Chapter 270: The Longevity Tablet

Chapter 270: The Longevity Tablet

After returning to the private room, Lu Shuangshuang's attitude towards Su Youyue became noticeably warmer.

Su Youyue, as if oblivious, treated her just as she had before.

After all, she was a guest, and no matter what, she needed to be treated politely.

After finishing their meal, Lu Shuangshuang took hold of Su Youyue's arm. "Sister Yue'er, this is my first time in Capital City. Could you take me around for a bit later?"

Su Youyue felt uncomfortable with the physical contact and instinctively stiffened.

The next moment, Su Rong squeezed in between them. "Sister Shuangshuang, I'm sorry, but my elder sister promised to accompany me to Qing Yuan Temple today. We'll definitely take you around tomorrow!"

Xiao Wangshi, who had been smiling at her daughter, suddenly felt displeased upon seeing Su Rong's actions.

Lu Shuangshuang, however, tightened her grip on Su Youyue's arm. "Oh, then bring me along too! We're all girls, and I don't want to hang out with my brothers."

Xiao Wangshi added, "Yes, Nannan, you and Third Miss should take Shuangshuang along. You sisters haven't seen each other in years; you should catch up."

With such words spoken, Su Youyue couldn't refuse, even though she hadn't planned to go to Qing Yuan Temple at all...

She didn't believe in deities and thus didn't worship them.

But since Su Rong had already lied, she had to help her cover it up.

"Alright, we'll go and come back quickly."

Taking Lu Shuangshuang to the temple would be easier than taking her shopping, especially since Qing Yuan Temple was just outside the city, not far away.

"Great, Sister Yue'er, thank you!" Lu Shuangshuang released her arm upon hearing the agreement.

A faint sense of disgust appeared in Su Youyue's eyes.

As they got into the carriage, Lu Shuangshuang tried to sit next to Su Youyue, but Su Rong pushed her aside and sat beside Su Youyue herself.

Lu Shuangshuang frowned and glared at Su Rong.

Su Rong glared back, unyielding.

Seeing that Su Rong dared to glare at her, Lu Shuangshuang gritted her teeth and cursed inwardly.

Little bastard.

A little bastard, acting like a true lady of the Su household, daring to defy her!

Though she thought this way, Lu Shuangshuang didn't dare to say it aloud, only looking at Su Rong with disdain.

Su Rong ignored her and whispered to Su Youyue about Xiao Feiyan's recent amusing stories.

Lu Shuangshuang, unfamiliar with Xiao Feiyan, couldn't join in the conversation. She tried to change the subject, but neither Su Youyue nor Su Rong engaged with her, leaving her frustrated throughout the journey.

Finally arriving at Qing Yuan Temple, she felt a bit more relaxed stepping out of the carriage.

However, when she tried to move closer to Su Youyue, Su Rong beat her to it, pulling Su Youyue inside. "Elder sister, let's pray sincerely. Your recovery must be due to Buddha's blessing!"

Su Youyue looked at the little girl indulgently and followed her into the temple.

Seeing both of them leave without her, Lu Shuangshuang stomped her foot in frustration. Her maid Hongxiu urged her to follow.

Qing Yuan Temple was never as famous as Faxiang Temple and had fewer visitors. After the incident with Master Hongde, Buddhism's reputation in Capital City suffered, leading to even fewer pilgrims. Now, the temple seemed even more deserted.

Su Youyue had never been here in her previous life, but the tranquil surroundings brought her peace.

"Amituofo..." An elderly monk with a kind face emerged from the temple, accompanied by a round-faced novice monk.

Seeing the monk's dignified demeanor, even Su Youyue and Su Rong, who were not devout believers, showed more respect.

Lu Shuangshuang, however, had no patience. She wanted to finish this quickly and return to rest, so she urged, "Monk, why is your temple so deserted? There's not even any incense. How can you keep it open?"

Her impolite tone was unpleasant to hear, but the old monk smiled unperturbed.

"The temple may be quiet, but the faithful still have faith in their hearts. They may not offer incense, but they come here every year to dedicate longevity tablets, praying for Buddha's blessings and longevity for their loved ones."

Lu Shuangshuang scoffed. "Longevity tablets? Who believes in that?"

The novice monk glared at her angrily.

The old monk shook his head and smiled. "Peace of mind."

"Longevity tablets..." Chunya murmured, then said, "Miss, since Old Madam and Lord are often ill, perhaps we should dedicate two longevity tablets for them."

The abbot's words made sense. If one cares deeply for someone, they naturally believe in deities and pray for their longevity. Dedicating a longevity tablet could bring peace of mind.

Su Youyue nodded and asked the abbot about the price of dedicating a longevity tablet.

The novice monk then spoke, "Madam, dedicating a longevity tablet costs one hundred taels of silver per year."

"So expensive?" Lu Shuangshuang exclaimed, tugging at Su Youyue. "Cousin, they're just trying to scam money. No wonder their temple hasn't collapsed; they're relying on scams!"

The novice monk retorted angrily, "Madam, do not speak irresponsibly. If you don't believe in Buddha, why come to see him?"

Seeing his young age yet boldness, Lu Shuangshuang grew angrier and was about to argue, but Su Youyue intervened. "Shuangshuang, show respect before Buddha. Two hundred taels a year is worth it if it ensures my grandmother and father's safety and long life."

With that, she instructed Chunya to fetch the silver.

Lu Shuangshuang looked at her in disbelief.

This Su Youyue truly has too much money, or maybe she's just foolish, actually believing in these longevity tablets!

Chunya had already swiftly taken out two hundred taels of silver and handed them to the young novice monk.

Her young miss truly didn’t lack this money. Besides, if it could bless the old madam and the master with long life, she wouldn’t hesitate to spend a thousand or even ten thousand taels.

The young novice monk’s expression improved as he took the silver. He then led the way, saying, “This way, female benefactor.”

Lu Shuangshuang looked displeased but had no choice but to follow Su Youyue’s steps.

Inside the temple hall, behind the towering Buddha statue, rows upon rows of longevity plaques stood, each inscribed with the name of the person being venerated. The dense arrangement was countless, and at first glance, it made one involuntarily solemn.

Even Lu Shuangshuang became much quieter.

The young novice monk, following Chunya’s instructions, filled in the names on the two longevity plaques and was about to place them when Su Rong, who had been hesitating nearby, suddenly called out.

“Young Master, I also want to offer a longevity plaque. Wait a moment while I find the money…”

After saying that, she took out a banknote worth one hundred taels from a hidden layer in her sleeve.

Seeing three hundred taels given away in such a short time, Lu Shuangshuang couldn’t help but feel pained. Although it wasn’t her money, it might become hers someday.

The Su family was so generous even towards an illegitimate child; they must be incredibly wealthy!

Hearing Su Rong’s voice, the young novice monk turned back.

Jin’er reminded, “Third Miss, the young miss has already offered for the old madam and the master, so you don’t need to spend more money…”

They had just listened to the rules explained by the young novice monk: each person could only have one longevity plaque offered for them.

Su Rong looked up and nodded. “I know, but I want to offer one for Elder Sister. It doesn’t conflict.”