福德正神土地爺(連安圍)

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In the local folklore, a mysterious figure known as "梧桐围" surrounds the properties of two brothers, 谢嘉梧 and his brother 谢嘉桐. The combination of their names forms the name "梧桐", but surprisingly, this location is abundant with 梧桐 trees, resulting in a pleasant aroma wafting through the area, making it easily recognizable as "梧桐围". 谢嘉梧 was born into an official family and served as a messenger between the Chinese and Western worlds, translating messages and interpreting languages. Later, he founded a prosperous trading company called 富裕行, importing luxurious English wool products that gained him great fame in Beijing. He cleverly exchanged tea leaves for these valuable goods, intentionally making profits for British merchants while also earning their trust. As a result, many people held him in high esteem, including officials and Western traders, who saw him as a successful businessman who made his fortune without resorting to the usual means of wealth accumulation, such as brothels, opium dens, or extortion rackets. He earned an excellent reputation and became one of the few successful businessmen in Macau who did not rely on these shady practices. Later, the surrounding area was developed by a real estate tycoon named 何桂, who invested heavily in the land and named the street after his seventh child, 何连安, resulting in the names "连安围", "连安里", and "连安后巷". The 何家 family's business empire expanded into various sectors, including real estate development, silk production, explosives manufacturing, opium trafficking, human smuggling, and even revolutionary politics. They were known for their ruthless business tactics and close ties with the government, making them a powerful and influential family in Macau. However, during the early 20th century, the Qing dynasty's downfall led to numerous tragedies, including the deaths of several members of the 谢家 and 何家 families. The 谢氏后人 were executed for their alleged involvement in anti-foreigner activities, while the 何家 was accused of being a "bad element" due to their involvement in revolutionary politics. In the 1920s, the street layout of 连安围 took shape, with a narrow entrance and two levels of social hierarchy. This layout reflects the rise and fall of the two families, who once dominated the area. However, as the years passed, the street's fortunes changed, and it became less prosperous. Today, the street is lined with old buildings, including temples and shops, which serve as a reminder of the area's rich history. Interestingly, the local residents believe that the street was built before 1980, when land prices were relatively low. Despite its humble beginnings, 连安围 has become a well-known landmark in Macau, symbolizing the city's complex history and the rise and fall of its influential families.