binnovel Chapter 78 The Priest Ceremony
Chapter 78 The Priest Ceremony
"Sister! Sister! Get up quickly." Lin Yan was half asleep when she heard Lin Yu calling her.
Lin Yan rubbed her eyes and sat up. "Did I oversleep?"
"No! I'd completely forgotten, today is the Ghost Festival!"
"Ghost Festival? Oh. It's the 15th of the seventh lunar month." Lin Yan paused for a moment before realizing that she hadn't celebrated this festival for many years.
"I saw a lot of people burning paper money on the street. I heard from Manager Wang that the curfew is later than usual today, and people will be releasing river lanterns along the river!"
"Then let's go take a look in the evening." Lin Yan thought about taking Lin Yu to Yunlu Academy today, so she didn't stay in bed any longer and got ready.
When they arrived downstairs at the inn, Manager Wang had almost finished preparing the goods and was having them inventoried.
"Miss Lin has come down."
Good morning, Manager Wang!
Good morning, Manager Wang!
Lin Yan and Lin Yu greeted Manager Wang.
Where are we going to play today?
"Today I'm taking Ayu to Yunlu Academy."
"Yunlu Academy, you've come at a good time today. They should be holding a ceremony to worship their ancestors today, so you can go in and watch the ceremony."
"A priestly ceremony..."
"Great! Then we can go inside the academy and take a look!" Lin Yu said excitedly.
Shopkeeper Wang smiled and said, "That's right. They don't usually open their place to the public; you can only look at the outside. Today you can go in, but they probably won't let you move around freely. Only a portion of the area can be entered."
"That's quite a coincidence!" Lin Yan exclaimed, after all, they didn't know there would be an event today when they decided to come to the academy.
After eating something, the two set off towards Yunlu Academy, which was located in the northwest corner of Yun'an Prefecture, relatively close to the prefectural government.
It was farther than Donglin Street, which they had visited the previous two days, so the two of them chose to set off earlier.
Today, many people were burning paper money in the open spaces along the street, with flames and thick smoke filling the air. Occasionally, you could even see someone crying, creating a chaotic and desolate atmosphere on the street.
However, once they reached the government office, the streets became much quieter. But Lin Yan noticed that many people seemed to be heading towards the academy, just like the two of them.
"They seem to be going to the academy too!" Lin Yu said, pointing to the family.
Indeed, the road was lined with families, with parents leading their children, some steady and some lively; or scholars dressed in blue headscarves and cloth shirts who came on their own.
"Hmm. It seems that Yunlu Academy is indeed very famous."
It wasn't until the two of them turned a corner that they saw what Yunlu Academy looked like.
The vermilion wooden gate is solemn and dignified, with two stone lions standing by the gate. The outer wall seems to stretch endlessly, while the buildings inside are arranged in a staggered manner. Through the wall, one can only see the green glazed tile roofs and two relatively tall palaces.
Upon entering the gate, one is greeted by a paved bluestone path lined with pine and cypress trees that have stood for countless years, their verdant branches towering high.
Inside the academy, there is an artificial pond, likely fed by water drawn from an external river. The paths are decorated with pavilions and covered walkways, and lined with lush bamboo.
"Wow!" Lin Yu was pleasantly surprised by everything he saw.
"The decoration here is very nice!"
"Are those students here?!" Lin Yu's eyes suddenly lit up as he pointed to a boy of about sixteen or seventeen who was walking briskly, dressed in a blue and white scholar's robe and wearing a white scholar's cap.
"It should be. He's probably going to attend the ancestral worship ceremony, which is about to begin. Let's hurry!"
"Okay!" Lin Yu quickly followed.
Upon arriving at the first two-story building, the sign above read "Wenchang Pavilion".
In front of the building was a high platform, and in front of the platform was a square where many students had already gathered. The square was surrounded by barriers, and pedestrians outside were only allowed to walk up to this point to view the area and were not permitted to go any further.
The priestly ceremony should be held here. An incense table has been set up on the high platform, with fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks as offerings.
Before long, people who looked like teachers began to come over. The students, who had been bustling about in groups of three or five, immediately quieted down and lined up, with the teachers standing at the front.
An elderly man with a white beard, supported by a young scholar, ascended the high platform. He wore a long blue robe embroidered with cloud patterns and cranes. A jade pendant hung at his waist, and he wore a brown scholar's cap. His face was kind, dignified, and refined.
The students and teachers all bowed to the newcomer, saying, "Dean!"
The dean stood on the high platform to receive the salute, raised his hand to signal, and the student who had helped him returned to the student line.
"Gentlemen, I am Fu Wenchi, the Dean of Yunlu Academy."
Today is the Ghost Festival, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. We gather here to pay homage to our ancestors. We, their descendants, are filled with gratitude and offer these small gifts, hoping that our ancestors will appreciate our sincerity and bless our studies, ensuring the continuation of our teachings and the prosperity of our academy. ... In the days to come, we will learn knowledge, understand principles, and protect all people!
Although the dean looked very old, his voice was still deep and powerful, bearing the marks of time, and possessing the power to penetrate the soul.
The students and the audience were all deeply moved.
After reciting the eulogy, the dean lit incense and candles, placed them in the incense altar, and performed the student's rites.
The teachers and students in the square also bowed in unison.
Once the procedures were completed, the dean's speech became less restrained.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we hold this ceremony to commemorate our ancestors, those who have passed away in the academy, and those great literary figures in history."
Secondly, I want you all to always remember that scholars should be diligent and strive for excellence, and teachers should impart knowledge and resolve doubts. Regardless of whether you enter officialdom, go into business, or simply live a carefree life in the future.
As long as you uphold your conscience, care about the people's livelihood, and refrain from harming others, my efforts in teaching you will not have been in vain!
Lin Yan raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. She hadn't expected the dean of Yunlu Academy to be so open-minded. In this era, scholars were mostly focused on becoming officials and bringing honor to their ancestors, yet he said that any profession was acceptable.
After finishing his remarks on education, the dean smiled and announced another piece of news:
"Today, in addition to the priestly ceremony, we have also prepared a poetry recital. Yunlu Academy is open to the public today, and in addition to our students, outsiders are also welcome to participate!"
As soon as the dean finished speaking, the students in the square dispersed and began moving tables and chairs over.
The crowd below became excited.
"A poetry recital is going to be held?! That's wonderful!" A young man next to Lin Yan exclaimed excitedly.
"I wonder if the academy has prepared any prizes this time!"
"There should be one. The prize for the poetry gathering on the Mid-Autumn Festival last time was a copy of an ancient book by Mr. Liangshan, and everyone was scrambling to get it."
"I'd better do my best this time, maybe I can make a good impression on the teachers at the academy and pass the entrance exam next time."
"Dean! What's the theme this time?"
The dean chuckled and stroked his beard, saying, "Since today is the Ghost Festival, let's make that the theme! Anyone who wants to participate can write down their poem with their name on the paper and pen on the table, and the academy's teachers will judge it."