Di Ming

Chapter 192 Farewell to the twilight years, fireworks year after year

Ning Qingchen was indeed angry. Several days ago, she and her sister were not allowed to participate in the ritual of sending off the Kitchen God, because they were told that "women do not worship the Kitchen God."

Today, she is again unable to enter the ancestral hall to see the little tiger.

The reason is that she is not a member of the Zhu family!

Ning Qingchen is a very rebellious person. This made her rebellious spirit even stronger, which is why she spoke up and reprimanded the person in charge of the etiquette team.

But Ning Qingchen's actions were less about anger and more about a deliberate test.

She wanted to test how seriously the ancients took universal customs and traditions, and how well they implemented them.

Now she understood after testing him out; he was very strong!
She completely underestimated the ancients' adherence to these ideological spheres, to the point that even a "household retainer" could stop her from "acting improperly."

This demonstrates just how powerful feudal ethics are today. So powerful that subordinates can completely rely on these ethics to resist their superiors.

Thinking of this, Ning Qingchen suddenly calmed down. She raised her little face, looked at the etiquette supervisor dressed in a dark robe, and said in a childish voice:

"You're from the brothel, aren't you? What's your name? If you don't let me in today, I'll send you back to the brothel, you believe me?"

The steward trembled; how could he dare to underestimate this boy known as "born to speak"? He could only respectfully reply in a trembling voice:
“Replying to Second Madam, I am Song Lixiao. How could I dare to deliberately make things difficult? It is simply that the sacrificial ceremony cannot be abandoned, and as the person in charge of the rites, I dare not show favoritism.”

He was terrified of being sent back to the brothel. Even so, he dared not let the second young lady in without permission.

Normally it would be fine, but at this moment the head of the family was performing ancestral rites.

During the sacrificial ceremony, even if soldiers suddenly came to arrest someone, they could only stand outside and wait for the offender to finish the ceremony before proceeding.

This is etiquette, and etiquette is greater than law!

Although Ning Qingchen was still angry, she was no longer angry at Song Lixiao; her anger had turned to the rules of etiquette.

Does Chinese civilization need a system of rites and rituals? Yes. Ideology is the wellspring of the spirit, and therefore indispensable. Otherwise, wouldn't humanity be objectified? Would there still be any spiritual and aesthetic imagery? How then could a spiritual supremacy be constructed?
However, this kind of etiquette is too rigid and inflexible, and the rules need to be changed.

She gave a cute, childlike hum, "Fine, I won't hold it against you. Don't worry, I won't send you back."

Song Xiaoli was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Thank you, Second Madam!"

"Have some candy." Ning Qingchen took out two milk candies and stuffed them into Song Xiaoli's hand. "You are conscientious and dutiful, and you do not show favoritism or break etiquette. You are a competent person."

Song Xiaoli was very surprised. He didn't expect that his second wife would not only stop making things difficult for him, but also give him milk candy.

Everyone in the household knows that if the Second Mistress likes or admires someone, she will send them milk candy.
Strangely, the second wife herself never ate milk candy.

"Thank you, Second Madam..." Song Lixiao was immediately flattered. It was pitiful that he, an adult, was being teased by a capricious little child.

Ning Qingchen said in a childish voice, "I won't make things difficult for you. Just wait at the door."

Song Lixiao and the others breathed a sigh of relief and bowed to the little pink dumpling to express their gratitude.

Fortunately, Zhu Yin finished offering the last incense stick quickly, and the final offering was completed.

"Let her in, I have finished my rituals," came Zhu Yinqing's childish voice.

Song Lixiao quickly said, "Master, you have finished your greetings. Second Madam, please."

Zhu Yin's voice rang out again: "Song Lixiao, there's nothing more for you to do here. Go and prepare the New Year's Eve banquet."

"Yes, sir!" Song Lixiao and the others accepted the order and left.

Ning Qingchen stepped over the high threshold and entered the temporary family temple, where he saw Zhu Yin sitting on a round chair at the foot of the shrine, smiling at him.

“Why do you need to test them?” Zhu Yin shook his head. “They are people of this era, people from the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution), and they especially follow etiquette.”

"You've tried it too, how did it feel?"

Ning Qingchen sat down on the futon next to Zhu Yin, her small face serious as she said:

"I felt the powerful shackles of feudal ethics on people's hearts and the strong spiritual domination of this era."

Even the oppressed and ruled lower classes strive to maintain the established social order and spontaneously defend traditional etiquette. Feudal ethics possessed an incredibly strong popular base…

"Change is easier said than done. Even improvement is a difficult cultural undertaking."

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "Now you know how powerful it is, right? Etiquette is greater than law! Even in the imperial court, the Ministry of Rites is above the Ministry of Justice. Of the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Personnel has the most power, but in terms of status, the Ministry of Rites is the most prestigious."

"The Great Rites Controversy and the National Foundation Controversy, which shook the foundations of the Ming Dynasty's rule, were all about the word 'rites'. Rites were essentially an enhanced version of political correctness in ancient times. The essence of order in ancient China was not the rule of law, but the rule of rites. The so-called rule of the country with filial piety and rule of the country with virtue also had the core of rites."

"Whether it is an emperor or a general, or an ordinary citizen, everyone is bound by etiquette and law. Etiquette and law are an invisible hand that regulates and adjusts social order."

Ning Qingchen nodded her little head: "This is the manifestation of spiritual power. The common people are also beneficiaries of this order. That's why they will uphold it from the bottom of their hearts."

"Etiquette and rules are necessary, and this Eastern ideology should exist. However, I feel that reform is necessary. The role of regulating social order should certainly be retained, but it should not become a tool for gender oppression and class oppression."

"Little Tiger, do you think that if we only weaken gender oppression and class oppression, there is a possibility that the laws and regulations can be improved and elevated?"

Zhu Yin countered with a question: "What do you think?"

“Of course!” Ning Qingchen’s tone was very confident. “There is absolutely a possibility of reforming etiquette and moral codes. Little Tiger, didn’t you say you wanted to create a Chinese version of the Renaissance?”

"The ideological foundation of the Western Renaissance is humanism. I think that the Chinese system of rites and rituals is inherently endowed with a strong humanism. As long as it is reformed and integrated, and its strengths are maximized while its weaknesses are minimized, it can become a new religion: the system of rites and rituals."

"This new code of ethics is fully capable of rivaling the world's major religions. Moreover, as the religion with the strongest humanistic thought, it possesses even greater universal value in later generations..."

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "I am very pleased that you have such insight. Indeed, this is a great thing that I want to do in the future. For China to be reborn, its ideology must undergo a transformation. China has a very good foundation. We do not need to tear it down and start over. We only need to find the best breakthrough for improvement."

"In my plan, the Confucian ethics should be the world religion of the future, and should become an ideological stronghold to rival the major religions."

"Qingchen, we're comrades!"

Ning Qingchen was overjoyed. "Really? Little Tiger, I'll help you with this. We're comrades, you know. Little Tiger, we're actually the same kind of people... idealists."

...

The two discussed for a while, when Ning Caiwei walked in.

"What's the point of all this talk about ideas and spirit if there's no material basis for it?"

She took off her cloak, shook off the snowflakes, and then sat down by the fireplace.

"My sister is so busy she barely has time to breathe, while you're all exchanging ideas in the ancestral hall, floating in the heavens, not even coming down to help. Without power or money, how can you change people's hearts? Throughout history, how many idealists have had a good ending?"

She gazed intently at the Zhu family's ancestral tablets, saying, "The Zhu family's ancestors' tablets are left blank, so they don't even dare to have their names written on them. What's the point of saying all this? Little Tiger, it's not too late to consider these things when we can bring the ancestral tablets back to the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

"If these deities can never enter the Imperial Ancestral Temple in their lifetime, then we don't need to be so high and mighty. We can just enjoy the riches and honors of this life."

Ning Qingchen chuckled, looking unconvinced. "Right here in this ancestral hall, let's be frank and let the Zhu family ancestors know Little Tiger's dream, so they can bless him to reclaim the ancestral duck business. What's wrong with talking about it? Can't we even dream about it?"

"Ancestral blessings?" Ning Caiwei chuckled. "We've only been in the Ming Dynasty for two years, and Little Tiger is already famous throughout Jiangnan. We already have hundreds of thousands of taels of silver in assets. Is this all thanks to our ancestors' blessings?"

"If it could truly protect us, then Zhu Di wouldn't have seized the throne back then. What about gods and ancestors, what about spiritual beliefs? In the end, isn't it all about worldly fame, fortune, and the power of life and death?"

"Without these, even if all the gods and Buddhas in the sky and your ancestors protect you, you will still be a commoner who is trampled on."

Ning Qingchen pursed her lips and nodded with a teasing expression, "Mmm, Mr. Ning is right. Hehe."

Ning Caiwei suddenly slapped her forehead. "Look at me! You guys almost made me forget the important matter! Oh, Shang Yang and Han Shang are here. They're all from the Xuan Society, there are more than a dozen of them. They said you invited them to the Zhu family for the New Year, and they're already waiting for tea in the living room."

Zhu Yin stood up and left. "I'm going to greet them. I thought they would decline, but they actually came. Good, this year's New Year is going to be lively."

"Little Tiger," Ning Caiwei said with a smile, "They certainly wanted to spend the New Year with you because the Zhu family is too small. But actually, it was out of necessity."

“These people are all alone, with no parents to care for them, no wives to accompany them, and estranged from their clans. They are so self-sufficient that they have no family to worry about.”

Zhu Yin nodded. He invited these people to celebrate the New Year because he saw how lonely and miserable they were.

The Xuan Society now has over seven hundred members, mainly elites from impoverished backgrounds. However, the vast majority of them are married. There are only about a dozen members like Shang Yang who are single. Zhu Yin sympathized with them and sent them invitations to spend the New Year at the Zhu family home.

And they actually came.

...

"Greetings, gentlemen!" Zhu Yin greeted everyone with a smile as he entered the living room, bowing deeply to them with a beaming smile. "With you all here to celebrate the New Year with me, this year is truly festive."

Everyone quickly stood up, smiling and bowing respectfully.

We're all good friends, so there's no need for formalities.

Shang Yang, who was nearly fifty years old, laughed and said, "Zhihu, I'm penniless and an old bachelor. I have a few thatched huts at home and not even a chicken or a dog. If I don't spend the New Year here with you, where else can I go to be so glamorous?"

Shang Yang had a wife, but she died many years ago. Although he was very talented, he was always poor and never remarried.

Han Shang also laughed and said, "Like Brother Zhouming, I have nowhere to spend the New Year, so I can only come to keep you company. I guess I'm eating at your expense. Zhihu, you'd better give me a lot of lucky money."

Everyone laughed when they heard this.

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "Since you're here, you should stay until the fifth day of the first lunar month to see me off on my journey north."

After saying this, he summoned Mao Wenlong and introduced him, pointing to him:

“This is Mao Wenlong, courtesy name Zhennan, who is also a new friend of mine. Brother Han, he also wants to join our Propaganda Society, so please introduce him to the society.”

Han Shang is the Summer Envoy of the Xuan Society, and his main responsibility is to recruit members. Bringing new members into the society is exactly what he is in charge of.

Mao Wenlong quickly bowed and said, "I am Mao Wenlong. I have long wanted to join the Xuan Society and make friends with like-minded people."

Shang Yang then asked, "Does Zhennan know the purpose of my Propaganda Society?"

Mao Wenlong answered without hesitation: "The mission of the Propaganda Society is a nine-character mantra and a twenty-character declaration."

"The nine-character mantra is benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, trustworthiness, loyalty, courage, filial piety, and brotherly love; the twenty-character declaration is the unity of knowledge and action, promoting righteousness, punishing evil and defending the Way, striving to make the ruler like Yao and Shun, and serving the country with a public heart!"

“Excellent!” Han Shang nodded. “Every word must be kept in mind and put into practice. Since its inception, our Propaganda Society has always prioritized quality over quantity, never accepting members lightly. Every member must agree with our principles and abide by our rules…”

Mao Wenlong said, "I absolutely agree with the mission, abide by the rules, and sincerely join the Propaganda Society."

Han Shang said, "Good! Since you were personally recommended by the club leader, we will exempt you from further evaluation and allow you to join the club. From now on, we are all comrades!"

...

As dusk fell, the Zhu family's New Year's Eve banquet finally began.

Among the government slaves from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau), a dozen or so musicians were setting up string and wind instruments in the hall.

As soon as the firecrackers went off, a line of maids filed in, carrying delicacies.

In the central hall, tables and desks were already set up, with luxurious tableware and exquisite dishes and wines.

It wasn't quite a lavish banquet, but it was pretty close.

Zhu Yin, Ning Caiwei, and Ning Qingchen sat in the main seats in turn, while Shang Yang, Han Shang, Mao Wenlong, and more than a dozen other distinguished guests sat in the guest seats.

In addition, there were Lancha, Mehe, Ding Hongying, Galo, Jin Yunniang, Kangxi, and others. They were all of different statuses, not outsiders, and were also qualified to attend the banquet.

At each seat, there were maids serving.

According to custom, the servants would only have their own New Year's Eve feast after their master's banquet.

As soon as the drums sounded, the banquet began; amidst the music and singing, the lavish feast commenced.

First comes the toast. These toasts often use classical Chinese verses to express mutual wishes.

Holding his wine cup, Zhu Yin first offered a toast: "As the year draws to a close, may our lives continue year after year. May we enjoy peace and tranquility day and night. Tonight, let us all revel in this feast."

Ning Caiwei also raised her wine glass and said in a melodious voice: "May the sun shine brightly, the moon be full of light, may we be rich and prosperous, live long and healthy lives, have a peaceful and joyful New Year, and enjoy endless happiness."

Ning Qingchen said in a childish voice, "May the new year be better than the last. Last year, everything went as planned, and this year, everything will surely be satisfactory."

Shangyang raised his cup and said, "Let us drink together on New Year's Day and wish for a long and prosperous year. May we always be like this, with each new season bringing new life. May we enjoy ourselves to the fullest and be happy forever."

Han Shang said, "May the flourishing of prosperity extend their lives. May they live in peace and tranquility, and may all their wishes be fulfilled."

Mao Wenlong stood up: "Having sailed through countless trials, I still dream; my youthful spirit shines through my eyes. My rosy cheeks remain, and the flowers in my hair adorn my head, year after year. We meet again this year, and next year. Springtime is as beautiful as your face."

After everyone had given their toasts, they drank and ate, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

The mountains and rivers, the eight delicacies, the fine wines and dishes, were enjoyed by everyone.

Outside, snow was falling heavily; inside, the hall was filled with distinguished guests, who clinked glasses and chatted happily.

After several rounds of drinks, Mao Wenlong and others wished Zhu Yin success in the imperial examinations and hoped he would be listed on the imperial register again.

The meal lasted a full hour before it ended. Then came a tea party, and it wasn't until 9 PM that we began to stay up all night to welcome the New Year.

...

The children refused to sleep, keeping each other company and making merry all night.

Zhu Yin and others were literati, and their New Year's Eve vigil naturally followed the style of literati. They each left behind their calligraphy and wrote poems and lyrics about New Year's Eve vigils from their predecessors, which they then exchanged as gifts.

Zhu Yin quoted Lu You's poem: "The whole family stays up all night to keep watch on New Year's Eve, with cups and plates scattered before the lamp. Looking at each other, we feel how quickly time flies, and before we know it, another year has passed."

Ning Caiwei wrote: "With a simple heart, I quietly count the passing years. Life is full of flavor, and the greatest joy is in the simple things."

Han Shang wrote: "Tonight I think of my hometown, a thousand miles away; tomorrow my temples will be frosted with another year."

Mao Wenlong wrote: "Half a cup of Tusu wine has not yet been raised, and I write peach charms by the lamp."

He then said with embarrassment, "My handwriting is really too bad, ruining the beautiful lines of the ancients. I don't even dare to give it away. Who would want it?"

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "I'll take it! Zhennan's calligraphy is that of a martial man, so I'll take three parts of your heroic spirit."

Shangyang, however, wrote Wen Zhengming's "New Year's Eve":
Past joys and sorrows are reflected in the lamplight.
A whiff of spring breeze arrives before my wine cup.

As the night grew still and all was quiet, the rooster crowed.
But the plum blossoms shone brightly.

After finishing writing, he sighed and said, "Gentlemen, in another hour, I will be fifty years old. At the age of fifty, one should know one's destiny."

"Brother Zhihu, I have decided to give up the imperial examinations and am willing to become your advisor, an old and useless staff member. What do you think, Brother Zhihu?"

Zhu Yin clapped his hands and laughed, "Brother Zhouming is a man of great talent, it's a pity he has no opportunity to use it. If you were to become my advisor, how could I not want to? I would be more than happy to have you, it would be my wish, I dare not ask!"

Han Shang said, "And me! Brother Zhihu, I've also given up on the imperial examinations. I'm not getting any younger, and it's time to do something practical. I'll leave my livelihood to you, Brother Zhihu."

They already knew that Zhu Yin wanted to recruit some advisors, so they simply volunteered themselves.

Several other members of the propaganda team also expressed their desire to join the inner circle.

There's no hope in the imperial examinations, so I might as well find a good patron to work for. Is there anyone more suitable than Zhu Yin? No.

Zhu Yin was overjoyed. He had long wanted Shang Yang and the others to help him, but he was too embarrassed to ask.

Now that they've brought it up themselves, it's exactly what we wanted.

"Very well! With your help, I have nothing to worry about anymore!"

"I'll take care of everything you need, from food and clothing to daily necessities! You all have nothing to worry about now!"

P.S.: I'm back, but I just had surgery and need to rest. I can't overexert myself, so even though I don't have to go to work, I won't update too much. I'll be updating sparingly for the next few days. Thank you! The little tiger will be going to Beijing in the next chapter. Goodnight! Take care of yourself. Also, future chapters won't necessarily have to be four characters long anymore; it's pointless.

(End of this chapter)