PDLP Chapter 75 Fame Resounds in the Capital, the Beginning of All Things
Chapter 75 Fame Resounds in the Capital, the Beginning of All Things
The sixteenth day of the eleventh month.
As dawn broke, the sky seemed to be draped in a light veil over the eaves.
The capital city shines like a bright pearl in the morning light.
The streets and alleys were bustling with noise and throngs of people, surging like a tide, with all sorts of people moving about, some in a hurry and others leisurely.
Inside the teahouse, the fire was blazing, and the aroma of tea filled the air, creating a stark contrast with the chill outside the window.
The hall was filled with guests, all listening intently to the storyteller.
The storyteller was dressed in a blue robe and wore a turban. He held a folding fan and tapped it lightly on the table. His voice was melodious and passionate.
"At that time, a myriad of rays of light ripped through the sky, and the heavens and earth were adorned with a magnificent palace! A thousand rainbows descended from the heavens, leading us to the dreamlike Jade Pool!"
Sometimes he sang softly, like a gentle spring breeze, tender and delicate; other times he spoke eloquently, like a thunderclap, shaking people's hearts.
Every word and every sentence seems to contain endless charm and emotion, captivating the reader and making it impossible to extricate oneself.
The guests either closed their eyes and listened, captivated by the dreamlike scene, or whispered among themselves, discussing their personal experiences from the previous day.
"Yesterday's grand gathering at Yaochi was truly unprecedented!" the middle-aged man said to his friend beside him, suppressing his excitement.
My friend replied with a look of relief, "The celestial palace high in the sky, the fairies at the Jade Pool Banquet, it's like they stepped right out of a dream! There's no rainbow bridge near my house, luckily I ran fast, otherwise I would have regretted it for the rest of my life!"
"That seven-colored light bridge looked illusory and transparent, but I didn't expect it to be so sturdy." The middle-aged man even wanted to bite it with his teeth to see what it was like.
My friend exclaimed, "Things from the immortals are naturally mysterious and extraordinary; how could we possibly imagine them?"
"And also, those majestic gods and heavenly kings are more imposing than any other statues of gods I've ever seen!"
Yesterday, Beijing was like a fairyland!
The mighty gods of the eight directions roared in unison, and the four Heavenly Kings displayed their majestic power!
The celestial palace stands majestically above the heavens, and the music resounds throughout the Jade Pool banquet!
Now, all of this has been vividly presented to the public once again by that storyteller.
By the second-floor window, a young man with a slightly pale face was listening intently.
The attendant couldn't help but ask, "Master, you've heard this story from two different places this morning. Could it be that neither of them suits your taste?"
"Who says it's not to your liking? Isn't it great?" Lin Li picked up his teacup, smiled slightly, and took a sip of the fragrant tea.
Looking at the tea drinkers on the first floor, who were engrossed in their conversation and cheering, he said leisurely, "You don't understand."
Upon hearing this, the attendant's lips drooped, and he stood obediently to the side, no longer disturbing his master's enjoyment.
Lin Li listened to the third version of the storytelling with a sense of contentment, and the sun rose higher into the sky.
He squinted at the window, calculated the time, and said, "Let's go to Xuanzhen Temple."
After speaking, he slowly stood up, and his attendant took out some loose silver to pay for the tea and the reward, and then left.
Stepping out of the teahouse, one enters the bustling city.
The streets and alleys were bustling with noise and excitement. People gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing, their excitement and joy palpable.
Their conversation was interspersed with reminiscences and discussions of yesterday's grand event; the scene and atmosphere were even more exhilarating than the Lunar New Year.
Whether they were elderly people with white hair or children with innocent innocence, they marveled at yesterday's wonders or looked forward to a bright future, all immersed in that rare joy, as if they had temporarily forgotten the troubles and worries of the world.
Lin Li and his entourage walked through the crowd, listening to the conversations of the people, all filled with joy and excitement.
Suddenly, a carriage sped by, the driver shouting "Make way!" and whipping the horse.
The people hurriedly retreated, and only after the carriage sped past did they begin to curse.
The attendant stepped back from the head of the family and whispered, "It's the Xie family's carriage."
"So it was them." Lin Li narrowed his eyes again, revealing a lazy air, seemingly not taking the Xie family seriously at all, and muttered to himself, "Looks like they've finally made up their minds and are in a hurry to apologize."
"Just as the patriarch said, even the timing is about the same." The attendant sneered, "The Xie family, they really picked up a sesame seed but lost a watermelon."
……
As the carriage wheels turned, the outline of Xuanzhen Temple gradually came into view ahead.
That ancient Taoist temple, weathered by time, remains solemn and dignified, giving people a sense of tranquility and peace that transcends worldly concerns.
Lin Li got off the carriage, and as soon as he saw the familiar Xuanzhen Temple, a sense of surprise welled up in his heart.
When Lin Jiuxiao learned of his sudden visit, he led his disciple to the door and happened to see him gazing at the plaque of the Taoist temple.
He couldn't help but ask suspiciously, "What are you looking at, kid?"
“I originally thought that I would see a completely different Xuanzhen Temple today,” he answered frankly.
For example, its appearance has changed drastically, becoming brand new, magnificent and majestic, with the addition of several statues of heavenly kings.
He never expected that the temple would still retain its original tranquility and simplicity.
Lin Jiuxiao frowned slightly upon hearing this, then relaxed and turned to invite him inside, saying, "The doorway isn't the place to talk, come in."
The group then entered the guest room, where a young Taoist priest served them tea.
Lin Jiuxiao considered Lin Li as almost family, and knowing his character and reliability, he decided not to hide anything from him any longer and spoke frankly with him.
“You’re not wrong. Yu’er said yesterday that she wants to rebuild Xuanzhen Temple for me. Whatever I want, she only needs to say a word and it will be granted.”
Lin Jiuxiao sighed softly, a hint of tenderness and helplessness flashing in his eyes.
“I was indeed tempted, but I am getting old and more nostalgic. This place has been with me for decades, and I remember every brick and tile in my heart. I really can’t bear to change it easily.”
“It’s good that it remains the same. On the way here, I was secretly worried that if the old man’s appearance changed drastically, I might not dare to approach him and recognize him.” Lin Li naturally understood the old man’s feelings and made a joke about it.
"Heh, kid, when have you ever been afraid of anything?" Lin Jiuxiao laughed heartily and asked, "Tell me, what brings you here? Let me remind you, Pine Forest Cottage is currently closed to visitors, so looking for me will be of no use."
Lin Li said solemnly, "Uncle Jiu, don't worry, I'm not such a shameless person. But now that I've guessed who my savior is, I should at least show my gratitude."
"Your sudden politeness makes me feel a little uncomfortable. Don't worry, if there's an opportunity, I'll certainly introduce you to someone." Lin Jiuxiao readily agreed.
He knew the Lin family inside and out and wasn't worried that the person in front of him had any bad intentions. Besides, Yu'er had already made a high-profile appearance and would need some manpower sooner or later.
Although the Lin family in Jiangnan is quite far from here, their trade routes connect the north and south, so they will surely be of some use.
Although Lin Li is young, he is courageous and resourceful, and may be a valuable assistant to her.