The Reception Monk standing nearby was startled to hear that these two men were each donating five hundred taels. That was already an extremely substantial sum.
Ordinary offerings generally ranged from thirty to a hundred and twenty taels of Secret Silver, along with brick tea, butter, and other goods.
For each of them to offer five hundred taels outright was generous indeed.
Pubu bowed and said, "Honored Geshe, your devotee Pubu wishes to offer you one thousand taels, and another two hundred taels every year hereafter. I ask only that you, Lama, write some scriptures and mantras to protect this devotee's household."
These men were utterly convinced of Geshe Gyatso's abilities. No other master would do from now on; they all intended to cling firmly to Geshe Gyatso's thigh.
Listening to the three men offer hundreds of taels one after another, Qu Zan was overjoyed. But he could not let it show on his face.
Five hundred taels, used to purchase farmland, cattle, and sheep, would be enough to support a family for more than a decade.
Money certainly came quickly after becoming a monk.
Seeing the many antiques displayed in Qu Zan's room, Pubu catered to his interests. "Does the Lama also enjoy antiquities? This devotee has quite a few old objects at home. If you are interested, please visit my humble home next time. I would certainly invite you to appraise them."
Hearing that the old man had antiquities at home, Qu Zan was quite interested and readily agreed. "Yes, I like antiquities. I'll visit your manor when I have time."
Prompted by Pubu's words, Qu Zan thought that if these wealthy merchants and property owners brought him antiquities in the future, that would give him another avenue for gathering fortune essence.
Sangji and Laba thought to themselves