Ancient Kuikui Mound

Ancient Kuikui Mound

Ancient Kuikui Mound, also known as the "Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons" or the "Alliance Platform of the Five Lords." It is located about a li to the northwest of Lichaohua Village (formerly called Gukui Mound Li Village or Li Village)

Ancient Kuikui Mound is located about a li to the northwest of Lichaohua Village (formerly known as Gukui Mound Li Village or Li Village, under the jurisdiction of Dongming County, Daming Prefecture, Zhili in ancient times). Here lies the Twelve Scenic Spots of the ancient Dongming County — the Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons, Ancient Kuikui Mound (now buried underground by the Yellow River). In ancient times, due to the hilly terrain with undulating landforms and relatively high elevation, the tallest and broadest earthen mound rose several zhang high, hence the place was named “Kuikui Mountain.” Ancient Kuikui Mound was covered with lush ancient trees and cypresses, surrounded by herds of cattle and sheep, offering delightful scenery and serving as a leisure destination for scholars and artists throughout the dynasties. Temples were scattered around the nearby villages of Ancient Kuikui Mound, among which the most famous — the old site of Guanyin Temple — is located at the northeast corner of Ancient Kuikui Mound. In ancient times, there was an official road called the “Old Kuikui Road” at the west end of Lichaohua Village. The Old Kuikui Road ran northwest from Wubagang Village through Lichaohua Village and extended southeastward to Wanghaotun and Anlingji. The Old Kuikui Road was one of the ancient official routes, further attesting to the location of Ancient Kuikui Mound. The ancient course of the Yellow River also once flowed through this area. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Huan of Qi, the “foremost of the Five Hegemons,” once convened a grand assembly of feudal lords on this mound.

Ancient Kuikui Mound stretches about a li from east to west and about two li to the southeast. Before the Yellow River floods, Ancient Kuikui Mound rose as high as five or six zhang; after the floods, its highest point was about two zhang. Later, due to repeated floods and erosion by the Yellow River, it gradually disappeared. Geographically, Ancient Kuikui Mound lies with its southern side backed by the borders of the State of Lu, its eastern and northern sides connecting to the territories of the States of Qing and Qi, and its western side bordering the frontiers of the State of Jin — making it a junction of four states. There are many ancient ruins nearby, indicating it as a geomantically auspicious site. Close to the ancient mouth of the Yellow River, it is said to have been a grazing ground for the Three Sovereigns of antiquity, further developed and glorified by Yao, Shun, and Yu. For thousands of years, the Five Emperors’ people-oriented governance, wise appointments, and leadership in battling fierce beasts, controlling great floods, cultivating fertile lands, and promoting the ethical concept of the “Five Virtues” have had a profound and enduring legacy. The Old Kuikui Road of Lichaohua Village was also a necessary route for Confucius during his travels and studies, and even today, the lingering charm of Confucian culture can still be felt in the Tonggu region.

Historical Significance of Ancient Kuikui Mound

Ancient Kuikui Mound was located at the junction of the States of Song, Lu, Qi, and Jin, with a vast and elevated terrain, making it an ideal place for convening alliances. Historical texts such as Zuo Zhuan and Records of the Grand Historian record that in 651 BC, Duke Huan of Qi held a grand alliance meeting of feudal lords on Ancient Kuikui Mound. The participants included the rulers of Qi, Lu, Song, Wei, and Cao, and the Son of Heaven, King Xiang of Zhou, also sent a representative. The meeting highly commended Duke Huan of Qi and established a truce alliance. This was the most magnificent of the several alliance meetings convened by Duke Huan of Qi, marking the pinnacle of his hegemonic power. The Alliance of Ancient Kuikui Mound further solidified Duke Huan of Qi’s status as the foremost overlord of the Central Plains.

Commentary on the Gongyang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, Scroll Eleven of Duke Xi: In summer, the lord held a meeting with the Minister of Zhou, the Marquis of Qi, the Viscount of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Xu, and the Marquis of Cao at Kuikui. Who is the Minister of Zhou? He is the one who governs on behalf of the Son of Heaven.

Zuo Zhuan of the Spring and Autumn Annals (Years 1–33 of Duke Xi): Year 9 of Duke Xi [Annals]: In spring, the royal third month, on day dingchou, Lord of Song, Yuyue, died. In summer, the lord held a meeting with the Minister of Zhou, the Marquis of Qi, the Viscount of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Xu, and the Marquis of Cao at Kuikui. In autumn, on day yiyi of the seventh month, Lady Boji died. On day wuxu of the ninth month, the feudal lords made an alliance at Kuikui. On day jiazi, Marquis of Jin, Guizhu, died. In winter, Lixi of Jin killed his lord’s son, Xiqi.

Ancient Tourist Sanctuary

Tourist Sanctuary of the Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons

Ancient Kuikui Mound, also called the “Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons” or the “Alliance Platform of the Five Lords,” was one of the Twelve Scenic Spots of ancient Dongming. With its verdant pines and cypresses, picturesque scenery, and enchanting views, Ancient Kuikui Mound attracted numerous literati, scholars, and virtuous officials throughout the dynasties, leaving behind precious literary works and verses. The virtuous Ming Dynasty official, Li Mengyang, Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, visited the Ancient Kuikui Mound — the Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons, located about a li to the northwest of Lichaohua Village — twice, in the fifth year of Zhengde (1510) and the summer of the second year of Jiajing. He called on his friend, the Ming Dynasty guardsman Li Chaohua, and left behind valuable poetic lines, thus bearing witness to the fact that Ancient Kuikui Mound was once a splendid tourist destination.

Visiting a Friend at the Alliance Terrace

By Li Mengyang of the Ming Dynasty

The Zhou House declined while the Five Lords rose; the Alliance of Kuikui left its name here.

At dusk, the terrace is veiled, the Spring and Autumn era fades away, only the sounds of cattle and sheep fill the fields.

To the southeast, a shepherd boy is seen in hiding; withered grass whispers memories of journeys.

A li of vigorous travel lifts my hidden thoughts; since ancient times, ambition has headed toward Chao Hua Hall.

Visiting a Friend in Dafu Village at Li Village

By Li Mengyang of the Ming Dynasty

Upright and outspoken, I find leisure; full of learning, my aspirations remain firm.

Walking five li east of Donghun, I draw near Kuikui, gazing at Peach Blossom Spring.

Little bridges, flowing water, children at play; jade-like willows, green, fish fat and fresh.

The Sanguan Market hosts guests from two provinces; ancient fortress bells echo as we chat intimately.

My brother knows I wish to spread my wings; our voices rise again to the azure clouds.

The loyalty and bold spirit of Chao Hua stir admiration; tales of chivalry spread far, bringing me shame.

Witness of History

Testimony of a Mysterious Ancient Broken Stele

The genealogy of the Li family of Lichaohua corresponds with these accounts. Two intact ancient steles have been discovered in the village but have weathered; one broken ancient stele also exists. (The two intact steles are: the “Sanguan Stele Inscription” from the first year of Qianlong; the “Sanguan Stele Inscription” from the 33rd year of Kangxi. The broken “Reconstruction of the Sanguan Shrine” stele). All differently record the location of the village adjacent to Ancient Kuikui Mound — the Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons. Among them, the Qing Dynasty Qianlong-era stone stele “Sanguan Shrine Stele Inscription” records: In the Qing Dynasty, Dongming County had twelve scenic spots, one of which was Ancient Kuikui Mound, located to the southeast of the county. It was the site of the alliance of the Five Hegemons, seeking peace, banning prohibitions, managing water control, and establishing the Sanguan Shrine of Yao, Shun, and Yu east of Li Village, ensuring peace in all directions. Dozens of surrounding villages worshipped here. Geographically, although located by Ancient Kuikui Mound, the shrine was also considered a sacred scenic site. Since its establishment, the annual three gatherings often resulted in answered prayers. Celebrated through generations, pilgrims came here ceaselessly to pray, reaching an unprecedented scale of prosperity, with the sound of bells echoing far and wide, renowned across the land. ... ; Although the “White Robe Travel Palace” stele is heavily eroded, one can still faintly discern the mention of “Wubagang” and that Li Village east of it was located by Ancient Kuikui Mound... . The eroded “Reconstruction of the White Robe Travel Palace” stele also mentions “Wubagang”... . According to elders in Lichaohua Village, there are more ancient steles related to Ancient Kuikui Mound — the Alliance Terrace of the Five Hegemons — still buried underground, awaiting excavation and verification.

References

1. *Gongyang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, Annotated and Explained*, Book of Duke Xi, Volume 11 2. *Zuo Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals*, Duke Xi (Years 1–33)

Lizhao Hua Village: Before the Ming Dynasty, Lizhao Hua Village was called Lizhuang or Lizhuangjia. It was built southeast of the ancient Kuiqu (site of the Five Lords' Alliance Terrace, one of the twelve scenic spots of ancient Dongming), and is one of the ancient villages of the millennia-old town of Malinggang. The ancient Kuiqu Road, an old official route, passed by the west end of the village. The village is located more than 30 li southwest of Heze City, on the southwestern border of Heze High-Tech Zone, and northwest of the millennia-old town of Malinggang. In the first year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368), the Li family relocated back to ancient Kuiqu’s Lizhuang (Lizhuangjia) from Hongtong County, Shanxi Province. By the end of 1485, Li Chao Hua led his clan in establishing a righteous escort agency, and the name Li Chao Hua gradually came to replace… More detailed information about Lizhao Hua Village ++