Colorful years

"Ah, that square hole, it has quite a function! During festivals, people will pass a pole through it, and lanterns can be hung above, and the bottom can be decorated to add to the festive atmosphere."

He was naturally familiar with lanterns; even in an intelligent society, they could still be seen during festivals, only now they had incorporated intelligent elements.

“Cong’er, you have grown up. You must study hard, follow the example of your ancestors, and use the power of knowledge to change your destiny and achieve great things.”

"Grandpa, I definitely will!" Congcong's tone revealed unwavering determination.

"Then tell me more about your great-grandfather's story of studying and becoming an official!"

“I wasn’t born when your great-grandfather passed away, so I don’t know much about his deeds. I can only tell you some stories that have been passed down orally through generations of our family.”

As Grandpa recounted his story, the inspiring journey of a poor scholar who, after more than ten years of diligent study, finally passed the imperial examination and rose from a county magistrate to a high-ranking official was slowly unfolded before Xiao Congcong's eyes.

"Your great-grandfather, Zhang Xiangsong, came from a poor family and his family had been farmers for generations, but he harbored a dream of changing his fate through education since he was a child."

In those days, rural areas had extremely scarce educational resources. Being able to read and write was already a rare privilege, let alone passing the imperial examinations or becoming an official.

However, your great-grandfather possessed extraordinary resilience and perseverance. Every day before dawn, he would rise and, by the dim light of a candle, diligently study poetry and books in the fields and in his humble thatched hut, never ceasing his studies regardless of the depths of winter or the sweltering heat of summer.

As Grandpa spoke, a barely perceptible tear welled up in his eyes. It was a deep respect for the indomitable spirit of his ancestors, and an endless regret for not being able to witness that glorious era firsthand.

"He knew that only knowledge could illuminate his path forward, lead him out of this barren land, and help him realize his grand ambitions."

Finally, as the saying goes, "Heaven rewards those who persevere." During the Daoguang era, Zhang Xiangsong passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi. When the news spread, the whole village was in an uproar.

What an honor that was! The villagers beat drums and gongs and set off firecrackers, making it as lively as if it were the New Year.

The magistrate of Yongding County personally visited to offer his congratulations and, in accordance with imperial protocol, allocated special funds to construct the pair of stone pillars, thus recognizing Zhang Xiangsong's scholarship and achievements, and also inspiring future generations to study diligently and bring glory to their family.

Grandpa paused here, his gaze returning to the pair of stone pillars, his eyes filled with emotion and reminiscence.

"These stone pillars are not only a symbol of the family's honor, but also a testament to Zhang Xiangsong's lifelong struggle. Every night, when lanterns are hung high above them, they illuminate not only the way home, but also the hopes and dreams in the hearts of the family's descendants."

"However, fate is always full of unpredictable variables. Just when Zhang Xiangsong's career was going smoothly and he was preparing to make great strides, he unfortunately passed away suddenly at the age of thirty-six."

His passing was undoubtedly a heavy blow to his entire family, but what was even more heartbreaking was that his unfinished work and his grand vision for the country and its people vanished with his departure.

Grandpa's voice gradually lowered, as if he were mourning and regretting that bygone history. "However, although your great-grandfather's life was short, he used his life to tell the world a touching story of 'the sea of ​​learning is boundless, and the mountain of books has a path,' inspiring generations of students from poor families to change their destiny through knowledge."

Congcong listened with rapt attention. He had never imagined that his family history was so magnificent, and that a great-grandfather he had never met could leave such a profound and lasting impact in such a short life.

He looked up at his grandfather, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light—an infinite thirst for knowledge and a persistent pursuit of his dreams.

“Grandpa, even though Great-Grandpa is no longer here, his spirit will be passed down forever, right?” Congcong’s voice was firm and strong.

Grandpa nodded with satisfaction, his eyes full of approval and expectation. "Yes, Cong'er. Your great-grandfather's spirit, like these stone pillars, has stood firm through wind and rain, forever protecting our family and inspiring future generations to keep moving forward."

Remember, no matter how great the difficulties and challenges you encounter in the future, you must be like your great-grandfather—persevering and forging ahead.

Congcong nodded vigorously, his eyes shining with determination, which was his firmest response to his grandfather's instructions.

However, the stories Grandpa told did not satisfy Congcong's strong curiosity; his heart was filled with a desire to explore more of the Zhang family's past.

So, Grandpa had no choice but to take Congcong's little hand and slowly walk along the bluestone path outside the courtyard, worn smooth by time like the scales on a tortoise shell, into the long corridor of Zhang family history, to explore more long-forgotten stories...