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Both a clever and an inquisitive boy, Joseph was much attracted to
Taoism in his youth. He moved to Guiyang in 1794, and entered into
the silk business. Through a business contact, he first learned of
Christianity. He converted, but was unable to join the Church
because, in the custom of the day, he kept a concubine. He
eventually left her, and in 1800, against strong opposition from
his family and business associates, he joined the Church, taking
the name Joseph.
Because of trouble at his business over his newly found faith,
he went out on his own, opening his own store. He began a ministry
of preaching and teaching, and converted a house into a small
school for religion. He became a school principal in 1808, and
worked as a catechist and altar server.
During the anti-Christian persecutions led by the White Lotus
Cult, Joseph went briefly into hiding, but continued his catechist
work covertly. In 1814, he was betrayed by his anti-Christian
brother-in-law, and was arrested. He was lodged with Saint Peter
Wu Gousheng, and the two spent their prison time ministering to
other prisoners. He was offered his freedom if he would denounce
Christianity; he declined and became "One of the Martyrs
of China."
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