After hanging up, Zhao Baolin heaved a sigh of relief and returned home.
There was a custom in the northeast to pick up the bride. The earlier the better. Furthermore, Han Xiaoran's house was rather far from Hongtang Village. It would take an hour or two to rush there. Furthermore, there were all sorts of obstructions and customs when picking up the bride. They had to wake up early if they really wanted to return in time.
Therefore, Zhao Baolin set off with his son, Zhao Yuhe, at two in the morning. Fangzheng did not follow and instead waited at home.
Around seven in the morning, the convoy returned. Zhao Baolin was the first to alight. The moment he got off, he beamed and shouted, "We've picked her up!"
Everyone congratulated him as Zhao Baolin thanked him profusely.
The car came to a stop as Zhao Yuhe carried Han Xiaoran off the car. Amidst the blessings, he walked into the house and carefully placed Han Xiaoran on the stove bed.
Everyone rushed in and looked at the bride in all sorts of ways.
Fangzheng stood by the door and smiled at Han Xiaoran's relatives.
For some reason, Han Xiaoran's relatives felt uncomfortable every time they passed by the door and saw the monk's gaze. It was as though their clothes had been seen through. Therefore, gradually, no one dared to hang around Fangzheng.
When everyone dispersed, Fangzheng came to Zhao Baolin's side and smiled. "Congratulations, Patron."
"Thank you, Abbot Fangzheng. By the way, Abbot, do you think you can bless our Yuhe and Xiaoran?" Zhao Baolin thickened his skin and made a request.
Upon hearing that, many people looked over. Han Xiaoran's father, Han Kunyan, and mother, Zhou Shaoxia, looked over as well. They were not villagers from Mt. One Finger and did not know Fangzheng. They asked out of curiosity, "What's the background of this monk? He's so young. Can he bless him? "
"In-law, you might not know this, but Abbot Fangzheng is the most famous accomplished monk in the surrounding villages! If he's willing to bless them, it would be a great honor, "explained Zhao Baolin's brother.
Han Kunyan and Zhou Shaoxia were slightly taken aback. They did not say a word, but their eyes were filled with disdain. Han Kunyan even grumbled inwardly, "How foolish of a mountain folk to believe in this … Blessing? Heh heh, if this monk were to really bless them, their reputation would probably be ruined. "
Thinking of this, Han Kunyan and Zhou Shaoxia revealed a mocking smile.
Zhao Baolin nervously waited for Fangzheng's answer. From his point of view, bestowing a blessing was nothing. Fangzheng was usually easygoing, so he definitely wouldn't be stingy.
However …
Fangzheng shook his head slightly. "Patron, This Penniless Monk is probably unable to bless you."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned. He actually refused! Fangzheng, who was always amiable, had rejected Zhao Baolin! No one could understand this at all! However, most people believed that Fangzheng was putting on airs, looking down on Zhao Baolin and not giving him face.
A person's face was everything. Here, face was especially important. Fangzheng had refused to give Zhao Yuhe his blessings at Zhao Baolin's son's wedding. Although it was not considered a smack in the face, it made Zhao Baolin, Zhao Yuhe, and company look disgraced.
Zhao Baolin's expression suddenly became extremely ugly, and he was even more embarrassed.
Zhao Baolin's wife, Chai Hong, hurriedly went forward and said, "Abbot Fangzheng, you are the most prestigious Venerable One in the surrounding villages. Why don't you give us a blessing?" Chai Hong's tone was so soft that she was almost pleading.
When everyone saw this, their hearts softened. No one wanted to watch the drama unfold, and instead, they hoped that Fangzheng would give them a blessing.
However, to everyone's surprise, Fangzheng shook his head once again. "Amitabha. Sorry, Patron. This Penniless Monk is unable to bestow such a blessing."
"This …" Chai Hong was dumbfounded.
"Monk, don't tell me you don't know how to give blessings?" Meng Huimei did not know Fangzheng, so she naturally did not stand on ceremony. Seeing Chai Hong and Zhao Baolin being ignored, she was immediately displeased as she mocked them.
The moment that was said, there was an uproar. Who was Fangzheng? He was One Finger Monastery's abbot, the owner of Frost Bamboo, and an engraving master! It could be said that the improvement in the lives of the nearby villages was all thanks to Fangzheng! On top of that, One Finger Monastery was extremely efficacious when it came to praying for children. For that, no one would offend Fangzheng. Therefore, everyone was very respectful towards Fangzheng. Who would point at him and mock him without giving him any face? Meng Huimei's words immediately pissed everyone off!
However, Meng Huimei did not care what others thought. She was not from the vicinity, so she was not afraid of anything. She pointed at Fangzheng and said, "Monk, be honest. Do you not know how to give blessings? If not, why would you reject it? Isn't it just giving blessings? What's so difficult about it? It's just a few words. Look at what you are capable of! You eat my brother's food and take my brother's things. You don't even give blessings. I've never seen such a petty person! "
Meng Huimei's mouth was like a machine gun as she bombarded Fangzheng.
However, Fangzheng remained calm the entire time as he looked warmly at Zhao Baolin. His eyes were as calm as water and as deep as the starry sky. His calmness made Zhao Baolin blush. Finally, Zhao Baolin exploded. "Shut up!"
Meng Huimei was instantly taken aback. Who was he trying to get to shut up? When she came to her senses, she realized that she was the only one speaking! Puzzled, she said, "Brother, I'm helping …"
"Don't say anything else. Whether Abbot Fangzheng bestows blessings is his business. We can't force him to do so. That's not good. Sister, don't say anymore, "said Zhao Baolin.
"This …" Meng Huimei never expected Zhao Baolin to say something like that. This matter had nothing to do with her, and she had only come out with the intention of helping Zhao Baolin. She never expected to reap any benefits and even be snubbed. She was pissed! Very pissed! Scold Zhao Baolin? Of course not! Scold the monk? Looking at Zhao Baolin's expression, it was definitely impossible.
However, Meng Huimei had no intention of letting the matter rest. Instead, she sneered. "Monk, a monk doesn't lie. Tell me honestly. Do you not know how to give blessings? If not, why didn't you bless our Yuhe? "
She wasn't cursing, but her tone sounded like a question.
Zhao Baolin was just about to berate her when he saw Fangzheng smile and shake his head. "This Penniless Monk knows how to give blessings."
"Then why not? Are you despising us for not paying? "Meng Huimei mocked coldly.
Fangzheng smiled as he looked into Meng Huimei's eyes. His eyes seemed to emit light, and at a glance, Meng Huimei felt like he could see through her! She immediately felt a little guilty.
Only then did Fangzheng say, "This Penniless Monk only blesses those who are fated with him. How can he bless those who aren't fated with him?"
The moment that was said, there was an uproar!
Many of Zhao Baolin's relatives stood up.
Although Fangzheng had quite a bit of prestige, who wouldn't be infuriated to say such words in front of someone's child's wedding?
Han Xiaoran's family stood up as well. However, the look in their eyes was clearly a little off. There was a hint of guilt and anger!
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