Zhang'an Four Sages Shrine

Zhang'an Four Sages Shrine

The Zhang'an Four Sages Shrine is a cultural relic protection unit of Rui'an City.

The Zhang'an Four Sages Shrine is located on Xixian Mountain in Chengguan Town, Rui'an City, and enshrines four historical figures: Xu Jingheng and Chen Fuliang of the Song Dynasty, Gao Ming (also known as Zecheng) of the Yuan Dynasty, and Zhuo Jing of the Ming Dynasty. Originally built as the Nanshan Monastery, it later became the Wutong Hall. In the early Qing Dynasty, local residents proposed converting it into a shrine for the Four Sages, but it was later destroyed. The current shrine was built in the fifth year of the Tongzhi era (1866), featuring a wooden and stone structure with five bays, a total width of 9.56 meters, and a total depth of 5.70 meters. It has a post-and-lintel construction style and a hip-and-gable roof. The central ceiling of the main bay features a square, tiered caisson ceiling. In front of the shrine stands the Zhuhu Pavilion, which shares a continuous roofline with the Four Sages Shrine. The pavilion is square-shaped, with a width of 5.12 meters, a hip-and-gable roof, and an inscribed plaque written by Sun Yiyuan, Minister of the Court of Imperial Stables. It was recently renovated through fundraising and now displays portraits of the Four Sages.

Source: Wenzhou Museum

Xu Jingheng (1072–1128), courtesy name Shaoyi, was also known as Mr. Hengtang by scholars. A native of Rui'an, he was serious and dignified in character, showing remarkable maturity even as a child. In the early Yuanyou era (1086–1094) of the Northern Song Dynasty, he studied at the Imperial Academy and later became a disciple of Cheng Yi in Luoyang. He passed the imperial examination in 1094 and served under four emperors: Zhezong, Huizong, Qinzong, and Gaozong. Known for his integrity and uprightness, he was appointed Censor-in-Chief in 1124 and later promoted to Palace Attendant Censor. When the court intended to appoint Tong Guan as the Pacification Commissioner of Hedong and Hebei for a northern campaign, Xu Jingheng argued that Tong was corrupt and unfit for the role. He also submitted memorials urging the abolition of the "Flower and Rock Transport" system, believing it to be a burden on the people... More details about Xu Jingheng++

Chen Fuliang (1137–1203), courtesy name Junju, was also known as Mr. Zhizhai by scholars. A native of Rui'an, he lost both parents at the age of nine and was raised by his grandmother. In 1163 during the Longxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty, he served as the head instructor at the Chayuan Temple school in Yongjia, south of the city. His teachings and writings formed a unique school of thought, attracting hundreds of students. In the spring of 1168, he resigned from his teaching position and secluded himself at Xianyan Temple to study. He later entered the Imperial Academy and studied under Rui Ye, alongside contemporaries such as Chen Liang. In the spring of 1172, he ranked second in the provincial examination and passed the imperial examination, earning the title of Instructor of Taizhou Prefecture School, though he did not take up the post. In 1173, Gong Maoliang, the Transport Commissioner of Jiangxi, recruited him... More details about Chen Fuliang++

Gao Ming, courtesy name Zecheng, also known as Huishu, and self-styled as the "Hermit of Laigen," was from Baisu Village in Chongru Li, Rui'an (now Gexiang Town). He was born around 1305 during the Yuan Dynasty's Dade era and died in the early Ming Dynasty. As Rui'an was historically part of Yongjia Commandery, he often signed his name as "Gao Ming of Yongjia." In 1345, he passed the imperial examination and was appointed as a clerk in Chuzhou. In 1348, he was recruited as an official under the Jiangzhe Provincial Administration Commission. Known for his integrity and administrative competence, he earned widespread recognition, with scholars praising his talent and even corrupt officials admiring his expertise. In 1350, when Fang Guozhen rebelled again, the provincial authorities, recognizing Gao Ming’s familiarity with coastal affairs due to his Rui'an origins, assigned him to a key military administrative role in eastern Zhejiang... More details about Gao Ming++

Zhuo Jing (?–1402), courtesy name Weigong, was from Zhuo'ao, Rui'an. A renowned scholar of the Ming Dynasty, he was exceptionally gifted in his youth, known for his vast knowledge, elegant poetry, and bold, incisive prose. In 1388 during the Hongwu era, he passed the imperial examination and ranked second in the palace examination, earning the post of Imperial Censor of the Ministry of Revenue. After the Jingnan Campaign, he was arrested and later executed. His surviving works include ten volumes of "Discoveries in Nature and Principle," fifty volumes of poetry and prose, and a posthumous collection edited by Li Weiyue and Lin Zengzhi in the late Ming Dynasty, titled "Records of Loyalty" in three volumes, with one supplementary volume and ten volumes of unpublished writings.

In 1388 during the Hongwu era, Zhuo Jing passed the imperial examination and was appointed as an Imperial Censor of the Ministry of Revenue... More details about Zhuo Jing++