Master Liaoran heard Song Yaoyao and Guagua's conversation from far away and opened his eyes.
The blessed star truly was different from ordinary people!
As it happened, before becoming a monk, Master Liaoran had been the legitimate son of a third-rank official. Because of his poor health as a child, he had been placed in the care of Baiyun Temple's abbot.
Later, his interest in Buddhist teachings had grown, and he had simply shaved his head and entered the monastic life.
So Master Liaoran could hear Song Yaoyao's inner voice, too.
The young monk led Song Yaoyao into a quiet courtyard. They reached the door of a meditation room, and he was just about to knock when a voice came from inside:
"Please come in, Princess Jiahe."
Song Yaoyao paused in surprise and said:
*[Guagua, this Master Liaoran really does have some ability.*
*I haven't even knocked or gone inside, and he already knows I'm here.]*
Guagua: [If he didn't have any ability, so many people wouldn't come seeking him out on the strength of his reputation.]
Song Yaoyao: [That's true.]
The young monk pushed the door open and gestured for Song Yaoyao to enter.
Song Yaoyao nodded to him and walked inside.
As soon as she entered the meditation room, the young monk closed the door and left.
Song Yaoyao saw a kindly-looking old monk sitting on a meditation cushion, smiling at her.
This was Master Liaoran.
Song Yaoyao hurried forward and offered a Buddhist salute.
Master Liaoran returned the salute, then pointed to the cushion opposite him and said:
"Please sit, Commandery Princess!"
Once she had sat down, Master Liaoran poured Song Yaoyao a cup of tea, set it before her, and said:
"Please have some tea, Commandery Princess!"
Song Yaoyao lifted the cup, took a sip, and