The Pig Minister

Zhang Lu, the Wise

The Pig Minister
City State: Pingxiang Country within Xingtai Prefecture

Ruling the Pingxiang County within the Xingtai Prefecture, Minister Zhang Lu remains a stalwart Taoist follower given its promise of mystic powers and abilities. He largely relies on his subordinates to see to the day-to-day activities of the local government and devotes more of his time to the study of Taoist texts in search of the key to unlocking such "magical" powers and older lost martial arts.

Lu is more feared than loved within his domain and he capitalizes on this in keeping the peace. Many have heard the stories of his dabbling in the dark arts and fear the consequences of crossing him. Still, Pingxiang remains loyal to the Jade Emperor even though it is rare that Lu makes the trek to the Forbidden City to pay homage to the Jade Emperor. He has no aspirations to the throne and largely wants to be left alone to further his studies and secure his place in other worlds he believes to exist beyond this one.

Pingxiang County has suffered under Zhang Lu's rule given the abuses of power executed by those under him. Corruption is rampant and there are strong undercurrents of civil unrest. Given this, Lu spends very little time outside of the grounds of his residence, which is fiercely guarded by his personal army. All soldiers in his employ have sworn to follow the Taoist precepts that Lu holds dear, something that inspires strong loyalty amongst his forces.