Shao Gong’s Sweet Osmanthus

Shao Gong’s Sweet Osmanthus

The Book of Songs · Sweet Osmanthus says: “Luxuriant sweet osmanthus, do not prune or cut it down, for Shao Gong once rested here; luxuriant sweet osmanthus, do not prune or wither it, for Shao Gong once took a break here; luxuriant sweet osmanthus, do not prune or bend it, for Shao Gong once addressed the people here.” The story recorded here took place in Gan Tang Village, located on the north side of Zhenglu Road, 4 kilometers northwest of Yiyang County. Gan Tang was an ancient post station on a key transportation route in ancient times, with lush pear trees growing beside it. In March, the flowers bloom like white snow, and in August, the fruits hang abundantly, creating a beautiful and enchanting landscape. Shao Gong, the younger son of King Wen and a great statesman of the Western Zhou Dynasty, visited this place while inspecting the region on behalf of King Cheng. He rested under the pear tree, and when someone came to him with a dispute, Shao Gong immediately heard the case and made a judgment. His people-loving actions earned him deep affection from the populace. Later, when people saw this pear tree, it reminded them of Shao Gong, and they regarded the tree as his symbol. They composed poems in his memory, and thus the village came to be called Gan Tang (Sweet Osmanthus).

In ancient times, Gan Tang had a post station. During the Tang Dynasty, the Gan Tang Guesthouse was also built. It is said that at that time, the area featured ponds and gardens, dense forests and tall bamboo, green mountains and clear waters, with flourishing flowers and trees, making for an exceptionally beautiful landscape. “The guesthouse is like a fairyland, with a clear pool and a winding bamboo path; mountain birds suddenly take flight, scattering blossoms halfway down the cliff”—this verse is a true depiction of the beautiful scenery of Gan Tang at that time. Throughout history, many notable scholars and literati gathered here, and visitors came in an endless stream. Tang Dynasty poets Liu Yuxi and Du Mu, Song Dynasty famous prose writer Ouyang Xiu, Ming Dynasty Minister of War Wang Bangrui, and Qing Dynasty Henan Prefect Zhang Han all visited here to enjoy the landscape and pay homage to the ancients, leaving behind many immortal poems.

Through the vicissitudes of wind and rain, the pear trees are no longer here. Today’s Gan Tang Village is full of vitality with its green trees and red buildings. On the north side of Zhenglu Road in the southern part of the village stands a memorial stele erected in the second year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1724), with the five large characters “Shao Gong’s Administration Site” inscribed on the front. These were written by Zhang Han, the Henan Prefect, in upright and bold calligraphy that has long been favored by calligraphy enthusiasts.