最实用的英文讲解词Chengdu Wuhou Temple

Chapter 2: Wuhou Shrine

Today we are going to visit Wuhou Shrine. Where is it? A poem had told us: “丞相祠堂何处寻，城南郊外柏森森”. –

Before we visit Wuhou Shrine, can anybody answer me a question? What are the 4 classical literatures in China? 1, Monkey King; 2, Shuihu; 3, Dream of Red Storied Building; 4, The Story of 3 Kingdoms. For a better understanding of Wuhou Shrine, let me tell you the story of “The 3 Kingdoms”1st. 1700 years ago, in the late Han Dynasty, China was separated into 3 kingdoms, Wei, Shu and Wu. “Wei” kingdom located in the north part of China, ruled by Caocao, the Prime Minister of Han. “Wu” ruled by Sunquan, occupying the Southern China. “Shu” was the smallest one, situated in the S. W. part of China. The 3 kingdoms coexisting and each wanted to dominate the whole. The King of Shu Liubei was born in a poor family. He was making living by selling straw sandals. He met too young fellows. One was Guanyu, a vender, who was selling jujube. The other, Zhangfei, was a butcher. They 3 became best friends and had each other as brother. Before long, Liubei happen to found out that he owns the noble blood. Then he decided to reunion the country. He was told that there were 2 geniuses, the Crouching Dragon -- “Wolong” and the Y oung Phoenix -- “Fengchu”. Wolong named Zhuge Liang, and Fengchu named Pangtong. If Liubei could get either one’s help, he could get the whole country. Though 20 years older than Zhugeliang, Liubei visited him 3 times at his cottage with great patience and respect. Moved by Liubei, Zhuge finally agreed assist him after the “Conversation in Longzhong ”. With many excellent battles directed by Zhuge, Liubei finally won 1/3 of China, set up his own country -- Shu. Unfortunately, Liubei died in two years, and another 40 years later, Shu was destroyed by Wei. Although Shu only had 42-year’s life span, it is one of the brightest pearl on the chain of Chinese history. “The Story of 3 Kingdoms” was written by Luo Guanzhong in Ming Dynasty. This is a true story based on the history record “3 Kingdom Record”, by Chengshou, in Jing Dynasty. All the characters described were true persons.

Now here we are. Please look up. On the gate, it is written “Han Zhao Lie Miao” – Emperor Zhaolie’s Temple of the Han Dynasty. Oh? Are we come to the wrong place? No! Later I will tell you why.

Did you see the wall in front of the gate? It is called “Zhao Bi” – Screen wall. Zhao Bi was always constructed at the front gate of a big family’s courtyard. Probably you’ve heard of Chinese “Feng Shui”. In traditional Chinese architecture, it is essential to keep the good air inside the house, and prevent the evil air coming in. In order to maintain the owner’s health and wealth. It was said that if the ghost saw the gate open he would jump in. In addition, the Zhao Bi also prevents people peering from the outside. So that to keep the family’s privacy.

And there is always one pair of thing at the gate -- lions. Come closer, who can tell me which is the male one? Usually it is left side male, and right side female. Male lion is the King, the ball he’s holding stands for the power. Female lion is the queen, who breeds young generation. See the baby lion under her pawl. We know in the true natural world, female lion shouldn’t have long hair. 1

This temple is the only place in memory of both the King and his Prime Minister. As Liubei, the King said himself: “Liang to me is like water to fish.” The King was posthumously titled “Zhao Lie”. Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister was titled “Zhong Wu Hou” – Loyal Marquis Wu. Wuhou Actually, their memorials were built side by side originally. It’s ironic, that because people respect the Prime Minister more than the King. Many people go and visit the Wuhou Shrine, few comes to Zhaolie temple. In the 14 century, they were merged into one. So, if you want to visit

st the Prime Minister, you must visit the King 1. Poet Zou Lu told us in his poem: “门额大书照烈

庙, 世人只道武候祠. 由来功名输勋业, 臣相恩德百代思. ”-- “Big Zhao Lie Temple hanging than the title, the prime minister’s kindness is remembered by all the generations.”

There are 6 tablets on both side of the road, among them 4 are made in Qing Dynasty, one in Ming Dynasty, and one in Tang Dynasty. All those tablets are recording the historical incidences of the shrine.

Let’s see the Ming tablet 1st . Do you know what is the animal carrying the tablet? Turtle? No! It is called “Bi Xi”. Legend said, Dragon has 9 sons, and the youngest is Bi Xi. For Bi Xi is very strong, people let him carry the stele.

The most precious one was made in 809, Tang Dynasty. It is respected as “the Three Consummation Tablet”. For the tablet is excellent in its essay by famous litterateur Pei Du, the Prime Minister of Tang Dynasty, handwriting of the famous calligrapher, Liu Gongzhuo, and carving of the talented sculptor Lu Jian.

Come on let’s show our respect to the king 1st . In the novel, Liubei is characterized by his big ears. It is believed the one who owns a pair of big ears always has good fortune. Do we have any big ears around? Oh, yah! He is our lucky star.

The board holding in the King’s hands is called “Yu Gui”. It is made of jade. The 7 dippers on it stands for the highest power. Liubei died in 62, governing the state for 2 years only. His son “A Dou” Liuchan carried on for 40 years.

the statue of his son. But, where is it?

When State Wei invading Shu, Liu Chen tried to persuade his father A Dou fight to the last, and not to give up. But his father didn’t listen to him. The moment Wei army broke into Chengdu. Liu Chen killed his family and then suicide. But his father A Dou was living happily after given in, and totally forgot the shame. From him comes the saying : “too happy to remember Shu”. People hate A Dou, not willing to memorize him, so there is no statue for him.

The next room at the left side is Zhang Fei’s Hall. Zhangfei was one of Liu Bei’s brothers, the butcher. We can see he has a black face. But due to history record, two of his daughters were imperial’s concubines. A father of beautiful daughters shouldn’t be so ugly. The face actually represents his temper. In Sichuan Opera, black color stands for straightness. He was a tough man, who fights bravely.

But he was also an alcoholic. Each time he drunk he would abuse his 2 th

Along the left side corridor are the statues of generals. Look at this old man. He was the youngest brother of Liu Bei. But why he looks much older? Cause he was the most longevous one among them. He died in the age of 82. The rest of the brothers all passed away in their middle age. Inscription on the wall is called “the Former Memorial to the Throne Before Expedition”. After the death of Liu Bei, Zhugeliang tried to attack State Wei. Before expedition, he wrote a letter to A Dou, told him how to be a good emperor. The most famous sentence is “be closer with worthy person, be estranged from base person. ” The handwriting is of Y ue Fei, the general of Song Dynasty. We can see that it started with regular style, and then gradually changed into running style. Cause the more he wrote, the more he felt excited. Thinking about Zhugeliang, and related to himself, he couldn’t help tearing. It is said that the one who read this page, but no crying, is not allegiant. The next page is the “Later Memorial” which was written at Zhugeliang’s last expedition. In this page is the famous word “working at your best, till the last breath.”

Statues in the right side corridor are of the officials’. The one sitting at the 1st place is our famous Fengchu – Y oung Phoenix. Remember I have told you , that it was said, “Crouching Dragon and Yong Phoenix, get one can get the whole country.” Won’t it ironic, that Liu Bei got them both but lost his country in the end.

Fengchu named Pangtong. See, his face is as black as Zhangfei. His was true. According to the history record, because Pangtong was too ugly, so that the King didn’t like him. Fengchu was died in a battle, in Guanghan Luo city. In order to memorize him, people call the place Luo Feng Po “Phoenix Dropped Hill”.

In this hall sits Guanyu, another brother of the King, the vender. He is famous for his braveness and loyalty. He was once caught up by Caocao, the ruler of Wei. No mater how well Caocao treated him, he just never gave in. Unfortunately, he was the 1st one died among his brothers. His head also had been cut off after failed in a battle. His body buried in Jingzhou. His head was taken to Wei State.

Look at his face. It ’s red. Red color stands for loyalty in Sichuan Opera. For people highly respect him, they worship him as a King. You may see that Guanyu is also dressed like an emperor. Can you find out any differences between Liu Bei and him? The board he holding is different to Liu Bei’s. This is called “Hu Ban” which is made of ivory. That is a must for the official, who is meeting the King.

See the huge sword put up here. In the novel it was the weapon used by Guan Yu, which is as heavy as 40kg. The man stand beside it named Zhou Chao. He was the only fictional character in the novel, whose’ duty was carrying Guan Yu’s big knife. Due to historical research, huge sword did not exist till Tang Dynasty. Weapons during that period were mostly used in the way of stick.

In this courtyard, there are in total of 41 clay sculptures. Costumes they wearing are not the true style based on their time. All the figures of those statues are based on literature description. We might see those vivid costumes in Sichuan Opera.

The whole memorial built along the axes. The structure represents the court holding a routine morning conference.

I am sure you ’ve seen a lot of Traditional Chinese Architectures. Have you found out the 3

difference of this one? The color! Traditional Chinese buildings are mostly decorated with red color. But this one is totally black, cause it is a memorial.

Follow me, after visited the King, we finally came to the Wu Hou Shrine. Have you noticed that the Wuhou Shrine is slightly lower than where we are standing? Again, this is to show the social There is one special part of this building – the Happy Buddha on the roof. Do you know whom are those two standing beside him? Gods of rain. Wu Hou Shrine had been set on fire for two times. So when the last time rebuilt the hall, people let Happy Buddha set on the roof to protect it. Don’t know whether

it is supersti tion or not. Anyway, since then the shrine has been nicely protected. It’s funning that Zhugeliang was good at using fire in his battles himself.

Board over the gate “Famous Universal” was inscribed by infante Guo Qingwang.

Here is the famous couplet – Winning Heart: “能攻心则反册自消，自古知兵非好战，不审势即宽严皆误，后来治蜀要深思。” It says: “If can win the heart, bolshy mind will disappear. It is Come into the hall, we can see Zhugeliang waving his famous feather fan, dressed in ordinary clothes. This was the typical costume of literates’ during Han Dynasty. The two boys standing besides, one is holding a book, the other holding a sward. Zhugeliang is one of the greatest militarists of China. The hall is decorated in austere, which represents his personality. Zhugeliang also named Kong Ming was born in Shangdong province, an official family. He left home, went to the mountainside of Longzhong, and built a cottage to study along. Been regarded as Crouching Dragon, he knew the outside world well, without step out of his door. He is also respected as one of the greatest strategist and statesman in Chinese’ history. During his 30 years serving as Prime Minister of Shu, he contributed greatly to the development of Sichuan. He organized the maintenance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, improved the growing of brocade and salt industry, and encouraged the education of minority. He was died of TB, in the age of 54, on the way of punitive expedition to Wei.

Now guess, what is this thing kept beside? A drum? Yes. And what else could it be? A pot! Look behind. It is empty. In order to lighten the burden of the army, Zhugeliang invented it. It was used as a cooker in the daytime and as an alarming drum at night. This drum is a real one, with a history about 1700 years. It is listed in the 1st class cultural relics of China.

Y ears passed, Zhugeliang has been respected as the god of pleasure. On the 1st day of lunar year, people will gather here to hold a ceremony to memorize him.

Besides Zhugeliang is his son and grand son. They both serve the country, and died in fighting. 1 Zhao Fan, Qing Dynasty: The 1st line is saying that Zhugeliang was good at wining hart in his battle. Such as in his battle with southern ethnic people, he caught the head Menhuo 7 times, and relieved him 7 times. Till Menhou given in in the end. The author praised Zhugeliang was an excellent militarist but not a warmonger.

In the 2nd line it praises Zhugeliang carried out the law while considering the situation, which led to a good outcome in governing the country. So the coming governors should learn from Zhugeliang’s success while governing Sichuan.

There is also another explanation: Though Zhugeliang was so excellent in his life, but he failed in the end. Where’s the problem? In his last battle there was a general whose name was Masu. Once Masu didn’t obey

Zhugeliang’s order, caused the army frustrated in a fight. With mercy as usual, Zhugeliang didn’t punish him. So, Masu disobeyed his order the 2nd time, which caused a greater losing. Zhugeliang lost many men, though in great need of fighter, he till killed Masu, which led the fiasco of the whole battle.

So people said that this couplet is blaming Zhugeliang for not considering the changing situation, too kind and too strict at the wrong time. It is telling people to learn from Zhugeliang’s failure.

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Zhugezhan buried his foot in the ground to show his soldier that he will never retreat. And he fought to his last breath.

Behind this hall is the “3 Brother’s Temple”. As I said, Liubei, Guanyu and Zhangfei were very good friends. When they are still ordinary people, they become sworn brothers in a peach garden. Here we can see their statues dressed in common.

To the end of this red-walled lane, is the tome of Liu Bei. The lane is the typical design of Chinese garden – red wall and black tile. The face on the tile is lion. It is called “Wa Dang”. It has the function of threatening evils. Bamboo at both side of the corridor is called Wide leafage bamboo, which is a unique of Sichuan province. There are in total of 400 kinds of bamboo, among them 240 kinds could be found in Sichuan.

Please t ake a look of this stele. It is inscribed “Han Zhao Lie Temple”. Han is Han dynasty; Zhaolie is the respectful title of the King. This stele is a piece of sand stone, which could be easily eroded. So we put it in the glass box to protect it from being weathering.

After Guanyu died in a battle, Liubei set out a punitive expedition for revenge. Eventually, he himself died on the half way in Beidi City, at the 3 Gorges. Zhugeliang carried him back and buried here. 1700 years passed, there is no evidence show that the tome had been broken in, cause people respect Zhugeliang, and afraid of his wisdom. Since Tang Dynasty an official had been specially assigned to guard this mausoleum.

There was a story said that in the Tang Dynasty, some ghouls broke into the tome, and found out that the 3 brothers: Liubei, Guanyu, Zhangfei was sitting together playing chase. The ghouls were invited for a drink, and each gifted a jade belt. After the ghouls came out, the tome closed, they all became dumb, and the belt turned into snake. After that, nobody dare to touch the tome again. Even in the culture revolution, Prime Minister Zhouenlai had ordered an army troop to guard the tome. You may still see the bullet wholes on the wall. Those are the marks of history.

Now lets measure the perimeter of the tome by our foot, the main while to show our respect to the king. Liubei had two wives. One is the Queen Mrs., Gan, and the other Mrs. Wu. Them 3 all buried in the tome. 3 times a year, the young King A Dou would come for sacrifice. All right, we come back to the front again. Can anybody tell me, the perimeter? It is 180 meters long, and the tome is 12 meters high.

The Rd., in front of the tome is called “Shengdao” – Sacred Way . Usually Sacred Way of the emperor’s mausoleum should be 300 meters long, but this one is only about 30 meters. From the scale of this mausoleum, we can see that after years fighting Shu Kingdom was quite weak already. No wander it was finally destroyed by Wei.

There is a museum at your right side, exhibiting relics of the Han Dynasty and some history records. Who ever interested in may go and visit it. The others may have a short break in the washroom.

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