190: Chapter 0190 I Love It So Much

Upon arriving at Xishan Temple, Lin Xiao realized that it was not only the largest temple in Cang Province but also the premier temple in the Northern Region.

Therefore, it was always bustling with incense offerings, and many powerful and prominent figures often came here to burn incense and pray to Buddha.

When the abbot heard that the General of the Northern Garrison was at the foot of the mountain, he hurriedly sent his head disciple halfway down the mountain to welcome him.

Lin Xiao had only risen to prominence a few months ago, but his influence far exceeded that of the former Inspector General Jiang Shengyuan.

He was not only the absolute core of power in Cang Province and the newly enfeoffed Earl of Cangbei, but he had even suppressed the Marquis of Linyuan.

Lin Xiao was considerate of the people and did not want to be too ostentatious, but if the temple didn't show some gesture, it would be quite tactless.

"Lin Xiao, Madam, this humble monk is named Yongxin. I have been ordered by the abbot to come and welcome you both!"

A tall monk with a round face looked somewhat nervous, yet also a bit curious.

Because the Lin Xiao before him looked every bit like a refined gentleman, not at all like the ruthless, bloodthirsty general described in rumors.

"It's 'Xin' as in heart, not 'Xin' as in belief, right?" Lin Xiao asked subconsciously.

The monk Yongxin was taken aback. "The 'Xin' from the heart gate, not belief. Why does the General ask this?"

"Oh... nothing. It's good that it's not belief." Lin Xiao waved his hand.

Although confused, Yongxin dared not ask further and led the two up the mountain.

Along the way, he introduced many historical sites. His skills as a guide were quite impressive, clearly indicating he had hosted many distinguished guests before.

Every time they reached a resting platform, many commoners would greet Lin Xiao, and some would even kneel to express their gratitude.

Yongxin secretly admired him. He had seen too many powerful figures, but Lin Xiao was the first to be so beloved by the common people!

Lin Xiao was in no hurry; he chatted with the commoners, talked about daily life, and listened to their thoughts.

Xiao Qingxuan stood by, not speaking, but listening intently.

Most commoners didn't dare to complain to Lin Xiao, but some elderly folks, relying on their status as elders, raised quite a few grievances.

By and large, these were about food shortages, high prices, and the like.

After listening, Lin Xiao felt somewhat helpless. He had originally only gone to the battlefield to survive, but now that he had a large establishment, he also had to care about the hardships of the people.

However, the problem of food shortage was not just an issue for the Northern Region of Cang Province, but for the entire Great Gan.

It was fine during peacetime, but once war broke out, there were fewer people to farm, and cultivation was not timely, so naturally, there wasn't enough to eat.

Fortunately, the commoners only dared to grumble and did not require Lin Xiao to make any on-the-spot guarantees.

To put it bluntly, they were already grateful that Lin Xiao was willing to listen to them!

Back when Inspector General Jiang Shengyuan was in charge, whenever the inspector general came up the mountain, he would seal it off a day in advance, making it impossible to see him!

Therefore, just by patiently listening, Lin Xiao had won a great deal of goodwill, and when the commoners returned, everyone sang his praises.

"Husband, although we have tried to control food prices, many commoners are too poor and still cannot afford to eat."

Xiao Qingxuan sighed helplessly.

"My lady, do not worry. Today we are out for leisure; we can discuss troublesome matters later," Lin Xiao advised.

"Hmm, it is my fault. I shouldn't have dampened the mood!" Xiao Qingxuan smiled.

When they arrived at a stone pavilion on a cliff, the ice mist below looked like a sea of clouds, with Yangquan faintly visible.

"This is the most famous scenery of Xishan Temple, the Mountain-Sea Pavilion. If the weather is good, you can even see the snow-capped mountains in the territory of the Northern Barbarians."

Yongxin said, "A thousand years ago, it is said that the founder of our Xishan Temple, Master Lingyun, received guidance from an immortal of the Heavenly Palace and attained enlightenment in supreme Buddhist dharma."

"After Master returned to Cang Province, he came here and discovered he could see the snow-capped mountains, so he built the first temple, which gradually evolved into the vast Xishan Temple of today."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao asked curiously, "Heavenly Palace? Does that place really exist?"

Last time Shu Yelan was seriously injured, she also mentioned wanting to go there.

"This humble monk dares not speak falsely, but this story has been passed down for a long time, and the earliest stone tablet in the temple records it as such."

Xiao Qingxuan questioned, "But the Alimu Snow Mountain is at the border of the Northern Barbarians and the Khitan, located in the Yan Region. You can't see it from here, right?"

Yongxin was surprised. He hadn't expected this beautiful General's wife to be so knowledgeable.

"Madam is absolutely correct. What is seen from here is just ordinary snow-capped mountains, not the mountain range where the Heavenly Palace is rumored to be."

Lin Xiao couldn't help but ask, "My lady, you also know about the Heavenly Palace?"

"I've only heard of it. If there really were immortals, the common people of the Northern Barbarians and the Khitan are so impoverished, yet I haven't seen them offer any help," Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and smiled.

"Haha, believing in immortals is not as good as believing in Goddess Houtu. Let's go!"

Lin Xiao held Xiao Qingxuan's hand and continued up the mountain. They were not far from the Golden Summit of Xishan.

Not long after, Xie Juner and her servant Xiaodie arrived at the Mountain-Sea Pavilion.

"Princess, the commoners are all saying that Lin Xiao has brought his wife here. Are we really going up?"

Xiaodie was a bit worried: "What if you are recognized? Wouldn't it be awkward?"

Xie Juner was veiled; she could leave if she wanted to, and no one would know she had been there.

But she was unwilling. If she left now, wouldn't she be a deserter?

"Hearing Su Wansha's tone yesterday, I thought they wouldn't come."

"But since I've already walked this far, how can I turn back?"

"Perhaps this is Heaven's will, telling me not to be timid anymore, but to face it bravely."

If only Su Wansha had said yesterday that Lin Xiao intended to marry her, she would have wanted to reveal her identity.

But Su Wansha's words were ambiguous, which left Xie Juner very conflicted.

"Princess, are you really going to meet Lin Xiao at Xishan Temple? Won't Boss Su be angry?" Xiaodie said nervously.

"Otherwise what? There is only one road up and down the mountain. Do you want me to hide?"

Xie Juner took a deep breath. "There is only a little over a month left. I must ask clearly whether he intends to fulfill the Emperor's decree and marry me."

"If Sister Su is angry, let her hit or scold me. Anyway, this day will come sooner or later."

Xie Juner couldn't help but mock herself. As a Princess with a widespread reputation for beauty, after being granted a marriage, she actually had to ask the man himself whether he was willing to marry her?

Come to think of it, in the three hundred years of the Great Gan, she must be the first Princess to have so little dignity...

The Golden Summit of Xishan.

As a famous large temple in the Northern Region, it was magnificent, with carved beams and painted rafters.

Lin Xiao and his wife met the abbot, the stout monk Liaoyuan.

Liaoyuan was getting on in years and his legs were a bit inconvenient, causing him to limp, but he began leading a group of monks to chant scriptures and pray for blessings for Lin Xiao and his wife.

After paying respects to Goddess Houtu, Liaoyuan ordered someone to bring a bamboo cylinder and invited Lin Xiao and his wife to draw a fortune stick.

Lin Xiao had no interest, so he let Xiao Qingxuan go.

The woman didn't stand on ceremony; she shook the cylinder, and a stick fell out.

Liaoyuan picked it up personally, his face lighting up with joy.

"Jade hidden in stone, guided by a noble person, obtaining treasure to one's heart's content, a great fortune to fulfill all wishes!"

"Amitabha, for the General's wife to be joined in marriage with Lin Xiao, and together save the myriad people from misery, with compassion in heart, blessings will naturally manifest."

Xiao Qingxuan was naturally delighted. She took the Great Fortune stick, looked at it again and again, and was fondly attached to it.

After sensing slightly, Lin Xiao discovered that his guess was correct: the cylinder was full of Great Fortune sticks!

Good grief, this routine for hosting leaders must have been used countless times!

However, he wouldn't mention it; as long as the woman was happy, that was all that mattered.

Afterwards, Liaoyuan intended to take the two to drink tea, but was refused by Lin Xiao.

This time he was out for leisure with Xiao Qingxuan, so he skipped the social engagements, and he had no interest in discussing Buddhist dharma anyway.

Liaoyuan was tactful and silently led his disciples away, letting Lin Xiao and his wife stroll around the back of the temple and enjoy the unique scenery.

The back mountain was not open to the public, but Lin Xiao's status was different, so naturally, he could look around as he pleased.

Lin Xiao led Xiao Qingxuan along the quiet stone path, and watching the woman clutching the Great Fortune stick, looking so happy, he couldn't help but find it amusing.

"My lady, do you believe in it that much?"

Xiao Qingxuan smiled brightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she said, "Husband, you want to say that the cylinder is full of Great Fortune sticks, right?"