Colorful years

Bathed in the gentle afternoon sunlight, the stone pillar exudes an indescribable solemnity and reverence. It is not only a witness to time but also a symbol of family honor.

Two massive, rectangular rocks, like two loyal guardians who have weathered many storms yet remain steadfast, stand there silently recounting the vicissitudes of time and the glory of the family.

Their width and height are just right, with about a foot of space in the middle, making them appear both stable and agile. They are 2.8 meters tall and blend perfectly into their surroundings.

These two massive rocks, with their narrow sides facing north and south and their wide sides facing east and west, seem to be proclaiming the family's majesty and glory in all four directions.

Their surfaces are meticulously carved with all sorts of flowers and plants. Each flower is lifelike, and each leaf has clear veins, as if you could smell the fragrance of flowers and see the leaves swaying gently in the breeze.

These exquisite carvings not only showcase the craftsmen's superb skills, but also reflect the Zhang family's cherishment and inheritance of family honor.

The semi-circular stone slab at the top of the stone pile is carefully polished to a smooth, mirror-like finish, reflecting a soft glow, like a bright moon hanging in the night sky, both mysterious and enchanting.

This stone slab is not only beautiful and elegant, but also carries the hopes and dreams of the family. The three-inch square hole in the center of the semicircle is like a deep eye, revealing a mysterious and ancient aura, as if watching over every member of the family, reminding them not to forget their original aspirations and to keep in mind the family's mission and glory.

The base is tightly surrounded by four stone slabs of the same length, buried deep in the ground, as solid and stable as a rock.

They have stood for over a hundred years, weathering countless storms and changing times, yet they still retain their original appearance, showing no signs of weathering.

This is not only the best interpretation of the family's indomitable spirit, but also a testament to the eternal inheritance of the family's glory.

Congcong stared wide-eyed at the stone retaining post with great curiosity, as if trying to imprint every detail of it in his mind.

He turned to look at his grandfather, his eyes sparkling with curiosity: "Grandpa, what's the use of these two big rocks standing here?"

Upon hearing his grandson's question, the grandfather's kind face immediately turned solemn with respect.

His eyes sparkled with memories of the past, as if he had returned to that era full of glory and splendor.

"Cong'er, this is the glory of the Zhang family's ancestor, and the glory of the entire family!" Grandpa's voice was full of pride and excitement.

He held his grandson's little hand tightly, looking left and right at the stone pillars, as if showing Congcong the family's most precious treasure.

Grandpa pointed to the inscription on the stone slab and patiently explained, "Look, there are big characters carved on this stone slab. The east side is Daoguang, and the west side is Bagong."

This is a commendation and commemoration of your great-grandfather Zhang Xiangsong's passing the imperial examination in Beijing.

Congcong listened attentively to his grandfather's words. Although he didn't quite understand their meaning, he could feel a deep respect and pride from his grandfather's expression.

Eager to learn more about his family's story, he hurriedly said, "Grandpa, tell me quickly, I understand."

His eyes shone with a determined light, as if telling his grandfather that he was ready to embrace the family's history and glory.

Grandpa looked at Congcong with surprise, and couldn't help but marvel at his grandson's precociousness and intelligence.

However, he decided to satisfy his grandson's curiosity and slowly tell him the family history.

On this quiet afternoon, the grandfather and grandson stood around the stone pillar. The grandfather's voice was deep and powerful as he recounted the family's glory and honor. Congcong's eyes were focused and curious, as if he wanted to imprint every word in his heart.

The sunlight shone on them, creating a warm and historically rich scene.

Grandpa slowly moved a wooden chair over, sat steadily at the front door, cleared his throat, and began to tell the story of his family.

His voice carried an indescribable solemnity and deep affection, as if he wanted to convey every detail of the family to Congcong.

"Cong'er, if you want to hear it, you'd better listen carefully!"

Grandpa paused for a moment, raised his hand, and pointed his index finger to the right of the gate. "Look, there's another stone retaining post over there, exactly the same as the one here."

They are a pair, standing symmetrically in front of the gate of the Zhang Family Compound. They are both a memorial to their ancestors and a symbol of their status.

Back in the Daoguang era, my great-great-grandfather, Zhang Xiangsong, passed the imperial examination in Beijing and became a candidate for an official position. The magistrate of Yongding County at the time allocated special funds to build it in accordance with the Qing Dynasty's rites.

This is both a recognition and affirmation of Song Ergong's hard work and success in the imperial examination, and a commemoration of how he changed his destiny through his own efforts and knowledge.

Grandpa also said that the four big characters "Daoguang, Bagong" carved on the stake were not a joke, but indicated that Zhang Xiangsong's success in the imperial examination was personally selected by Emperor Daoguang and that he was included in the list of key appointments by the Ministry of Personnel.

Congcong listened intently, as if he could see that glorious and splendid era, see his great-great-grandfather Zhang Xiangsong writing furiously in the imperial examination hall in the capital, and see the glorious moment when he returned home in glory after passing the imperial examination and bringing honor to his family.

He was filled with respect and pride for his family, and secretly resolved to study hard and bring honor to his family.

"Grandpa, what's the purpose of that square hole at the top of the stake?" Congcong asked curiously again.

Grandpa smiled and explained, "That square hole has a special meaning."