Chapter 29: Visiting A Friend at Fuqing Temple
The fog was thick at the foot of the mountain, and the room was damp. The old quilt felt cold as iron, so Song You didn't sleep very well.
He was accustomed to going to bed early and rising early. If the bedding was comfortable, he could laze a bit longer. However, with a cold quilt, there was no reason to stay in bed. It was better to get up and head up the mountain early.
So he got up decisively.
As he stepped out, he encountered the temple owner leading the young disciples for their morning lesson. The diligent disciples had already boiled hot water. After exchanging morning greetings, Song You washed up simply. Then he respectfully thanked them and bid farewell to them. He had intended to offer some money to cover expenses for the food and lodging, but the temple owner declined, so he didn't insist.
This was the difference between the Buddhist temples and Daoist temples in Great Yan.
It was convenient to lodge at a Buddhist temple, but it was customary to offer money. Staying at a Daoist temple was harder, but if the owner liked you and agreed to your request, they wouldn't accept money most of the time. They would even entertain you with good food and drink.
Song You was actually more accustomed to the former.
He asked the temple owner for directions to Fuqing Palace. After getting the answer, he set off with Lady Calico up the mountain.
The road was a small stone-paved trail. It was lightly frosted, and he left footprints with each step. He brushed aside dew and cobwebs as he walked. Before noon, he had already found Fuqing Temple.