Crossing the famine, I am a poor fish, and my descendants have to work hard

Chapter 113 Entering the Ancestral Temple

On the second day of the Chinese New Year, Zhao Yuanzhen was going to pay New Year's greetings.

First go to the old house and prepare the New Year gifts.

A piece of cloth, a large piece of pork, about 10 pounds, six kinds of cakes, each weighing 2 pounds, and half a bucket of milk.

The shop has not been open recently, so we have 80 kilograms of extra milk.

I drank some at home and there was some left.

He bought a pair of silver bracelets for Sun Zhangshi, a silver crown for Zhang Sandao, and a silver hairpin for his sister-in-law.

"Dad, Mom, Happy New Year. Happy New Year to Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law."

Zhang Qingyan and Zhao Yuanzhen came back together.

Qingyan made a set of clothes for her parents, brother and sister-in-law.

"Happy New Year to you too. Come in, come in."

Wu Erping looked at the things they were carrying and laughed so hard that her eyes disappeared.

That’s a lot at a glance.

"Dad, this crown is for you, Mom, these two bracelets are for you, and sister-in-law, this silver hairpin is for you."

"You've wasted money again, kid. Thank you, mom and dad. We like them very much. This bracelet and crown are really beautiful. You have good taste."

"And there's my gift! Thank you, sister-in-law. My sister-in-law likes it too. I like whatever you give me."

Then she picked up the silver hairpin and put it on her head. She was so happy.

She also has silver jewelry.

"As long as you like it."

"Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Big Sister-in-law, I made a set of clothes for each of you."

And they distributed them to them, each according to his garment.

They are made of fine cotton cloth and each one is very beautifully designed.

"Oh, Yan'er's craftsmanship is amazing. This dress is really well made. This is the first time I wear fine cotton clothes. Sister-in-law is also blessed by you."

Wu Erping held the clothes happily and took Zhang Qingyan's arm affectionately.

Zhang Qingyan was a little stiff, then she pulled out her arm without leaving a trace and went to Sun Zhang's side.

"You kid, you're still buying muslin. It's such a waste."

"Mother, my second sister-in-law treats me well. I still have monthly allowance. She also gives me a lot of pocket money and money to ward off evil spirits. Don't be afraid, I still have money to buy fine cotton cloth!"

"What? You still have money to ward off evil spirits? How much did your sister-in-law give you?"

Wu Erping rushed over with a roar.

Before Zhang Qingyan could speak.

Sun Zhang spoke.

"I think you're crazy. It's New Year's Day. Don't force me to say anything. You're asking about everything."

"Mom, I was wrong. I'll go boil some water."

Then he walked away embarrassedly.

"Don't pay attention to your sister-in-law. She just can't figure things out."

"Yeah, I know, Mom."

After talking for a while, they left without staying any longer because they had to visit the village chief and some elders in the tribe.

Sun Zhang wanted to invite them to dinner, but Zhao Yuanzhen refused.

Those who can afford meat and eggs at home are not rich. If I eat them here today, I will probably eat them all.

All the elders in the village had left, and another morning had passed.

When they went to the village chief's house, he said that they would hold a ceremony to worship their ancestors tomorrow and asked them to come.

In the past, women were not allowed to enter the ancestral hall when it was opened, but because Zhao Yuanzhen had helped the village many times, she was allowed to enter the ancestral hall as an exception.

Her deeds also need to be specifically written into the family tree, which was promised before.

This was the first ancestor worship ceremony in the new ancestral hall. The villagers attached great importance to it and held it in a grand ceremony.

All the men in the tribe must participate, wearing formal clothes and looking neat and tidy.

The time for the sacrifice was chosen to be around 8 o'clock in the morning, and Zhao Yuanzhen dressed neatly and went there early.

The village chief and clan leaders were already present.

Seeing that everyone has arrived, it seems that the time is almost up.

Walk into the ancestral hall.

On the table in the center of the ancestral hall are the tablets of ancestors, and offerings are placed in front of each tablet.

The main hall of the newly built ancestral hall is so large that all the men in Zhangjia Village can kneel down there. The most senior elder in the clan presides over the sacrifices.

According to the order of seniority, everyone knelt in a stairway.

Zhao Yuanzhen was placed behind the elders, in the second row, in the same row as the village chief.

The clan elders stood in front of the ranks of their ancestors.

Pick up the incense, light it, bow three times, and place the incense on the incense table.

"Kneel down and pray to the ancestors for good weather, peace and prosperity in the coming year."

The clan elder took the lead in kneeling down, and Zhao Yuanzhen followed suit.

After kneeling, stand up.

"Kneel down again and pray to the ancestors to bless the prosperity of the family and their descendants, and to ensure everything goes well."

Kneel down again.

"Kneel down three times and pray to the ancestors to bless their descendants to have a promising future and produce talented people."

Kneel down.

"The ceremony is over."

The sacrifice was completed.

The village chief took out the family tree and wrote down Zhao Yuanzhen’s great achievements in the place where important events of the clan were recorded.

"Zhao Yuanzhen, the 238th generation descendant of the Zhang family, the second son of Zhang Sandao, the wife of Zhang Qinghe, Zhao Zhang. In the 52th year of the Daliang calendar, he assisted the village chief in leading the clan members to escape from Yanshan Prefecture to Kaifeng Prefecture. During this period, he was very observant, had superior martial arts, and was smart. He led a group of 500 Zhang families and more than people to escape danger. He also taught skills and led the clan members to make a fortune and settle down. I have specially included the family tree for future generations to worship."

The elders of the tribe took the lead in applauding.

"This is what the Qinghe family deserves. Everyone should respect Zhao Zhang in the future. She is the glory of our Zhang family."

"Understood, clan leader."

The village chief wrapped up the written family tree and put it away.

The sacrifice is over.

Even after Zhao Yuanzhen died, he still had a tablet in the family ancestral hall.

This is the first woman in the Zhang family ancestral hall in hundreds of years.

Even if it is placed in other ancestral halls, it is a rare thing.

The women watching outside all showed envy, but it was just envy. No one objected or expressed any negative opinions.

There's nothing we can do. Zhao Yuanzhen is just too amazing. This is what she deserves.

Zhao Yuanzhen didn't have much ups and downs about this. She didn't care whether she entered the ancestral hall or not, but it would still be good for her descendants. So she came to participate in the sacrificial ceremony with great respect.

The family members may be addicted to mahjong, and they would drag Zhao Yuanzhen to play mahjong when they have nothing to do.

Zhao Yuanzhen has never won, always loses.

It’s better not to play this mahjong.

After playing mahjong for a few days, it is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. Today is the day to go up the mountain to the temple to burn incense.

Because work will start tomorrow, there are many pilgrims coming to burn incense today.

Fortunately, the temple is not far away, just on a small hill southwest of the capital.

Naturally, all the family members have to go.

All four carriages were dispatched.

Qian Xiaohui and Li Zhijuan also went out.

In order to take care of the two of them, the carriage did not move fast.

Fortunately, there are not many steps in the temple, otherwise we would have to find a sedan chair to carry us up.

Zhang Xinbai, Zhang Xinshu, Zhao Yuanlan and others protected the women in the middle to prevent them from being bumped into by too many pilgrims.

After squeezing for more than ten minutes, we finally arrived at the main hall.

Lan Ying took out the prepared incense and distributed it to everyone.

Then everyone lit incense and knelt down, then inserted it.

Everyone put their hands together, muttered their wishes, and prayed devoutly.

Zhao Yuanzhen was also speaking and praying.

After praying and bowing, stand up.

I went to the donation box to add some money.

Everyone escorted them out of the hall.

There are plum blossoms on the mountain behind the temple. Everyone thought that since they were already here, they might as well go and appreciate the plum blossoms.

There is a large area in Merlin, with some of each variety.

There are so many people admiring the plum blossoms.

Zhao Yuanlan protected the women in the family and walked slowly for fear of being touched.

Suddenly, a woman was bumped by someone and fell to the side.

Zhao Yuanlan pulled her hand in time, then let go when he saw the girl standing up.

Zhao Yuanzhen didn't even look at the plum blossoms and hurried over to read the gossip.

The girl blushed and bowed to Zhao Yuanlan to express her gratitude.

"Thank you for your rescue, sir. I am very grateful."

Seeing him bow, the maids and servants following him also bowed along.

"It's okay, it's just a piece of cake."

"I don't know where your residence is, I will prepare a generous gift to reward you another day."

"No, it's just a small favor, not worth mentioning."

"How can this be possible? My father has taught us since we were young that we should be grateful and repay kindness, and not be rude."

"It's really a small matter. It won't cause any trouble. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Zhao Yuanlan bowed, then escorted Zhao Yuanzhen away.

"Miss, don't look anymore. Everyone has left."

"Go check which family this young master is from."

Although this young man is a bit older, he has a mature and elegant temperament. He is more attractive than those young boys.

"Yes."

"Brother, is your peach blossom about to bloom?"

"Don't talk nonsense, little sister. It will ruin the girl's reputation."

"Okay, okay, big brother taught me very well."

As I admired the plum blossoms, this episode was quickly forgotten.

When we were going down the mountain, we picked some plum blossoms. Of course, we had to pay for them. At the exit, everyone who picked plum blossoms had to give some silver.

It doesn’t matter how much or how little you give, but you have to give some.

Zhao Yuanzhen paid the flower shop according to the price of fresh cut plum branches.

Everyone went back holding the plum blossoms.

When I got home, I trimmed the flowers and put them in a vase, and the whole house was filled with the faint fragrance of plum blossoms.

The business will open tomorrow, and Zhao Yuanzhen told everyone that they can take a break if they have something to do.

Let them change their environment and take a break. Relax in moderation so that they don't get too tired.

Call over Zhang Shu, Zhang Dao, Zhang Zhi, Zhang Nan, the six servants recommended to the store, and the shopkeeper's apprentice selected by Zhang Yu.

There were 14 people in total, and Zhang Zhi was one of the apprentices.

Except for those who have taken the loyalty pill before, these nine servants have to take it.

After watching them take the loyalty pill, he gave everyone a strength pill.

"This is a pill that increases your strength. You will become stronger after taking it. You should adapt to it. You should protect the shop at ordinary times. If someone comes to cause trouble, just beat them away. Protect the shop and the people inside."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I will buy some more servants tomorrow. Zhang Dao, you must teach them swordplay and archery well."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Zhang Zhi, choose a good charcoal burner to take over your business. You should learn from Zhang Yu to be the shopkeeper and accountant."

"Yes, ma'am."

"The servants who are guarding the shop, please stand up. I will change your names to facilitate your subsequent deployment."

"Yes, ma'am."

"From now on, I'll call you Zhang Tangyi, Tangerine, Tangsan..."

"Thank you Madam for the name."

"Okay, go down and pack your things. We will be living in the shop from now on."

"Yes, ma'am."