The House of Huangcheng Chancellor
This large complex was started in the Ming Dynasty and finished in the Qing Dynasty (1368-1911) and was the resident of Chen Tingjing , Premier of Qing Dynasty which Emperor Kangxi referred as the “perfect man”. He served as head in different departments of the government except the department of defense. He served as the teacher of Kangxi for a time and later Kangxi sought his counsel frequently. Emperor Kangxi stayed in his home for a period of time when he was visiting this area. In his later days, he was asked to stayed on service in helping to compile and proofread for the Kangxi Dictionary of the Chinese Characters which is still being referred to today. He died at age 74 before this dictionary was published. He served 50 some years in office away from home.
The Chen clan were farmers and then move on to coal mining. They amassed their wealth and emphasized on educating their young. It proved that through education can achieve a higher goal in life. From 1501 to 1700 , the family had 66 members who passed imperial exams.
Below are pictures of the family courtyard of his living quarters which he hardly lived in during his lifetime in office.
awesome retirement 