Chapter 007: The Coronation Ceremony

Upon receiving praise from the young master for the first time, Ouping quietly said with joy, "Five years of swimming practice is not in vain, but it is just a bit too cold."

When Ouyang was eleven years old, the Liu family gave birth to a daughter

What poem?

The completion of the coming-of-age ceremony signifies adulthood, allowing one to: 1. Marry and have children, 2. Officially participate in various sacrificial activities, 3. Assist in clan affairs, 4. Receive a share of land

Sigh... Ouyang murmured as he looked at the setting sun: "The sea is vast, allowing fish to leap; the sky is high, allowing birds to fly. Ouping, it is only now that I understand the meaning of a poem."

Let me put it this way: a man has many things to do and many pleasures to enjoy. However, marriage and having children are the root causes of losing all these pleasures. Ouyang said under the setting sun: "The joys of the boudoir are merely one form of life's pleasures. I cannot explain it to you, but you will understand in the future"

Tai Xuzi waved his hand and said, "Hurry back!"

Oupindao: "A few days ago, I heard the master say that after you, young master, complete your coming-of-age ceremony, you must marry first"

Life is precious, love is even more valuable; if it is for the sake of freedom, both can be forsaken. This is not something that everyone is forced into; otherwise, one would not be willing to abandon both. Ouyang said: "Ouping, I wish to enter the city to participate in the provincial examination. If I obtain the status of a scholar, once the crowning ceremony is completed, I can also use the excuse of the state examination to escape."

Yawn... I have not accomplished a single task assigned to me by the young master, so this time I must certainly make an effort

You have handled this matter very well. Remember, you must never reveal this matter, not even until death. When my uncle asks you later, just say you don't know, act confused. Ouyang solemnly instructed: "You might be seen when you go to my mother's family, but even if someone teases you, you must hold your ground firmly."

"I, your young master, am a person of taste and have little interest in mating." Ouyang, seeing that Ouping did not understand, explained with a smile: "In other words, she is not my cup of tea"

Watching his daughter leave, Ouyang let out a long sigh. He cast a grateful glance at Tai Xu Zi, who raised his eyebrows in acknowledgment, signaling that he understood.

... ...

During the Tang Dynasty, Indian Buddhism flourished. However, by the Song Dynasty, some scholars and officials felt that Buddhist culture posed a significant challenge to the masses. They advocated for the revival of rituals such as those for coming of age, marriage, mourning, and sacrifices throughout society, in order to promote Confucian cultural traditions. Young men aged fifteen to twenty could undergo the coming-of-age ceremony if they had not experienced a mourning period of over a year.

Twelve-year-old Ouyang has recently been quite troubled. His mother has found a good family for him, and in three years he will be able to undergo the coming-of-age ceremony and finally make a name for himself. However, he now has an additional source of worry. This concern is related to Liu Xiuer from the neighboring village, who has been betrothed to him since childhood.

In the past, it was fine, but recently for ten days in a row, Liu Xiuer has been going to her uncle's house for lunch. Eating is just eating, but Liu Xiuer often glances at Ouyang from the corner of her eye, seemingly aware that this taciturn person is her future husband

It is said that it is because Xiuer's grandmother has been bedridden and fears not seeing her granddaughter get married that their family sought to discuss this with the elder. Ou Ping asked, "Does the young master not like Xiuer?"

Ouyang said to Ouping, "Well done"

The examination was quite easy for Ouyang to pass. Firstly, his knowledge was indeed adequate, at least sufficient for deceiving the children in the examination. Secondly, the officials overseeing the examination were all county-level cadres, who had to take into account the influence of the Ouyang family, as well as the face of the county magistrate and the library. Since his performance was deemed acceptable, it would be unreasonable not to let him pass.

Ouping felt a bit worried: "I just fear that your mother might slip up." Liu seemed genuinely too flustered; she wanted to mention that she had just seen Ouping earlier, but she knew she couldn't say that. As a woman, she truly didn't know what to do and could only cast pleading glances towards Ouyang.

A few days later, Uncle Ouyang sent a sedan chair to take Ouyang Niang away. It is said that a doctor in the county, who lost his spouse at a young age, is in his thirties, has no children, and has a good temperament, is considering remarrying. Thus, a matchmaker approached the Liu family's home. Liu did not want to leave Oujia Village, but Ouyang secretly met with her again. Besides reminding her of certain matters that could not be disclosed, he sincerely encouraged her to remarry, stating that even if she remarried, she would still be considered my mother. In the end, Liu still returned.

Is that so? Ouyang exclaimed, "So urgent?"

The coronation ceremony is presided over by Mr. Ouyang, which is essentially a form of donning a hat and changing clothes. However, Mr. Ouyang tends to be rather verbose: "I know you have lofty ambitions and cannot bear to read the Analects or the Three Character Classic, and the Doctrine of the Mean and the Great Learning do not catch your eye. I have no other teachings for you, but remember that you are still young and should be cautious, as excessive brilliance may invite envy. The rites of a gentleman can be practiced in the halls of power, but they cannot be applied to worldly matters. I bestow upon you the name: Hongxue. Reflect on this deeply." Mr. Ouyang has no other teachings for you, but remember that you are still young and should be cautious, as excessive brilliance may invite envy. The rites of a gentleman can be practiced in the halls of power, but they cannot be applied to worldly matters. I bestow upon you the name: Hongxue. Reflect on this deeply.

Ouping watched curiously from the side. Finally, one day after the two had finished swimming, Ouping couldn't help but ask: "Young Master, Miss Xiu'er is quite good. The gentleman has also said that the orders of one's parents are more important than heaven. Although the master is not your biological father, he treats you with great kindness. Why do you always avoid such a marriage?"

With the carefree farewell of Tai Xu Zi, this small deception finally came to an end. The incident quickly spread throughout the surrounding villages. In the neighboring village, the version of the story was: Tai Xu Zi formed a hand seal and shouted, "Where do the monsters think they are going?" A palm thunder struck the water ghost back to the underworld. In another neighboring village, the version was: Tai Xu Zi, with a pinch of his fingers, sent celestial energy into the well, not only exterminating the water ghost but also safely rescuing three children from the well. In yet another neighboring village, the version was: Tai Xu Zi displayed his divine power, entering the underworld alone, slashing the monsters with his sword, and saving thirty young boys and girls. ... In the next neighboring village, the version was: Tai Xu Zi, with a pinch of his fingers, sent celestial energy into the well, not only exterminating the water ghost but also safely rescuing three children from the well. In yet another neighboring village, the version was: Tai Xu Zi displayed his divine power, entering the underworld alone, slashing the monsters with his sword, and saving thirty young boys and girls. ... And so on ...

... ...

It is bound to go wrong! Ouyang Dahan, without a skilled cooperative team, the operational difficulty is indeed too high. Tai Xuzi can be considered a professional, knowing how to do it. Ouping only listens to himself and does not care about anything else. ... Only this mother of mine ...

Ouping shook his head in confusion

Aren't I asking you to come out of the barrel only after you hear a sound?

Ouyang suggested to the elderly that they go out to play with Xiuer, either to the market or to visit the Liu family, all of which were exempted. The excuses were simple: tired, sleepy, doing homework, or helping the teacher with chores.

Liu said hurriedly after listening, "Thank you, Daoist."

Fortunately, Tai Xu Zi also sensed something was amiss. He approached Ouyang Niang and respectfully performed a bow, saying: "Noble lady, I offer my respects. I see that you are in poor health. I will impart to you an eight-character mantra. Recite it three times morning and evening, and it should help to regulate your body and mind. This is also a small token of my apology. Please lean in to listen closely... Here it is: Do not rush or be anxious, thank me when you return home, do not look back, otherwise your son will be harmed by you."

Mr. Xie. Ouyang Ouhong kneels in reverence

Regardless of how it is conveyed, there are several points that can be affirmed. First, Tai Xu Zi possesses foresight and insight, a fact supported by countless witnesses. Second, the Liu family is not a harbinger of misfortune; rather, they are a source of blessings. It is precisely because of her presence that the child was not harmed. Third, Tai Xu Zi is not motivated by money or personal gain