Malaysia / China: Carving of Prime Minister Shang Rong, depicting his role in the 16th Century Ming Dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi ('Investiture of the Gods'). From Ping Sien Si Temple, Pasir Panjang Laut

Shang Rong was the renowned Prime Minister during the last years of the Shang Dynasty, having served for over three generations. First serving during the reign of King Da Yi, he later served under King Zhou. After Su Daji bewitches and begins to corrupt King Zhou, Shang Rong starts to notice the growing cruelty and tyranny of the king. Filled with grief, he retires from his duties and leaves the dynasty.

Later on in the Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', the Crown Prince of the Shang Dynasty visits the home of the retired prime minister, and convinces him to return and try to instill some sense and intelligence back into King Zhou. Arguing vehemently with the king, he berates King Zhou for his foolish and cruel ways, refusing to back down even after receiving a threat of being beaten to death with a golden mallet.

He laments that he had recommended King Zhou to succeed the late King Da Yi, and ends his life by banging his head repeatedly against a nearby column. After his death, he was deified as the deity of Yutang Star.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Anandajoti

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