Yang's Ming-Hsin Ancestral Hall and Yang Ching-Lien Memorial Museum Introduction
Built in 2011, the museum contains an introduction tablet which states: "Mr. Yang Qinglian (1902-1968), whose ancestral home is in Meidong Fort, Jinjiang Township. He received traditional education in his youth, and as he grew up, he resolutely left his hometown in Wu Island to venture into the southern country in pursuit of his grand ambitions. Initially arriving in a foreign land where customs were unfamiliar and his living conditions were harsh, he adhered to the ancestral teachings of 'Four Knows,' upholding a tradition of integrity while embodying a sincere and honest nature and establishing a root based on the doctrine of the 'Doctrine of the Mean.' This enabled him to overcome numerous difficulties and gradually find success. Soon after, he married Mrs. Huang Jinqie in their place of residence, and they had six sons and three daughters, leading a harmonious and fulfilling family life. Both Mr. Yang and Mrs. Huang lived modestly and were strict with themselves; they were enthusiastic in assisting others and treated people with kindness. Starting as an employee, Mr. Yang eventually became an entrepreneur, achieving success through hard work and moral integrity, thus establishing the 'Yang Family Enterprise.' The 'Doctrine of the Mean' states: 'Great virtue must attain its position, must acquire its salary, must gain its reputation, and must achieve longevity.' The 'I Ching' says: 'A family that accumulates good deeds will surely have lasting fortune.' Only those who have accumulated virtue over generations, cultivating their character, and practicing filial piety in the family—from ancestors to descendants—can teach their offspring to be respectful and honorable, enjoying true blessings in the world, as the saying goes: 'Having good descendants is true fortune.' Our family upholds the protection of our ancestors, and we embrace genuine filial piety. The virtue is passed down through generations, which is not aimed at repayment to nature, yet the rewards from nature are often present, reflecting the best image born from virtue. I have been raised with the teachings of 'Respect for the Elderly and Virtuous, Filial Piety, Loyalty and Trust, Brotherhood and Respect among Siblings,' thus able to continue our family's legacy and collaborate with Mrs. Chen Kaiyong to create new prospects. Recently, we invested significantly in the high-speed rail and telecommunications industries. What my father advocated earlier, I continue to pursue, enabling us to write a new milestone in our careers. Constructing luxurious houses and establishing schools have been topics of great conversation among the folks in Kinmen, and they are also my relentless aspiration. The woods and winds bring thoughts; parents do not wait for their children. The boundless virtue of the heavens remains unreciprocated. With the sorrow of loss outside and unfulfilled regrets inside, to express filial piety to the roots and reflect on the past, we have decided to honor Mr. Yang by building the 'Yang Family Mingxin Shrine and Yang Qinglian Memorial Hall' at the site where he grew up—the Mingxin ancestral shrine built during the Qing Tongzhi era, featuring the traditional dragon-shaped architecture with four pagoda-style roofs. The old structure was demolished, and a new three-story building was constructed. The first and second floors are established as a memorial hall to commemorate Mr. Yang's entrepreneurial beginnings in 'Luo Fan', while the third floor serves as an ancestral hall for 'Spring and Autumn Sacrifices.' To pay respect, is to honor. By establishing this memorial hall, we fulfill the wishes of Mr. Yang, allowing the ancestral shrine to shine once more and providing a place for our ancestors' spirits. Visitors to this hall can pay their respects, showcasing our filial thoughts. As stated in the 'Book of Songs - Great Elegance': 'Do not forget your ancestors; diligently uphold their virtues.' To highlight the moral standards and beautiful virtues of parenting, and to continue the plan of nurturing future generations in my hometown for over a century, I dedicated funds for the expansion of classrooms at National Quemoy University, hoping to benefit countless diligent students. As we renovate this hall, we set up this monument to commemorate its grandeur!"
