Holy Edict Stele of Taiqing Palace

　　The stele is rectangular, measuring 0.60 meters in height and 0.96 meters in width, and is carved from bluestone. The inscription is in regular script, with 18 lines and 12 characters per line. It is an edict issued by the central government of the Yuan Dynasty to protect Taiqing Palace. The edict was promulgated on April 27, the second year of the Zhongtong era of the Yuan Dynasty (1261 AD). This stele is now well-preserved and embedded in the right side railing wall in front of the Taiji Hall of Taiqing Palace. (Stele text included)

　　Holy Edict Stele

　　Under the Eternal Heaven (six characters skipped below)

　　Imperial Edict: According to the report of Taoist Master Zhang of Bozhou to Bozhou

　　The abbot Taoists of Taiqing Palace have been receiving

　　Imperial orders prohibiting envoys and military troops from staying within the temple grounds

　　and forbidding anyone from cutting down the planted trees

　　All are prohibited from felling them, dedicated solely to

　　the royal family’s prayers to Heaven and wishes for longevity. Now, the original imperial orders received

　　have been duly submitted and acknowledged. Upon approval of the report,

　　it is commanded that the Taoists of Taiqing Palace in Bozhou shall follow

　　the established practice: envoys and military troops are not allowed to stay within the temple grounds,

　　and all individuals are forbidden from cutting down any trees.

　　No matter the type of property, no one shall seize or demand it.

　　It is further ordered that Zhang Baduer

　　continually ensure the protection of Taiqing Palace, and instruct the resident Taoists

　　to diligently maintain and recite scriptures, offering

　　prayers for the perpetual prosperity of the royal lineage (five characters skipped below)

　　May they not be negligent or lazy.

　　Imperial Seal

　　27th day of the 4th month, 2nd year of Zhongtong

　　Information source: Luyi County People's Government Website