The Temple of Duke Tu preserves intact wooden crates from the 19th century.

Quan Cong Tu Temple was established during the reign of Tu Duc in the year Canh Than (1860). After more than 150 years, the temple still retains its wooden panels, inscriptions, and exquisite wood carvings.

The facade of Quan Cong Tu Temple. Photo: Diep Phuong

Mr. Tran Van Thiet (born in 1947) - a member of the temple management board said: From the middle of the 17th century, the Nguyen Lord's army occupied 7 districts south of Lam River, two brothers Tran Hung Hoc and Tran Hung Nhuong led the militia to rise up to support Le. After expelling the Nguyen army from Nghe An town, Mr. Tran Hung Hoc was awarded the title of Hau Giap by King Le, Mr. Tran Hung Nhuong was awarded the title of Hau At.

With many glorious achievements, in 1670, the court considered their merits and promoted Hau Giap to Tham Doc, Hau At to Thi Ve, and both Haus were recorded in national history. In 1672, King Le Gia Tong led the Southern expedition, and the two Haus were ordered to lead the vanguard to attack the Nguyen army's defense line at Bau Tro, Dong Hai area (now Dong Hoi) and were assigned to garrison the defense line north of Gianh River.

Wood carvings remain intact after centuries. Photo: Diep Phuong

At that time, Hau Giap fell ill and died at the garrison at the age of 43. His body was brought back to his hometown for burial in Phat Lat (now Thanh Xuan commune). The court posthumously awarded him the title of Nhuan Quan Cong and gave him the name Don Hau.

Also according to Mr. Thiet, after Hau Giap passed away, Hau At returned to the capital to command the Uu Tien army of the Ve Quan Thi Hau. In the year Binh Dan, he obeyed the order to be the Chief Commander to suppress the rebellion of Khoan Quan Cong Vu Cong Tuan in the Tuyen Quang and Hung Hoa regions. In the year Canh Ngo (1690), Luan Quan Cong Ta Do Doc Trinh Huyen brought the entire navy of Ve Dong Quan to the Hoa - Phong - Yen Quang region (now Quang Ninh province) to coordinate with the Qing navy to suppress pirates operating along the coast of the two countries.

Wooden stele in the temple. Photo: Diep Phuong

Later, Hau At was promoted to the position of Governor of Chau Bo Chinh to guard the border. In the 6th year of Vinh Thinh, he passed away in Son Phong at the age of 76. His coffin was brought back to his hometown and buried at the foot of Ru Bac (now Thanh Xuan commune, Thanh Chuong).

On the day of his death, in gratitude for his contributions, the court posthumously awarded him the title of Left Admiral and the title of Trieu Quan Cong. He had great contributions to his homeland, as shown in the sentence: "Divide the Trai and Le fish fields, the land of Lay beach and Trieu beach to three communes: Bich Trieu, Lam Trieu, and Vo Nguyen". To remember his contributions forever, in the year Canh Than (1860) of Tu Duc Dynasty, the people of the three communes of Bich Trieu (now Thanh Giang commune, Thanh Chuong district), Lam Trieu (now Thanh Lam commune, Thanh Chuong district), and Vo Nguyen (now Nam Thuong commune, Nam Dan district) built a temple to worship Quan Cong Tu (in Con Den area, My Hoa village, Thanh Lam commune, Thanh Chuong district) for the three communes to worship.

Despite going through two wars and relocations, the temple is still preserved intact by the villagers. Photo: Diep Phuong

During the resistance war against America, due to heavy bombing by the enemy, in 1973, the people moved the temple to Thanh Xuan commune - the hometown of the two saints to preserve and continue worshiping.

In early 2018, the people of Thanh Lam commune decided to move the temple of the two gods back to its old site. After nearly two centuries of existence, the temple is somewhat damaged, but overall, 85% of the temple is still intact. Thanh Lam villagers joined hands and contributed money to restore a beam, a pillar, replace new tiles, and build a brick wall around and in front of the temple, continuing to preserve the incense and spirituality of the locality./.

Diep Phuong