山河隔山海，文脉永相连。二〇二六年十一月，细雨含润、秋韵绵长，美国纽约余风采堂余伯禧主席、余钢深总顾问率溯源团一行十人，远涉重洋、归韶寻根，踏先贤足迹、谒忠襄祖陵、赓武溪文脉。一场跨越万里的宗亲联谊、溯源祭祖之旅，温情启幕、圆满落幕。

In November 2026, softened by drizzling rain and lingering autumn grace, a ten-member root-seeking delegation from New York Yee Fung Toy Hall, led by Chairman Yee Pak Hei and Chief Advisor Yee Kong Sum, crossed the vast ocean to Shaoguan in search of their ancestral roots. They followed the footsteps of their forebears, paid homage to the mausoleum of Lord Zhongxiang, and carried forward the cultural legacy of Wuxi. This cross-continental kinship gathering and ancestor worship pilgrimage opened with warmth and concluded successfully.

On the afternoon of November 5, fine mist hung gently over Shaoguan. Accompanied throughout the visit by Chairman Yee Kin Hung of the Yee Ching Memorial Hall in Shaoguan, the delegation arrived at Fengcai Tower. Director Yee Sin Sing and Director Mo of Shaoguan Cultural Relics and Scenic Spot Management Centre had waited there in advance. Ascending the tower steps, the group stood in solemn reverence before the statue of Yee Ching, pored over the historical records housed within, and read the cultural narratives in *Fengcai Monthly*. Yee Ching was a man of unwavering integrity, incorruptible virtue, and both literary and military distinction, whose remarkable deeds endure through the ages. His upright spirit and noble governance have become a treasured legacy of integrity and family tradition for Shaoguan, stirring deep reverence among kinsfolk from home and overseas. After the tour, all gathered before the statue of Yee Ching in Fengcai Square for a group photo. A single frame preserves this profound kinship, forged by shared blood and origin, across mountains and oceans.

After leaving Fengcai Tower, the delegation proceeded to the Yee Ching Memorial Hall of Shaoguan. Steeped in history and cultural depth, the site began as Yee Ching’s private residence in the Zhiping reign of the Northern Song Dynasty. Successive generations built shrines here for veneration, known as the Shrine of Lord Zhongxiang Yee and the Prime Minister Yee Shrine. Through centuries of wind and rain, it has been restored many times, its ancestral flame never extinguished. In 1999, with the generous support and joint efforts of Yee clansmen worldwide, the memorial hall was rebuilt and formally named the Yee Ching Memorial Hall of Shaoguan. Thus the millennial ancestral lineage was renewed, and the family virtues passed down for posterity.

Guided by Chairman Yee Kin Hung, the clansmen gathered in the reception hall on the first floor. They exchanged stories of kinship, traced their ancestral origins, discussed heritage, and recalled the merits of the sage ancestor, reviving the deep bond of blood. Later, they ascended to the Wuxi Hall on the second floor, an elegant, serene space imbued with ancient charm. It displays Yee Ching’s life chronicles, historical documents, writings and relics of the forefather, alongside a complete collection of clan genealogies from many regions. It stands as a spiritual sanctuary for Yee clansmen across the globe to seek their roots, honour the sage and uphold family virtues. With sincere hearts, all kinsfolk performed a solemn incense-offering ritual to worship their ancestors, reverently remembering the virtues of their forebears. At the close of the ceremony, guests and hosts took another group photo to mark this precious moment of devout root-seeking and the enduring flame of heritage.

As night fell, the Yee Ching Memorial Hall of Shaoguan hosted a welcome dinner at Hengsheng Hotel in Zhongshan Park. The theme of the dinner, *Wuxi preserves integrity; Fengcai unites overseas clansmen*, was conceived by Chairman Yee Kin Hung, rich in meaning and rooted in kinship bonds. The dinner was warm, dignified and harmonious. Chairman Yee Kin Hung delivered a heartfelt welcome address, praising the overseas clansmen for their enduring devotion to their ancestral homeland and warmly welcoming these distinguished kinsfolk who had travelled across the ocean for this reunion. Guests exchanged commemorative gifts, raised cups to renew old friendships, spoke of kinship and heritage, and celebrated the gathering of the Yee family from near and far. A group photo captured this joyful occasion.

Early on the morning of November 6, light rain fell amid crisp autumn air. At 8:50 a.m., Chairman Yee Pak Hei and Chief Advisor Yee Kong Sum led the delegation, accompanied by Chairman Yee Kin Hung, to the tomb of Yee Ching at Chengjia Hill, Gantang, for a grand ancestor worship ceremony. Directors Yee Sin Sing, Yee Wan Si, Yee Kit Ping and Supervisor Yee Lun To had arrived ahead of time to tidy the grounds and lay out sacrificial offerings, awaiting the overseas kinsfolk who had come to pay homage at the ancestral mausoleum.

At 9:30 a.m., as the ceremony commenced, fortune smiled upon the gathering. The persistent drizzle suddenly ceased, the clouds dispersed to reveal a clear blue sky. Auspicious clouds draped the hills, and butterflies flitted among the trees, painting a scene of blessing and good omen. This heavenly sign steadied the hearts of all clansmen, filling them with joy and reverence. The grand rite was presided over by Chairman Yee Pak Hei of New York Yee Fung Toy Hall. The proceedings were formal and solemn, with all bowing respectfully to remember the sage ancestor, honour his virtues and pray for the prosperity of the clan. Once the ceremony concluded, the delegation unfurled the banner of the New York Yee Fung Toy Hall Root-Seeking Visit Group before the mausoleum, and clansmen at home and overseas lined up for a group photograph, immortalising this bond forged by a ten-thousand-mile homecoming and a thousand-year quest for ancestral roots.

That evening, the Council hosted a thank-you dinner after the ancestor worship, to deepen fellowship and express gratitude to guests. The main screen bore the theme, *Crossing vast oceans to visit the forefather; through a thousand years, Wuxi carries on the family legacy*, also crafted by Chairman Yee Kin Hung. It distils the virtues of the ancestor and embodies the clansmen’s devotion. During the dinner, Chairman Yee Pak Hei took the stage to deliver a thank-you speech. He spoke movingly of the thoughtful arrangements and sincere hospitality extended by the Shaoguan clansmen, and paid tribute to Yee Ching’s timeless legacy of integrity, uprightness and reverence for virtue. He also urged all Yee descendants, at home and abroad, to stand united by shared origins, uphold right principles, carry forward the Wuxi heritage and preserve the forefather’s family traditions, so that the noble Fengcai spirit of the clan may thrive endlessly for generations.

This transoceanic pilgrimage to Shaoguan to honour ancestors was an act of sincere devotion to forebears and a tribute to the homeland through shared cultural heritage. Vast mountains and seas cannot sever the bond of common blood; the passage of long years cannot dim the warmth of kinship. United, Fengcai clansmen across the globe trace their roots, foster harmony among the clan, let the noble spirit of Lord Zhongxiang flow onward, and keep the cultural heritage of Wuxi alive year after year.

 Postscript

After the successful conclusion of the event, on the morning of November 7, Chairman Yee Pak Hei of New York Yee Fung Toy Hall sent a heartfelt message: “Thank you, Chairman! We shall forever cherish this kinship thicker than water. The warm reception and meticulous arrangements from all of you, thoughtful in every detail, reflect not only your generosity and kindness but also your mature sense of responsibility and vision. Once again, I extend my deepest respect and sincere gratitude to the Fengcai clansmen of Shaoguan!”