Chapter 91

As Rulian saw Chuhuan's expression turn somewhat strange, she thought he was disdainful of her status and felt somewhat disheartened, forcing a smile, she said, "Big Brother Chu, I... I dare not hide it from you...!" Her delicate face showed a hint of timidity, appearing pitiful.

Chuhuan realized he had lost his composure and quickly shook his head with a smile, "Rulian, I didn't know you were a nun. If I was disrespectful, please don't take it to heart."

"Big Brother Chu, you are a bodhisattva sent to help me and my master. I will surely recite scriptures and pray for your protection," Rulian said with a determined and sincere expression. "You are devoted to doing good, and the bodhisattva will certainly protect a good person like you."

Chuhuan chuckled, then frowned and asked, "If so, why aren't you in a nunnery, but living here?" He added, "Are you from Qingliu County?"

Rulian shook her head, her expression turning gloomy, "I have always lived in Jingci Nunnery in the capital city. A year ago, something happened at Jingci Nunnery, and my master took me away from there. However, other nunneries in the capital city did not accept us, and we eventually ended up here, settling down... Two months ago, my master suddenly became bedridden, and I... I can only take care of her...!" She blushed and lowered her head, "The last time I met Big Brother Chu, it was... because I went out to beg for alms but didn't get any food. My master was sick and needed to eat, so... so...!" She glanced back at her master, who was still unconscious, and lowered her voice, "So that day I stole two sweet potatoes...!"

Chuhuan frowned slightly. He wasn't angry at Rulian for stealing sweet potatoes but felt a pang of sorrow thinking about her situation. Seeing that Rulian was not very worldly, he knew she must have felt very distressed to have to resort to stealing.

Rulian, seeing Chuhuan frown, thought he looked down on her and became even more anxious, timidly saying, "Big Brother Chu, I... I know I broke the Buddhist precepts, so... so after I came back, I secretly recited the 'Hundred Precepts Sutra' a hundred times and begged the Buddha for forgiveness... I didn't intend to steal, but my master was very weak at the time. If... if she didn't have anything to eat, her condition would have worsened... Regardless of whether the Buddha forgives me, I will bear all the sins...!" At this point, Rulian clasped her hands together, softly recited the Buddha's name, and looked devout.

Chuhuan felt a pang of sympathy and gently said, "Rulian, that wasn't stealing; it was to save a life. Our Buddha is compassionate and aims to save the world. You didn't violate the essence of Buddhism by saving a life. If the Buddha knew, he would protect you, not blame you!"

Rulian's face showed a hint of joy, and she asked, "Big Brother Chu, you... you really think the Buddha won't blame me?"

Chuhuan smiled and nodded, "Absolutely not!"

Rulian's face showed a sense of relief, and Chuhuan sighed inwardly, "This little nun must have been preoccupied with this matter for days, and it has been weighing heavily on her heart."

He wanted to ask about what happened at Jingci Nunnery and why they had to leave, but before he could, he heard a commotion outside. The straw curtain was quickly lifted, and Bai Xie entered, bowing to Chuhuan and saying, "Sir Chu, I've called a carriage. We can tidy up here and move to the other place."

Chuhuan appreciated Bai Xie's efficiency and nodded slightly, turning to Rulian, "Rulian, the carriage is here. Is there anything you need to pack?"

In fact, the room was almost empty, with nothing to pack.

Bai Xie added, "Miss Rulian, except for valuables, there's no need to pack anything else. Everything you need is provided at the new place, and you won't be inconvenienced!"

This was just a polite remark. Looking at Rulian, it was clear she had no valuables, otherwise, she wouldn't have been unable to pay for a doctor.

Rulian still felt a bit embarrassed, but seeing her master's serious condition, she knew they couldn't stay here any longer.

Bai Xie, seeing Rulian's hesitation, laughed and said to Chuhuan, "Sir Chu, in an emergency, we must act quickly. Although we are of different genders, we can't be too particular now. Shall we carry Miss Rulian's master to the carriage together?"

Chuhuan looked at Rulian, who nodded, "Thank you!"

Without further ado, Rulian tidied up, and Bai Xie and Chuhuan carefully carried the nun to the carriage. The nun was pale and still unconscious.

A carriage was parked in the snow, the compartment was spacious, with thick bedding and a burning stove. Rulian helped settle the nun, packed a small bag, and brought the already boiled medicine pot to the carriage. Everything was ready, and Rulian looked at the dilapidated house with some reluctance before getting into the carriage.

Chuhuan and Bai Xie rode alongside the carriage, which moved slowly due to the snowy weather and the need to consider the patient. After passing through several alleys and two streets, they arrived at a inn.

Bai Xie bowed to Chuhuan, "Sir Chu, please wait a moment!" He dismounted and entered the inn. A moment later, he came out with a well-built middle-aged man, who smiled and bowed to Chuhuan, "This must be Sir Chu?"

Chuhuan, now knowing that Bai Xie had arranged for Rulian and her master to stay at this inn, and the man was likely the innkeeper, bowed and smiled, "Thank you!"

Bai Xie said, "Sir Chu, this is the innkeeper of Xiangyun Inn, Li Fugui!"

Chuhuan saw that the innkeeper was plump and well-off, and his name, Li Fugui, was apt.

Li Fugui smiled, "I will rely on your care in the future." Seeing the carriage parked outside, he said, "The back yard has been prepared. The front is busy with guests, and it's not quiet. Moreover, with many people around, it's not suitable for settling. There is a small courtyard in the back, with a room. It's not luxurious, but it's clean and warm. I'll lead you there!"

Li Fugui led them around the inn to the back yard, where the gate was already open. The courtyard was quite large, and there was another courtyard within it. They entered the small courtyard, and indeed, there was a room. Although not large, it was sturdy and well-insulated, far better than Rulian's previous dilapidated house.

The room had a main hall and a bedroom. Chuhuan dismounted and went in first, seeing that it was fully furnished with all necessary items, and a stove was burning, making it very warm. The furniture was clean and spotless.

Bai Xie followed in and asked with a smile, "Sir Chu, is this place suitable?"

Chuhuan felt grateful to Bai Xie and bowed, "Brother Bai, don't call me Sir Chu. Since we are friends, call me Brother Chu in the future!"

Bai Xie chuckled, and they went back to carry the nun to the bed. The bed was sturdy, and the bedding was new and thick. The stove was burning brightly, making the room very warm.

Rulian entered the room, feeling as if she were in a dream, hardly believing her eyes.

Li Fugui said, "Sir Chu, rest assured. Mr. Bai has instructed us not to neglect them. Meals will be delivered daily, and no one will enter without Miss Rulian's permission." He glanced at the nun on the bed and said, "Mr. Bai has instructed us to call a doctor to treat the patient."

Bai Xie nodded in satisfaction, "If anything happens to them...!"

Li Fugui quickly interjected, "Mr. Bai, rest assured. Nothing will happen to them!"

"I mean, if anything does happen, follow the instructions and let me know," Bai Xie said. "These two are my distant relatives who have come to seek help. If anything goes wrong, you'll have to think carefully about the consequences."

Li Fugui hurriedly replied, "I understand!"

Rulian, hearing that Bai Xie called them his relatives, felt a bit awkward but knew he meant well, worried that they might be neglected. Thinking about how they had gone from hell to heaven in just half a day, all because of Chuhuan, she felt even more grateful and thought it must be a dream, hoping it wouldn't be interrupted.

Chuhuan, seeing everything was well-arranged, thought of the many people who were worried about him and couldn't linger. He bowed to Bai Xie, "Brother Bai, I truly appreciate your help. I have other matters today, but I will treat you to a few cups of wine in the future!"

Bai Xie smiled, "I'll remember that, Brother Chu. I'm looking forward to it!"

"Of course!" Chuhuan smiled, took out the two medicinal herbs, and handed them to Li Fugui, "The patient may need these two herbs. Please buy some for her." He then took out the bag given by Ma Jing, took out a gold leaf, and handed it to Li Fugui, "Please exchange this gold leaf for silver. All their expenses here will be covered by this, and the remainder should be given to Miss Rulian."

Li Fugui looked at Bai Xie, who frowned, "What do you mean, Brother Chu?"

"Mr. Li is in business and shouldn't lose money," Chuhuan smiled.

Bai Xie shook his head, "Do you think I'm taking advantage of him? Take back your gold. Although I'm not doing well, I can still afford it." He sighed, "Brother Chu is righteous, and I'm not a petty person. If you don't take back the gold, you're not treating me as a friend. As long as I'm here, they won't be neglected. You can rest assured."

Li Fugui, standing by, thought to himself, "Who are these two really related to? Mr. Bai says they are his distant relatives, but they seem more like relatives of Sir Chu." He didn't dare say this out loud.

Chuhuan thought for a moment, put away the gold, and smiled, "In that case, I won't be formal." He turned to Rulian, "Rulian, you can stay here for now. Take good care of your master. I have matters to attend to, but I'll come to see you when I have time."

Rulian didn't know what to do, only able to express her gratitude, "Big Brother Chu, thank you!"

"Thank you again?" Chuhuan smiled, "No more thanks in the future."

Bai Xie laughed, "Miss, aren't you going to thank me? I also helped today!"

"Of course, I will," Rulian knew Bai Xie was joking and smiled, the first time Chuhuan saw her smile, like a blooming lily, very beautiful. She said, "Thank you, Uncle Bai!"

Bai Xie was taken aback, then laughed, "Brother Chu, this is interesting. Miss Rulian calls you Big Brother Chu but calls me Uncle Bai, and we are brothers. This... this messes up the generations."

Everyone laughed, and the previously tense atmosphere dissipated.

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ps: Although I said I would add a chapter for 2000 red votes, I see your support. Even though it hasn't reached 2000, I'm adding this chapter to thank you all!

If it reaches 2000 tomorrow, I will definitely add another chapter.

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