For some reason, when Xiang Zhong heard this crisp "ding——", he thought of two boxers in the boxing ring who had just finished fighting each other in the first round and were separated by the intermission bell for a second.
"Yes! At this moment, why do I feel so nervous, excited, and want to cry?"
Xiang Zhong asked himself, and suddenly he understood why the shiny thing he saw in Xiang Zheng's eyes appeared on his own.
The two of them looked at each other, admiring the first step of growing into "adults". It was a rather fresh feeling like looking in the mirror: the "Zibu crown" was all black, which was for "Xuan Duan", in addition to the different hairstyle, from top to bottom, the shoes in this first version of the "adult" dress are also different: they are all black with a cyan patch on the toe, sole edges, and pure shoe collars. The half-inch trimmings were of a style I had never seen before.
Master Guanya had taught them that at this time, they should salute their ancestors once more, so they followed the instructions in a meticulous manner.
Then, the waiter came over, first helped them take off their original ceremonial clothes, and then put them into a set of "pure white" clothes: white cloth tops, bottoms, and even shoes. It became pure white of the same color. Let’s look at the second crown: the “leather crown” made of white deer skin, each paired with a pure white jade hairpin.
Zhao Cheng helped them untie the first "Xuan Duan" at the back and carefully put it back on the tray. Then he picked up the second "Leather Bian Crown" and fastened it on their buns, carefully tying the white of lace.
Two pure jade-like figures appeared in the center of the ceremony like statues. Compared with the all-black outfits before, they looked more fairy-like and could not help but make everyone in the hall secretly admire them, especially the two Mrs. Xiang, who were each With a look of admiration and intoxication, Xiang Yi and Xiang Ning stared at their son intently, pointing at their two brothers and exclaiming "Wow!"
After all the second set of ceremonial clothes were put on, Hua Yuan's right master immediately recited: "On the day of the auspicious month, it is Shen'er's clothes, respectful of your majesty, and Shushen's virtue. The eyebrows will live for thousands of years, and they will be blessed forever."
"What a talent!"
"Sure enough, Xiangmen has the style of an aristocratic family!"
"After Xiang, there are many talented people!"
…
The guests watching the ceremony gently exchanged compliments on the two Mr. Xiang after changing their costumes.
Hearing these small sounds, but not disturbing the solemnity of the ceremony, it was naturally Xiang Xu himself, today's host. He slightly pursed his lips, revealing a smile of joy that was not easily noticed.
Next, it’s time to change into the last set of ceremonial clothes. The new attire presented by the waiter is the "Jue Bian suit": a silk black robe, a light red sash, a Zi belt tied around the waist, and a red and yellow knee-covering robe. Such expensive materials and bright colors make the previous pure black and Pure white suddenly becomes boring. On top of the rich colors, there must be a more vivid "crown": this third crown is red on the outside, black and red on the inside, and is paired with a black jade hairpin. The harem under the chin is no longer a pure single-color lace, but replaced by a pure-colored harem border, which is consistent with this ceremonial dress. The black belt is tied with a light red lace, which makes it look more elegant. Rich layering. At the bottom, this time I changed to shoes with light red as the main color, coupled with black lining, sole lining, and a pure half-inch trim on the shoe mouth. The whole body exudes a sense of "wealth" - ——It’s different now that it has “status”!
After Zhao Cheng satisfactorily put down the "Jue Bian" crown on Xiang Zhong's head, he put his hands back into his long sleeves, stepped aside, and Yuan Hua's right division began to deliver a congratulatory speech for the third crown: "With this. At the right time of the year, the order of the moon is followed. Xian Jiafu. Brothers are here to achieve great virtue. Huang Lao has no boundaries and is celebrated by heaven."
In addition to these three special greetings for distinguished guests, the singers from Master Guangkang's band have been singing "Li Ci" with light music as the background sound. What they sang is: "The sweet wine is thick, and the wine is highly recommended." Worship and accept sacrifices, so as to determine your auspiciousness. Bear the rest of the day, and never forget the test of longevity."
Finally, Dr. Xiang, as the host, toasted to all the guests present and said:
"It is intended that the wine be clear, and it is recommended that you should be honored. It is the first time to add Yuan clothes. When brothers come, they are filial friends, and they will always be protected. It is intended that the wine is pure, and recommended to you. It is Shen'er's clothes, and the etiquette is orderly. Offer this sacrifice. Jiajue, inherit the heaven's blessings. The wine is fragrant, and the beans are Chu. Salt and salt are served, and the food is good. Inheriting the celebration of heaven, blessings are boundless."
This is the "Jiao Speech" prepared by the tooth master in advance for Doctor Xiang.
While Xiang Zhong listened carefully, he was tumbling over the changing feelings of the young man in his heart. He thought to himself that he had been busy for so long before choosing such a beautiful and auspicious day. Although it seemed that he had just put on a few adult clothes. I listened to a few blessings about people's clothes, but after the ceremony, I really felt a sense of self-consciousness, and said seriously to myself: From today on, I grow up and am no longer a little kid. , we must abandon all those psyches that belong to children; from today on, I will be an adult recognized by everyone! I have to have "adult-like" sentiments, be dignified, and cultivate virtues. In the congratulations, I said that I hope I can live "a long life and great fortune." To be honest, I have never thought about it. It is not easy to live for such a long time. What glory and wealth are you seeking, but after all, these good words were very auspicious in that era, so just treat them as "auspicious words" and try to accept them wholeheartedly!
The two Mrs. Xiang were arranged by Mr. Guan Ya to sit in front of the ancestral tablets in the main hall. Xiang Zheng and Xiang Zhong stood corresponding to their mothers respectively, and then gave a grand ceremony. The "crowning" process came to an end at this point.
The two Mrs. Xiang each gave their sons two jade pendants with the character "文" and "武" that they had prepared in advance - including the recovered jade pendant with the character "文". This was the stage of "retrieving characters". .
The right master of Hua Yuan was invited again. The waiter next to him brought the special pen and ink and bright red silk for "writing", and then he wrote "Bo Wufu" and "Zhong Wenfu" respectively, and then wrote "Bo Wufu" and "Zhong Wenfu" respectively. After showing the two good pieces of silk to the guests who came to watch the ceremony, they put them away again, closed the box together, and solemnly presented them to the two brothers respectively.
Afterwards, Right Master Hua Yuan then recited the "Ci Ci" that bestows characters on those who are crowned:
"The etiquette is ready, the month is auspicious, the day is auspicious, and the word "Yu" is announced. The word "Yuan" is Kongjia. It is suitable for fashionable people. It is suitable to avoid falsehood and be protected forever."
Master Guangkang's band played "Shen Ren Chang" again, pushing the ceremony of crowning the two young masters to a climax.
Accompanied by the melodious ancient song "Yao played the harp, and the gods descended into his room", the ceremony attendants carried two long-tailed pheasants with white collars around their necks, forming a striking contrast with the metallic green necks. .
