Brief: This article introduces two legendary clean officials of the Kangxi era. Shi Shilun, son of Admiral Shi Lang, was honest and strict in governing finance, protecting common people. Yu Chenglong lived an extremely simple life, ate only vegetables, and turned troubled areas into stable regions. Kangxi praised him as “the most upright official in the empire.”
I. The Upright Son of a Famous Father
Shi Lang, the admiral who reclaimed Taiwan, had a son named Shi Shilun, who became one of the most celebrated officials of the Qing Dynasty. While folklore and novels likeThe Cases of Judge Shi depict him as a martial arts-loving detective with a sidekick named Huang Tianba, the historical Shi Shilun was a formidable administrator known for his integrity.
Starting his career as the Governor of Taizhou, Shi Shilun proved his mettle during a military crisis. When troops passing through his jurisdiction attempted to loot local supplies, he stood firm, declaring, “I have prepared your grain, but anyone who dares to rob the people will face the full extent of the law.” His strict discipline protected the populace, earning him the Emperor’s favor and a promotion to Yangzhou Prefect.
However, the Kangxi Emperor noted a specific trait in Shi Shilun: he was often biased in favor of the common people against the gentry. Recognizing this, the Emperor assigned him to financial roles where his honesty was an asset, such as the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Hunan and later the Minister of Revenue. In these positions, Shi fearlessly pursued back taxes owed by powerful relatives of the imperial family, proving that his loyalty lay with the state, not personal connections.
II. A Journey to the Wilderness
While Shi Shilun managed finances, another official, Yu Chenglong, was defining the standard for moral governance. Born in the rugged mountains of Shanxi, Yu did not begin his career until the age of forty-four, when he was appointed Magistrate of Luocheng in Guangxi – a region considered a death trap for northerners due to its miasma and distance. Ignoring his family’s pleas to decline the post, Yu sold his property and traveled south alone, telling his son, “I will not manage your household; do not rely on me.”
Upon arriving in Luocheng, he found a county in ruins, inhabited by only six families and plagued by tigers and bandits. With no government office, he lived under a tree and slept with a sword under his pillow. Instead of using force, he addressed the root causes of banditry: poverty and corruption. He organized local militias and encouraged agriculture. Dressed in rough cloth and often barefoot, he worked alongside the farmers, earning the affectionate nickname “Ah Ye” (Grandpa) from the locals.
III. The Legend of “Yu the Greens”
Over seven years, Yu transformed Luocheng into a thriving community. His reputation for incorruptibility grew as he moved up the ranks to become the Viceroy of Jiangnan, governing one of the wealthiest regions in China. Despite the opportunity for enrichment, Yu maintained a life of extreme austerity. He ate a simple diet of greens and bean paste, earning him the moniker “Yu Qingcai” (Yu the Greens).
His integrity was absolute. On one occasion, a foreign envoy attempted to bribe him with incense, claiming it was for “testing.” Yu smelled it briefly and returned it, saying, “I have tested it; please take it back.” The envoy left amazed, stating he had never seen such honesty.
IV. A Legacy of Integrity
In 1684, Yu Chenglong passed away at the age of sixty-seven. When his belongings were inspected, all he possessed was a set of official robes and a few jars of salted fermented beans. The sight moved onlookers to tears. Upon hearing the news, the Kangxi Emperor sighed deeply, declaring, “How many officials can be like Yu Chenglong? He is truly the number one clean official.” He posthumously awarded Yu the title of Grand Guardian to the Heir Apparent and the honorific name “Qingduan” (Pure and Upright).
Inspired by Yu’s dedication, the Emperor turned his attention to another crucial servant of the state – Jin Fu, the official tasked with the monumental challenge of controlling the Yellow River – and decided to inspect the works personally.
Note
Kangxi Emperor
The Qing emperor who highly valued clean governance and praised upright officials.
Shi Shilun
Son of Admiral Shi Lang (who recovered Taiwan). A famous, honest official who protected common people, enforced laws strictly, and dared to challenge powerful nobles.
Yu Chenglong
The most respected incorruptible official in the Kangxi era. He lived simply, ate only vegetables, and was honored as “the number one clean official under heaven.”
Shi Lang
Renowned Qing admiral who reunified Taiwan with the Qing Empire.
Jin Fu
Official later appointed to manage the Yellow River flood control project.
Huang Tianba
Fictional assistant to Shi Shilun in popular folk stories and novels.
Clean Government (Lianzheng)
A core traditional Chinese moral standard requiring officials to be honest, not take bribes, and serve the people.
Magistrate / Viceroy
Local government ranks: Magistrate = county-level official; Viceroy = high-ranking official governing one or more provinces.
Ah Ye (Grandpa)
Warm local nickname for Yu Chenglong, showing people’s love and respect.
Yu Qingcai (Yu the Greens)
Nickname for Yu Chenglong, meaning he lived so plainly he mostly ate vegetables.
Yu Chenglong governing Luocheng
He turned a war-torn, desolate county into a safe and prosperous place by reducing poverty and stopping banditry.
Integrity over bribery
Yu Chenglong refused a bribe from a foreign envoy, demonstrating absolute honesty.
National loyalty over personal ties
Shi Shilun enforced tax laws even against imperial relatives, showing loyalty to the state rather than powerful individuals.
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