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

Zhao Qi was a character described in the Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', a grand counselor of the Shang Dynasty and advisor to King Zhou of Shang. Like his equal and associate Shang Rong, Zhao Qi came to lament and despise the idocy, cruelty and corruption of King Zhou.

After Shang Rong killed himself in front of the king in defiance, Zhao Qi ultimately spoke his mind and implored the king to change his ways. Even after being threatened by King Zhou, Zhao Qi did not hold back his words. He was executed for his refusal to back down, joining Shang Rong in lamenting the fate of the Shang Dynasty and how King Zhou had shamed the memory of Cheng Tang, first king of the Shang Dynasty.

Similarly to Shang Rong, Zhao Qi was deified after his death, becoming the deity of Tianshe Star.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Anandajoti

Credit:

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