Zhu Yanyi’s long hair was styled into twin buns, each wrapped with a strand of pearls. The cinnabar mole on her forehead looked vividly red. She needed no other adornments; this look alone confirmed her identity as the Medical Buddha Maiden.
Zhu Yanyi arrived in a car driven by Luo Gang, accompanied by Pei Tiandu and Li Yang. Her family also came to celebrate, bringing three cars in total.
Zhu Yanyi had initially hoped her grandfather, Zhu Shun Yao, and others would not come. However, since it was the consecration of the Buddha hall, their presence was good. In Buddhist terms, it was a chance to form good karma.
At the steps of the Guanyin Temple, Xie Zhong and others were already waiting. Seeing Zhu Yanyi step out, she smiled. "I calculated the time and knew you would arrive. Let’s go that way. It is crowded here, and we do not want you to be jostled."
The auspicious time had not yet arrived, so Zhu Yanyi and her group did not enter the Mingwang Hall directly. Zhu Yanyi had to go to the Guanyin Hall first to offer incense, then rest in the rear hall until the correct time.
A Guang already knew of Zhu Yanyi’s arrival and waited at the main hall entrance. After greeting her with palms pressed together, she led her to offer incense to Guanyin, then guided her to rest.
Many people in Sicheng Town recognized Zhu Yanyi. Seeing her dressed as the Medical Buddha Maiden, they quickly notified friends and relatives. It was not easy to see the Medical Buddha Maiden these days, as she usually went to the capital to study. People hoped to receive her blessings.
Many believed in Zhu Yanyi’s ability to bless. When she was named the Medical Buddha Maiden, many received blessings on the spot. Although they did not know if they would get blessings today, they still came. Even seeing her once was good enough.
Zhu Yanyi did not know that people outside were bustling about, causing more and more visitors to arrive at the Mingwang Hall.
Mingwang was not a particularly famous Bodhisattva, so the hall usually had few devotees. Plus, it was New Year’s Eve, and many were busy with family reunions. No one expected the Mingwang Hall to open. Now that they knew the Medical Buddha Maiden was there, many rushed over. The reunion dinner was in the evening, so there was still time.
A Guang was surprised by Zhu Yanyi’s strong appeal, though she was happy about it. Despite her joy, she maintained order and even invited police officers from the local station to help.
Seeing this, Xie Zhong said to Zhu Yanyi, "Ani, do you want to perform a blessing ritual? Look at how many people have come to see you."
Zhu Yanyi was also surprised by the situation. After thinking for a moment, she nodded. "It is not the nineteenth day of the second lunar month, but today is New Year’s Eve and the day the Mingwang Hall opens. Let’s do a blessing after the opening. I hope everyone stays healthy and smooth in the coming year."
Xie Zhong nodded beside her, not objecting to her decision.
Zhu Yanyi did not know if it was because she was the Medical Buddha Maiden, but whenever she sincerely prayed, something unusual would happen. She had stopped praying often to avoid appearing too mysterious. However, seeing everyone’s enthusiasm and knowing it was New Year’s Eve, she felt reluctant to refuse. So, she decided to perform a blessing.