Most of the Zhang clan lived in Jijiu Village, though a few had moved to other villages or the city. However, the majority remained in the village.
Without a clan leader for two generations, the descendants had grown more distant. The Zhang family was known in the village as a large family with a decent standard of living, but they weren’t respected or feared like the landlords. The main reason was that everyone knew the Zhang family was fragmented.
A fragmented family found it hard to ask for help from the clan, and clan members weren’t always willing to lend a hand.
As the saying goes, “Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors.” If relatives didn’t interact often, the bond would weaken, making them less reliable than neighbors who saw each other daily.
Having a clan leader was undoubtedly a good thing for everyone. In peaceful times, when everyone could make a living, the benefits might not seem crucial. But in times of disaster, the advantages of a united clan became clear.
Last year, after the drought and snow disaster, many Zhang family members who hadn’t heeded Zhang Fangyuan’s advice to stockpile charcoal had to swallow their pride and borrow from him to survive the winter. This spring, those without seeds for planting also turned to Zhang Fangyuan for help. This was the reason why so many relatives attended Xiaomao’s wedding, especially the younger generation from the uncles’ side.
When the proposal to elect a clan leader was raised, everyone was in favor. As for the suggestion of a vote, it was just a formality. Everyone knew that, aside from Zhang Fangyuan, no one else could take on this responsibility.
The family members, putting aside past grievances and selectively forgetting Zhang Fangyuan’s rebellious past, unanimously elected him.
“Since everyone trusts me, I’ll take on this important responsibility. But I want to make something clear upfront.”
“Today, you’ve elected me as clan leader. From now on, you must follow the clan’s arrangements. No one should stir up trouble, and each household must fulfill its duties. If anyone commits disgraceful acts, the clan will not protect them. Of course, with the Zhang family reunited, we will support each other and ensure everyone has enough to eat.”
Zhang Fangyuan had already made plans the previous day. “Each branch should also elect a branch leader. Their role will be to assist the clan leader and handle minor matters within their branch before reporting to the clan leader.”
The two great-uncles, knowing who the likely candidate was, had also come to witness the election. While the younger generation’s absence wouldn’t have been a problem, as they would follow the elders’ lead, the election of a clan leader required the approval of the older generation.
The Zhang family had seen Zhang Fangyuan’s achievements. Although the two great-uncles, now retired, hadn’t interacted much with him, they had heard from their descendants about his capabilities. Seeing his commanding presence today, which rivaled their own decades of experience, they were even more satisfied.
“Fangyuan is right. Managing clan affairs isn’t a one-person job. Each branch must elect a branch leader to assist the clan leader.”
With the elders’ approval, everyone was even more convinced of Zhang Fangyuan’s leadership.
The elder generation was divided into three branches. Zhang Shixin (Zhang Fangyuan's eldest uncle), being the oldest in their branch, was elected as the branch leader. The other two branches also elected their eldest members.
After the elections, everyone had a chance to speak.
Once the candidates were chosen, the meeting continued until late at night, when everyone finally dispersed, discussing the day’s events.
With the matter settled, Zhang Fangyuan had even more work to do.
The two children needed to return to school, so Zhang Fangyuan first sent them and Xu He back to the city. The branch leaders were also invited to the city residence to discuss the clan rules and the construction of the ancestral hall.
The old clan rules from when there was a clan leader had been lost, so they had to start from scratch. Fortunately, the great-uncles remembered some of the rules from their youth and recounted them. Zhang Fangyuan and the three branch leaders spent over half a month compiling, adding, and revising the rules until they were finalized.
The branch leaders read the rules to their respective branches, and Zhang Fangyuan had them engraved on a large plaque to be hung in the ancestral hall once it was built, serving as a reminder to the clan members.
The ancestral hall was a must. Ancestral worship was crucial, as it gave the clan members a sense of belonging and connection to their roots.
The village house was large, but it didn’t have a dedicated ancestral hall. Converting a room wouldn’t be sufficient, so Zhang Fangyuan decided to build a separate hall for the ancestral shrine.
Xu He suggested that the cost should be shared by the clan members. While their family could afford it, the ancestral hall wasn’t just for their ancestors but for the entire clan. Since everyone would worship there, it made sense for everyone to contribute.
Zhang Fangyuan agreed.
He returned to the village to gather funds and organize the construction of the ancestral hall.
The construction progressed quickly, and the hall was completed in less than half a month.
While he was busy with clan affairs, Zhuang Qi and Xiaomao moved into the martial arts school after staying in the village for about ten days. They began recruiting martial artists.
Xu He managed the family business and oversaw the children’s education, often helping out at the martial arts school. The first half of the year was a whirlwind of activity.
By early July, the clan matters were settled, and the Ji'an Martial Arts School had recruited over thirty men, who began training in preparation for business.
…
“Hah! Heh! Chī!” (training shouts of martial artists)
The martial arts school was especially lively in the mornings. The cool weather before the sun rose, with the gentle breeze, made it the perfect time for the men to train shirtless in the courtyard, their movements powerful and synchronized.
Zhuang Qi was strict, and the men under his command were well-disciplined. Having previously prepared for the military exams, he incorporated the test requirements into the training regimen.
Passersby and merchants often stopped to watch the training, impressed by the men’s discipline. Since the school was the only one in the western part of the city, some merchants had already approached them for help before the school officially opened.
The martial arts school’s business scope was quite broad. They could provide bodyguards for escorts and family security, as well as run errands or work as temporary laborers. Those with superior skills took on higher-paying, more challenging tasks, while those with lesser skills still found work as messengers, warehouse guards, or temporary laborers. As long as they weren’t overly ambitious, everyone could find work.
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