44: Chapter 44 Recognizing Ancestors and Returning to the Family, Changing Name to Chen Yansu

The Chen Family courtyard was filled with warm light.

For the first time, seven people sat together—Chen Qingshan and Jiang Rou, Chen Qingyuan and Chen Qingtang, plus the younger generation Chen Yanhu and Chen Yanchuan, and finally, Su Su.

Come, child, eat more and nourish your body.

Jiang Rou’s eyes were full of pity as she kept placing food into the bowl of the frail Su Su, until it was piled high like a small mountain in an instant.

Having suffered from a lack of food and clothing since she was young, she was suddenly at a loss when looking at the bowl full of dishes!

Thank you, Aunt... I... I can't eat anymore...

Don't be silly, child. Eat as much as you can. Our Family doesn't lack that bit of food...

Jiang Rou reached out and gently stroked her hair!

You are home now, and you won't go hungry again!

...Um, thank you, Aunt.

Chen Qingyuan watched with a smile, wiping the mouth of little Yanchuan beside him before turning his gaze to Chen Qingtang!

Sister, when you have time in the next two days, explain the rules and taboos of ancestor worship to Su Su carefully.

In two days, we will open the ancestral hall to worship the ancestors, record Su Su in the genealogy, and let her officially return to the ancestral fold.

Return to the ancestral fold?

Chen Qingtang was startled! She spoke with some uncertainty!

You mean... have Su Su change her surname to Chen? This... is this really okay?

Chen Qingyuan’s expression turned solemn!

Sister, what are you saying?

Su Su has our Chen Bloodline flowing in her. Returning to the ancestral fold now is only right and proper!

Upon receiving confirmation!

Chen Qingtang nodded heavily, her voice choked!

Okay! Okay! I will definitely teach her well, and I will never let her lose the proper etiquette...

Two days later, at the early morning! The morning sun was rising, and the Yang Qi was gradually growing stronger!

The Chen Family courtyard was once again swept spotless, solemn and dignified.

A table for incense was set up in the north of the courtyard, with the spirit tablets of Chen Renhai and his wife standing quietly upon it, surrounded by curling incense smoke.

Although the Chen Family is small, the rules and etiquette cannot be abandoned! Today was the day to officially re-record Su Su’s generation name!

Although she only had four Spiritual Roots—Gold, Fire, Water, and Wood—in the current Chen Family, anyone with a Spiritual Root was a treasure!

Unlike when Chen Yanhu was added to the genealogy, everyone in the courtyard today was dressed in brand-new, unified, and neat clothing—

The men were all wearing simple, crisp, deep-blue robes!

The robes were not a solid color; the collars, cuffs, and hem were embroidered with simple cloud patterns in silver-grey thread, appearing both steady and elegant.

They wore wide belts of the same color at their waists, with no excessive accessories, except for Chen Qingyuan, who, as the person in charge or rather the Clan Chief, had an extra light-colored jade pendant hanging from his waist.

And this jade pendant was precisely an heirloom left by Chen Renhai, only recovered after the battle at Luzhou Mountain!

The women wore cross-collared ruqun in a slightly lighter shade of sky-blue, also trimmed with silver-grey cloud patterns, with simple skirts!

Their long hair was tied up simply, but the specific style and the hairpins used were left to personal preference!

Even the youngest, Chen Yanchuan, was dressed in a matching set of miniature deep-blue clothes and pants!

Although they were not magical robes, this unified set of 'Chen Family Robes' invisibly united the hearts of the Family even more closely!

The sense of belonging and ritual within the Family was stronger!

And today’s protagonist—Su Su!

She was also dressed in a carefully prepared sky-blue dress, also embroidered with small silver-grey cloud patterns! She stood in the courtyard, her hand held by Chen Qingtang.

The auspicious time had arrived.

Chen Qingyuan, acting as the chief officiant, stepped forward slowly and stood in front of the incense table. Chen Qingshan stood behind him to the side.

The others stood quietly on both sides!

Chen Qingyuan’s expression was solemn as he faced the spirit tablets and spoke loudly, his voice clear and grave!

Hear—

I, the unworthy descendant Qingyuan, humbly offer these clear spirits and simple delicacies before the spirits of our ancestors!

The Bloodline returns to the fold, and kinship is renewed! My late father’s granddaughter, named Su, was born of our own flesh and blood, yet she faced a harsh fate and suffered much.

Fortunately, under the protection of the ancestors and the mercy of the Heavenly Dao, this wandering orphan girl has finally returned to her clan!

At this point, he paused slightly and turned to look at Su Su!

Su'er, come forward, kneel before the ancestors, and announce your return.

Chen Qingtang gently let go of her hand and encouraged her in a low voice!

Don't be afraid, just as mother instructed you last night!

Su Su took a deep breath, and with nervousness, walked step by step to the prayer mat! She knelt down earnestly, her forehead touching the mat.

Chen Qingyuan continued to speak loudly!

Although this girl has suffered tribulations while young, she is resilient and intelligent, possesses a natural Spiritual Root, and furthermore, carries our Chen Bloodline—there is no doubt.

Now, I, the unworthy descendant Qingyuan, exercise the authority of the clan to officially record her in the genealogy!

Returning to the Chen name, restoring her original surname, and bestowing the generation name to rectify her roots and appease my late father’s compassionate heart!

I pray—

May the ancestors understand this heart and grant this request! Protect this girl, Chen Yansu, as she returns to the ancestral lineage. From now on, let her be officially recognized, have a place to rely upon, turn her heart toward the Family, and increase in both fortune and wisdom!

The prayer was finished.

Chen Qingyuan solemnly picked up the Jade Slip of the genealogy!

Spiritual power gathered at his fingertips, and he neatly carved with light:

Chen Yansu, granddaughter of Renhai, daughter of Qingtang! Presided over by uncle Qingyuan, returned to the clan, surname restored to Chen.

The carving was complete, and the light slowly seeped into the Jade Slip.

Yansu, see clearly. From this day on, you have returned to the Chen Family gate, and your name is changed to Chen Yansu! Have you remembered this?

Chen Yansu was only ten years old, perhaps unable to fully understand the full significance of being 'recorded in the genealogy'!

But having suffered endless harshness in the Zhao Family since she was young, she was precocious and could already feel that heavy love!

Her eyes instantly became moist!

Yansu... remembers! Thank you... thank you Uncle, thank you... thank you everyone!

The ceremony was concluded.

Chen Qingtang could no longer hold back, stepped forward, and pulled her daughter tightly into her arms, mother and daughter weeping in each other's embrace!

Although the ceremony was simple, without a hall full of guests, nor the grand scale of bells, drums, rituals, or the offering of the three spirits, its significance was not diminished in the slightest.

Two days later, the Chen Family courtyard.

The two brothers sat opposite each other at the stone table in the courtyard, drinking tea.

Pfft! Pfft!

Chen Qingyuan took a small sip, but unfortunately, the spiritual tea was too poor, and his mouth was still full of foam!

His gaze fell upon his elder brother!

Big Brother, are you planning to go to the Ghost Market tonight?

Chen Qingshan’s expression paused, his face showing surprise.

How did you know?

Today is the fifth day, and since I didn't see you practicing your blade, I guessed it.

Chen Qingyuan put down his teacup, his expression solemn!

Moreover, the items obtained from the Zhao Family and that demonic cultivator cannot see the light. Leaving them in our hands is ultimately a hidden danger; we need to deal with them as soon as possible and exchange them for clean Spirit Stones!

I assume Big Brother wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Good kid!

Chen Qingshan couldn't help but laugh, his eyes filled with a bit of approval.

If you didn't cultivate, you would probably be more than capable of being a constable in the mortal world.

Let me go with you.

Chen Qingyuan seized the opportunity to propose.

No!

Chen Qingshan refused flatly, his brows locked in a frown!

The Ghost Market is a place where dragons and snakes mingle, and it is by no means a safe place. If something goes wrong, how could I bear the responsibility?

Big Brother, the Family is growing, and expenses will only be greater in the future!

Chen Qingyuan’s expression was firm!

Sitting and eating without doing anything is not a good strategy. Relying solely on my talisman making and your adventures in hunting demons is ultimately not a long-term, stable plan. We must find new ways as soon as possible.

Although the Ghost Market is dangerous, it is also where the opportunities lie. I need to see it with my own eyes to be sure in my heart.

Chen Qingshan was silent for a moment, and finally sighed!

Fine! I can't talk you out of it anyway, so we will go together. But remember, be careful in everything and listen to my arrangements for all matters.

Clink!

Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan immediately picked up his teacup and touched it lightly!

Okay! I will listen to Big Brother!