Chapter 553: Is Master Qing Ci Not Here?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Su Qian quickly walked over and supported the Empress Dowager, who wore a full-face smile as she strode forward.
After walking up the stairs for about two hours, Su Qian and the others finally arrived at the entrance of Haotian Temple.
Their legs felt core, and Su Qian helped the Empress Dowager rest for a while before heading towards the ancient temple not far away.
The sun was shining brightly, and the faint sound of a bell rang from the temple. The Imperial Family and nobles were going to worship here today, and all the irrelevant people in the temple had been cleared out. The temple was quiet, and through the gate, one could see a towering bodhi tree in the courtyard. The huge canopy cast a large shade, covering half of the courtyard.
“Empress Dowager, please take it slow.” Nanny Jin and Su Qian supported the Empress Dowager on both sides, crossed the threshold, and entered the temple.
This scene left the concubines following behind with eyes full of envy.
In order to avoid suspicion, the men and women entered the temple separately. The Emperor had already led the princes and imperial relatives into the temple.
Now, it was the Empress Dowager’s turn to lead the womenfolk into the temple. No matter how they lined up, it wasn’t Su Qian’s turn to sit beside the Empress Dowager.
However, the Empress Dowager had specially appointed her to serve her. Even the Empress and Imperial Concubine didn’t have this treatment. What kind of virtue and ability did Su Qian have to be able to obtain the Empress Dowager’s favor?
The consorts in the harem were all envious, not to mention the young misses from wealthy families among the esteemed ministers. They all looked at Su Qian with burning eyes.
Su Qian ignored the various gazes behind her and assisted the Empress Dowager into the Haotian Temple. Soon, she saw an elderly monk who had been waiting for a long time not far away walk over with a few young monks.
“Greetings to the Empress Dowager.” The elderly monk clasped his hands together and bowed to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager nodded as well. “Thank you for waiting, Abbot Shanhe. Your efforts are much appreciated for this prayer ceremony.”
“The Empress Dowager is too polite. The room has already been prepared for the Empress Dowager,” Abbot Shanhe said with a smile.
“Thank you, Abbot,” The Empress Dowager also said with a smile.
Su Qian saw that Abbot Shanhe’s face was red, and there was a holy Buddhist light flowing in his eyes. His aura was heavy and deep, giving people a kind feeling. She knew that this abbot definitely didn’t live up to his reputation. At a glance, she could tell that he was an eminent monk with extremely high cultivation.
Perhaps it was because Su Qian’s gaze was too direct, but she quickly attracted the abbot’s attention.
Abbot Shanhe also raised his head and glanced at Su Qian. Then, his gaze wavered.
Su Qian was very surprised. She could see the complicated emotions in Abbot Shanhe’s eyes.
However, Abbot Shanhe quickly averted his gaze. Before Su Qian could figure out why Abbot Shanhe was acting like this, she was forced to look away.
On the other hand, the Empress looked excitedly at Abbot Shanhe. “Abbot, may I askXu’er… Oh, no, is Master Qing Ci not here?”
“Qing Ci knows that the Empress misses him and is afraid that he will lose his manners after seeing you, so he specially asked me to inform the Empress that he will come to visit after you all have settled down,” Abbot Shanhe said with a gentle expression.
“Empress, I also miss Qing Ci very much. When Qing Ci comes in a while, have him visit me as well,” The Empress Dowager said.
When the Empress heard this, she quickly lowered her head and agreed. “Don’t worry, Empress Dowager. I will handle it properly.”
Seeing the Empress’s happy expression, Su Qian couldn’t help but feel curious..