Chapter 7: To take, one must first give

If it were not for the uncertain prospects of this business, she would have closed the shop and focused entirely on this

At this moment, Manager Zhu had already removed the mat from the cart

Taking things for free, how could the Buddha possibly offer protection! The woman gritted her teeth, made a firm decision, took out a piece of broken silver, and threw it in.

The remaining items include various small ornaments, small Buddha statues, prayer beads, and safety talismans. All of these need to be taken to the main hall for consecration, not for mere exposure to the atmosphere.

Regardless of whether the family has money or not, it is necessary to purchase incense, paper offerings, and joss paper for the ancestors, sending them some money to spend. As for families that are more particular, they also need to buy livestock offerings such as chickens and ducks, and prepare various types of river lanterns. In short, there are numerous varieties, dazzling to the eye

"However, whatever you want me to do, I will agree!" said Xu Chen, his small eyes sparkling with excitement.

The woman arrived at the main hall, took a turn, and offered incense to the Heavenly Queen and the Four Heavenly Kings. As she was about to leave, she happened to catch sight of the merit box beside the incense burner and instinctively asked, "Master, what is this for?"

Then he picked up the specially made incense candles, which were quite impressive, with the largest being nearly three feet long and about the thickness of a finger, adorned with colorful decorations that clearly indicated their high quality. Without needing to be told, Xu Chen also understood that these items should be placed in the most prominent position next to the incense burner

Amitabha, benefactor, this is the merit box. The temple accepts donations from all sources. If the benefactor is willing, she may offer some incense money. It is also acceptable not to offer anything; as long as one sincerely worships the Buddha, it is certain that one's family will prosper and enjoy blessings, longevity, and health.

Indeed, they even gifted a Buddha statue, and the Baohua Library blesses our family. We certainly cannot let them suffer a loss!" As they spoke, they all took out some copper coins, seemingly dozens of them, and tossed them into the merit box

Everything is ready; we will see the results tomorrow! Tang Yi said with a confident smile, the weaknesses of human nature are always the same, I do not believe we cannot obtain the money

In the days that followed, everyone fell into an unprecedented busyness. Scholar Tang continued to diligently fulfill his promises, even though he had not truly committed to anything. He had to set up a stall to write, find time to copy Buddhist scriptures, assist in the temple with the writing of plaques, and repair inscriptions, all while juggling multiple tasks. He was so busy that he found joy in his work. There were even times when he could not return home and had to sleep in the Tianfei Palace.

Oh, oh, oh, the rooster crows, the sky is slightly bright, and dew hangs on the wild grass

Tang Yi simply ran back home to read and write. When he had some free time, he would go to the street to buy some meat and vegetables, preparing a few delicious dishes to send to his father

It is fortunate that the innkeeper has many connections and acts decisively; if it were someone else, they might not be able to handle the money placed before them.

Xu Chen spoke respectfully as he presented the statue of the Buddha

Since the mid-Ming Dynasty, Guan Yu rapidly became a national idol. Men emulate Guan Yunchang, while women imitate Wang Baochuan. It is unclear how these two figures were brought together.

"Merit and virtue, how interesting!" The monk revealed a surprised smile

Of course, this was Tang Yi's thought; if Tang Xiucai were to find out, he would have nowhere to cry: Do you think I wanted this? Who asked you to bring me all these meat dishes!

As for Manager Zhu, it is the same; he gets up before dawn, kneads the dough, chops the filling, and makes buns

A villager resembling a devotee was taken aback upon receiving it; she had never heard of a temple actively giving away items. After a moment of hesitation, she cautiously accepted it, hurriedly expressed her gratitude, and entered the mountain gate

Xu Chen saw Tang Yi, approached with a smile, and asked mysteriously, "Young benefactor, do you have time today?"

Next to it stands a青石碑, on which is inscribed the introduction of the Four Generals of the Demon Family. There is no need to ask, it was also written by the old man.

No need, I am too lazy to write it!

Even the young monk who had renounced the world became a fan of Guan Yu. Whenever Tang Yi recounted tales such as the Oath of the Peach Garden, the Three Heroes Battling Lu Bu, Passing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals, and the Solo Journey of a Thousand Miles, a large crowd would gather, listening with rapt attention. Tang Yi even felt that he had the potential to become a storyteller.

Tang Yi originally did not believe in such things, but since he had even encountered time travel, there was no reason not to believe. Sitting in the carriage, he said: "Uncle Zhu, I am afraid I will be busy at the Heavenly Consort Palace these next few days. When you have time tomorrow, please bring some joss paper and offerings. My father and I need to pay our respects to our ancestors."

Amitabha, benefactor, you are the first guest to come and offer incense, which shows your sincere devotion to the Buddha. This is a small token of appreciation from our temple, may the Buddha bless you and your family

After a month, the front gate of the Tianfei Palace has been basically repaired. The newly crafted golden plaque at the main entrance, inscribed with the three characters "Tianfei Palace" in a vigorous and elegant style, is the work of my father. Upon entering the mountain gate, one encounters the Hall of Heavenly Kings, which features the Four Generals of the Demon Clan, each exuding an imposing and fierce aura, with menacing expressions. Some wield precious swords, others hold pipa, some carry umbrellas, and there are also long serpents. The painted colors and designs are quite impressive.

As the two individuals conversed, the horse-drawn carriage accelerated increasingly. Just after noon, they arrived in front of the Tianfei Palace.

As she stepped outside, she heard two devotees whispering behind her: "When asking others to do something, one should offer some money, let alone for the Buddha!"

The sound of a bell rings out, resonating with clarity and strength

However, despite the busyness, everyone finds it quite enjoyable. The manager has calculated that the procurement cost of an ordinary bracelet is merely 5 wen, while Tang Yi has set the price at 10 wen. For each bracelet, she can earn a profit of 5 wen, which is equivalent to selling 20 steamed buns.

However, after eating for more than half a month, my face has indeed gained some flesh, and my son's culinary skills are truly impressive

"Telling stories is no problem, but..." Tang Yi elongated his voice

In a short while, everything was set up, and these locations are all along the essential paths easily accessible to the worshippers

Wow, there really is quite a lot of stuff

What are you doing

The woman stopped in her tracks, her face flushed. She had come to burn incense and also to pray for her son, who was already twenty and still had no daughter-in-law

To make one's ancestors suffer is indeed a grave sin; should the ancestors become enraged, the descendants are bound to suffer the consequences

Tang Yi was directing from the side, placing one at the mountain gate, one beside the incense burner, one at the palace door, and one next to the worship mat

"Last time you promised to talk about attending the meeting with just a single sword, the little monk has been remembering it all along!" Xu Chen said with a face full of admiration, pulling Tang Yi and asking, "Quickly tell me, did Lord Guan display his might and single-handedly slay all the bandits of Eastern Wu?"

After finally finishing the morning's business, he immediately rushed to the back, picked up the chisel, axe, and saw, and busily worked away, making a clanging noise. Often, he would be so busy that it would be late into the night, and such a strong man would still find it difficult to climb up to the pit head

"Did you not see the items on the cart? Hurry and move them down," Tang Yi said with a smile

Devotees arrived early at the Tianfei Palace to offer incense. A young novice monk waited there, holding a three-inch tall clay statue of Maitreya Buddha, with a protruding belly and a charmingly simple expression, radiating an aura of happiness.

Tang Yi, this is really speechless. You are a monk, for goodness' sake, stop resorting to violence so easily. It is also somewhat strange that Tang Yi, with his sharp tongue, casually commented on the Three Kingdoms and inadvertently attracted the admiration of the young novice.

Although everyone is very busy, the instigator is quite leisurely. Tang Yi mostly helps the inner steward brainstorm ideas and design patterns. Occasionally, his father calls him to assist, but his handwriting cannot compare to his father's. After writing a couple of couplets and copying a few pages of Buddhist scriptures, Tang Xiucai looked at them and silently threw them into the wastebasket

Tang Yi did not notice that all his actions were being closely observed by the monk, who entered the mountain gate with his hands behind his back. At every turn, there was a large merit box in front of him.

Subsequently, several worshippers arrived, and Xu Chen also presented Buddha statues, silently reciting scriptures. If one listened closely, it would be evident that he was distinctly chanting: "Absolutely do not www.hetushu.com com meat buns hitting dogs, absolutely do not..."

Alright, young sir, rest assured, I will deliver the items, and I will go shopping afterwards

So it turns out you want money, but I won't give you any

At this time, Scholar Tang would be exceedingly pleased, sitting at the temple entrance, indulging in a hearty meal in front of the hardworking craftsmen, with his mouth full and greasy, reveling in his own self-satisfaction

In front of the main hall is a small open space, in the center of which stands a large incense burner, while beside it, candles are piled up like a small mountain, all in preparation for tomorrow.

Xu Chen widened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was twenty identical merit boxes, all painted red. They were not large, and he could easily lift them down, so he smiled and agreed

Time flies, tomorrow will be July 15, the legendary Ghost Festival. According to folklore, on the first day of July, the gates of hell are wide open, and the spirits from the underworld come to the human realm to observe the good and evil deeds of their descendants, who must take the opportunity to offer sacrifices. After July, the gates of hell close, and if the descendants do not perform the sacrifices, the lonely and wild spirits will wander the human world for an entire year

Tang Yi often comes over, and it seems as if nothing has happened between him and Zhen. After they meet, they are very courteous and polite, just like friends. The little novice in the temple especially likes Tang Yi, as he has so many strange and interesting stories in his head

As for the innkeeper, her situation is even more tragic. The small accessories and trinkets are the most troublesome to make. She has to assist in purchasing various materials, and after they are completed, she must inspect each one to ensure that the quality is superior and the craftsmanship is exquisite

The illusory morning at the door almost called out, as I kept shouting in my heart: They have given money, they have truly given money, the method of the young benefactor has worked!