Yang's Ming-Hsin Ancestral Hall and Yang Ching-Lien Memorial Museum Introduction
Built in 2011, the museum contains an inscription that reads: "Mr. Yan Yan, Yang Qinglian (1902-1968), originally from Meidong Fort, Jin Ning Township. He received early education in a private school and, with aspirations to expand his horizons, resolutely parted from his hometown in Wudao and ventured alone to the southern lands. Initially, as a newcomer in a foreign land, he faced unfamiliar human relationships and lived in desolate conditions. However, he adhered to the ancestral teachings of 'Four Knowings' and upheld a family reputation of integrity. With a sincere and upright character, and deep-rooted principles of the Doctrine of the Mean, he succeeded in overcoming many difficulties and gradually found better circumstances. Soon, he married Ms. Huang Jin Qie, also an émigré, and they had six sons and three daughters, living happily and harmoniously as a family. Mr. Yan and Ms. Huang were humble and self-disciplined; they were known for their warm-heartedness towards others. Starting as an employee, he later ventured into entrepreneurship and, through remarkable perseverance, established the 'Yang Family Enterprises.' The Doctrine of the Mean states: 'Great virtue must obtain its position, its salary, its fame, and its longevity.' The Book of Changes says: 'A family accumulating good deeds must have abundant blessings.' Only those who accumulate virtue through generations can cultivate filial piety at home, ensuring that the legacy of virtue continues unceasingly from ancestors to descendants, nurturing good offspring, thus enjoying true blessings in the world, just as the saying goes: 'Having good descendants is true fortune.' My family inherits the protection of our ancestors and upholds the genuine feelings of filial piety and brotherly respect, passing down virtuous traditions without seeking reward from nature, and it is the best reflection of the principle that blessings arise from virtue. I was raised with the family teachings of 'respecting the elderly, honoring the virtuous, filial piety, loyalty, and trustworthiness, and fraternal harmony,' enabling me to take on the family legacy. With Ms. Chen Kai-Rong, I worked hand in hand to innovate and invest significantly in the high-speed rail and telecommunications industries. Following in my father's footsteps, we were able to write a new chapter in our business endeavors. Building mansions and establishing schools have long been hot topics among our fellow townsmen in Kinmen, reflecting my ongoing aspirations. As the wind and trees inspire thoughts, parents do not wait. The boundless virtue of the heavens deserves recognition, yet I find no means to repay. Outside, there’s sadness for those who have passed, and inside, there’s regret for what is absent. To express filial piety as a fundamental source and to fulfill ancestral veneration, I have specially reconstructed the Mingxin Ancestral Hall, originally built during the Qing Tongzhi era, preserving its traditional dragon-shaped design and constructing a three-story 'Yang Family Mingxin Ancestral Hall and Yang Qinglian Memorial Museum.' The first and second floors are dedicated to commemorating Mr. Yan's entrepreneurial journey, while the third floor is used for ancestral rites during spring and autumn. The essence of rites lies in respect. Establishing this memorial hall fulfills Mr. Yan's wishes and revitalizes the ancestral hall for the spirits of our ancestors. Visitors to this hall may pay their respects and express filial gratitude. As it is said in the Book of Songs: 'Do not forget your ancestors, and strive to cultivate their virtues.' To promote the virtues of parents educating their children with righteousness, and to continue the century-long ambition of nurturing talents in our hometown, I have specially donated to Kinmen University for the expansion of educational facilities, hoping to benefit countless earnest students. As we embark on this renovation of the hall, we also set up a monument to commemorate its significance!"
