Sui Dynasty Garden and Jiangzhou Hall

Sui Dynasty Garden and Jiangzhou Hall

Sui Dynasty Garden and Jiangzhou Hall is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Jiangzhou Hall, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, is located within the campus of Xinjiang Middle School in Xinjiang County. It was the main structure of the Jiangzhou Prefecture government. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it served as the administrative center for successive prefectural governments. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, once ordered Zhang Shigui to set up camp here to recruit soldiers, hence it is also known as "Shuai Zheng Tang." Stories such as "Xue Rengui Joins the Army" also originated here.

Zhang Shigui (585–657 AD), courtesy name Wuan, was from Lushi, Henan. Skilled in horseback archery and possessing extraordinary strength, he rose to prominence during the late Sui Dynasty when Emperor Yang’s oppressive rule plunged the people into misery, sparking numerous peasant uprisings. With his martial prowess, Zhang also took up arms, capturing cities and strongholds, gaining widespread fame. In the 13th year of the Daye era (617 AD), when Li Yuan and Li Shimin advanced south from Taiyuan and arrived at Jiangzhou Prefecture to recruit soldiers, Zhang joined Li Yuan’s forces. Li Yuan appointed him as a commander and bestowed upon him a golden seal, granting him the title of Right Guanglu Grand Master. Zhang then raised his commander’s banner here and served under the Li family in their military campaigns. He later participated in defending against Liu Wuzhou in the north and led eastern campaigns, achieving great merit. Eventually, he rose to the rank of Left Commandant General (third-rank official) and was granted the title of Duke of Guo. In June of the second year of the Xianqing era (657 AD) during Emperor Gaozong’s reign, he passed away and was buried in the Zhaoling Mausoleum alongside Emperor Taizong.

Xue Rengui (614–683 AD), given name Li, was from Longmen, Jiangzhou (present-day Hejin City). Born into poverty, the humble cave dwelling where he once lived is still preserved in Hejin. During the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong’s reign, Li Shimin issued an edict for General Zhang Shigui to recruit troops in Jiangzhou to combat foreign invasions. It was then that Xue Rengui joined the army. Renowned for his skills in horseback archery, he achieved remarkable feats during the Song Dynasty.

The existing hall is a Yuan Dynasty structure. The hall is seven bays wide and eight rafters deep, featuring a single-eave hip-and-gable roof and single-lowered ang bracket sets. Originally, there were three front rooms with a rolled shed roof, but these have been completely destroyed, leaving only the foundations visible. The lotus-petal base in the shape of an inverted basin also reflects Tang Dynasty architectural elements. Stepping into the hall immediately conveys a sense of solemnity. To enlarge the interior space, the builders employed the "column-reducing" method. Most of the pillars and beams inside are made from roughly hewn raw materials, giving the space an unrestrained and rugged feel. Typically, official halls across the country have five bays, but Jiangzhou Hall uniquely has seven, making it a rare sight nationwide and indicating the significant status of Jiangzhou at the time. Surrounding structures still include a small garden to the west of the hall, the Second Hall, and the foundation of the memorial archway in front of the hall. However, the Three Shifts and Six Offices have been completely destroyed. Embedded in the northern wall of the hall is a stele inscribed with the "Seven Precepts for Civil Officials" personally decreed by Emperor Zhenzong of Song.

Emperor Zhenzong of Song’s “Seven Precepts for Civil Officials”

First: Cultivate a Clear Mind. This means treating all matters with equanimity, unaffected by personal emotions such as joy, anger, love, or hate, so that all affairs are handled properly.

Second: Serve the Public. This means acting with integrity and fairness, earning the respect and awe of others.

Third: Cultivate Virtue. This means influencing others through moral character rather than relying solely on stern authority.

Fourth: Pursue Substance. This means focusing on practical results rather than competing for empty praise.

Fifth: Exercise Insight. This means diligently understanding the needs of the people, ensuring fair taxation and appropriate punishment.

Sixth: Encourage Diligence. This means advising the people to uphold filial piety and engage in farming and sericulture.

Seventh: Reform Abuses. This means identifying the hardships of the people and rectifying them.

“Seven Precepts for Military Officials”

First: Cultivate Oneself. This means disciplining oneself so that soldiers have a role model to follow.

Second: Fulfill Duties. This means not overstepping one’s responsibilities or interfering with local governance.

Third: Be Fair. This means treating soldiers equally without favoritism.

Fourth: Train Troops. This means instructing soldiers to diligently practice martial skills.

Fifth: Inspect Readiness. This means assessing soldiers to recognize their diligence, laziness, bravery, or cowardice.

Sixth: Provide Care. This means comforting soldiers, sharing their hardships, and ensuring unity so none are left destitute.

Seventh: Maintain Authority. This means controlling soldiers to prevent violations of discipline.

Location

Jiangzhou Hall, Xinjiang County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units