Connections and Pulling Strings: Another Pattern of Bureaucratic Practice in Qing Dynasty

Up to the reign of Kangxi, China had entered a period of relatively steady social development and the emperor-centered power institution and political system had been greatly improved. However, administrative and judicial practice might unfold in a way that runs counter to the laws and regulations. Trusted and favored by Emperor Kangxi, Li Xu worked as the chief of Suzhou Weaving and Manufacturing Bureau (Suzhou zhizao) and the Lianghuai Salt-patrol Censor (Lianghuai xunyan yushi). 319 files written by Li Xu between 1705 and 1716 were collected in Xubaizhai Chidu, including private letters, articles and notes. Only a small portion of them were related to official duties; the rest were written to offer assistance to his relatives and friends, especially for private affairs related to the Jiang clan from their ancestral home of Changyi and his cousin Jiang Zhuo. They reveal how Li Xu built his bureaucratic network by means of his privileged identity and power resources. Li Xu pulled strings with Shandong officials of various levels for protection of the Jiang clan and with Guangdong and Jiangsu officials of various levels for assistance to Jiang Zhuo's promotion and career. Finding connections and pulling strings, eroding the official system of the country, had become a pattern of bureaucratic practice different from the official one.