Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 494 Master Guang Hui

The merchants’ association quickly arranged the competition venue, still using the high platform utilized for the stone gambling in the previous two days, with several long tables set up, and likewise, long tables were set up beneath the platform, on which the judges’ nameplates were placed.

As for the competing businesses, there were also special elegant seating areas waiting, each bearing the nameplate of the competing merchant.

At this time, on the long tables covered with red silk on the platform, some works had already been placed one after another, all covered with red silk, hiding their true form; in front of each item was a wooden sign, bearing the name of the piece.

According to the rules, the works would be scored based on craftsmanship, design, and jade quality, with additional points awarded for judges’ personal preferences.

These additional points were quite interesting, entirely based on individual preferences—in other words, they were essentially impression points.

Therefore, these extra points were a contest of that elusive factor—luck.

Why say so? Because whether your work was favored by a judge relied on luck, hence, it was also a competition of luck; if you invested everything into it, you might just win those extra points.

People had gradually filled the elegant seats of the merchants’ association, and the private rooms were open for use, but to closely inspect the works, one needed to be nearer; as most of the private rooms were upstairs and too distant, not many sat in them. Instead, they crowded downstairs, simply waiting for the judges to finish their inspection before moving forward to see for themselves.

When the auspicious time arrived, Lou Wanyuan, dressed in a plain-colored brocaded robe, took the stage; he first recited an elegy for his late wife, then spoke about the original intention of the competition, followed by introducing the competing businesses, and finally, he introduced the judges to everyone.

Wufu glanced over and her gaze fell on Master Guang Hui, who wore a kasaya robe, twisted prayer beads in his hands, and had a kindly expression; she was extremely curious, wondering where Lou Wanyuan got the nerve to invite such a respected high monk to act as a judge.

If she knew that Lou Wanyuan donated a substantial amount of incense money to Puning Temple every year, she would understand.

As for why a monk could serve as a judge, it was because the master was adept at carving jade; moreover, as a practitioner of Buddhism, even a small jade button crafted by him was highly sought after, with many vying to purchase it with large sums of money.

Why is that? Well, he is a monk, and more often than not, he chants scriptures while carving; any jade ware that passes through his hands is as if it has been blessed with Buddhist scriptures and light, consecrated; how could it not contain a spiritual influence?

And as an intermediary of Buddhism who carved only as a form of spiritual discipline and rarely produced works, the items he did create were all the more precious. Thus, this master was among the judges the most revered.

As if sensing Wufu’s gaze, the master looked over and when he saw Wufu, his eyes slightly narrowed. For some reason, Wufu felt her body tense up, her heart seemed to tremble, and involuntarily she stood up, brought her hands together, and gave Master Guang Hui a Buddhist gesture of respect.

The master too joined his hands and gave a slight nod in return, closing his eyes afterward and moving his lips in silent Buddhist prayer.

Wufu sat down somewhat dazed, feeling a chill on her back as a breeze blew by, not realizing when she had broken out into a sweat.

"Lady Fu, are you feeling unwell?" Congrui, who was sitting beside her, was very keen to notice her change.

Wufu smiled: "It is nothing," said she, turning her attention back to the stand.

Congrui looked at her, handed her a cup of hot tea, Wufu smiled in thanks and took a sip.

Their interaction was observed by Ah Jiu from not too far away, his good-looking brows involuntarily furrowing.

What’s with her?