Fukang'an Memorial碑 Introduction
The "Merit Monument of Fuk'anggan" inscribed by Emperor Qianlong is quite famous, standing impressively on a stone turtle. It is relatively rare in Taiwan, with only a few remaining in places like Tainan, while in China, stone turtles as pedestals for stone monuments can be found everywhere. This monument not only represents a rarity, but more importantly, it is tied to a significant chapter in Taiwan’s history—the Lin Shuangwen Incident. Notably, because of this event, Zhu Luo County was honored by the Emperor with the name "Chiayi," making it the only place name in Taiwan granted directly by the Emperor. In the 51st year of Qianlong's reign (1786), Lin Shuangwen revolted in Changhua, killing the county magistrate and capturing Zhu Luo (Chiayi) and Fengshan County, causing chaos across the island. Thanks to the valiant efforts of the Taiwan governor Chai Daji in defending Tainan City and recovering Zhu Luo County City in the first month of the 52nd year of Qianlong’s reign (1787). However, after reorganizing, Lin Shuangwen's army continued to besiege Zhu Luo City, leading to fierce battles and a precarious situation. In October of the same year, Qianlong dispatched General Fuk'anggan, who had achieved military merit, to reinforce Taiwan, ultimately defeating Lin Shuangwen and lifting the siege of Zhu Luo City. The valor of the military and civilians in defending Zhu Luo City was recognized, leading to the change of its name to Chiayi. In the 53rd year of Qianlong’s reign (1788), the Emperor ordered the production of ten merit monuments with turtle bases to honor Fuk'anggan's military achievements; four were inscribed in Manchu, four in Chinese, and two in a combination of both languages. One of the bilingual monuments was scheduled to be erected in Chiayi, while the other nine were placed in Tainan City. The turtle bases were carved in Xiamen and arrived at Tainan's harbor; however, one turtle base accidentally fell into the harbor and was replicated in sandstone for Chiayi. The monument went through several relocations before settling at its current site. (The turtle base that fell into the harbor was retrieved by Tainan fishermen in 1911 and is now enshrined at Tainan's Bao'an Temple). Fuk'anggan Merit Monument Brief Information: Size: Height 310 cm, Width 143 cm; Form: Inscribed with imperial script, adorned with double dragons, with dragon motifs on the border, featuring a combination of Manchu and Chinese texts. Construction of the monument: Qing Dynasty, Year 53 of Qianlong (1788).
