At the early period of the Si hour, the Little Novice Monk came over and said to Yueyao with utmost seriousness, "Female benefactor, the master said men and women are different and you cannot join us for the morning and evening classes. Please understand, benefactor."
This answer was within Yueyao's expectations. If she were a man, there certainly would have been no issue, but being a woman, the steward monk definitely wouldn't agree. The temple couldn't make an exception just for her. Yueyao continued, "Little Master, what about borrowing the scriptures? Did your master agree to that?" The latter question shouldn't be difficult.
The Little Novice Monk nodded and said, "The master said, you can borrow the scriptures, but you must not damage them. If they are damaged or missing, we will not lend them to you again."
