The two finally arrived at Fayin Temple.
However, the temple was packed with a sea of people. In front of Buddhist statues of all sizes, both inside and outside the temple, crowds of commoners were burning incense and praying. A Mei, carrying so many things, couldn't even squeeze her way in.
Seeing A Mei's small mouth pout, An Sheng immediately shot a glance at Wu Da, who was standing to the side. Wu Da understood and disappeared for a moment. Before long, a temple manager personally led them into a private Buddhist hall that was not open to the public.
Enshrined within the hall was actually a three-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. A Mei stared at the glittering statue with a face full of awe, unable to stop herself from letting out a low gasp, "It's actually made of gold! How grand!"
A trace of coldness flashed through An Sheng's eyes as he sneered his assessment, "Gold and jade on the outside, rot and ruin on the inside."
A Mei paid no mind to her husband. She busied herself arranging the offerings and candles, then began burning incense and joss paper. It took quite a while before she finished burning everything she had brought.
Finally, murmuring prayers, she bowed devoutly several times.
After finishing her prayers, A Mei turned around with a beaming smile to face An Sheng, who had a gloomy expression. Even though he looked impatient, he had waited quietly. "They say the Buddha delivers all living beings. Do you want to come and pray too, Husband?"
An Sheng raised an eyebrow and let out a cold laugh, his tone full of mockery and sarcasm. "What a joke, delivering all living beings. The way I see it, the Buddha only delivers those with power. If you have no power or money, you wouldn't even have the chance to come in and kneel. I have indeed knelt to many people in my life, but I don't kneel to just anyone. If they are of no use, I will not kneel."
A Mei's eyes widened. She blinked at her husband's disdainful expression, and then her eyes lit up with pure adoration. "I suddenly feel that what Husband says makes a lot of sense."
An Sheng's lips curled up. He took a step forward, grasped A Mei's soft little hands, and gently rubbed them. His tone was no longer like before, becoming very low and gentle. "I say this, but it doesn't mean you have to be like me. Matters of faith have existed since ancient times, so naturally, they have their reasons for being. Whether you believe or not, I will not stop you."
A Mei understood her husband's meaning and was moved by his thoughtfulness and respect. A wave of sweetness welled up in her heart. She pursed her lips into a smile. "Husband, I know. Thank you, Husband."
An Sheng raised his brow and snorted, though the corners of his mouth pulled into an upward curve. "Alright now, does my wife still need to say thank you to me?"
A Mei gave An Sheng a coy glance, revealing her white teeth in a cheeky smile.
For a moment, An Sheng's heart was tickled by A Mei's charmingly naive and innocent appearance. His eyes darkened. With a sweep of his large hand, he pulled A Mei into his embrace. Then, he lowered his head, his thin lips stopping right at A Mei's cute, delicate earlobe as he slowly exhaled.
"I suddenly remembered that soaking in a hot spring during this season is exceptionally good for your body. To the north of the city at Mount Wanglong, there is a hot spring villa belonging to the royal estate. It covers a vast area and hosts high officials and nobles year-round. Since I have some free time today, how about I take you there for a soak?"
As soon as the words hot spring left An Sheng's mouth, uncontrollable images of soaking in the hot spring with her husband in Tanzhou a few months ago flashed through A Mei's mind...
Her entire body trembled slightly, and her face suddenly turned red.
She tilted her head, her flushed face shooting a reproachful glare at An Sheng. Her watery eyes held both shyness and innocence as she asked, "Is Husband really going to the hot spring just for the good of A Mei's body?"
An Sheng straightened his expression, looking incredibly sanctimonious and deadly serious as he smoothly replied, "That is only natural. The doctor said before that your constitution is weak and prone to the cold. Soaking in a hot spring during the deep winter is the most suitable thing for you."
A Mei immediately believed An Sheng's words, but she still hesitated. "But, to travel all the way to Mount Wanglong on such a cold day just for a bath, A Mei feels it would be better to just go home and take a hot bath."
An Sheng coaxed, "That is naturally different. The hot spring pools are large and spacious, and they are all flowing water. The two cannot be compared."
A Mei was naturally tempted. She bit her lip. "Then, alright then, Husband. When are we going?"
A triumphant curve appeared on An Sheng's lips. Holding A Mei, he walked outward while saying, "I will make the arrangements right away. I heard earlier that the vegetarian food at Fayin Temple is quite famous. Let's eat here first and set off after noon. That way, we can stay over there for the night."
A Mei nodded with a look of anticipation. "Mmh, whatever Husband arranges is fine."
...
It was no wonder the vegetarian food at Fayin Temple was so famous; although it was entirely vegetarian, it was full of flavor.
A Mei had never been a picky eater. After tasting the food, she felt that every dish was delicious. Having walked all the way here, she was also feeling hungry, so she ate with great relish. Seeing her cheerful and satisfied appearance greatly increased An Sheng's appetite, and he even ate an extra half bowl of rice.
Well-fed and satisfied, the group hurried toward Mount Wanglong.
A Mei held a hand warmer and leaned comfortably against the thick, warm cushions inside the carriage. Her legs were also covered with a soft, warm blanket by An Sheng.
The Inner Depot always had heavy official duties. Even during his days off, An Sheng had to make time to handle some important affairs.
A Mei sat obediently to the side, quietly watching An Sheng flip through the documents and letters sent by his subordinates. Perhaps he had read about an expected case development; from A Mei's angle, she only saw her husband's eyebrows twitch slightly as he let out a scoff. His tightly pursed lips curled into a mocking smile, and then he slightly narrowed his long eyes, revealing a profound and dangerously ruthless intent.
If anyone else saw this, they would definitely be trembling with fear. But A Mei did not feel that way. Instead, she felt that her husband looked incredibly domineering and majestic right now. Especially that aura of having everything under control and strategizing with ease; it was extremely charming. It left A Mei utterly infatuated, her heart overflowing with deep love and affection.
With her husband being so amazing, how could A Mei not feel proud and boastful?
Finally, An Sheng finished reading the letter in his hand. He raised his eyes and locked onto A Mei's bright eyes, which were full of adoration and worship.
An Sheng's eyes curved slightly, completely shedding his previously gloomy appearance. His face instantly softened as he asked in a low voice, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
A Mei blinked. She thought for a moment and replied, "Husband looks so handsome when you are seriously handling official business. A Mei really likes it so much."
"Mmh, it's just..." A Mei tried hard to think of the right words. "It's just that in A Mei's eyes, you look so majestic and handsome."
An Sheng leaned back lazily and casually, his chin raised slightly, and a pleased curve formed at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so?"
A Mei nodded vigorously, her sincerity endearing. "Yes, yes!"
An Sheng only felt a sense of immense joy and comfort in his heart. He opened his arms toward A Mei, and sure enough, in the next moment, that fragrant and soft body threw itself into his embrace.
An Sheng hugged A Mei with one arm and used his other hand to pick up the fallen blanket, draping it over the two of them again. He asked softly, "My body is cool, are you cold?"
A Mei shook her head and said sweetly, "Not cold, not cold. A Mei loves being held by Husband, it's never enough."
An Sheng suddenly felt his heartbeat pause for a moment. Then, he hugged her tightly in his arms. As the carriage swayed slightly, their breathing intertwined intimately, as if they were one entity.
