Wu Sanrang, male, from Guangwushan Town, Nanjiang County, was born on the twelfth day of the seventh month of the year Dingmao in the Tongzhi era at Huashu Baitan Fengxiang Ridge. The Wu family, renowned for their noble lineage, resided at Fengxiang Ridge, known as the Free and Easy Mansion. Wu Sanrang’s uncles, Wu Shikai and Wu Yinglong, were both scholars and military students during the Jiaqing era. The three brothers, the eldest Wu Sanyi and the younger Wu Sande, lived off their family’s wealth, enjoying a life of ease with servants to attend to their every need. Wu Sanrang was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. After his father’s early death, he abandoned his studies to manage the household and raise his brother. Over time, the family’s fortunes grew increasingly prosperous, accumulating vast wealth. He used money to obtain an imperial degree but never held any official position.
Relying on his vast family fortune as capital for enjoyment, bridge construction, temple building, and poverty relief, he raised funds to build the Wenchang Palace and Guanyin Hall temples, as well as bridges and over 200 meters of stone steps. During festivals, he would store rice and cured meat in the courtyard to help the poor. Wu Sanrang was praised as a gem of jade, living to the ripe old age of 61.
Wu Sanrang owned extensive farmland, as recorded in his stele: “Several acres were leased in Guanba, several acres in Huanan, and a certain amount of grain was rented here.” The land stretched over thousands of acres, extending westward and southeastward to reach the borders of Hanzhong. Over a hundred households cultivated it, with an endless supply of grain for rent. The taxes collected annually covered several counties, and he had long forgotten the days when the emperor’s forces were strong. The three counties contributed their grain, and the prefecture collected it, all with a broad and generous attitude towards people. His household management was strict and clear, and his construction projects were magnificent.
Wu Tomb Inscription:
Vast and deep, the sea broadens one’s mind; far-reaching, the crowd respects the virtuous. Virtue is bright and benevolent, the petty heart remains humble despite pride. If fame is indeed as faint as water, how could petty gains ever invade half of Wu? In demeanor, surpassing others, it is like jade and gold. A gentle face is very approachable, openly welcoming with kindness.
Dignified bearing and graceful demeanor, awe-inspiring presence that touches the eye. When joy spreads, affection is warm and kind; when guests are entertained, respect is sincere and earnest. The teachings of Master Zhu can govern a household, and his principles ensure perpetual correctness. Father’s kindness and son’s filial piety flow naturally, brotherly love and fraternal respect are unparalleled. Sisters-in-law share a harmonious face, and men, women, young, and old live in peace without discord.
From ancient times, wealth and frugality have been upheld; neither arrogance nor extravagance is indulged. The mansion stands resplendent around, its beauty shining through. Inside, the red doors of the scholar shine like orchids, while the green doors of the brocade hall are veiled in splendor. It seems that bamboo shelters and pines flourish, birds gather and eagles soar. Since ancient times, vast mansions have opened their arms to shelter the poor and needy, providing them with a place to call home.
In the second year of Guangxu, Wu Sanlian devoted himself to building the flower-drying tower in the cave of Banyan Shangzhai on Dongjiapo. In order to prevent bandits and protect the safety of his family, as well as to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the white-headed river, several people were stationed here at ordinary times, and there were three cannons with ox ears and dozens of muskets and spears.