Caobang Security Agency of the Xie Family

A Bit of Family History 😉 --- The Emperor's Canal, which runs through Taierzhuang as well as Cangzhou, served as the main transportation route for goods and merchandise, particularly in the north-south direction of China during the imperial era. The boats and goods became targets of bandits, which led to the specialization of security agencies in accompanying and protecting merchants. With combat training, appropriate weapons, and security measures, protection was highly effective, and business thrived. We visit the estate of such a Caobang security agency founded by the Xie family (once again, our own family) and take a look at the development of this old business. Often, entire social associations formed around such companies, establishing schools and community facilities for the families of employees. Certain rites were included before embarking on dangerous assignments: homage is paid to the founding ancestors, and oaths of loyalty are taken.