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

Su Quanzhong was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. The son of Marquis Su Hu of Jizhou and brother to Su Daji, later to become the possessed concubine of King Zhou of Shang, Su Quangzhong was a high-ranking official of the Shang Dynasty. When his father defied King Zhou by refusing to hand over his daughter and therefore sully his honour, a great coalition was formed to defeat the 'rebel' Su Hu.

Su Quanzhong led his father's forces against the invading Shang army, becoming renowned as a fierce protector of Ji province. When Chong Houhu, commander of the coalition, arrived with his army, Su Quanzhong rode forth on his horse and immediately cut down Houhu's right-hand general Mei Wu, forcing Houhu to retreat. Su Quanzhong continued to harass Houhu's forces, making them retreat multiple times, striking down both of Houhu's head generals and wounding Houhu himself.

Su Quanzhong eventually met his match in Houhu's brother, Chong Heihu, who was a fierce warrior equipped with magical weapons as well as a close friend of Su's father. He fought with Heihu, but was defeated and captured by Heihu's magical gourd. After the coalition was ended by a single letter from Ji Chang (King Wen of Zhou), Su Quanzhong would pay his respects to the first man to have ever defeated him, Heihu. He would be appointed as the deity in Beidou Xinggong by the end of the novel.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Anandajoti

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