Junxian Zhonglie Temple

　　Zhonglie Temple 　　　Zhonglie Temple is located to the left of the “Zhongxiao Temple” (a memorial shrine built during the late Yuan Dynasty for Wang Shiyuan, the prefect of Junzhou, and his son) at the northern end of Xiaogu Mountain. It was built in the 35th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1696) and the following year, a stone inscription was erected to record the event. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, when Li Zicheng raised the rebellion, the uprising spread like wildfire. The peasant army appointed Ma Shicong as the magistrate of Junxian to govern the region. Li Huagui, “upon hearing the news from Coal Hill, wept in mourning attire and swore to punish the traitors.” Together with Liu Shangxin, Liu Weishi, Wang Huayuan, and Wang Yuanzhen, he plotted to assassinate Ma Shicong and resist the rebel army. The plot was exposed, and Li Huagui and others were executed. In order to commemorate their “great righteousness,” the people built this temple and erected a stone stele, “hoping that the loyalty of these righteous officials would endure alongside heaven and earth.”

　　Appendix: Inscription on the Zhonglie Temple Stele

　　The vastness of heaven and earth has no bounds; the righteous qi of the universe flows ceaselessly. The moral light of human principles remains undimmed; the great virtues of loyalty and filial piety uphold the world without ceasing. Only when righteousness is constantly upheld can integrity and principle flourish; only when the bounty of creation is abundant can benevolence, reverence, filial piety, and compassion thrive; only when one’s conduct is upright and principled can there be no room for deceit. Thus, figures such as Páng Jiàng, Gān Yǔ, Yí Yì, and Bó Yì chose death over dishonor in ancient times, while individuals like Zhāng Xiāng, Xǔ Yù, Wén Tíngzhōng, Lù Xiángzhōng, Fāng Xiāng, and Liàn Zhèng sacrificed themselves for righteousness in later eras—these were all men of noble aspiration and integrity. Countless heroic figures who gave their lives for their country and sovereign also stand out in history. As for those whose deeds are not recorded in official histories or honored with posthumous titles, yet whose loyalty and righteousness remain indelible, none are more worthy of today’s high praise than Mr. Li. His given name was Huagui, originally from central Shaanxi. He was upright and resolute, never careless in giving or taking, constantly motivating himself with moral principles and benefiting the people with trustworthiness. The virtuous admired his character, and commoners were transformed by his influence—he was truly an outstanding and unconventional man of honor. When the “Wooden Monkey Incident” occurred and he heard the tragic news from Coal Hill, he wept in mourning attire and swore to punish the traitors. He secretly conspired with honorable gentry such as Liu Shangxin, Liu Weishi, Wang Huayuan, and Wang Yuanzhen, determined to avenge the unrelenting hatred. Just as they were about to act—and as the rebel banners marched straight toward FanYang with unstoppable momentum, intent on eliminating those who showed disrespect to the sovereign—an unexpected leak led to betrayal. The puppet official Ma Shicong had prepared in advance and ambushed them. He was executed on the spot by beating, dying with curses unceasing from his lips. His comrades Liu Wenxian and Liu Xiangchen were also subsequently killed. Alas, loyalty and filial piety are among the greatest virtues of humanity, yet because the traces of life and death have not yet faded, these virtues may seem as light as an autumn hair. But this man, though of humble rank, championed righteousness throughout the land, striving to eliminate the cruelty of the bandit Li Zicheng. Unable to bear living while allowing righteousness to perish, his actions made it clear to all that the grievances against the sovereign and father must be avenged.