Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Li Xia, who had nothing to worry about, just came back to the courtyard. She saw Auntie Mei with a cheerful expression picking out clothes. "Auntie, what has made you so happy?"

"We are going to the Green Mountain Temple outside the city to pray for blessings tomorrow," Auntie Mei said, holding up a garment and asking Qiu Ju beside her, "Qiu Ju, how do you think this looks?"

"Auntie has such good taste, this is perfect," Qiu Ju praised.

"I think so too. This is the one. Qiu Shui, remember to dress the young mistress in this tomorrow," Auntie Mei said, handing the garment to Qiu Shui, who was following behind Li Xia.

"Why are we going to the temple to pray?" Li Xia had no interest in gods or Buddhas. She knew in her previous life that relying on oneself was better than relying on anyone else. Having strength was the only way to survive, and everything else was just clouds.

"The young master is leaving for the Capital City in half a month, and the journey will take more than a month. The mistress is worried, so she wants to go to the Green Mountain Temple to get a talisman of safety for the young master," Auntie Mei explained.

Li Xia thought to herself, "Mrs. Lu can go, why do they all have to go?" But she didn't dare say it out loud, knowing Auntie Mei would pull her ear.

Although having to kneel and pray at the temple was annoying, it wouldn't be bad to go out of the city and have a bit of an outing.

With a mood for a day trip, Li Xia enthusiastically looked out the window at the scenery along the way, occasionally exchanging a few words with Li Xin sitting beside her. Li Shan beside them looked down on Li Xia's lack of manners.

However, Li Shan was secretly envious of Li Xia's good relationship with Li Hui and Li Xin. Especially the things Li Hui and Li Xin gave to Li Xia, which made Li Shan envious and jealous. But after so many years of being strangers, she didn't know how to get close to her two elder siblings. She could only watch silently, occasionally sneering and mocking Li Xia.

Li Xia didn't care at all about Li Shan's little antics. No matter how much Li Shan sneered, it wouldn't hurt Li Xia, so there was no need to bother about it and make herself troubled.

When they arrived at the foot of the mountain, instead of taking sedan chairs, the group walked up the mountain to show their sincerity. Seeing the endless stairs, the others might have felt their legs weaken, but Li Xia was full of enthusiasm.

The beautiful scenery was initially appreciated by everyone. But later, they were too focused on the road, wanting to reach the top as soon as possible. Li Xia, however, had no such feeling. Seeing Li Xin was a bit tired, she still had the energy to support Li Xin and help her climb.

In the end, Li Xin was completely dragged up the mountain by Li Xia. Li Xin had no strength left. When they reached the top, the group was breathless. The maids immediately went to tidy up their mistresses' clothing, as they couldn't appear unkempt before the Buddha.

Qiu Shui also came forward to tidy Li Xia's clothes, quietly telling Li Xia about Li Shan's disdainful looks and mocking along the way, reminding Li Xia to pay attention to Li Shan and try to stay with Li Xin as much as possible to avoid any schemes.

Li Xia looked at the beads, then at the old monk, "What is precious to the Venerable must be dear to you. I wouldn't want to take what you hold dear." She had no interest in becoming a nun.

"The young benefactress deserves them," the old monk's words made the playful smile on Li Xia's face disappear. After a while, her voice sounded somewhat ethereal, "Venerable, do you know where I came from?"

The old monk did not answer, but bowed to her again.

Li Xia narrowed her eyes and looked at the old monk, "Venerable, do you know what happened there later?"

The old monk did not answer, but held out his hand, waiting for Li Xia to take the Buddhist beads.

Li Xia looked at the beads, then at the old monk, and smiled, "Then I shall not be rude and decline." She took the Buddhist beads and put them on her wrist.

After Li Xia took the beads, the old monk bowed to her for the third time and left.

Li Xia watched the retreating old monk, the Buddhist beads on her wrist emitting a faint glow.

Just as she entered the courtyard, she saw Qiu Shui and Qiu Ling heading out. "Where are you two going?"

Qiu Shui and Qiu Ling, not seeing Li Xia, were about to go out to look for her. "We were just going to look for the young mistress."

"I'm back already, see?" Li Xia said, walking into the room and sitting down. She took the tea that Qiu Shui brought her, "I'm rested now."

"Would the young mistress like to rest a bit more?" Qiu Shui asked.

"No need, we should be leaving soon." Li Xia had just finished speaking when Zi Juan came to notify them that they would be leaving in half an hour.

Qiu Shui and Qiu Ling quickly packed up. On the way back, everyone was too tired to talk much.

That night, Li Xia went to bed early. As she lay on the bed, she didn't notice the faint glow of the Buddhist beads on her wrist.