Former Residence of Cai Mengji

Former Residence of Cai Mengji

The former residence of Cai Mengji is a cultural relics protection unit in Meizhou City.

The former residence of national hero Cai Mengji was built in 1185 AD and has a history of over 800 years. In 1987, it was listed as a key cultural relics protection unit in Meixian District. According to records, this is the oldest residential building in Meizhou. Cai Mengji, a national hero and poet of the late Song Dynasty, mastered the classics at the age of eight and passed the imperial examination at twelve. He is hailed as the “Number One Child Prodigy of Meizhou,” and he, along with his grandfather Cai Ruolin and father Cai Dingfu, are known as the “Three Jinshi of One Family.” In the late Song Dynasty, Cai Mengji donated his family fortune, contributed military funds, raised the rebel banner, organized volunteer troops, opened granaries for relief, and aided disaster victims in areas such as Songyuan. Particularly notable were his pioneering reforms in the education system and establishment of free schools, which brought him great prestige throughout Meizhou. Due to his loyalty and heroism, he was appointed as the “Meizhou Signatory Official and Volunteer Commander-in-Chief,” leading 6,000 troops in a loyal campaign against the Yuan army. He fought bravely in bloody battles but was eventually captured. Refusing bribes and temptations, he remained loyal unto death. Wen Tianxiang, moved by his patriotism, personally visited to pay his respects and inscribed the four characters “Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Righteousness” inside the residence.

In January 2014, it was announced as a municipal-level cultural relics protection unit by the Meizhou Municipal People’s Government.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Meizhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units