Wenquxing

[1][2] Those who excel in literary skills and hold high-ranking positions in the imperial court are often associated with the incarnation of Wenquxing to the mortal realm.

[6][7] In Li Chunfeng's Cangtou Shi [zh] (Hidden Head Poems), there is a passage that states, "With Wenquxing descending to the mortal realm, born in a tofu seller's family, later becoming a prime minister, capable of ensuring peace" (referring to the Zhang Jianzhi-led coup).

[8] In Zheng Guangzu's work Licheng Tang Yi Yin Gengshen Xiezi, it is stated: "Under the decree of the Shangdi, Wenquxing was sent to descend into the mortal realm, where he was reborn in Yishui.

[10][11] In Shi Nai'an's great work Water Margin, it is stated: "Indeed, the Jade Emperor dispatched two celestial stars from the Ziwei Palace to assist the emperor (Son of Heaven) of this mortal realm: Wenquxing is none other than the Grand Secretariat of the Dragon Pavilion and Chief Magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture [zh], Bao Zheng, while Wuquxing is the Grand Marshal of the Western Xia Kingdom, Di Qing.

As the civil service examinations gained increasing significance and assessments at Qing-period academies became highly valued, the importance of the Wenchang cult naturally grew.