Prefect

Biodata

Background / History

The Prefect appointed Zi Bofeng as Village Head of Lower Yan Village following the academy examinations. The appointment was part of a broader effort to place grassroots officials amid worsening livelihoods and unrest, even though village heads held limited practical authority beside local clan elders. 3

His earlier administrative style was rough and hands-off. Years of droughts and floods exposed the inadequacy of that approach, prompting him to seek talent and strengthen Mengcheng's administration. He recognized Hu Caijun's mathematical ability and assigned him to organize tax-arrear collection, unaware that Hu intended to use the audit against Zi Bofeng. 10

After Zi Bofeng publicly challenged Mengcheng's tax assessment, the Prefect allowed the evidence to be examined. Zi Bofeng's fifty-three-year ledger proved that Lower Yan Village had paid in full, exposing Hu Caijun's accounting errors and leading to Hu's arrest. 21 22

Quzhou Prefecture's demand to clear arrears left Mengcheng in financial distress. The Prefect recruited Zi Bofeng to organize the prefecture's accounts, promising him a substantial reward and granting him broad freedom to mobilize personnel while Luo Qianshan protected him. 22 23 Zi Bofeng's work ultimately helped the Prefect obtain a waiver of Mengcheng's taxes from Quzhou. 27

When Feijianzi demanded the Jade Tax, the Prefect faced an opponent whose sword strike destroyed a cliff outside Mengcheng. Unable to refuse openly, he sought to delay and organize the village heads and clan elders while considering how to meet the demand. 35 36 After Zi Bofeng confronted Feijianzi and won a three-month deadline, the Prefect used that time to make preparations. 44

Personality

The Prefect is pragmatic and receptive to capable subordinates. Though initially angered by Zi Bofeng's accusation, he allowed the village head to present evidence and later entrusted him with Mengcheng's financial crisis. 21 22

He is burdened by Mengcheng's deficits, tax pressure, and the consequences of disasters and disorder. He cares about governance and the populace, but his options are sharply constrained by superior authorities and cultivators such as Feijianzi. 10 35

He values ambition, courage, and responsibility in Zi Bofeng despite considering the young village head reckless. 44

Relationships

• Zi Bofeng — Initially confronted by Zi over Lower Yan Village's tax assessment; later relies on his accounting ability and grants him authority to resolve Mengcheng's financial problems. The Prefect repeatedly invites him to serve at Mengcheng Prefecture, but Zi chooses to return to his village. 21 24 27
• Luo Qianshan — Foster son and trusted military subordinate. The Prefect entrusts him with confidential missions and assigns him to protect Zi Bofeng; Luo is fiercely loyal to the Prefect. 10 23 35
• Hu Caijun — Former secretary whose accounting audit was initially approved by the Prefect. Hu's errors against Lower Yan Village are exposed and he is arrested. 10 21 22
• Feijianzi — An immortal demanding the Jade Tax from Mengcheng. Feijianzi's overwhelming display of force leaves the Prefect unable to oppose him directly. 35
• Chief Clerk — A long-serving local official whom the Prefect finds capable only of preserving the status quo; he offers little help against the Jade Tax crisis. 44
• Master of Dongmeng Academy — The Prefect is counted among the Master's students. 47

Story Role / Major Arcs

Tax-Arrear Dispute

The Prefect becomes the target of Zi Bofeng's grievance-drum petition over Lower Yan Village's alleged arrears. His willingness to hear the case enables Zi to expose Hu Caijun's faulty calculations and secure the village's tax relief. 20 22

Mengcheng Financial Crisis

Facing pressure from Quzhou Prefecture, he employs Zi Bofeng to reconcile Mengcheng's accounts and provides staff, lodging, protection, and wide operational access. Zi's successful work contributes to Mengcheng receiving a tax waiver. 22 23 27

Jade Tax Crisis

Feijianzi's demand forces the Prefect into a defensive position. He neither embraces nor directly authorizes Luo Qianshan's proposed assassination, instead pursuing delay and administrative coordination while Zi Bofeng challenges Feijianzi's claims. 35 36 42 44

Trivia

• The Prefect forgets Hu Caijun's name when Hu first presents his tax ledger. 10
• He attempts to discuss marriage with Luo Qianshan, who immediately flees with his confidential letter. 10
• His office is so disrupted by village-head disputes that he temporarily relocates his work elsewhere. 47