HLnovel Chapter 888 Huiyuan Visits
Chapter 888 Huiyuan Visits
After they finished eating and went outside, Xiaoyuer couldn't wait to ask about what Zhang Ping'an and Abbot Yuantong had talked about that day.
He was very worried that his family might not escape unscathed this time.
Zhang Ping'an didn't rush to talk about what happened in the afternoon. Instead, he took out several identity documents and travel permits from a hidden compartment in the study.
"You're just too young, impatient, and can't keep your composure. We'll talk about the Xiangguo Temple matter later. You should put these things away first."
Little Fish took a look and saw that they were official documents for different identities, as well as travel permits for different places; everything was prepared very well.
That's enough for him to go anywhere in the country, and even crossing the border wouldn't be a problem.
"Father, when did you prepare this?"
“We were prepared long ago. For people of our status, having extra supplies is a basic survival strategy,” Zhang Ping’an said, then couldn’t help but sigh.
I feel like I've lived a diligent life, but in the end, I might not even have a good ending. My son might even have to sneak away to save his own life.
It's absolutely ridiculous!
"Is it really that serious? What about Grandpa and Grandma? What about the other relatives?"
Instead of feeling reassured, the little fish became even more worried as it held these things.
“Your grandparents are too old for long journeys. It’s better to let them stay in the capital. The outcome might not be too bad. As for the other relatives, as long as I don’t go to the Dali Temple, they probably won’t be implicated. But if they are, to put it bluntly, they’ve benefited from this for so many years. We can’t just pick the peaches without watering the tree!”
Zhang Ping'an believed he had always treated his relatives very well. The affairs of the imperial court were extremely mysterious, and he had done his best, so no one could blame him.
Thinking of this, Zhang Ping'an looked directly at his son and said firmly, "You must remember what I'm about to say. Today at the Xiangguo Temple, although that old bald monk didn't make things clear, I haven't been in the court for nothing all these years. I have a feeling that the Empress's burial won't be peaceful this time, and there's a high chance that the capital will be engulfed in bloodshed. After I leave with the funeral procession, you take three or four of your capable men, disguise yourself, and head northwest."
Well, you can rest at the border trade market in Datong for now and wait for my news. If you don't hear from me for a month, then you should continue to go northwest to find your great-uncle. He will make arrangements for you.
This journey will certainly be arduous, and may even take you to the border regions; you should be mentally prepared.
"father!"
Little Fish couldn't help but shout.
Zhang Ping'an waved his hand: "This is the worst-case scenario. You are my son. If something happens to me, you will be the first one to be caught. That's why your father is most worried about you, you know?"
"What exactly did the abbot of Daxiangguo Temple say to you?"
"These are all matters of the court, and I can't explain them to you in a few words, but he was right about one thing: if we take a gamble, there might still be a glimmer of hope."
Little Fish, always clever, probed, "You...you're going to rebel?"
The last two words were spoken very softly, almost as a breath.
Zhang Ping'an smiled faintly: "I suppose so!"
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyuer showed no fear, only worry about the outcome.
Zhang Ping'an was unwilling to say more. "Knowing too much is not a good thing for you, especially before you have any ability to change the outcome of things."
That's very true. Xiaoyuer knows that if he gets involved, he'll only hold his father back and distract him.
So he stood up and said, "I understand, Father. I'll go back to my room to rest now!"
"Well, let's go!"
No matter how complicated the father and son's feelings were, life had to go on, and two more days passed in the blink of an eye.
The fact that all parties are as calm as a stagnant pool highlights the abnormality of the situation.
Just as Zhang Ping'an had predicted, Huiyuan, a young novice monk from Daxiangguo Temple, came to the Zhang residence to beg for alms.
Because they had eaten and informed the doorman in advance, the doorman did his best to keep them there.
Xiao Hu thought they really came to beg for alms, so he took out a lot of old things that he didn't need from the storeroom, as well as old clothes.
He then invited the guests to have a vegetarian meal at his residence.
Huiyuan felt embarrassed by his enthusiasm.
He had not felt this kind of care and warmth for a long time since his master and grandmaster passed away.
Seeing that it was getting late, Huiyuan, though somewhat disappointed that he hadn't met Zhang Ping'an in person, still prepared to say goodbye and head back.
"Please sit a while longer. My family has been saying these past few days that they're planning to donate some money to the temple for incense oil. It's perfect that you've come here to collect donations, Master. It would be wonderful if you could take this money back with you," Xiao Hu urged.
Huiyuan, unable to refuse such hospitality, said somewhat reluctantly, "Well... alright then, this humble monk will sit for a while longer."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhang Ping'an arrived home.
He was very welcoming to Huiyuan. “Master Huiyuan, it’s just in time that you came to my house to ask for alms today. Please take back the money I donated to the Xiangguo Temple and give a letter of greeting to Abbot Yuantong. It’s a small token of my appreciation to the poor people of the capital.”
“Amitabha, Benefactor Zhang, you have done so many good deeds, the Buddha will bless you,” Huiyuan quickly stood up and thanked him.
Regardless of his opinion of the people in the Daxiangguo Temple, the Daxiangguo Temple, as the national preceptor, did indeed do a lot of good deeds that benefited the poor.
Huiyuan was very grateful when someone donated money for incense oil.
"Master Huiyuan, please come with me," Zhang Ping'an beckoned to the study.
Huiyuan didn't think much of it and followed along.
After sitting down in the study, Zhang Ping'an didn't rush to take out the silver notes, but instead had two cups of tea served first.
Then he patiently asked, "Master Huiyuan, when I was at Daxiangguo Temple last time, you seemed a little hesitant to speak. Is there something you want to say to me? Today, there are no outsiders in my residence, so you can speak freely. If you have any difficulties, I will do my best to help. Your grandmaster, Master Xuankong, is a highly respected and accomplished monk whom I greatly admire. If he were still alive, he would certainly not want to see you being bullied."
After hearing these words of concern, Huiyuan's eyes welled up with tears.
"My grandmaster and master are both enlightened people, but I am the only one who is useless, has poor comprehension, and is particularly stupid."
"That's not how it works. Everyone has their own unique talents," Zhang Ping'an comforted him. "Have a couple of sips of tea to soothe your throat first."
Huiyuan picked up the teacup with both hands as instructed, took two sips of tea, and then, as if he had made a major decision, mustered up his courage and looked up to say, "Benefactor Zhang, I do have something to say. My master often said that relationships between people depend on fate. I believe that you and I are destined to be together, and now I guess only you can help me."