20demayo Chapter 420 Dongfang Jin Enters the Ancestral Hall and is Included in the Family Genealogy
Chapter 420 Dongfang Jin Enters the Ancestral Hall and is Included in the Family Genealogy
The second time a woman enters the ancestral hall is when she is crowned with the glory of giving birth to the eldest legitimate son of her husband's family.
Under the traditional concept that "a mother's status depends on her son," a woman who gives birth to the eldest son or grandson has a second chance to enter the ancestral hall.
This is not only a major event for the continuation of the family bloodline, but also a symbol of the improvement of a woman's status in her husband's family.
On the day of the ceremony, the woman, dressed in a formal gown and holding a baby, entered the ancestral hall surrounded by a crowd.
The ancestral hall was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the elders of the clan gathered together.
The woman first offered incense to her ancestors, thanking them for their blessing and ensuring a smooth delivery.
Next, the chief officiant read the eulogy again, announcing the addition of a new member to the family.
Afterwards, the baby's name was solemnly recorded in the family genealogy.
This ceremony bestows upon women the status of "family meritorious servants," enabling them not only to gain a foothold in their husband's family but also to acquire more respect and resources, and to have a certain degree of influence.
The third entrance to the ancestral hall is where the soul of the deceased returns after their life has ended.
After the woman passed away, her memorial tablet was placed in the ancestral hall, marking her last "entry" into the hall.
This signifies her complete integration into her husband's family system and her acquisition of ancestral status.
Before a woman is enshrined in the ancestral hall, her family will evaluate her life, and only those who meet the criteria of "chaste and virtuous woman" will be considered.
Only women who have not violated family rules and moral standards are qualified to have their memorial tablets placed in the ancestral hall.
The ceremony of placing the memorial tablet in the ancestral hall is usually held on a selected day during or after the funeral.
During the ceremony, the chief officiant read the eulogy, commemorating the woman's life achievements and virtues.
Subsequently, the memorial tablet was placed in a specific location in the ancestral hall so that it could be worshipped by future generations.
Thus, the woman completes her entire life cycle within her husband's family system, from birth to death, and becomes part of ancestor worship.
These were all things her mother had told her before. Places like ancestral halls have many taboos, like impenetrable walls, that keep women out of the ancestral hall.
There were also many rules and regulations. For example, under the shackles of "three obediences and four virtues," women's words and actions were strictly restricted.
The most important thing is "loss of virginity".
Furthermore, in ancient times, the continuation of the family was considered of paramount importance, and a woman's most important duty was to bear children.
This is the woman who was "infertile" and "abandoned".
Furthermore, the ancients were filled with fear and superstition about ghosts, gods, disasters, and diseases, and this concept extended to the regulations of ancestral halls.
For example, when a woman suffers from a serious illness or infectious disease.
Similarly, women who lose loved ones in unexpected disasters such as fires or floods are also considered unlucky.
These strict taboos regarding entering ancestral halls were like heavy shackles, binding women throughout their lives in ancient times.
……
The moment Dongfang Jin stepped into the Gu family ancestral hall, a simple yet solemn atmosphere enveloped her.
Dozens of portraits are neatly hung on the wall directly in front of the ancestral hall.
The one in the middle stands out—the old master of the Rongguo Duke's Mansion—Gu Aohan—courtesy name Linxiao, pen name Songzhai.
In the portrait, he is dressed in a black court robe, with intricate python patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, outlined in gold thread, radiating a cold light under the candlelight.
He was tall and imposing, standing firm like a pine tree, exuding an aura of authority without being angry.
His square face had sharp, chiseled features, with sword-like eyebrows that slanted into his temples, their peaks like knives, exuding a fierce aura.
His eyes were long and narrow, and his dark pupils were unfathomable, like a cold pool, inspiring awe in those who looked upon him.
Beneath his high, straight nose, his thin lips were tightly closed, and the corners of his mouth were slightly downturned, revealing his decisiveness and courage.
His silver-gray hair was tied up meticulously, which further accentuated the resolute look on his face.
Looking at the portrait, one can almost feel his ruthless methods when he clashed with his political enemies in the court.
He truly deserves to be called the pillar of the Rongguo Duke's Mansion.
However, the young grandfather's appearance is quite similar to that of the old man.
The eyes of Gu Chenglin's father-in-law, Gu Yunxiao, and Gu Yunxi are similar to his, suggesting that Gu Chenglin may have inherited his large physique.
The portraits on his left and right sides were of the ancestors of the Gu family of Rongguo Mansion, gazing at the newcomer from the paintings.
His official robes were brightly colored and exquisitely patterned, with silk threads shimmering in the candlelight.
Some ancestors held scrolls in their hands, their faces were thin and their eyes were wise and profound, as if they were about to open their mouths and recite the profound sayings from the classics;
Some were clad in armor, their figures upright like pine trees, the heavy armor gleaming with a cold, eerie light.
The heroic spirit between his brows and eyes was palpable, as if he were ready to rush to the battlefield at any moment to defend his country.
Although the passage of time has shrouded the portraits in a veil of dimness, the light in the eyes of our ancestors remains as sharp as an eagle's.
Those gazes seemed to pierce through the vast expanse of time, carrying an undeniable majesty as they scrutinized every descendant who stepped into the ancestral hall.
Below the portrait, there were countless memorial tablets.
The names engraved on these memorial tablets, weathered by time, exude a unique charm.
Like a vivid family history, it silently tells the story of the rise and fall of the Gu family over the long years.
Dongfang Jin's gaze was instantly drawn to the giant incense table in the center of the ancestral hall.
On the altar, a whole sheep with snow-white fur was carefully offered.
The sheep's body has been meticulously processed, with the wool softly clinging to its skin, gleaming gently in the candlelight.
The sheep's head is placed upright, its horns are curved gracefully, and its eyes are closed as if it were sleeping peacefully, which makes the ceremony even more solemn.
The candlesticks on both sides stand tall, their flames leaping and swaying restlessly in the breeze, like lively sprites.
The rising smoke from the incense burner cast flickering shadows, adding a touch of mystery to the already solemn scene.
My gaze was fixed on the whole sheep, and my thoughts drifted away involuntarily.
The words of his father echoed in his ears again: This whole sheep is a special offering only given when the direct descendants of the Gu family are included in the family genealogy.
Thinking of this, Dongfang Jin couldn't help but feel emotional. When the Gu family's collateral branch was added to the family genealogy, there was nothing but a pig's head on the offering table.
This stark difference reflects the vast disparity in status between direct and collateral branches, and vividly illustrates the strict hierarchical order of the Gu family.
She slowly raised her head and looked at the wall behind the incense table.
The Gu family precepts, written in gold powder, are prominently displayed: Be loyal to the emperor and love the country; be honest and upright; respect literature and martial arts; cultivate oneself and manage one's family well.
In the candlelight, the gold dust shimmered brilliantly, as if each word had been given a soul, carrying the earnest teachings of our ancestors, striking straight to the heart.
The ground beneath his feet was paved with blue bricks, polished smooth as a mirror over the long years, clearly reflecting Dongfang Jin's slightly thoughtful face.
With each step she took, the sound of her footsteps echoed softly in the empty ancestral hall, clear and melodious.
This added a touch of solemnity to the tranquil space, making her feel even more deeply the weight and authority of the Gu family's heritage.
At that moment, a ray of sunlight slanted in through the high-hanging window, forming a bright pillar of light on the ground, within which dust particles danced like stars.
Gu Chenglin, Dongfang Jin, and Gu Jingye stood outside the pillar of light, gazing at everything inside the ancestral hall.
A sense of awe arose spontaneously, as if I could feel the gaze of my ancestors, traversing time and space, looking out for and scrutinizing their future.
"You three, come forward," said Duke Rongguo Gu Haozhen solemnly.
"Let's go," Dongfang Jin said with a hint of excitement, pulling Gu Chenglin and Gu Jingye forward.
Her moon-white dress swayed gently in the breeze.
The jade pendant at her waist was the same style as Gu Chenglin's, both being tokens of the Gu family's direct lineage, which her great-grandfather had just given them.
"Chenglin, bring your wife and son forward and kneel down." Grandpa Gu Qiguo's voice was deep.
Gu Chenglin pulled Dongfang Jin and his son forward and knelt on one knee.
Inside the ancestral hall, the scent of sandalwood mingled with the aroma of candlelight, creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere.
An elderly man with a tall and dignified figure walked steadily to the desk.
His wrinkled yet still steady hands carefully turned the yellowed family genealogy book.
The paper made a soft rustling sound, as if telling the story of the family's long history.