Qionglin Yimen Sanjie Fang Introduction
The Qionglin Three-Widow Archway is located on the ancient official road in Qionglin Village, Jincheng Township, and is one of the last three Qing dynasty archways remaining in Kinmen, with a particularly tragic story. Built in the 11th year of the Daoguang reign (1831), this stone archway, which appears to be a symbol of honor and glory, actually hides the bitter tale of three widows from the same family. It is now designated as a county historic site. During the Daoguang period, Cai Zhonghuan's wife, Chen, became a widow at the age of 29 but managed to uphold the household, diligently raising her young sons, Fanggui, Shangwen, and the posthumous son, Shangshen. Later, Cai Shangwen married a daughter of Chen Wenxin from Doumen, but unexpectedly, Cai Shangwen passed away when Chen was only 21, leading her to follow the path of widowhood like her mother-in-law. Unfortunately, after Cai Shangshen married the daughter of Huang Zhichuan from Wenshui, he also passed away at the age of 29, leaving Huang as a widow. Despite their circumstances, the three widows of the Cai family remained steadfast and virtuous, managing their home with frugality. In their later years, they finally enjoyed joy after a life of hardship, with Chen living to see five generations under one roof and over eighty descendants; thus, the officials reported to the ministry to build this archway in their honor. The Qionglin Three-Widow Archway is constructed from white stone from Quanzhou and green stone from Qiong. The stone pillars bear couplets inscribed by officials, each word expressing the poignant story of the three widows' steadfastness and noble character.
