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

Fang Bi was a minor character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Her served under King Zhou of Shang as his Chief of Guards in the palace, alongside Fang Xiang. He and Fang Xiang were also known by the names Fang Da and Fang Er, and collectively as the Fang Brothers.

After Queen Jiang's cruel death, the Fang Brothers were included in the private discussions between all the high-ranking officials and Huang Feihu. Decrying King Zhou's madness and cruelty, and refusing to let the king execute his own two sons, they flee the palace with the princes under their arms, charging through the gates and smashing everyone aside with their great brute strength.

Huang Feihu was sent to supposedly subdue the Fang Brothers and returns the princes for execution, but he instead met up with them and planned their escape routes. It was decided that Fang Bi would bring the two young princes with him to the Grand Duke of the East, while Fang Xiang would approach the Grand Duke of the South and ask for troops to avenge the queen's death. After they were successful in their tasks, the Fang Brothers tearfully left and were not heard from again, though they possibly die later on in the story, with two giant ferryman with the exact same names being killed by Heavenly Master Yao Bin, an ally of King Zhou of Shang.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Anandajoti

Credit:

Pictures From History