Xu Mingyuan emerged carrying a rosewood tray.
Xu Mingwei also walked up to Xu Dezhao. He picked up the purple-and-blue square seal from the tray and said, "Today, you inherit the position of household head. As your father, I have three things to tell you. Remember them well."
"Please speak, Father."
"First, always put the Lineage before all else!"
"Second, remember our family teachings and clan rules, but do not cling blindly to convention."
"Third, unite our clansmen, treat them kindly, and guide them. Temper firmness with gentleness."
"I will faithfully heed your teachings, Father!"
Xu Dezhao accepted the Patriarch's Seal with both hands. Xu Mingwei nodded, deeply satisfied, then stepped aside with Xu Mingyuan.
Xu Chuan continued, "May our ancestors bestow their blessings, that the legacy of our Xu Clan may flourish forever."
Xu Dezhao knelt and bowed three more times.
"Rise!"
Xu Dezhao rose, holding the Patriarch's Seal.
Everyone from the Xu Household, along with those from its vassal families, cupped their hands toward Xu Dezhao. "Greetings, Household Head."
That concluded the succession ceremony.
Xu Dezhao still had to receive the heads of the vassal families, to establish ties and become acquainted with them.
As everyone dispersed, Zhou Sen stepped forward and cupped his fist. "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xu. With a grandson like this, you have someone worthy of inheriting the Xu Household's legacy.
"He will expand its strength and bring it to new heights of glory."
Those words sounded rather familiar.
Xu Chuan smiled. "Thank you for attending the ceremony today, Brother Zhou. Your presence truly brought splendor to our humble home."
Zhou Sen also found those words rather familiar.
They exchanged a glance and laughed. Xu Chuan said, "Come along. Let's discuss whatever you need in my study."
Zhou Sen nodded. Glancing at Bai Jing, he