Zao Jun – The Kitchen God

Zao Jun, also known as the Kitchen God or the Lord of the Hearth is a very popular deity in Chinese folk religion. He is the protector of the family and an image or picture of him is fixed above the hearth and from this position he notes everything that happens in the house. He then reports to the Jade Emperor on each New Year’s Day.

The legend of Zao Jun dates back to before the 2nd century BCE. It is told that he was married to a very virtuous woman who brought good fortune and blessing upon his house. He, however, fell in love with a young woman and left his wife who returned to her family home. From that day on he was plagued with bad luck. The girl left him, he became blind, lost his wealth and had to resort to begging to support himself. His search for alms brought him one day to the house of his former wife, now blind, he did not recognize her, but she knew him and invited him in and served him his favorite dish. This reminded him of his lost happiness, and with tears running from his face, he told her his sad tale. She ordered him to open his eyes, and as if by miracle, he regained his eyesight and recognized her. He was deeply ashamed of how he had treated her and felt unable to remain in her presence, so he jumped into the hearth, not realizing it was lit. His wife attempted to save him, but only managed to salvage one of his legs. She mourned for him greatly, fixed a small plaque above the hearth where he lost his life and made sacrifices to him. That was the beginning of his veneration as a hearth deity.

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You must have a Daoist Temple (not just a shrine) in your city to call a Daoist Hero

BLESSES

Food Shop
Quality of food in stock increases by 1 level. Blessing lasts only until that food has been delivered to houses.

WALKER TYPES

Dao Priest
Every house he passes receives 1 unit of delicious food.

If a player is prepared to micromanage to keep Zao Jun within a housing block and continually passing all houses it is possible for this benefit to be used to supply all food requirements for a housing block right up to the highest level.

HALVES THE BUILDING COST OF

Houses
Food shops

CAPTURES ANIMALS

No

FIGHTER

No

OTHER BENEFITS

Free New Year Festival

ASSOCIATED MONUMENTS

Large Palace
Clock Tower

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