Zhang Ming Tong

Although an ethnic Hai-Xsian, Zhang Ming Tong is Imperial Governor of all Lo-Xsia; this post, in theory, makes him superior to all the province's daimyo. He has a large army under his direct command, ostensibly to fight the Oni threat, but in reality to make sure some of the more independent-minded local lords continue to respect imperial authority.

Zhang Ming Tong himself is a true mandarin; a career civil servant and bureaucrat. He is a competent administrator and commander, but the true secret to his success is an instinct for self-promotion. In previous posts he often managed to receive credit for events that were not his doing. In the finest tradition of Sung Chiang, he is not above a touch of corruption to enrich himself (or the correct superiors).

Lo-Xsia province, with its unruly locals and Oni threat, is a difficult area to govern. Nonetheless, any success looks all the more sweeter, and any failure is easily explained. The power of the daimyo works both ways: whereas some are resentful of direct imperial control, many are willing to use their considerable wealth to gain favor with Zhang Ming Tong.