After entertaining guests for two days, someone always asked if the child had been named. Although everyone had their own ideas, they had not yet decided on a name.
So that day, the whole family sat down. Zhou Ke and Zhou Huaixin sat in the outer room of the main hall of Qiyun Pavilion, while Zhou Jing'an clung to Jiang Ling. Together with Jiang Lan, the three of them sat in the inner room, with only a gauze curtain drawn to block out the wind, to seriously discuss a name.
Jiang Ling was coaxed into wearing a thick robe and a cloak, but she didn't feel cold at all, and even had a slight sweat on her back.
There is a big family and everyone has chosen a name of their own, and no one wants to give in. So, in order to be fair, everyone is allowed to say a name and then vote. They are not allowed to choose their own. In the end, the name with the highest number of votes is the child's name.
Zhou Ke stroked his beard and said with a smile, "I named him 'Jun Heng'."
He chanted softly, "A gentleman is like a heng, his feathered robes shining brightly." This implies that he is as dazzling as a beautiful jade, illuminating others. I hope my precious great-grandson will become a pillar of society and serve the people of the court."
Everyone nodded in agreement, it was indeed a good name.
Zhou Ke raised his chin, feeling a little proud.
After Zhou Huaixin finished praising his father, he smiled and said, "Dad's name is indeed a good one, but the son's name is not bad either. I'll choose 'Xing Jian'."
"To be respectful and simple in governing the people, isn't that good?" He smiled. "I hope he will be respectful and serious in his heart, and simple in his actions. With such a heart, he can assist the king and benefit the people."
Jiang Ling smiled and turned to Zhou Jing'an and said, "The names my grandfather and father chose have good meanings. They sound nice and grand."
Jiang Lan snorted and laughed, "Ling'er, don't be anxious, just listen to me."
"The silken line pulls the thorns, the rhinoceros flame illuminates the clear water. I chose the word 'Chenghong' to refer to the clear and deep water, so that he can have a clear mind and a broad heart."
Jiang Ling curled her lips and said, "The name my grandmother gave me is nice and has a good meaning."
Zhou Ke, who was in the outer room, stroked his beard and smiled, praising, "It's really good."
"The names my mother chose are all related to water, so they are good names." Zhou Huaixin also agreed. After all, mountains control population and water controls wealth. From the perspective of feng shui, it means prosperity.
Jiang Ling turned to look at Xia Zhixian, "Where's mother?"
"Fang Xu, friends follow your ugly side." Xia Zhixian spoke slowly, smiling, "'Fang Xu' means the rising sun. I hope he will be healthy, lively, and full of vigor."
Zhou Huanan said, "Why are all the names two-character? I'll use the single character 'Jun.'" She raised her eyebrows and smiled. "Jun means a thousand-mile horse. I hope my nephew will have the spirit of a general and gallop across the battlefield."
"Not bad." Xia Zhixian nodded with a smile.
He turned to look at Jiang Ling and the others, "Where are yours?"
Jiang Ling raised the corners of her mouth and said slowly, "Qi Yu, there's nothing special about its origin. 'Qi' means auspiciousness and happiness, and 'Yu' means cheerfulness and sunshine. I hope he can be safe and happy."
Her children don't have to have such big ambitions, as long as they can be happy.
Zhou Jingan held her hand and said softly, "It's a nice name."
She turned and smiled at him, "What's yours?"
He lowered his eyes and stared at her, a faint smile on his lips, "The single name is 'Xian'."
"Which Xian? Does it have a source?" Zhou Ke asked.
Zhou Jing'an lowered his eyes and slowly explained, "It's better to retreat and weave a net than to envy the fish by the river. I hope he won't be too ambitious and get what he wants with his own hands, so as not to bring disgrace to the Zhou family and waste our hopes for him."
After these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.
The Zhou family has been glorious for generations. As the younger generation, it is natural to inherit the mantle and bring honor to the family. Just like Zhou Jing'an, he took on the responsibility of the Zhou family at a young age. Although it was hard work, it was also a responsibility he had to bear.
If he lived in a muddle-headed way and acted like a playboy, he would not only be sorry for himself and the love and expectations of his entire family, but he would also destroy the Zhou family's century-old foundation and tarnish their reputation. How could they explain this to their ancestors?
Zhou Ke pondered for a moment, stroked his beard and praised: "You have a good idea, a profound one. This is a good name."
"Father is right." Zhou Huaixin nodded. "As a descendant of the Zhou family, we naturally cannot just indulge in pleasure and live off our savings."
Jiang Lan and Xia Zhixian looked at each other and agreed with a smile.
"Bu Yan chose such a name because he is always concerned about the honor and disgrace of the Zhou family, reminding his child and himself." Jiang Lan looked at him with satisfaction.
Although Zhou Huanan didn't think as deeply as some others did, she felt that the name had a profound meaning, like a warning bell hanging over their heads, and made everyone in the Zhou family keep the family's honor and disgrace in mind.
Zhou Jing'an smiled calmly and asked Jiang Ling, "What do you think?"
Jiang Ling looked up at him and smiled, "I think it's good too. It sounds good when you call it."
Everyone had no objection and unanimously decided that the eldest grandson of the Zhou family would be named Zhou Xian.
Finally, Jiang Ling asked tentatively: "Well, can I have a nickname? Or something else?"
She still wanted her son to be happy. "Envy" was a good thing, but she felt it was cruel to put such a heavy burden on a little kid.
He hadn't even started enjoying life yet and had to think about all these family plans. She felt a headache just thinking about it.
Zhou Jing'an nodded, and in the blink of an eye he said, "Why not give him the name 'Qi Yu'? That would be perfect."
Several others also agreed. Family mission is one thing, and they naturally hope that he will be safe and happy.
Jiang Ling smiled and nodded happily, "Okay."
The child's name was decided, and several people went to the east wing to see the child with great interest, laughing and teasing him by calling him the newly-chosen name.
"Zhou Xian, Ah Xian, grow up quickly..."
As soon as the others left, Jiang Ling was put back on the bed by Zhou Jing'an. "You've been sitting for so long, lie down and rest."
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