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

Wen Zhong, also known as Grand Tutor Wen, was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Wen Zhong was one of the highest ranked officials in the Shang Dynasty, having served under King Da Yi for many years. When King Da Yi died, Wen Zhong crowned Da Yi's son Zi Shou (King Zhou of Shang) as the new monarch of the Shang Dynasty.

Shortly afterwards, he rode off on his dragon to wage war against rebelling demons in the North Sea, a campaign that would take fifteen years. During the campaign, he was given a third eye by the Jade Emperor himself, which could allow him to see through any falsehood or dillusion. He eventually returned to King Zhou's court after his victory, and upon seeing the idiocy and corruption within the king and his ministers, began attending to the situation as best he could, remaining loyal to the Shang Dynasty due to his long decades of service.

He appointed himself head of civil affairs, and fought against the Zhou army, refusing to see the Shang Dynasty fall despite his contempt for King Zhou himself. He was eventually struck down by the Taoist Immortal Yunzhongzi, Master of the Clouds. For his bravery, skill, and dutiful loyalty, he was appointed as deity of Puhua Tianzun at the end of the novel, as well as ascending to become a thunder god, Lei Zu, the Ascendant of Thunder.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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