召父杜母 — “Father Zhao and Mother Du”

During the Western Han Dynasty, Zhao Xinchen served as the Administrator of Nanyang. Later, in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Du Shi also held the same position.

Both officials, during their tenures in Nanyang, dedicated themselves to the welfare of the people. They initiated and oversaw the excavation of irrigation canals, reclaimed barren and sloping lands, expanded cultivated fields, and placed great emphasis on agricultural development.

Their diligent efforts and benevolent governance earned them deep respect and affection from the common folk, who lauded them with the saying, "First there was Father Zhao, then came Mother Du."