Five Wealth Gods

In the heart of Chinese folklore, Zhao Gongming stands as the central figure of the Five Gods of Wealth, often called the “Middle Road Wealth God.” Imagine a battlefield from the legendary tales, where gods and mortals clash with dazzling displays of power. Zhao Gongming, riding a fierce black tiger and wielding a silver whip, emerges as a commanding presence, demonstrating both strength and authority.

According to the stories, Zhao Gongming was originally a powerful sorcerer in the classic novel Investiture of the Gods. He intervened in human affairs, aiding merchants and traders while confronting chaos and injustice. His legendary battles show not only his martial prowess but also his unwavering sense of justice, a quality that earned him the respect of followers long after his passing.

Beyond the battlefield, Zhao Gongming’s role extends to wealth and prosperity. He commands four assistants—Xiao Sheng, Cao Bao, Chen Jiugong, and Yao Shaosi—each responsible for managing fortune in different directions. Together, they are believed to distribute wealth, protect businesses, and ensure fair opportunities for all who honor them.

In everyday life, Zhao Gongming is worshipped widely in temples and household altars. Business owners often place his statue at the center of their shops or offices, symbolizing central authority and protection over all financial endeavors. Folk rituals, incense offerings, and symbolic objects like gold ingots reinforce his influence, making him a figure that blends both spiritual guidance and practical blessing.

Through Zhao Gongming’s stories and rituals, one sees the fusion of heroism, morality, and economic symbolism. He is not merely a god of money; he embodies the principle that wealth should be pursued with fairness, courage, and wisdom. Understanding his legacy provides insight into why he remains the most prominent figure among the Five Gods of Wealth today.

In Chinese folklore, the Eastern Wealth God, Xiao Sheng, is known as the “Zhao Bao Tian Zun,” or the Heavenly Honored One who gathers treasures. Imagine a mystical mountain landscape where celestial beings practice their skills, and Xiao Sheng stands out among them, quietly observing the flow of fortune and the treasures of the earth.

Legend has it that Xiao Sheng was a skilled immortal who lived on Wuyi Mountain. During the conflicts between gods and humans described in ancient tales, he used his magical artifact called the “Treasure-Catching Coins” to collect and manage wealth. Unlike the central god, who oversees all directions, Xiao Sheng specializes in accumulating existing treasures and ensuring they reach those who honor him with devotion and respect.

In daily life, merchants and families traditionally honor Xiao Sheng through small altars or symbolic objects, believing that he helps attract material wealth and secure valuable assets. His figure often appears holding coins or treasures, representing stability, abundance, and the careful cultivation of resources. Folk stories emphasize that wealth is not merely earned but also gathered and preserved, reflecting Xiao Sheng’s unique role among the Five Gods of Wealth.

By understanding Xiao Sheng’s story and symbolism, one gains insight into the Eastern approach to prosperity in Chinese culture. His focus on gathering and safeguarding treasures complements the other gods’ roles, forming a balanced system of wealth protection and acquisition across all directions. Through rituals, offerings, and symbolic representation, Xiao Sheng continues to inspire the hope of abundance and careful stewardship of fortune in everyday life.

After Xiao Sheng, another important figure in the Five Gods of Wealth is Cao Bao, the Western Wealth God. In Chinese folklore, Cao Bao is often mentioned together with Xiao Sheng. Both are said to have come from Wuyi Mountain, and the two are usually described as immortal companions. However, this does not mean they should belong to the same direction as Wealth Gods.

In the Five Gods of Wealth system, “east” and “west” do not refer to where they lived before becoming deities. Instead, these directions represent their divine positions and symbolic duties after they were assigned different roles. Xiao Sheng became the Eastern Wealth God, linked with attracting treasures, while Cao Bao became the Western Wealth God, linked with receiving precious valuables.

Cao Bao is known as Na Zhen Tian Zun, which can be understood as the Heavenly Honored One who gathers precious fortune. His role is slightly different from Xiao Sheng’s. If Xiao Sheng represents drawing wealth toward you, Cao Bao represents welcoming and holding valuable opportunities when they arrive.

In folk belief, this kind of “precious fortune” is not limited to gold, coins, or jewels. It can also suggest useful connections, successful deals, unexpected chances, or rare opportunities that improve life and business. This is why Cao Bao is often seen as a symbol of flexible and moving wealth—the kind of fortune that comes through timing, relationships, and good judgment.

As the Western Wealth God, Cao Bao completes the idea of “attracting treasure and receiving valuables” together with Xiao Sheng. His story reminds people that prosperity is not only about finding wealth, but also about recognizing valuable chances and keeping them wisely.

Following the Western Wealth God Cao Bao, the Southern Wealth God, Chen Jiugong, plays a distinct role in the Five Gods of Wealth. Known as the “Zhao Cai Shi Zhe,” or the Messenger of Wealth, Chen Jiugong is often depicted as loyal and diligent, assisting the central god Zhao Gongming in distributing fortune to the faithful.

Legend has it that Chen Jiugong was a devoted disciple who risked his life to help his master during the celestial battles described in Investiture of the Gods. His bravery and loyalty made him a symbol of faithful service and practical support for wealth in human affairs. Unlike the Eastern and Western gods who manage treasures and valuables, Chen Jiugong’s domain focuses on daily commercial income, business success, and the smooth flow of profits in trade.

In Chinese folk belief, merchants and families honor Chen Jiugong with small altars or symbolic offerings, especially during the Lunar New Year. It is believed that he helps attract steady income, protects businesses, and ensures prosperity in day-to-day transactions. Statues and talismans depicting Chen Jiugong are often placed in shops or offices to invite continuous flow of wealth and encourage diligence in commerce.

Through his story and rituals, Chen Jiugong embodies the combination of loyalty, practical wisdom, and active effort. He teaches that prosperity is not only about attracting treasures but also about managing daily business affairs with integrity and foresight, completing the network of wealth managed by the Five Gods.

After Chen Jiugong, the next important figure in the Five Gods of Wealth is Yao Shaosi, the Northern Wealth God. In Chinese folk belief, Yao Shaosi is known as Li Shi Xian Guan, often understood as the Immortal Official of Good Profit or Good Business Luck. His title may sound formal, but its meaning is very close to everyday life: smooth sales, lucky deals, and a good start in business.

In the legends connected with Investiture of the Gods, Yao Shaosi is described as a disciple of Zhao Gongming, just like Chen Jiugong. When Zhao Gongming was harmed by a powerful curse during the Shang-Zhou conflict, Yao Shaosi and Chen Jiugong tried to save their master. Their loyalty became part of their later image as divine assistants who help carry out Zhao Gongming’s wealth-giving duties.

Yao Shaosi’s role is slightly different from Chen Jiugong’s. Chen Jiugong is linked with attracting wealth and daily income, while Yao Shaosi is more closely connected with “li shi,” a phrase often associated with favorable profits, lucky openings, and smooth transactions. For shop owners, traders, and small business people, this kind of fortune feels very practical. It is not only about becoming rich, but about having customers come in, deals go well, and work begin with good momentum.

This is why Yao Shaosi is sometimes especially welcomed during the Lunar New Year or at the opening of a business. His image represents the hope that each new beginning will bring success, good timing, and steady opportunities. As the Northern Wealth God, he completes another side of the Five Gods of Wealth: the blessing of a smooth and fortunate start.

During the Lunar New Year, many households and businesses set up small altars or displays to honor the Five Gods of Wealth. Imagine a shop in early February: red decorations hang from the ceiling, incense curls upward, and a set of the Five Gods is placed in the most visible area, often facing the entrance to symbolize welcoming prosperity from all directions.

Each god has a specific role, so positioning can reflect their functions. The central god, Zhao Gongming, is typically placed in the middle as the leader. The eastern and western gods, Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao, may be arranged on either side, while Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi take the south and north positions, respectively. Such placement is thought to balance the flow of fortune, with treasures, income, opportunities, and good profit arriving harmoniously.

For homes or offices, smaller statues or decorative charms can be used on desks, shelves, or near entrances. During the first five days of the Lunar New Year, it is common for people to offer symbolic items like coins, fruits, or incense to show respect. These actions are intended as cultural gestures rather than literal spells—they symbolize mindfulness, gratitude, and the intention to attract prosperity.

By arranging the Five Gods thoughtfully and incorporating these customs into daily life, people aim to create an environment that encourages positive energy and business success. Even for those unfamiliar with the traditions, placing the deities in a visible, respected spot can serve as a meaningful reminder to approach wealth with diligence, opportunity, and fairness.