Aguang was the happiest to hear that Zhu Yanyi would offer prayers. She knew her true abilities well. Whenever she prayed, people benefited, and her Guanyin Temple naturally gained more believers.
Now that the Mingwang Hall was open, if it also had its own followers, her achievements would stand out even more. This was why she had insisted on inviting Zhu Yanyi to attend the opening and consecration ceremony.
By 3:00 PM, the area outside the Mingwang Hall was packed with people. Besides Zhu Yanyi, the mayor of Sicheng Town also attended. She knew the Guanyin Temple was a unique local religious culture, so she certainly did not oppose the construction of the Mingwang Hall. After all, it counted as an achievement during her term.
Aguang personally opened the doors of the Mingwang Hall. A large red flower was tied at the entrance. The mayor cut the red flower, symbolizing the opening of the hall. Then, Zhu Yanyi stepped forward. She performed three kowtows with nine prostrations first. Next, she moved forward to untie the red silk covering the Mingwang statue.
After washing her hands, Zhu Yanyi performed three kowtows with nine prostrations again. Then she offered incense. She instructed others to distribute incense sticks to the believers one by one, allowing them to offer their prayers.
After this simple ceremony, Zhu Yanyi sat cross-legged in front of the Mingwang statue. Those who knew her recognized that she was about to pray.
People hurried to kneel down. Those who did not understand, seeing others kneel, also knelt down.
Zhu Yanyi formed lotus fingers with both hands. Then she began to make Buddhist mudras. She closed her eyes slightly and continuously recited the Diamond Sutra. The Diamond Sutra suppresses evil. As she recited, the cinnabar mole on her forehead transformed into a lotus flower again.
Zhu Yanyi made a gesture of a blooming flower with her hand, lifting it upward. The flower rose into the air. Then, a fragrance of lotus spread out. The believers closed their eyes, enjoying the scent. At the same moment, a golden light emitted from the half-air of the Mingwang Hall. Instantly, the dark clouds in the sky cleared away. Only Yan Aohan, standing not far away, saw this scene clearly.
Zhu Yanyi’s prayer lasted for half an hour. After thirty minutes, the lotus mudra disappeared. The cinnabar mole on her forehead remained bright red. Zhu Yanyi opened her eyes and smiled slightly.
"I hope everyone stays healthy and has everything go well in the coming year," she said.
"Thank you, Medical Buddha Girl," the believers outside bowed devoutly. Those who had previously disbelieved now truly believed in the power of the Medical Buddha Girl.
Zhu Yanyi smiled gently. "Alright, go home to celebrate New Year's Eve."
Having finished the prayer, Zhu Yanyi prepared to return home with her family. It was New Year's Eve. Dinner on this night was usually eaten early. It was a local custom to eat on New Year's Eve and play on the first day of the lunar new year.
As soon as Zhu Yanyi stepped out the door, she saw Yan Aohan nearby. She was slightly surprised and felt happy in her heart.
"Brother Yan," she said.
"Little Yan, why are you here?" Zhu Shunyao also saw him.
Yan Aohan smiled helplessly. "I went to a nearby city to handle some business. After finishing, I heard about the opening of the Mingwang Hall and came to watch the excitement. I didn't expect to see Ani praying. My luck is quite good."
"Your luck is indeed good. Ani rarely prays nowadays. If it weren't for celebrating the opening of the Mingwang Hall today, she wouldn't have prayed," Zhu Shunyao explained from the side. Then she asked, "Where are you going now?"
"Uncle Shunyao, if you don't mind, I would like to spend the New Year with you. Is that okay?" Yan Aohan looked at Zhu Shunyao.
"Of course," Zhu Shunyao said with a welcoming face. "Coming to Sicheng Town is like coming home. Why be polite? Let's go home."