CHAPTER 214: CHAPTER 213: TELLING THE ANCESTORS OF ONE’S SUCCESS

The steamed bun business went downhill, leaving the clansmen a bit disappointed. Everyone deduced that the frequent visiting of relatives and friends during the New Year allowed some opportunists to steal the fermentation and sour-removing powder, and then those chefs in the restaurants managed to create old dough as a result.

No one could clearly explain where the leak started (perhaps someone knew in their heart, but dared not speak).

Every household had relatives visiting during the New Year, and any family with female members would have the fermentation powder and lye issued by Lin Wanwan, so tracing the source was not easy.

And since the deed was done, even if pursued to the very end, it would only result in the stolen family’s breaking ties with relatives. The process would disturb the entire clan’s peace, so the Lin Clan Leader weighed it carefully and decided not to investigate thoroughly.

Of course, the main reason the Lin Clan Leader could let go quickly was that deep down he felt business wasn’t a proper affair – what’s lost is lost. They’ve already earned quite a profit, and one shouldn’t be too greedy. Fishing and farming are the true ways of life.

Some people are naturally averse to entrepreneurial risks, preferring to enjoy a stable meal.

The key is that at the time the steamed bun business was lost, the clan and Lin Wanwan’s potato harvest was bountiful. With high-yield potatoes as the foundation, the Lin Clan Leader devoted himself entirely to the potatoes.

After all, food is fundamental; during chaotic times, all the money in the world can’t replace food.

The Lin Clan Leader only cared about two things: if the clan had food, and if it had strong laborers capable of fighting. With these, money was irrelevant. There’s a saying, ’My neighbor stocks grain, I store guns, neighbor becomes my granary.’ During the most tumultuous times, being able to fight is more crucial than having grain.

Moreover, when the steamed bun business was lost, the shrimp paste business still existed! Though its sales weren’t as steady as steamed buns, it still provided income.

In fact, at present, wealthy households in various towns are having their chefs study the high-end products coming from Lin Family Manor, such as shrimp paste. Sooner or later, someone may crack the secret behind it. Living by the secluded seaside, people find it inconvenient to buy shrimp paste.

It’s only due to market monopoly that they have some business, but if outsiders figure out the method, there’ll likely be no more orders soon.

After discussing the main issues, Lin Clan Leader was silent for a moment, then took a sip of Lin Wanwan’s freshly brewed tea and asked, "Wanwan, did you receive the imperial decree of your conferment?"

Here it comes, as expected!

Lin Wanwan’s eyes flickered, and she smiled, saying, "Oh, that, I know. The envoy went to Qiantang to proclaim the decree on my behalf, so now I’m a Secondary Fifth Rank Village Lady."

Lin Wanwan’s current rank is higher than Xiao Chong, the Upper County Magistrate, who is Secondary Sixth Rank. In Mao County, this means she’s untouchable if she breaks the law.

"This is an event to glorify the ancestors, deserving a proper celebration, perhaps with a banquet. Wanwan, what’s your thought on it?"

Lin Wanwan replied, "I’ll let Uncle Clan Leader arrange it all. You know me, growing up in the mountains, my mentor was an otherworldly hermit, so I’m clueless about worldly formalities. It’s all up to Uncle."

"Alright then, did you keep the imperial decree safe? Did you receive ceremonial attire as reward?"

Lin Wanwan chuckled, "Yes, the attire."

The ceremonial outfit for a Secondary Fifth Rank Village Lady is a pale pink Hanfu, layered in several pieces embroidered beautifully, surpassing the craftsmanship of Yun Shang, extremely grand. Additionally, it comes with a golden hairpin, carefully designed, with five decorations representing the rank.

As long as Lin Wanwan wears this attire and inserts the hairpin, those knowledgeable in etiquette will instantly recognize her rank.

In the Great Tang, there’s a specific dress code, where all, including officials, royal kin, and even commoners, adhere strictly to their prescribed attire, reflecting the rigid hierarchy without random wearing.

But in reality, the farther from the Capital, the heavier the transgressions. Women transgress more than men. There’s a saying, "Fine fabric and embroidery according to preference, without distinction in status." The wealthy often exceed customary limits, a frequent sight. The later the period, the stronger the trend of social luxury. After Mid-Tang, even merchants dared to indulge in luxury with flocks of slaves.

Bai Juyi’s poetic historical work "Wife of a Salt Merchant" proves this, "Green-coiffed wife’s wealth, gold hairpins plenty; fair-coated arm fat, silver bracelets tight."

The most rule-abiding were those serving close to the Emperor, but that’s only Early Tang. Later, only ceremonial attire maintained rules; officials’ casual clothes were disordered.

Lin Clan Leader then mused, "Checking the calendar, the day after tomorrow is a favorable day, suitable for opening the ancestral hall and making offerings to the ancestors, then enshrining the imperial decree inside. This ancestral hall is our Lin family’s oldest one, with tablets of ancestors from the direct and branch lineages placed inside."

Lin Wanwan’s heart skipped a beat, as expected, the decree would be enshrined in the ancestral hall. The information I checked wasn’t lying T_T.

Fortunately, this was anticipated, so Lin Wanwan feigned confusion right then and there, asking, "Uncle Clan Leader, after the envoy proclaimed the decree, they took it back for filing, and didn’t give it to me. Is it permissible to keep the imperial conferment decree in my possession?"

Seeing Lin Wanwan’s puzzled face, Lin Clan Leader stroked his beard, cleared his throat, and said, "Wasn’t the decree given? That must have slipped my mind. Haha, I’m just a country bumpkin with little knowledge, causing a bit of a joke."

Lin Wanwan grinned and remarked, "Uncle Clan Leader, you’re the most knowledgeable!"

Occasional deception didn’t trouble Lin Wanwan, as everyone has their little secrets! She wouldn’t bear to display a national treasure full of elite signatures in the ancestral hall.

On the day of the ceremony, Lin Wanwan was awakened in the middle of the night to worship the earth goddess, Lady Houtu.

The worship of Lady Houtu isn’t placed in the ancestral hall, but in the main hall of Lin Wanwan’s home.

After washing, Lin Wanwan sat on a stool in front of the dressing mirror, squinting, while Hua Nong dressed her and Hong Yan styled her hair; when she opened her eyes, everything was neatly in place.

The pale pink ceremonial outfit brightened Lin Wanwan’s complexion, and even her shoes are embroidered beautifully with gold edges. Once dressed, not only did she look good, but she showcased a dignified aura, instantly pulling her presence to 2.8 meters.

Supporting Hua Nong’s arm as she descended the stairs, she was joined by Yun Shang, Grandma Sun, Lin Qin, Clan Leader’s wife Niu, Lin Clan Leader, Lin Mengbo, and several clan members gathered.

The main hall’s doors were wide open, with an incense table outside, and inside stood the sacrifice altar laden with offerings of meat, fruit, and wine, all preparations duly completed.

Seeing Lin Wanwan descend the stairs, Lin Clan Leader smiled and said, "Wanwan, come over, it’s just at high tide, perfect timing for you to burn incense and welcome the gods, wishing Lady Houtu to bless you with wealth and prosperity throughout your life."

Lin Wanwan didn’t understand these rules and rituals, so Lin Clan Leader and Lin Qin instructed her beside. She burned incense when told, knelt and bowed when instructed, thus spending over half an hour completing the ritual of inviting the gods.