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568-year-old decree of emperor preserved in China family

Xinhua, November 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

A 568-year-old decree by a Ming Dynasty emperor honoring the parents of an official has been passed down through 19 generations to its current owner, a farmer in north China's Hebei Province.

The decree was issued in 1447 by Emperor Zhu Qizhen of the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644) to Guo Shixian, father of Guo Bin, a civil affairs official, for the son's contribution to the country through his wisdom and diligence.

According to the decree, the father was awarded an honorary title equal to the son's post. Made of silk, the well-preserved cloth is 192 cm long and 31 cm wide with a total of 135 characters.

Guo Hongjun, a 76-year-old farmer in Xiaogubao village, Guangzong County, is the 19th generation after Guo Shixian.

"It records the achievement of our ancestors and is good teaching material for future generations," he said.

The emperor's decree will help study the honor system and social culture of the country's feudal society, said Wang Yuequn, a heritage protection official in Guangzong. Endi