Chapter 438: Clan Genealogy on a Separate Page

Chapter 438: Clan Genealogy on a Separate Page

In Bo bai county, Deng Changguang happened to meet the head of the Na Ye clan, Deng Changguang, so he didn’t need to go to Na Ye village.

The relationship between clans is very important, so the clan members from Shang Jing ancestral land must be warmly received.

Similarly, if the representative of the Na Ye clan arrives at the Shang Jing ancestral land, then the clan members from the Shang Jing ancestral land must also be warmly received.

Therefore, when Deng Changguang arrived, Deng Shirong, the clan head, personally accompanied, and treated all the clan members who came to the county with warm hospitality, making the clan members from the Shang Jing ancestral land feel at home.

After a hearty meal, he also arranged for them to stay at a hotel.

...

The next day.

Deng Changguang came to Deng Shirong and bowed: "Ninth Uncle, I will go back first, we will meet at Shang Jing on Sunday."

"Uh-huh, meet at Shang Jing."

At this point, Deng Shirong handed over the lycheon and green pearl cigarettes, red crushed tea, and other local specialties to him and said with a smile: "Changguang, these are all local specialties from our county. You can take them back and try them."

Deng Changguang waved his hands and said: "Ninth Uncle, I was warmly received with good wine and good food. Last night, you arranged a good hotel for me, and you gave me so much. Where’s the hospitality? You should take them back!"

Deng Shirong smiled and said: "Just some local specialties, no need to be so polite, take them quickly!"

Deng Changguang refused a few times, then finally accepted, and said: "Alright, I will take them back. When you all arrive at Shang Jing, I will warmly receive you."

Then, both sides exchanged a few pleasantries, and Deng Changguang finally boarded the large bus to Lianjiang.

...

In a blink, it was already Sunday.

On this day, the Shang Jing Deng clan slaughtered pigs and butchered sheep, prepared wine and food to warmly receive clan members from all over the country.

Some clan members from the farthest places arrived the day before, while those closer arrived by noon, and those not too far or close arrived in the afternoon.

Deng Shirong led the Na Ye Deng clan, who arrived around two in the afternoon.

They were directly brought over by a large bus, not many people, just a dozen or so, but all were heads of the Na Ye Deng clan, and their families were all well-off.

"Ninth Uncle, you all are here!"

Seeing Deng Shirong and others arrive, Deng Changguang greeted them first.

Then, as the head of the Shang Jing Deng clan, Deng Yunhui, also greeted them and said: "Ninth Uncle, and all clan members, welcome back to the ancestral land."

Both sides warmly greeted each other, and Deng Yunhui personally led the Na Ye Deng clan members to their seats, naturally providing tea and other hospitality items.

Deng Yunhui, as the clan head, was so polite because of Deng Changguang’s efforts. After returning from Bo bai, he reported the situation of the Na Ye Deng clan, to the clan head and other brothers, ensuring the Na Ye Deng clan’s significant contributions.

Despite not knowing the details of the Na Ye Deng clan, he could maintain such a beautiful residential area in the county, and the clan’s financial status was considerable. This time, they were rebuilding the ancestral hall, which required the efforts of all clan members.

The Shang Jing Deng clan, with a history of several hundred years, had many clan members who had moved out from the Shang Jing ancestral land, and many had established businesses in other places, like the Na Ye Deng clan, which developed over several hundred years.

Over these several hundred years, the clan members’ contact with the ancestral land was not frequent, as the country’s transportation was previously underdeveloped, and clan members from other places wanted to see the Shang Jing ancestral land, which was quite difficult, unless the ancestral hall was rebuilt, which required notification of the entire clan and clan members from all over the country.

With even less contact with the ancestral land, the contact between clan members from other places was even less.

Therefore, today, the clan members gathered at the Shang Jing ancestral land, all from the same clan, but they didn’t recognize each other.

It was hard to meet and greet, and self-introductions were necessary.

Led by Deng Shirong, the Na Ye Deng clan, also became familiar with the ancestral land and clan members from other places.

From the previous generation, with the Shang Jing ancestral land restored, the Shang Jing ancestral hall was consecutively repaired over three years, and clan members continued to participate, and the connection between both sides has never been broken.

Soon, the time came around three in the afternoon.

The Shang Jing ancestral land sent for the clan members, and a good number of them, all led by the clan head, personally led the clan members to participate in the clan meeting.

At a glance, the clan members gathered, and Deng Yunhui, the clan head, stood up and said: "All clan members from far away, all from the Shang Jing Deng clan, are descendants, this time we have gathered all clan members to discuss the reconstruction of the Shang Jing Deng clan hall, which is well known to need repair as it has been decades without maintenance and is now dilapidated, requiring immediate reconstruction."

For this reconstruction of the ancestral hall, we plan to raise 200,000 yuan. Currently, we have collected the population fees, totaling over 30,000 yuan. The remaining funding gap will rely on the efforts of the Shang Jing Deng clan members and clan members from various regions.

Here, I must state that anyone who donates more than 100 yuan can have their name engraved on the merit stele for future generations to admire.

Those who donate 888 yuan or more can have a stele erected for their entire family, recording their life stories, so that future generations will know of the good deeds of the clan members and relatives.

Next, I announce that the donation ceremony for the reconstruction of the ancestral hall officially begins."

"I'll set the ball rolling; I donate 188 yuan."

"I donate 228 yuan."

"I donate 268 yuan."

"I donate 288 yuan."

"..."

As soon as Deng Yunhui finished speaking, the Shang Jing Deng clan members began to enthusiastically donate.

After all, with over 3,000 clan members, there are naturally many with good economic conditions. It's a rare opportunity to show off in front of clan members from various regions, so everyone was very proactive.

The donation amounts were one higher than the other, each wanting to stand out in this highly visible occasion.

Soon, individual donations surpassed 1,000 yuan.

It was only the early 1990s, and although incomes were higher than in the 1980s, most rural people's annual income was only a few hundred yuan. A thousand yuan, even if one lived frugally, might take two years to save.

Therefore, those who could donate over a thousand yuan were undoubtedly prominent figures in the village.

At this moment, clan members from various regions also began to contribute.

"The Youfang Deng clan donates 1,388 yuan."

"The Pingdong Deng clan donates 1,688 yuan."

"The Shitan Deng clan donates 1,888 yuan."

"..."

Clan members from various regions did not donate individually but as entire clans.

Although there were wealthy individuals among the clan members from various regions, they had moved away from the Shang Jing ancestral land hundreds of years ago. While they shared the same ancestors, their emotional ties were thin, almost like strangers.

To collectively donate one or two thousand yuan was already a significant gesture.

Previously, when the Na Ye Deng clan rebuilt their ancestral hall, the branch clans were so supportive because most of the clans were in the same county and had maintained relations for hundreds of years. Additionally, the clans saw the achievements of the ancestral land clan members, which encouraged them to contribute generously.

For the Shang Jing ancestral land, it was merely a point of origin for the clans from various regions, so they would not go all out to support it.

However, even so, the Shang Jing Deng clan members were very satisfied. After all, each branch clan donating one or two thousand yuan added up to a significant amount. Raising 200,000 yuan for the reconstruction of the ancestral hall should not be a problem.

As the clan members from various regions began to contribute, the dozen or so Na Ye Deng clan members looked at each other.

The donation scene here was far less impressive compared to their Na Ye Deng clan's donation scene a few years ago.

Soon, the donations from various regions came to an end. The lowest collective donation from a branch clan was 1,000 yuan, and the highest was 2,888 yuan. In total, they raised over 100,000 yuan, exceeding the Shang Jing Deng clan's expectations and making the ancestral land clan members very happy.

At this moment, the dozen or so Na Ye Deng clan members began to contribute, and their contributions were nothing short of shocking.

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Changyuan donates 3,888 yuan."

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Changdong donates 3,888 yuan."

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Yunqiang donates 5,888 yuan."

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Changyu donates 6,888 yuan."

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng YunGui donates 8,888 yuan."

"..."

Hearing these astonishing donation amounts, the Shang Jing Deng clan members and clan members from various regions were all stunned.

Good heavens, the lowest donation was 3,888 yuan, and individual donations surpassed the collective donations of other branch clans. It wasn't just one or two but one after another, with the donation amounts increasing. It was truly beyond everyone's imagination.

Deng Changguang drew a sharp breath when Deng Changyuan announced his donation. He had seen the very beautiful Na Ye Deng clan neighborhood in Bo bai county and could imagine that the Na Ye Deng clan's economic strength was stronger than other branch clans, but he never expected it to be so strong.

Individual donations far exceeded the collective donations of other branch clans, and their financial power was truly terrifying.

Most importantly, they not only had substantial financial resources but were also willing to contribute to the reconstruction of the ancestral hall, which was very rare.

Deng Yunhui, as the clan head, was both surprised and delighted. He thought he had given the Na Ye Deng clan sufficient importance, but he had still underestimated their financial strength.

Their contributions were in the thousands and even close to ten thousand yuan. Even the wealthiest Shang Jing Deng clan members, who were highly anticipated but had not yet contributed, could likely only donate this much. Compared to the Na Ye Deng clan, the difference was truly significant.

Even if the donation amounts were the same, the clan members from the Shang Jing ancestral land still couldn't match the enthusiasm of the Na Ye Deng clan.

After all, there are differences in closeness!

Just as Deng Yunhui was feeling this, the donations from the Na Ye Deng clan took another leap.

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Changxiong donates 18,888 yuan."

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Changbao donates 18,888 yuan."

"Na Ye Deng clan member Deng Shirong donates 88,888 yuan."

As Deng Shirong finished speaking, everyone present, whether from the ancestral land or various regions, was stunned into silence!

A personal donation of 88,888 yuan made them all doubt their ears—how could such a thing happen?

After all, this wasn't 888 yuan or 8,888 yuan, but 88,888 yuan!

Throughout the entire Shang Jing Deng clan, there were a few whose assets reached 88,888 yuan, but none could afford to donate such a large sum.

Deng Yunhui, regaining his composure, asked excitedly: "Ninth Uncle, I didn't hear wrong, did you say you're donating 88,888 yuan?"

Deng Shirong laughed and said, "You heard right. Although our Na Ye Deng clan has been in Guangxi for a few hundred years, Shang Jing is still our ancestral land. Now that the ancestral land is rebuilding the ancestral hall, we, as descendants, should contribute our share to make the hall as good as possible."

He wasn't donating such a large amount just to show off. If it was just for show, donating 20,000 or 30,000 yuan would have been enough. There was no need to donate 88,888 yuan.

The reason he donated so much was out of genuine sincerity. He believed his ability to relive this life might be due to the ancestral graves emitting auspicious smoke.

Who knew which ancestral graves were emitting the smoke—those of the Na Ye Deng clan, those of the Shang Jing Deng clan, or perhaps those in Fujian?

In any case, 88,888 yuan was just a drop in the bucket for him. Since he didn't know which ancestral graves were emitting the smoke, he decided to donate as much as possible for such a significant clan event. After all, the ancestors of the Shang Jing ancestral land were also his ancestors.

Deng Yunhui nodded repeatedly and said, "Ninth Uncle, rest assured. With the support of the Na Ye Deng clan and other clans, the amount we have raised far exceeds our expectations. We will re-plan and ensure the ancestral hall is built well, without letting down the support of all the clan members and clans."

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Let's continue then!"

Following this, more clan members continued to donate, but compared to the donations from the Na Ye Deng clan, they paled in comparison, including the few wealthy Shang Jing Deng clan members who were planning to make a grand appearance.

They had originally planned to donate a few thousand yuan, which was already quite generous. Even in the future, donating a few thousand yuan for the rebuilding of an ancestral hall would be significant, with only a few able to donate tens of thousands.

In the 1990s, donating a few thousand yuan would have secured them a top-three position and allowed them to show off in front of clan members and various regions.

However, they never expected that any one of the dozen or so members of the Na Ye Deng clan could donate several thousand yuan, with their leader even donating a staggering 88,888 yuan, which was truly shocking.

Now, everyone was curious about the Na Ye Deng clan, especially their highly respected leader. They were extremely curious about how someone could casually donate 88,888 yuan—what kind of wealth must they possess?

Who wouldn't want to befriend such a financially powerful person?

Soon, the donation ceremony for the reconstruction of the Shang Jing Deng clan's ancestral hall came to an end.

After tallying, the total amount donated by the Shang Jing Deng clan members and various regions reached over 380,000 yuan. Adding the 30,000 yuan collected from the population fees, the total amount reached over 410,000 yuan, more than doubling the Shang Jing Deng clan's expectations.

Among these, the donations from various regions totaled around 110,000 yuan, while the dozen or so members of the Na Ye Deng clan donated around 180,000 yuan. The rest came from the Shang Jing Deng clan members.

After the donation ceremony, the Shang Jing Deng clan members warmly welcomed the various clans to their seats for the meal.

The dozen or so members of the Na Ye Deng clan received special attention from the Shang Jing Deng clan.

Some of the clan members were invited to sit with others from various regions, while Deng Shirong, Deng Changbao, Deng Changxiong, and Deng YunGui were personally attended to by the Shang Jing Deng clan head, Deng Yunhui, and the clan's wealthiest members.

After a few rounds of drinks, Deng Yunhui couldn't help but ask, "Ninth Uncle, your wealth is truly beyond our reach. What kind of big business are you in?"

Before Deng Shirong could answer, Deng YunGui, with a flushed face, said, "Anyway, when the ancestral hall is completed and we erect a merit stele for Ninth Uncle's family, you will know. I'll give you a brief overview now!"

Deng Yunhui and the other clan members perked up their ears, and the nearby clan members who had been paying attention also strained to listen.

Deng Shirong smiled and let Deng YunGui introduce him.

Thus, Deng YunGui began to recount the legendary life of Ninth Uncle. He briefly mentioned the period before the reform and opening up, as everyone's situation was similar and there was nothing much to say. He mainly focused on the period starting from 1980 when he and Ninth Uncle jointly contracted the pottery kiln, detailing how Ninth Uncle had not only made his fortune but also led the entire clan to prosperity.

The past dozen years, as recounted, left Deng Yunhui and others with their eyes wide open like bulls, frequently drawing in cold breaths.

Indeed, Deng Shirong's journey was too legendary. In just over a decade, he had not only become a super-rich man with tens of millions in assets but had also led over 3,000 clan members to prosperity. It was simply awe-inspiring.

At this point, everyone finally understood why the Na Ye Deng clan had been so generous.

Deng Yunhui raised his glass and said, "Ninth Uncle, I toast to you. You are truly the pride of all the descendants of the Deng clan."

The other Shang Jing Deng clan members also raised their glasses to toast Deng Shirong. To become a super-rich man with tens of millions in assets in just over a decade, they were genuinely impressed and convinced.

Moreover, from Deng YunGui's words, if Deng Shirong had not been taking care of the clan, his personal wealth would have already surpassed a hundred million. How could anyone not admire such a capable clansman!

Deng Shirong smiled and raised his glass, modestly saying, "Everyone is too kind. I have only achieved a small success, not worth mentioning. The descendants of the Deng clan are talented, and it's only a matter of time before they excel in various fields."

Deng Changbao couldn't help but interject, "Ninth Uncle's achievements are not just these. His most impressive feat is in educating his children..."

Next, Deng Changbao briefly described the current status of Deng Shirong's seven children, leaving the Shang Jing Deng clan members and other clansmen who were paying attention completely amazed!

Having tens of millions in assets was already unbelievable, but his children were also exceptionally talented, especially his second son, who had already reached the deputy department level at a young age. This was simply terrifying.

The clan head of the Na Ye Deng clan was truly the most impressive!

After the shock, Deng Yunhui couldn't help but say, "Ninth Uncle, you are also a part of the Shang Jing Deng clan. I want to write you into the clan genealogy, and not just that, I want to dedicate a separate page to you. Would you be willing?"

This statement once again stunned everyone.

Dedicating a separate page in the clan genealogy was the ultimate honor, the dream of every clansman. They never thought they would witness such a moment today.

Even the Shang Jing Deng clan members had no objections, as the clan head of the Na Ye Deng clan was indeed too impressive. Writing such an outstanding clansman into the genealogy and dedicating a separate page was more than justified.

Deng Shirong was somewhat surprised but naturally wouldn't refuse such an honor. He nodded and smiled, "Shang Jing is the ancestral land of the Na Ye Deng clan. Being able to have a separate page in the Shang Jing Deng clan genealogy is an honor. I am certainly willing."

Deng Yunhui excitedly said, "That's great! I'll take care of it right away. I'll have the best writer in the clan record your life's achievements, all the way until your passing."

Hearing this, Deng YunGui couldn't wait and said, "Ninth Uncle, the Na Ye Deng clan's genealogy also deserves a separate page for you. Since the Shang Jing Deng clan is recording your achievements, we can do it simultaneously to save time."

Deng Changbao agreed, "Indeed, Ninth Uncle, given your contributions to the clan, a separate page in the genealogy is well-deserved. When we return, I will discuss this with the clan members. I believe everyone will be very happy to hear this news."

The other members of the Na Ye Deng clan also voiced their agreement. The clan head was arguably the most significant contributor to the clan since the founding ancestor settled in Na Ye. If he didn't deserve a separate page, who would?

At this point, Deng Shirong no longer feigned modesty and accepted the offer.

While he wasn't too concerned about empty fame, the honor of a separate page in the genealogy was too significant to resist.

Take the Na Ye Deng clan, for example. In the past few hundred years, only two people had been given a separate page in the genealogy.

One was the founding ancestor of the Na Ye Deng clan, which was a must.

The other was a Qing dynasty ancestor who had passed the imperial examinations and reached the fourth rank.

Now, Deng Shirong was about to become the third. This kind of honor was something few could refuse, and Deng Shirong was no exception.

Thinking about his previous life, he was respected in the clan only because of his seniority, but was otherwise no different from other clan members.

In this life, after just over a decade, he had earned the right to have a separate page in both the Shang Jing Deng clan and the Na Ye Deng clan genealogies. The transformation was truly remarkable.

...

PS: Thank you all for your generous donations and monthly votes.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end