Chapter 368: Chapter 130: Master_3

Hua Lei was on guard as she asked, “May I know which household you are from? What business do you have with our young lady?” Although Zhaohua Temple was a temple famous across the land, and the young lady was still small and unlikely to invite gossip, one can never be too careful with strangers.

The young servant said with a smile, “I am in the service of Mr. Yu Shan. Mr. Yu Shan wishes to invite the Third Young Lady for a tour and a chat.” After saying this, he looked at Yueyao curiously, who was silent on the side. After several years of accompanying the master, there were not many who received an active invitation from him, and this young girl was clearly an extraordinary presence.

Mr. Hua Lei asked in bewilderment, “Who is Mr. Yu Shan?”

Qiao Lan’s face turned red, not knowing what Hua Lei did all day while following the young lady: “Mr. Yu Shan is a Great Painter renowned throughout the land. It is a good thing for the young lady to be granted an audience with Mr. Yu Shan.”

Hua Lei was still puzzled; being so famous, why would he want to see their young lady? Their young lady’s paintings had never been shown to anyone.

Yueyao was also unsure whether it was truly Mr. Yu Shan. Seeing the signs that they were preparing to escort her down the mountain, Yueyao asked, “Little Master Ji Xiang, could you perhaps join us on the visit?”

Ji Xiang naturally wouldn’t refuse: “Yes.”

The cool mountain breeze filled their sleeves, the air fresh and invigorating, while in the vast and spacious temple stood towering pines and bodhi trees. The branches and leaves were lush and thriving, a rich greenery that was rarely seen.

Yueyao chuckled softly, the scenery here was worlds apart from where she lived. But it was no surprise, for Mr. Yu Shan, a man of distinction, naturally lived in the finest abode.

When they reached the gate, the young servant stopped Ji Xiang and the other two: “Please go in, young lady. My master is waiting for you in the courtyard.”

Seeing that she was to meet him within the temple, Yueyao let go of her earlier caution. She wasn’t worried about any impropriety since Zhaohua Temple had been free of any mishaps for over a hundred years since its establishment.

As soon as Yueyao entered, she smelled a faint fragrance. Looking up to the center of the courtyard, she saw the middle-aged man she had noticed in the main hall earlier, now making tea.

Yueyao approached and respectfully called, “Mr. Yu Shan.”

Mr. Yu Shan smiled with palms together and said, “Please, have a seat.” He then resumed his focus on making tea.

Yueyao looked at the two pure white, jade-like teacups on the table and then at the person intently watching the water, and decided to sit on the chair prepared for her.

A stream of boiling water danced gracefully, lifting the lid of the kettle, and the fragrance filled the air. Through the curling steam, Mr. Yu Shan’s composed and easy demeanor was apparent.

After a while, Mr. Yu Shan lifted the teapot and poured it into the cups. Then he called out, and the young servant outside responded and came in.

Mr. Yu Shan said with a smile, “Please, enjoy the tea.” He had become curious about Yueyao as well. Her previous paintings had revealed to him her talent in the art, but although many possessed talent, few managed to reach the end of the path.

Mr. Yu Shan cherished talent, but women weren’t within the scope of talents he normally prized. However, seeing Yueyao in the great hall had genuinely taken him by surprise, which piqued his interest in meeting her.

Yueyao took a sip of tea and praised, “The tea you’ve made is very delicious.” Her compliment was sincere; the tea was a perfect blend of color, fragrance, and taste.

Mr. Yu Shan laughed but didn’t pursue the topic further. He was simply curious as to why Yueyao would attend Master Xuan Tian’s lectures and even received a private audience with him. He wasn’t there to indulge in tea appreciation with her–if he wanted to discuss tea, he wouldn’t have invited Yueyao: “Do you also take an interest in Buddhist Law, Third Young Lady?” If she didn’t, the monks of the temple would not have allowed her to sit in. But coming from a nine-year-old, an interest in Buddhist Law seemed peculiar! A girl of her age should be focused on dressing up, enjoying flowers, and embroidery, not on Buddhist Law.

Yueyao didn’t reply directly: “It’s not so much that I have a fondness, but I do enjoy copying the Buddhist scriptures.” It was a wholly truthful answer.

Mr. Yu Shan said with a smile, “You like to copy scriptural texts?” It was unusual to find someone who enjoyed that. The texts are often obscure and difficult, typically disliked by children.

Yueyao put down the white porcelain tea cup she was holding: “After my parents passed away, only while copying scriptures could I find peace. Gradually, I grew to enjoy copying the Buddhist scriptures.”

Mr. Yu Shan was taken aback, as he hadn’t expected this reason.

Yueyao smiled slightly: “Perhaps because I’ve spent a lot of time copying, and done so often, I’ve remembered quite a bit of the text after copying one volume of scriptures. Master Xuan Tian said I have a connection with the Buddha.” She already demonstrated an extraordinary talent in painting, and if Mr. Yu Shan believed she was proficient in Buddhist teachings, it would inevitably raise suspicions. Even if it didn’t cause suspicion, it could label her a prodigy, a reputation Yueyao was not willing to bear.