Guan Ning

Guan Ning (158-241), with courtesy name of Youan, was a scholar in the Three Kingdoms period. A descendant of Guan Zhong, he was born in Zhuxu, Beihai (today`s Guangong village in Anqiu). He loved reading and had read a wide range of ancient books and classics. He had never sought fame and fortune in all his life.

In 184, Hua Xin heard of his name and visited him from afar. They became good friends. One day, they planted on the field together and found gold. Guan Ning looked at it as a brick and threw it away. On another occasion, a distinguished official in a luxurious sedan chair passed by when they were reading together on the xi (bamboo mat). He concentrated on book to the exception of all others, while Hua Xin run away and followed it with admiration. When Hua returned, Guan Ning separated xi with him and said to Hua that he was not his friend. Then it came the two popular anecdotes ``ge xi duan jiao`` (breaking up with friends by separating xi) and ``chu yuan de jin`` (acquiring gold while planting).

In later Eastern Han Dynasty, the peasant insurgents of the Yellow Turban Rebellion swarmed the North China Plain. Han reign was at stake. Guan Ning, together with his friend, Bing Yuan, fled to Liaodong in order to avoid the turmoil. Gongsun Du, the governor of Liaodong, received him with hospitality. In Liaodong, he often explained books and poems, and taught people rites. People all respected him.

In 223 (Huangchu 4th year), under the recommendation of Situ Huaxin, Cao Pi, Emperor Wendi of Wei invited him to return to his hometown. After 37 years of stay in Liaodong, he took the ship back home together with his family. Before leaving, he returned all the gifts given by Governor Gongsun Du. Back home, he built a small house on the side of a hill and studied and wrote all day. Emperor Wendi titled him ``taizhong daifu``(master of the palace), but he declined. Later Emperor Mindi of Wei praised him highly and wanted to grant him the title of ``guangluxun`` (the Superintendent of the Imperial Household). But he declined again and went back to his hometown.

In 241 (Zhengshi 2nd year), Sun Yong, Wangji and other high officials recommended Guan Ning to Wei Fang, King of Qi, who invited him with plenty of valuables. At this moment, Guan Ning died of illness. Later generations called him ``sage``. People in Guan Ning`s village built Guan Ning Temple and tomb in honor of him. 5 villages nearby were all renamed village of Guangong (Mr. Guan).