh?"

One spoon took out a cloth to wipe him, and Lian'er also handed him the water bottle to drink

"Wait!" Shen Yong stuffed the remaining flower rolls into his mouth and pulled Fang Yishao, saying, "I'll do it!"

"What is there to feel sorry for?" Shen Yong pulled her and said, "Let's go, this place is too ominous!" After saying that, he grabbed Fang Yishao and was about to leave

Fang turned his face in the direction indicated by his finger and indeed saw a faint wisp of smoke rising, which did not appear to be a fire, as the smoke was relatively thin.

The dishes made by those aunts are far inferior to yours, they are unpalatable, Shen Yong said discontentedly

I... Shen Yong still wanted to argue a few more words, but he saw that Madam Shen was about to frown, so he could not say much more. If his mother got angry, she might even hit him... He could only sigh and nod.

Fang Yishao also bowed. Since childhood, Fang Yishao has had a peculiar habit: every time she prays, her mind goes completely blank, and she does not know what wish to make, yet she feels very happy. She always believes that when she kneels down to pray, the Bodhisattva can see her heartfelt wishes, and before she even understands what she wants, the Bodhisattva has already granted her request. Therefore, every time Fang Yishao prays, she does so with a smile, and she feels even happier after finishing her prayers. She believes that every Bodhisattva she prays to is very effective, and since she never knows what wishes she has made, most of her wishes must have been fulfilled.

Fang Yi also took a spoon for himself and began eating in the kitchen with Shen Yong. In the blink of an eye, he noticed a ginkgo tree outside the kitchen.

Shen Yong was somewhat puzzled, but he saw Fang Yishao wrinkle his nose at him and make a gesture as if to carry someone on his back, indicating that Shen Yong should carry his mother up.

Far away in the study of the prefectural office, Shen Yibo, who was reviewing cases, sneezed, touched his nose, and muttered to himself, "Hmm, it must be a grandson"

"Who made you eat so little just now?" Fang Yishao said

Shen Yong waited nearby, while Fang Yishao found a jar of pickled vegetables from the kitchen, uttered a phrase of Amitabha, took out a piece, chopped it finely, and stir-fried it

Fang raised his eyes and smiled at Shen Yong, nodding, "Hmm."

Mr. Shen and the bookish person saw a spoon bouncing around, and they hurriedly stopped it, saying, "Slow down, slow down, don't move around carelessly, be careful with your body"

For the first time, Fang Yi slept in such a place, feeling quite novel. Lying on the pillow, she peeked through the gap in the partition at Shen Yong below. Shen Yong was lying on his back, holding that ring in a daze.

"What are you going to do?" Shen Yong asked with a lack of interest, "Just wait here until it gets dark."

Fang rested a spoon on his shoulder and said, "I am fat, but all the flesh is hidden away, so it cannot be seen"

The Guanyin of Childbearing at Chang Le An is carved from white jade. Unlike the solemnity of other Buddhist statues, this Guanyin exudes a gentle and kind demeanor, with compassionate brows and kind eyes that convey an indescribable warmth. One hand forms the lotus gesture of Buddhism, while the other cradles a chubby, smiling, and adorable baby.

Hoo hoo ... ... It's nothing ... ... Hmm!'' Shen Yong took a few bites, nodded, ``It smells so good! It's delicious!''

With a slight chuckle, Mrs. Shen seemed to regard her as one of those delicate, sheltered young wives who hardly step outside. Yet, she herself could even take down a tiger.

Shen Yong wrinkled his nose and said, "Then I can no longer move now"

Shen Yong squinted and crouched down, and there, in the pile of ash where the incense had fallen, he caught a glimpse of a white jade ring. This ring was made of delicate jade, clearly of high quality. At the top of the ring, a section was carefully wrapped in gold thread, indicating that it had been broken before.

Fang Yi looked at him and asked, "You really are unlucky, I can be quite heavy."

"Wait a moment," Fang Yishao said, "the incense stick has fallen over." As he spoke, he ran over to straighten the incense stick in front of the grave. Shen Yong, waiting impatiently nearby, saw Fang Yishao waving at him, "My lord, my lord, come quickly and take a look!"

Madam Shen widened her eyes to look at Shen Yong, somewhat stunned ... ! ... Was her son enlightened or what, to actually feel sorry for her, his mother ... ! She was even more than one hundred percent convinced of what Shen Yibo had said earlier, that the divine Taoist had mentioned ... ... A virtuous daughter-in-law enters the household, and Shen Yong will surely undergo a transformation ! She was so happy that her eyes turned red.

The steamer that originally contained three flower rolls... was unexpectedly empty

Soon, the water boiled, and the steamer began to emit steam. As soon as the lid of the steamer was lifted with a spoon, a sweet and fragrant aroma wafted out.

Fang raised an eyebrow and thought to herself... How wonderful my mother-in-law is, how she cares for her daughter-in-law so much, I am truly fortunate

That evening, the two of them had vegetarian dishes prepared by the temple's master at Changle An. After dinner, Madam Shen and Master Jingyi went to the Buddha hall to meditate together

"Alright." Shen Yong glanced at Fang Yishao, who seemed acceptable, not overweight, and of a relatively petite stature, probably not too heavy.

"Then... how could the ring be here?" Fang Yishao asked

Parting the dense bushes, Fang Yishao and Shen Yong took a look inside... They were startled to see a grave in the middle of the forest... In front of the grave, incense and candles were burning, and there was a pile of burnt paper money on the ground... The smoke was rising from the pile of paper money, indicating that someone had just paid their respects.

Shen Yong followed her instructions and tore the camellia petals into small pieces. He took a spoonful and mixed the petal fragments into the dough, then took out a small bottle from the bag he carried with him and sprinkled a little of its contents into the mixture. Shen Yong, curious, leaned in and asked, "What is this?"

The delicate and fresh fragrance of the camellia permeated the dough, creating a soft and sweet sensation upon biting, complemented by the unique flavor of pepper. For the first time, Shen Yong understood what it meant to have an endless taste.

Shen Yong stood by, drooling; even a spoonful of stir-fried pickles smelled more appetizing than the meat prepared by others

When Fang Yishao first saw this carriage, he was very fond of it. He got on the vehicle, touching this and that. Shen Yong also followed, sitting at the door of the carriage, and said to the excited Fang Yishao, "What is there to touch? Next time, I will take you to ride in a grand carriage inlaid with gold and jade."

"Oh, you carry pepper with you?" Shen Yong asked curiously

"Cut it out, little girl, you have no idea." Shen Yong muttered discontentedly as Fang Yishao pulled him to the small creek at the back of the mountain

This type of cabinet is used by the nuns who have renounced the world to store their bedding. It is quite spacious, and with bedding laid inside, it is just right for someone to sleep in. Fang Yishao sleeps on top, while Shen Yong sleeps below, each on their own level. Once the cabinet doors are closed, it is quiet and warm.

Madam Shen also ignored him and pulled Fang Yishao into the temple

Fang cast him a sidelong glance and said in a lowered voice, "If you keep talking nonsense, be careful not to offend the Bodhisattva."

"Yes, she is here." The young nun nodded and said, "The master is meditating inside. Does Shen wish to see her?"

Fang Yishao and Shen Yong had no place to stay, and Shen Yong could not sleep in the room where the nuns rested. In the end, they had no choice but to sleep in the large cabinet of the meditation hall.

The entire vehicle is of considerable value yet not excessively luxurious, refined but not ostentatious, much like the character of its owner, Governor Shen Yibo. Although he is relatively young and accomplished, he maintains a scholar's frugality and aloofness, even exhibiting a touch of old-fashioned rigidity.

After speaking, he ran outside, and Fang Yishao followed him, not forgetting to shout, "Hey, don't pick too many, eating too much can be toxic!"

Alright. The young nun quickly led everyone inside

Shen Yong also touched the back of his head, looking left and right, thinking to himself... it can't be that sinister... Amitabha!

"Did you see the camellias in the yard?" Fang Yishao asked, "There is nothing else in the kitchen, but there must be flour. I will make you camellia rolls to eat, how about that?"

"No..." Shen Yong sighed deeply and continued to ascend, thinking to himself, is his father finding him a wife? It is clearly just another mother...

After half an hour's journey, they finally arrived at the foot of Changle Temple. The next part of the mountain path required walking, as the carriage could not ascend. Madam Shen got off the carriage and looked up at the long flight of steps, feeling somewhat worried about whether Fang Yishao would encounter any issues while climbing. Upon noticing her concern, Fang Yishao gently nudged Shen Yong and gestured with his lips towards Madam Shen.

Shen Yong was at a loss whether to laugh or cry; what kind of talented woman is this? Isn't she just a wild girl, capable of climbing trees and raiding chicken nests?

"Huh?" Shen Yong widened his eyes and looked at his mother, asking, "Why?"

Fang smiled as he pinched his ear, "What?"

Fang Yishao and Shen Yong exchanged a glance—indeed, has it come to pass?

Indeed, indeed. Madam Shen quickly nodded and said, "I will first go to pay my respects to the Bodhisattva. After the master finishes his meditation, we can have a discussion."

Shen Yong leaned over and asked, "What happened?"

Fang Yishao looked anxious, "Alas, be careful not to burn yourself!"

Fang held Shen Yong's neck with both hands and said, "My husband, if you can no longer walk, remember to tell me, and I will get down and walk by myself"

Shen Yong wanted to bend down and walk ahead, but Mrs. Shen said, "How can that be? Although my mother is old, she still has her bones. It is not as if one cannot walk the mountain paths at just over forty. You should carry your wife instead."

Shen Yong reached up to scratch his jaw, wondering why this girl was always smiling. What could possibly make her so happy?

"Alright!" As soon as Shen Yong heard that name, his appetite was stirred, and he jumped up... Not realizing there was a partition above, he bumped into it with a loud "thud," and it hurt so much that he rubbed his head and grimaced.

Afterward, Madam Shen instructed Shen Yong and Fang Yishao to add incense and make offerings at the temple, to stroll around a bit longer, and to stay here for a vegetarian meal in the evening, spending the night before returning early the next morning

"This is my own blend. When you sprinkle a little on noodles or wontons, the flavor really elevates!" As she spoke, she placed a spoonful of the prepared tea rolls into the steamer.

Madam Shen couldn't help but laugh as she looked on. At that moment, the younger sister-in-law who was sweeping the ground at the entrance of the Changle Temple also saw Madam Shen and hurriedly approached, saying, "Madam Shen, are you here to offer incense?"

"To the place where the fruit grows, I will go and pick a few down, and we will stir-fry them to eat!" Saying this, she rolled up her sleeves and was about to climb the tree

"Eh?" Shen Yong stared at the ring for a long time, reached out to pick it up, blew off the layer of dust on the surface, looked again, and widened his eyes, saying, "Isn't this the one that the deceased shopkeeper was wearing? It broke when we snatched the food last time, and wasn't the gold thread wrapped around it by you?"

After Madam Shen left, Fang Yishao and Shen Yong stared at each other in disbelief. Shen Yong squatted down and pouted, "This is so boring."

"Sir," Fang Yishao nudged Shen Yong and said, "There are a hundred fruits on the tree!"

Madam Shen pulled Fang Yishao to kneel on the mat, sincerely praying to the Bodhisattva for blessings, hoping that her family could have more children and that her descendants would be safe.

"Where have you hidden it?" Shen Yong turned his head curiously to glance at her, and Fang Yishao reached out to pinch his ear, "Look again!"

Fang Yishao chuckled softly and asked him, "Ah, are you still hungry now?"

Shen Yong smiled and said, "There are many unmarked tombstones. Perhaps the deceased had no good name in life, or they committed crimes and feared repercussions for their descendants. They also feared that someone might come to disturb their remains, which is why they opted for an unmarked tombstone"

At the top of the stairs, Madam Shen turned back and shouted, "Ah, if you two want to flirt, wait until we reach the mountain and take your time. Hurry up, don't delay the schedule!"

Madam Shen glared at him and said, "You know the answer yet you still ask. You're already an adult, yet you act like a child. You should take good care of your wife!"

What happened?" Fang Yishao looked up at him

"Alas, why is there smoke over there?" Shen Yong pointed and asked Fang Yishao.

Fang Yishao smiled and said, "Mother, it is not a problem. Let my husband carry you; I can walk on my own"

Shen Yong sat on the ground in boredom, propping himself up with his hands, gazing around with his face tilted upwards. He noticed that on one side there was a mountain wall, on another side a forest, and on yet another side a cliff. As he looked around, he suddenly noticed a faint wisp of smoke rising from the nearby forest.

"Go take a look? Don't be a fool; if it really catches fire later, it would be disastrous." Fang Yishao wrapped Shen Yong's wound with a cloth, and the two of them stood up and walked into the woods.

Where can we go to find something to eat now?" Shen Yong said, "It's not like home here, it's just plain and tasteless.

Shen Yong scratched his head, staring at the steamer on the stove, and asked, "What about the three remaining flower rolls?"

Seeing a scrape on his knee, Fang Yi asked the young nun if there was any running water nearby

Fang Yishao, dressed neatly, went out with Shen Yong, picked two large camellias, and quietly ran to the kitchen in the backyard

"So pitiful," Fang Yishao murmured to himself

Shen Yong came to his senses. Although he usually acted carelessly and did not study well, he was quite filial to his mother. He stepped forward and said, "Mother, let me carry you up."

"Yong'er!" Madam Shen's expression darkened as she said, "From today onwards, whenever there are long roads, steep slopes, or water pools, you must carry your wife on your back. Otherwise, it would be considered unfilial. Do you understand?!"

Upon entering the temple, it became evident that the incense offerings were not particularly abundant. Most of the worshippers were elderly women praying to the Goddess of Childbirth, along with several pregnant women.

Rest assured! Shen Yong has been accustomed to climbing roofs and going wild since childhood; climbing a tree is a piece of cake for him. After climbing up, he picked about twenty fruits and slid down directly

Fang Yishao followed behind, while Shen Yong murmured softly beside him, "The nun's temple is indeed desolate, the incense is hardly burning, and the Bodhisattva must surely be ineffective"

"Wow, it smells so good!" Shen Yong couldn't wait to reach into the pot to grab the steamed buns... They were so hot that they made him jump, but he still brought one to his mouth and took a bite

Oh no... Shen Yong fell to the ground with a tumble, narrowly avoiding chipping his teeth

Fang Yi was pleasantly surprised to discover the dough that had risen, probably prepared for making vegetarian buns early the next morning, so he took a portion to knead.

"Hmm?" Shen Yong snorted and replied, somewhat off-topic, "I'm hungry, I haven't eaten enough"

As soon as Fang raised his spoon, he felt a tingling sensation on his scalp, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He jumped up and grabbed Shen Yong's arm, exclaiming, "Where's the flower roll?"

Fang pointed to the ground with a spoon and said, "Do you recognize this ring?"

The body of the vehicle is made of black peach wood; although compact, it appears quite sturdy and stable. The roof is arched, with flexible rattan supporting a full sheet of cowhide, painted in the color of black peach wood. The walls of the carriage are adorned with hollowed peach wood carvings, featuring simple patterns, merely the most ordinary of flowers, which exude a sense of understated elegance. Inside, there are two rolls of bamboo curtains used to block the wind, but as the weather is not cool and the sunlight is warm, they are rolled up high. The wheels are large, crafted from fine purple sandalwood, with the central axle made from a solid piece of ebony. Inside, there are two rolls of bamboo curtains used to block the wind, but as the weather is not cool and the sunlight is warm, they are rolled up high. The wheels are large, crafted from fine purple sandalwood, with the central axle made from a solid piece of ebony.

Shen Yong felt nervous as soon as he saw the pregnant woman, standing far away with a displeased expression... His knee was hurt from the fall, and before him were numerous nuns.

Madam Shen quickly clasped her hands in greeting to her sister-in-law and said, "Little Master, is Master Jingyi here?"

Hand over a spoon to Fang, who takes it in hand, turns around, enters the kitchen, and places it on the stove to dry.

"Alas, hurry up!" Fang Yishao pulled Shen Yong and ran, "We must not encounter them!"

A spoonful of smiling, "pepper."

Upon looking at him again, one could see his face flushed bright red, with sweat covering his forehead.

My lord, what are you thinking? Fang Yishao asked

Fang Yishao pulled him and said, "Your wound is filled with dirt; if you don't wash it off, it will rot later."

The carriage jolted along the way, and Mrs. Shen placed a thick cushion on her seat in the carriage, continuously advising the driver to go slower and more steadily, urging him not to jolt at all

Oh. Shen Yong and Fang Yishao nodded to Madam Shen while looking up. Shen Yong adjusted the weight of Fang Yishao on his back and walked up the mountain

At noon, a small horse-drawn carriage drove along the path leading to Dongshan, carrying none other than Madam Shen and Fang Yishao, who were on their way to Changle Temple to burn incense and worship the gods, along with Shen Yong, who wore a face of utter disinterest.

Shall we go find something to eat?" Fang Yishao gently pushed open the cabinet door and peeked at Shen Yong

Subsequently, Madam Shen had Lian'er support her as she ascended the mountain with the aid of a cane, while the coachman followed behind carrying two large food boxes.

Shen Yong turned to look at Fang Yishao, who was already ready to bounce up the mountain, and thought to himself... ? ... She is even more agile than I am, and she wants me to carry her? !

Could it be that someone took it ... perhaps the murderer

... ...

Fang Yi instructed Shen Yong to sit down, rolled up his pant legs, and then squatted down to scoop up water to wash his knees.

"Cut." Shen Yong curled his lips... Just as he was about to say that he didn't believe it, he tripped over a protruding rock under his feet...

"Hiss..." Shen Yong was pinched to the point of gritting his teeth, "Why are you so fierce?"

Shen Yong helplessly walked in front of Fang Yishao and bent down, "Come on."

Shen Yong, feeling helpless, did not expect Fang Yishao to have moments of fear as well, and was thus pulled back to Changle An by her.

Fang Yi couldn't help but laugh, her eyes curving with delight, as she saw Shen Yong truly carrying her on his back. She leaned in closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting on his back.

Shen Yong stood up, his knees scraped and bleeding. Fang Yishao quickly patted him and said, "Heavens, Amitabha, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, please do not blame him; it was unintentional."

Shen Yongshu was completely unaware that Fang Yishao was now immensely grateful to the old master Fang for knocking her out back then and making her substitute for marriage. In the past, she had no parents and wandered aimlessly, but now she had a good husband and loving in-laws. How could she not be happy

"Be careful." Madam Shen walked ahead, unaware of what had happened. She only turned back to look at Shen Yong, who was being helped up by Fang Yishao, and said, "At your age, you should be more steady!"

"Hey..." Shen Yong was pressed down by her weight and couldn't help but say, "Are you made of lead? How can someone so small be so heavy?"

Ah! Fang Yi shouted, startling Shen Yong, who then asked, "What is it?"