The Xiao Family Chastity Archway

　　The Xiao Family Chastity Archway is located near Fu’an Temple in Lane 304, Section 1 of Fufront Road. It is the smallest and most delicate among the four stone archways, yet its simplicity still conveys a sense of solemnity. This archway was built during the Jiaqing era to honor Madam Xiao, the wife of Shen Yaowen, a scholar of the Imperial College, for her virtuous act of remaining chaste after her husband’s death, raising their young child, and serving her in-laws. Supported by two pillars, the single-bay facade features the bold characters “Chastity and Virtue” (节孝) on the central horizontal plaque. The couplets on the left and right pillars clearly recount Madam Xiao’s story of chastity and virtue. The words “Imperial Edict” (圣旨) are inscribed on the vertically embedded stones above the upper and lower eaves, making them particularly eye-catching.