Li Lei (simplified: 李雷, traditional: 李雷, pinyin: Lǐ Léi, jyutping: lei5 leoi4) is the Minister of Revenue (户部尚书 — Hùbù Shàngshū) and Grand Secretary of the Baohe Hall (保和殿大学士 — Bǎohé Diàn Dàxuéshì), serving as an important imperial official in the Qing court in The Deer and the Cauldron.
Biography
Historical background
Li Lei was a real historical figure who lived during the early Qing dynasty. He was a prominent Han official who served in various important positions during the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, including Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Baohe Hall.
In the novel, Li Lei serves as both the Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Baohe Hall, holding positions of significant authority within the Qing administrative hierarchy.
Service as Minister of Revenue
Li Lei serves as the Minister of Revenue, the highest-ranking official within the Ministry of Revenue (户部 — Hùbù). The Ministry of Revenue was responsible for managing financial affairs, including tax collection, treasury management, and the administration of state finances.
As Minister, Li Lei oversees the ministry’s operations and manages its various functions, including the collection of taxes and the management of state finances.
Service as Grand Secretary of the Baohe Hall
Li Lei also serves as Grand Secretary of the Baohe Hall, one of the three main halls of the Grand Secretariat. Grand Secretaries were members of the Grand Secretariat (内阁 — Nèigé), which was responsible for drafting imperial edicts, reviewing memorials, and advising the emperor on important matters of state.
As a Grand Secretary, Li Lei participates in the highest levels of imperial decision-making and has significant influence over the governance of the empire.
Role in imperial court
Li Lei participates in various court functions and activities, serving as an advisor on financial and administrative matters. His role includes participating in discussions about imperial finances, tax policies, and other matters related to the Ministry of Revenue and the Grand Secretariat.
As a high-ranking official, Li Lei is part of the administrative structure that supports the functioning of the Qing court, contributing to the overall governance of the empire.
Significance
Li Lei represents the theme of imperial administration and the role of high-ranking officials in the Qing court. His dual positions as Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary demonstrate how the Qing dynasty organized its administrative system, with officials often holding multiple important positions.
His character also highlights the theme of financial management and the role of the Ministry of Revenue in the Qing court, showing how the ministry contributed to the management of state finances and the collection of taxes.
Li Lei’s character contributes to the broader theme of imperial court politics and the various officials who contributed to the governance of the Qing dynasty, showing how officials like Li Lei played important roles in managing the empire’s financial and administrative affairs.