National Preceptor’s Mansion

　　The National Preceptor’s Mansion is located in Xiachen Group, Qifang Village, Fenglin Town. It was the former residence of Chen Guangheng, a Hanlin academician during the Qing Dynasty. Chen Guangheng once served as the tutor to Emperor Xianfeng when he was still a crown prince. Hence, his former residence is known as the “National Preceptor’s Mansion.”

　　Chen Guangheng’s hometown boasts beautiful mountains and rivers, and has long been a place of outstanding people. From ancient times to the present, there have been no fewer than a hundred individuals who became scholars or military officers; even more have gone on to engage in commerce and industry across China.

　　Behind the mansion lies Ta’ao Ridge, which is part of the northern foothills of Poshan Mountain, stretching over three thousand meters. In front of the mansion is a small hill, about a li long from west to east, resembling a penholder—thus named “Penholder Mountain.” At the foot of the hill, a stream runs clear and visible year-round, flowing westward along the terrain. These hills and waters form the unique “West-Flowing Harbor.”

　　In front of the mansion lies a large open field, at the edge of which is an oblong paddy field that looks like a small boat lying sideways. Chen Guangheng named it “Boat Field” based on its shape. Originally, 36 cypress trees were planted along the field ridges, but unfortunately, they were all cut down in the 1950s. Today, a row of lush and thriving metasequoias has been planted instead. At the entrance of the village stands an ancient cypress tree, with a trunk circumference of six or seven feet and a height of several zhang. Having weathered over 160 years of wind and rain, it stands tall and straight, reaching into the clouds. Beside the old cypress, three young saplings have been newly planted, vibrant and full of life.

　　The National Preceptor’s Mansion was built in the 27th year of the Daoguang reign (1848). Its architectural designs were sourced from the capital. The main hall’s front gate stands nine chi high, wide enough for a sedan chair carried by eight people to pass through with ease. On either side of the main gate stand stone drums over one meter tall, placed on pedestals. The drum surfaces are carved with lions raising their heads to the sky, while the drum faces feature figures and floral patterns, all exquisitely crafted and lifelike. Around the central courtyard of the main hall, eight stone lions stand symmetrically on the octagonal corners, each with unique postures. Six long slab stones used as railings are carved on both sides with intertwined dragons, curving bodies and coiled tails, connected head to tail. The carvings are exquisitely detailed, uniquely styled, and distinctly characteristic.

　　Looking up at the ceiling of the main hall, the wooden panels are shaped like rippling waves, with traces of the original red paint still faintly visible. The main and secondary beams are carved with rainbows and soaring dragons, with golden roosters and phoenixes positioned on the joints between columns and beams. In the center of the main hall hangs a large plaque inscribed with the words “Loyalty and Filial Piety Pass Down the Family,” gifted by Wang Ding, the Minister of Justice, Tutor to the Crown Prince, and Supervisor of the Ministry of Punishments. Below the plaque are two wooden couplets that read: “There are no parents in this world who are entirely in the wrong; the rarest thing in this world is true brotherhood.” The figures carved along the beams depict scenes from historical stories such as “Chasing Han Xin Under the Moon,” “Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles,” “The Peach Garden Oath,” “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage,” “Empress Dowager Yue Tattooing Characters,” “Mencius’s Mother Cutting the Thread,” “Wu Song Fighting the Tiger,” and “Rescuing the Lord at Dangyang.” All the wood carvings were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, though traces remain. The side rooms have a total of 24 wooden doors, each with a cross-shaped floral pattern in the upper lattice window and four dragon heads at the corners—adding up to ninety-six in total—a true world of dragons.

　　Passing through a side door leads to the left hall, a structure consisting of three connected sections in a row of seven, featuring as many as six courtyards, eighteen main rooms, and additional side rooms. At the front of the hall, right below the dome-shaped ceiling panels, hangs a large plaque inscribed with the characters “Duxin” (“Sincere and Fragrant”), facing inward to remind future generations to treat others with sincerity and conduct themselves with frugality. The floors of all the halls and rooms are made by hand from a mixture of lime, yellow earth, fine sand, and glutinous rice porridge, pounded into shape. Even today, the floors remain smooth as a mirror and flat as water, staying dry even during the rainy season.

　　Exiting the west gate leads to the backyard garden, where the buildings and plants were destroyed by artillery fire during the Japanese invasion.

　　About a li west of the village, halfway up the mountain, lies the ancient Xiaquan Temple. The scent of incense wafts through the air, and visitors come and go ceaselessly. Inside the Buddha hall is displayed a plaque inscribed with “Long Live the Emperor, Long Live, Long Live, Long Live,” featuring carvings of nine dragons playing with a pearl, written by Chen Guangheng. Beside the temple, a clear spring flows year-round, its water of exceptional quality—crystal clear and sweet to the taste.

　　To admire a celebrity, visit a famous residence, explore an ancient temple, drink from a renowned spring, enjoy the natural scenery, and uncover the cultural heritage—it’s truly a delightful experience. You won’t want to miss a visit here.