Temple of Xu Shu

Temple of Xu Shu

The Temple of Xu Shu is a cultural relic protection unit of Hubei Province.

Also known as Shan Gong Ci and Xu Gong Ci. Located in Shanjiazhuang, north of Nanzhang County. The temple was built in the first year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty (1796), facing south with a northward orientation, and consists of two courtyards, both exuding an ancient charm. It was later destroyed, and now only three main halls and side chambers on the left and right remain. Inside the hall is a statue of Xu Shu. In 1981, the "Han Xu Shu's Hometown" stele erected in the seventeenth year of Jiaqing (1812) was replicated.

The Temple of Xu Shu is located at the northern foot of Wuduo Mountain in Cihexiang, Gucheng County, 50 kilometers from Xiangfan City. It is one of the first batch of key cultural relic protection units in Hubei Province and a relatively famous Buddhist temple in northwestern Hubei. Surrounded by peaks, the site gathers vital energy, retains flowing water, features lush and unpolluted forests, and is a rare scenic treasure today.

The temple was originally built during the Sui Dynasty and was initially named Baoyan Chan Temple. It was destroyed by fire at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, rebuilt in the nineteenth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1421 AD), flourished in the eighth year of the Zhengtong reign (1443 AD), and underwent multiple renovations during the Qing Dynasty. Currently, there are 75 halls including the Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and Bell Tower. The temple boasts miraculous springs, precious cultural relics, and unique scenery. Surrounding it are eight major attractions: "Lion Peak Mist and Clouds," "Dragon Pool Osmanthus," "Ox Pool Moonlight," "Jade Belt Statue," "Bell Tower Bronze Bells," "Xiangwang Jade Stele," "Long Bridge Locking the Wind," and "Golden Mountain Crane Dance," all of which are breathtaking. Next to the temple is a pond called Woniu Pool. Legend has it that it is related to the daughter of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, making it another attraction for visitors to admire.

In the thirteenth year of the Jian'an era of Emperor Xian of Han (208 AD), Cao Cao led a large army south to campaign against Jingzhou. By then, Liu Biao had passed away, and his son Liu Cong surrendered without a fight. Liu Bei retreated south with over 200,000 civilians and soldiers. When Cao Cao’s forces caught up with them at Changban Slope in Dangyang, Liu Bei, outnumbered, suffered a crushing defeat and fled, losing all his supplies. Xu Shu’s mother was also unfortunately captured by Cao Cao’s troops, who then forged a letter from her to summon Xu Shu to Xuchang. Upon learning this, Xu Shu was heartbroken and tearfully bid farewell to Liu Bei. Pointing to his chest, he said, “I had intended to join you, General, in achieving great deeds, a loyalty that only heaven can witness. But now that my mother has been captured, my mind is in turmoil. Even if I stay by your side, I would be of no use. I beg you, General, to allow me to leave and go north to care for her.” Although Liu Bei was reluctant to let Xu Shu go, he knew Xu was renowned for his filial piety. Unwilling to see mother and son separated, and fearing the potential blame of breaking family bonds should Xu’s mother come to harm, Liu Bei had no choice but to bid a tearful farewell.

After Xu Shu went north to join Cao Cao, he still deeply longed for his former lord Liu Bei and his good friend Zhuge Liang. Despite his exceptional strategic talent, he refused to devise plans or strategies for Cao Cao or oppose Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. As a result, although Xu Shu spent decades in the Cao Wei regime, he never achieved any significant political or military accomplishments and was almost forgotten. This is the origin of the saying, “Xu Shu entered Cao’s camp but never uttered a word.” During the Huangchu era of Emperor Wen of Wei (220–226 AD), Xu Shu held the official positions of Right Central Commandant and Imperial Censor. In the third year of the Taihe era of Emperor Ming of Wei (229 AD), when Zhuge Liang launched his third expedition against the Central Plains via Qishan, he sighed deeply upon hearing about Xu Shu’s life after joining Cao Cao. Xu Shu’s life was fraught with misfortune and hardship, and he ultimately did not accomplish any earth-shattering feats. However, his loyal, honest, filial, and talent-recommending character will be forever remembered by later generations.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hubei Province