Li Wei (simplified: 李蔚, traditional: 李蔚, pinyin: Lǐ Wèi, jyutping: lei5 wai3) is a Grand Secretary (大学士 — Dàxuéshì), serving as an important imperial official in the Qing court in The Deer and the Cauldron.
Biography
Historical background
Li Wei 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 Grand Secretary.
In the novel, Li Wei serves as a Grand Secretary, holding one of the highest positions in the Qing administrative hierarchy.
Service as Grand Secretary
Li Wei serves as a Grand Secretary, one of the highest-ranking officials in the Qing court. 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 Wei participates in the highest levels of imperial decision-making and has significant influence over the governance of the empire.
Role in imperial court
Li Wei participates in various court functions and activities, serving as an advisor on important matters of state. His role includes participating in discussions about imperial policies, the drafting of imperial edicts, and other matters related to the Grand Secretariat.
As a high-ranking official, Li Wei is part of the administrative structure that supports the functioning of the Qing court, contributing to the overall governance of the empire.
Significance
Li Wei represents the theme of imperial administration and the role of high-ranking officials in the Qing court. His position as Grand Secretary demonstrates how the Qing dynasty organized its administrative system, with the Grand Secretariat serving as the highest advisory body to the emperor.
His character also highlights the theme of scholarly authority and the role of Grand Secretaries in the Qing court, showing how these officials contributed to the drafting of imperial edicts and the formulation of imperial policies.
Li Wei’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 Grand Secretaries like Li Wei played important roles in managing the empire’s highest-level administrative affairs.