Rebirth: Contract Husband Falls in Love with Me-Chapter 462 - 237: Forever United in Heart

"Master truly has the compassionate heart of a Bodhisattva, commanding respect!" Sang Wan involuntarily brought her palms together in praise.

Huizhen hurriedly did the same and gave a greeting, saying, "Monastics should harbor compassion and kindness. Our teacher always instructs us like this! It’s rare for Young Master Shi to be so charitable and kind-hearted, he is the true benefactor. Everyone in our temple is immensely grateful!"

While they were talking, they suddenly heard Shi Fengju laughing and calling, "Miss Wan!" as he came from behind. Huizhen quickly stepped aside to make a greeting: "Benefactor Shi!"

Shi Fengju nodded his head with a smile and said, "Thank you, young Master. Please go on with your duties!"

Huizhen gave a bow and excused himself, and Liu Ya, not to be outdone this time, took the initiative without waiting for Shi Fengju to speak, saying, "This slave also takes her leave!" With that, she scurried off.

Sang Wan chuckled and playfully said to Shi Fengju, "That girl is truly shrewd, far behind your Chang Huan. Don’t scowl at her anymore. If you glare at her a few more times, she’ll become even more foolish!"

Shi Fengju laughed and said, "When have I glared at her? You’re really protective! Sometimes I truly can’t tell if she’s genuinely foolish or just pretending. You say she’s slow? Hmph, if she was slow, could she help you with the ledger? I see her working the abacus quite slickly, and she knows quite a lot of characters, too! It’s just that she doesn’t catch on!"

Sang Wan said with a smile, "Exactly, she just doesn’t catch on. You shouldn’t scare her anymore!"

Shi Fengju helplessly shook his head and laughingly pulled her along, saying, "Come, I’ll take you to a nice place!" With that, he led her away.

Shi Fengju took Sang Wan to a courtyard where there stood a very tall and lush camphor tree in the center, adorned with countless red ribbons. Not far in front of the tree, there was a bronze incense burner half the height of a person, stuffed full with incense sticks.

"What is this?" Sang Wan curiously asked. She saw numerous red ribbons fluttering in the wind among the abundance of green leaves on the tree, creating a colorful contrast that was quite distinctive to look at.

Shi Fengju explained with a smile, "This old camphor tree is said to be over a hundred years old. If you make a wish in front of it, then write that wish on a red ribbon and throw it onto the tree without it falling off, your wish will supposedly come true. The higher it’s thrown, the more effective it is. Many people come here to give it a try. Miss Wan, let’s have a go too!"

Sang Wan glanced around and indeed saw a long table by the side, equipped with pens, ink, and inkstone. One end of the table held a half-used vermilion-painted wooden box with a slit at the top. Next to the box were neatly arranged red ribbons, cut about two inches wide and over two feet long, with a small bundle tied at one end, apparently containing something to give it weight so it could be thrown aloft.

Then Sang Wan laughed and asked, "Haven’t you ever made a wish when you came here before?"

Shi Fengju suddenly felt somewhat guilty. After the completion of Lingxin Temple, he would make a point to visit whenever he was in Handan. Firstly, he enjoyed admiring the mountain scenery; secondly, he found Master Lingjing to be a person of unique insight and valued their association, as his enlightenment often left Shi Fengju feeling mentally refreshed as though all worldly worries had dissipated; thirdly, the vegetarian meals personally prepared by Master Lingjing’s disciple, Master Lingqing, were unmatched in deliciousness and famous throughout Handan City. Shi Fengju, of course, wanted to indulge in the culinary delights. Master Lingqing had a rule that he would only cook three times a month, once every ten days, and was unwavering in this routine regardless of any offer, but Shi Fengju was the exception; each time he visited, Master Lingqing would generously cook for him.

The reason for Shi Fengju’s guilt was that upon hearing of the efficacious reputation of this place, the first thing that came to his mind was his own reluctant betrothal. Naturally, his greatest wish was to annul that engagement. At that time, he felt he had no other choice and took a chance here hoping for a miracle. When he got to this spot, he almost reached out but then felt that his wish was somewhat improper. Hesitating, he could not bring himself to extend his hand. Now, hearing Sang Wan ask, even though she had no idea, facing his own conscience he felt quite embarrassed.

"No, before I would just chat with Master Lingjing and have a vegetarian meal before leaving. I never had the time for this," Shi Fengju coughed and hastily responded.

Sang Wan didn’t suspect anything amiss, so she laughed and said, "Since it’s so effective, let’s try it! What wish does the young master have?"

Shi Fengju smiled faintly and asked in return, "What about you, Miss Wan?"

Sang Wan was momentarily stumped, inwardly questioning what wish she had? It felt like she had many wishes yet none at all, and she suddenly seemed bewildered.

Shi Fengju smiled gently and led her to the table, took out some shiny copper coins he had prepared and dropped them into the adjacent vermilion-painted wooden box. He scooped up a ladle of water from the water jug with a small wooden spoon and lightly dripped a few drops onto the inkstone, ground the ink, took a ribbon, and began to write: Shi Fengju and Sang Wan to grow old together in everlasting harmony.