Fangzheng naturally knew what was on Wang Yougui's mind. Hence he said with a smile, "Patron, This Penniless Monk knows what to do. At the very least, this Penniless Monk will feel at ease. It's just that this road … "
"This road … Don't worry. I've settled it for you. The reason why the county is repairing the road is mainly because the film crew of City-Toppling Beauty came to our village a while ago. When they left, they were full of praise for Mt. One Finger. Furthermore, the higher-ups probably believe that City-Toppling Beauty will definitely be a hit if it is screened. When the time comes, Mt. One Finger will take the opportunity to ride on its popularity. Even if it doesn't become a major scenic spot, it won't be a problem for it to become a minor scenic spot. Therefore, this is considered a preliminary investment. This mountain road of yours should be within their plans. I was just teasing you when I got you to hand over the money. I never expected that … Sigh … "Wang Yougui could only smile bitterly.
Fangzheng was surprised. He never expected the film crew of City-Toppling Beauty to bring him so many benefits. It was something he never expected. However, on second thought, it was only natural. It was such a huge film crew and it was a blockbuster. Once it was released and caused a stir, Mt. One Finger would definitely become famous. When the time came, the monastery's incense offerings would only increase. With more people coming, the number of people he could help would also increase. Wouldn't he earn plenty of merit then?
Fangzheng immediately beamed.
Wang Yougui chatted with Fangzheng for a while longer. Seeing how the simple-minded young monk thought nothing of the five hundred thousand, he did not say a word. After hanging up, he hurriedly sought out Tan Juguo and Yang Ping to discuss the repair of the road.
Time passed quickly as the days passed. The number of visitors increased as One Finger Monastery's incense offerings increased. Fangzheng stood under the bodhi tree every day, welcoming the visitors.
But one day, Fangzheng woke up especially early. It was pitch black outside.
When he opened the meditation room's door, Lone Wolf immediately ran out of his den. As the monastery's number one guardian, he was a good guard despite being usually lazy. When he saw that it was Fangzheng, he shook his head and came over. He rubbed his head against Fangzheng's trousers.
Fangzheng swept the temple hall as usual. When Monkey saw that Fangzheng was awake, he did not slack off. He ran out with a broom. Over the past few days, he had been sweeping the ground, sweeping the fallen leaves, and listening to scriptures. His impatient personality had changed significantly.
Squirrel also diligently cleaned up the cobwebs and dust on the roof beams.
By the time he was done, the sky was beginning to brighten. Fangzheng heated the pot for breakfast. After the man and three animals had breakfast, Fangzheng went down the mountain. This time, he did not let Lone Wolf and Squirrel follow. The monastery's incense offerings were gradually flourishing, so it could not be left unattended. Lone Wolf had the strongest combat strength, while Squirrel was meticulous and vigilant. They were the best choice for guarding the gate.
As for Monkey, Fangzheng brought him with him. Compared to Lone Wolf and Squirrel, Monkey's perceptivity in the Buddhist Dharma was the highest. What he lacked was Monkey's liveliness and lack of propriety. However, for the monkey to be able to travel a great distance to seek Buddha, this already showed that his heart was towards Buddha. Therefore, whenever Fangzheng had the chance, he would explain the scriptures to Monkey. Fangzheng had never thought of erasing all of Monkey's habits. All he wanted was for him to understand what he should and should not do.
On the way down the mountain, Monkey was extremely curious. He asked, "Abbot, where are we going? Where are you going? "
"Tomorrow is the Qingming Festival. In the human world, the Qingming Festival is a day to worship ancestors. Everyone was born and raised by their parents. Without their parents to raise them, how could they grow up? Humans need to learn to be grateful. Even if their parents are gone, they still need to worship them. Today, we are going down the mountain to solicit donations. We will refine some items for the worship tomorrow, "said Fangzheng.
As a monk, offering sacrifices was not that troublesome. All they needed to do was silently chant a few blessings for their ancestors every time they paid respects to Buddha and recited the scriptures. However, Fangzheng had grown up in the village after all. Furthermore, Zen Master One Finger placed great importance on traditional customs. The two had always done so.
Now that Zen Master One Finger was no longer around, Fangzheng did not plan on changing this habit.
Monkey scratched his head. Although he was unable to fully understand it, there was nothing wrong in working hard to memorize it.
By the time Fangzheng reached the foot of the mountain, the villagers had already lit their chimneys and were preparing their meals. There were even those who had woken up early who walked out after having their breakfast.
Fangzheng was seen the moment he reached the foot of the mountain. Someone immediately greeted Fangzheng, "Venerable Fangzheng, are you going down the mountain to solicit donations?"
Fangzheng gave a Buddhist proclamation, "Amitabha. Tomorrow is the Qingming Festival. This Penniless Monk is here to solicit donations."
"Hehe, I knew it. Wait a moment. I'll get some paper money for you. " The person who spoke was named Sun Qiancheng. Although his name had a lot of promise, he was not doing too well himself. However, he was a very warm person.
"Thank you, Patron." Fangzheng hurriedly bowed.
Sun Qiancheng laughed out loud, "Look at how polite you are. You gave me goosebumps all over." Amidst his laughter, Sun Qiancheng returned to his yard and approached the house. Soon, he returned with a tray of firecrackers, a handful of incense, and a stack of paper money. He placed them in a huge plastic bag and handed it over. At the same time, he said with a smile, "I prepared it the day before yesterday. Venerable Fangzheng, take a look. Is this enough?"
Fangzheng bowed, "Thank you, Patron. There's no need for firecrackers. The incense and paper money are sufficient." Although the monastery had countless incense sticks that could be used, Fangzheng only wanted to use the incense he obtained from soliciting donations. It was a form of respect for Zen Master One Finger.
Sun Qiancheng chuckled, "I forgot that you never set off firecrackers. Alright, I'll take it back."
Fangzheng took the paper money and incense. After a short chat with Sun Qiancheng, he went to the next house. Sun Qiancheng did not give him much. This was also because of Zen Master One Finger's years of soliciting donations. He would not take too much from a single house. It was not easy for everyone. Taking too much would only add to the burden.
The moment Fangzheng left, Sun Qiancheng yelled at the top of his lungs, "Venerable Fangzheng is going down the mountain to solicit donations!"
Dog Song, who was sweeping the streets, immediately threw his broom and ran home. Soon, he ran out with a huge bag and welcomed Fangzheng.
As for Yang Hua, who was stewing chicken soup at home, he had just stuffed a bunch of firewood into the stove when he saw Du Mei come out. He raised his leg and kicked her, "Are you deaf? Fangzheng is going down the mountain to solicit donations. Now that you have money, why aren't you expressing your gratitude? Don't forget that the child was obtained from the monastery. Even the lottery you won was a result of Venerable Fangzheng's words. "
Yang Hua said bitterly, "I know. Of course I know. It's just that I didn't hear it. My dear ancestor, don't jump around randomly. What if you knock into our little ancestor? "
"Look at you. Do I look like such a delicate person to you? I'm telling you, you were the one who stopped me. If not, the chores in this house would not be left to a man like you. "Although Du Mei cursed, her eyes were filled with warmth. The corners of her mouth could not help but curl up. Now that she had a child and was rich, her days were turning more prosperous. She felt blissful as her relationship with her husband improved.
Yang Hua chuckled, "Got it, got it. My dear wife is the best. I'll be going out now. Wait for me. Don't move. If you can lie down, don't sit. "
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.