Chapter 456: The Dao Is Forgiving
“I had just finished preparing a meal when you arrived, fellow Daoist—what perfect timing,” Song You said with a smile. “Come, join me for a bite.”
“Ah! Then I truly have come at the worst possible moment!” Wenpingzi immediately looked flustered and embarrassed. “I was so eager to seek an audience with you that I walked all the way from the temple outside the city and completely lost track of time.”
“On the contrary, fellow Daoist, you have come at just the right time.” Song You smiled faintly, finding the situation rather amusing.
Throughout his travels, he had visited many temples and monasteries, where he was often warmly hosted by the Daoists and abbots there. At first, he had been unaccustomed to such hospitality, but over time, he had come to accept it as natural. Now, it was finally his turn to host a fellow Daoist.
“This morning, the child and I wandered around Yangdu and bought a few vegetables that are rare even in Changjing. One of them, a red carrot, I had planned to use for a hearty beef stew to satisfy my humble appetite. But unexpectedly, despite beef being readily available on the streets of Yangdu on most days, I couldn’t find a single cut today.”
Song You chuckled. “Now I understand why—it was because you were coming, fellow Daoist.”
“How could I be worthy of such an honor...!” Wenpingzi was taken aback, looking even more embarrassed.
“I am merely a wandering Daoist of the mountains.”
“Then I suppose it would be rude of me to refuse such kindness.”
With that, the two Daoists entered the main hall, one after the other.
Inside, a young girl dressed in three-colored robes was carefully carrying a large basin of white broth. She moved slowly and deliberately, stepping forward on tiptoes to place the soup on the table.