Chapter 458: Ancestral Worship
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Third Master Lu, without hesitation, said, “Impossible. In my eyes, women are like clothes, but brothers are like limbs. Brothers are much more important.”
Tang Jinghong questioned, “Have you ever seen someone on the streets with amputated arms or legs, but have you seen someone without clothes?”
Third Master Lu was left speechless, unable to counter the argument.
Changing the subject, Tang Jinghong asked, “What happened this time that left you in such a sorry state? The Third Master Lu I know is capable of handling anything!”
“Capable of handling anything?” Third Master Lu’s expression instantly turned icy, “Even the most capable person can’t handle a stab in the back!”
Tang Jinghong had anticipated this kind of answer. A man’s downfall is often due to a woman or a betrayal by a brother. “Do you know who it was?”
Third Master Lu tensed, his wounds reopening slightly, oozing blood. His fists clenched tightly for a while before he relaxed, “I know who it was.”
Seeing the fresh blood on the bandage, Tang Jinghong asked, “Do you need my help?”
“No need. I’ll take care of it myself after I recover.” Third Master Lu had the same strong will as Tang Jinghong; otherwise, they wouldn’t be brothers.
He looked at Tang Jinghong, his expression softening, jokingly asking, “Now that I’m in this state, you won’t kick me out, right?”
Tang Jinghong smiled, “Rest and heal. I’ll take care of the loose ends.”
Third Master Lu’s cold face revealed a smile. He was very sincere. “I found the right person. Thank you.”
“Brothers don’t need to thank each other. Rest well. I have things to take care of today. I’ll check on you at noon.”
“Can you get me a change of clothes?”
“Wait here.” Tang Jinghong went to fetch a set of new clothes, “For now, don’t get out of bed. Your wounds have reopened.”
Third Master Lu nodded. “I’ll be careful.”
In Shuiyun County’s government office, Chu Qingzhi and the county magistrate sat opposite each other at a tea table.
A pot of tea and two cups were on the table, steaming and emitting a fragrant aroma.
The county magistrate glanced at Chu Qingzhi, “Speak freely. If I can help, I will.”
Chu Qingzhi handed the food festival plan to the county magistrate, “Please take a look.”
He skeptically accepted the plan and began reading it. After some time, he looked up, surprised, “Did you write this?”
The handwriting was exquisite, and the ideas were full of creativity, something he’d never seen before.
Chu Qingzhi replied with a smile, “Yes, I wrote it. Do you support it?”
How could he not support such a good thing? If it was successful, it would be another merit under his name. “I support it. When do you want to hold it?” “First of September.”
The county magistrate thought for a moment, “You have full authority to organize the food festival. I’ll give you all the support you need to make it a success.”
Chu Qingzhi thanked him. “Thank you, County Magistrate.”
The first step in organizing the food festival was to post notices. Using the government’s resources, the entire Shuiyun County’s merchants were informed about the festival within an hour.
The food festival wasn’t limited to food alone; textiles, ceramics, furniture, and, of course, food were all part of it.
The entire Shuiyun County was abuzz with excitement at the prospect of the food festival, an excellent opportunity for businesses. Merchants from various sectors rushed to register.
Notices were also posted at the four city gates, attracting many traveling merchants to sign up. With no pressing cases at hand, Chu Xujin and Ge Lihua were called upon to assist, turning the county office into a hive of activity.
Chu Qingzhi, under the authority of the county magistrate, wrote ten letters and, after his review, sent them to nearby counties. Soon, news of the food festival spread far and wide, reaching beyond just the neighboring counties.
Due to the large number of participants, the food festival was extended to three days. Initially planned for a single day, Chu Qingzhi adjusted the schedule to accommodate the overwhelming response.
There were many advertising opportunities during the festival, with ad spaces being auctioned off. The more prominent the location, the higher the starting bid. Chu Qingzhi also promised to help design the ad content to ensure everyone’s satisfaction.
In addition to selling ad spaces, there were sponsorships from various industries like textiles, ceramics, and furniture. The participation was enthusiastic, as no one wanted to be left behind.
The first to sponsor was Tan Mengyang, who provided textiles and set up a small stall at the festival to promote his products. Others followed suit, including tea merchants providing tea leaves and the Li family’s porcelain business offering teacups and teapots, all securing their own stalls for display.
Preparations for the food festival were in full swing, and Chu Qingzhi didn’t neglect her household duties.
Shen Ruyue’s health improved, and she took over many tasks, easing Chu Qingzhi’s workload.
“Ruyue, why don’t you look for an assistant? If you get pregnant, we can’t have you handling so much work. Better to train someone now for when the time comes.”
“I’ve been looking, but I haven’t found the right person yet.”
As they were discussing, Li Qingyu came over, “Qingzhi, Ruyue, it’s time to go to the ancestral hall.”
“Mother, coming.” The two of them walked over.
The villagers gathered at the ancestral hall to honor their ancestors. The arrangement was by seniority, with men in front and women behind, and children beside their mothers. Thousands of villagers stood in solemn order.
The offerings were already in place, just a few final steps remaining.
Chu Qingzhi and the others arrived at the hall just as the drums sounded.
Three beats of the drum followed by thirty-six strikes of the bell signified the need for silence, forbidding frivolity, halting violence, and adhering to rituals.
The elder announced, “The officiants, take your positions; the assistants, stand ready; the chief officiant, take your place!”
Everyone straightened up, their expressions solemn, eyes focused forward, not daring to be lax.
The chief officiant, Tang Jinghong, adjusted his attire and walked to the front with a respectful and devout attitude, reciting the ceremonial phrases.
After his recitation, the elder stepped forward, announcing, “In worshiping our ancestors, our utmost sincerity is in filial piety, extending respect to our origins, and honoring the past…”
“Chief officiant, approach the altar, kneel, bow, and recite the libation poem.”
Tang Jinghong gracefully knelt down, took the wine from the altar, and poured it onto the ground in a horizontal motion. This was the libation ritual, asking for divine presence with the offering of wine.
He then stood up and bowed respectfully..
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