Transmigrated as the Treacherous Official's Childhood Sweetheart-Chapter 102: This Humble Monk Does Not Wish To

Ming Yan cautiously peeked at his expression and carefully spoke, "Master, are you free? I want to discuss Buddhist teachings with you, and I have some questions I’d like to ask."

"Hmm, let’s go to Shengyi Hall."

With that, he led the way.

Ming Yan followed the tall and graceful figure ahead.

She had no parents and grew up in Yanyu Building. According to the old madam Mrs. Chun, she was found at the doorstep of Yanyu Building, and no one knew who left her there.

Since then, she was named Ming Yan and grew up stumbling through the building. The people in the building were all very nice, Aunt Qin, Sister Ling Yue, Sister Shuixin, Brother Xiao Song, Sister Tang Yu...

Yet, she still wanted to leave there.

She hadn’t read much in the building, but the phrase "a lifetime, a pair" she remembered firmly. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

She yearned for the love found in storybooks.

She wanted to marry Master Zhi Chen.

Mrs. Chun noticed Ming Yan often liked to visit Longhua Temple, perhaps she fancied a monk there?

She then warned, "No man is a good thing, with their multiple wives; while eating from the bowl, they look at the pot. Haven’t we had enough of these lecherous monks who we served here? You should behave, lest you bring trouble upon yourself."

"Come spring next year, it’ll be your time to blossom, and by then, it won’t be up to you."

Ming Yan would rather be thrown in jail, just to meet Master Zhi Chen with a clean slate.

In the midst of her emotions, the two had already arrived at Shengyi Hall.

The hall was built over five feet high, with steps leading up. In the front was a small pavilion with welcoming arches on both sides, and three rooms for worshiping the Buddha behind. Arranged numerous canopies, another door was built, leading to a small room for resting.

Zhi Chen sat cross-legged, rolling Buddha Beads in his hand: "Benefactor, is there something you wish to say to this humble monk?"

Was it that obvious? Ming Yan touched her small face.

His sitting posture was dignified and solemn, and the light shining through the window rendered him sacred and inviolable.

What could she say?

Should she be direct: Master Zhi Chen, I like you, are you willing to leave monastic life?

Or: Master Zhi Chen, I like you, do you like me? How much silver do you have on you? You’ll need it to buy my freedom.

Or: Master, have you ever loved?

How was she supposed to say...

Ming Yan wriggled around, unable to squeeze out a word. Just two years ago, she happened to come to Longhua Temple and caught a glimpse of the master’s heavenly appearance, hence she used the pretext of studying Buddhist teachings to visit the temple frequently. Sometimes she was lucky enough to see him, but other times, when he was busy with other duties, she couldn’t.

Take a step forward and face the blade, step back and face it too.

"M-Master, before you became a monk, did you have a wife or children at home?"

Zhi Chen didn’t expect her to ask this, and he replied calmly, "No."

"Then, then, then..." Due to nervousness, she stammered and couldn’t get the words out.

Ming Yan took a deep breath twice, feeling a bit better: "Master, what do you think of me? Are you willing to leave monastic life for me?"

"I have no parents since I was young. If you marry me, you don’t have to care for my parents, so there’s no added burden. I’m not sickly, I’m diligent, and I’ll take good care of your parents, letting you have no worries while you’re away. I won’t trouble you, in the future..."

"In the future..."

Ming Yan paused, holding back her heartache: "In the future, if you want to take concubines, I’m willing."

She desperately tried to persuade the man in front of her.

"This benefactor, I apologize, this humble monk is unwilling, I have no intention of leaving monastic life."

His voice remained as cold as ever, completely devoid of emotion.

Ming Yan was not giving up, making one last struggle: "Why did you answer so quickly? Won’t you consider it? Everyone in our building praises my beauty."