Song Ci delivered a KO to the two Feudal Madams, adding to their frustration, then fell silent. She knew well that more words could lead to more mistakes, and considering the solemnity of the temple, a few verbal jabs would be enough. It couldn’t possibly escalate here, could it?
With one move she retreated, heading towards the debate arena with Madam Wei.
It was time for Master Jinghui’s sermon.
Upon a novice monk’s announcement, the crowd no longer lingered and headed to the debate arena, although many had quite a different impression of Song Ci.
In the past, it was said that this Madam of the Song Family was a coarse peasant woman who didn’t understand etiquette, said whatever came to mind, and easily offended people. Therefore, she rarely appeared in public.
But now, it seemed she wasn’t just a try-hard with words; her speech was sharp, making others flush with embarrassment.
The crowd, almost unanimously, came to understand that this Song Family Madam was not one to be trifled with.
With these thoughts, the crowd arrived at the area reserved for them in the debate arena, casting glances at the commoners standing or sitting on the ground in the distance, feeling an instant surge of superiority.
Since they were nobles, tables, chairs, and refreshments were set up in their area, shaded by big trees, and very close to the sermon stage for a clear view of Master Jinghui.
In contrast, the commoners’ area was different; though there were trees, they were all occupied by others, leaving many people standing under the blazing sun.
Yet even with the scorching sun overhead, the people coming to listen to the sermon were still bustling, a huge crowd.
Song Ci also noticed this clear distinction in ranks, thinking that their area was like front-row VIP seats at a concert.
So don’t talk about equality before all beings; it’s actually not so — there are distinctions everywhere, even in Buddhism. The temple needs to maintain its operations, and the incense money d by nobles can’t compare to the pennies from ordinary folks, can it?
"Did you see the kids?" Song Ci took a look around but didn’t see her children.
Nanny Gong said, "Guard Zhang reported earlier that they went to play in the back hills."
The young masters were neither interested in nor patient enough to listen to any sermons, as Song Zhiyu and others had already stated they were here at Songshan Temple for the scenery.
More and more people gathered; then someone shouted, "Master Jinghui is coming out."
With this shout, Song Ci fully witnessed the immense influence Master Jinghui had among the believers, comparable to the top idols of modern times.
As soon as he appeared, the commoners went wild, shouting Master Jinghui’s name. Some even knelt, repeatedly calling him the living Buddha, the true Buddha, pleading for his blessings.
More devout than any religious devotion.
And even more fervent, women holding babies wished to rush forward, imploring the Master to bless their newborns, but were stopped by several sturdy warrior monks.
Looking back at the noble area, those Madams were also greatly excited, their eyes fervent, but due to their status, they couldn’t shout as the commoners did; instead, they whispered in excitement.
"If the Master blesses you, there’s a chance you’ll bear twins, extending the branches of our Lin Family," one Madam said to a pregnant young woman.
Song Ci’s mouth twitched slightly, feeling more and more that things were taking a bizarre turn.
Amid the chaos, Master Jinghui said nothing, merely raised his head, lifted his hand, and the crowd fell silent as if a chain had been put on their mouths, standing or sitting obediently.
Wow, even more impressive than an idol at the peak of popularity.
Song Ci widened her eyes and watched carefully.