During the Song Dynasty, Lu Zongdao served as a Cenzhi Zhengshi (Vice Premier). He was known for his uprightness in court, detested evil, and dared to offer frank criticisms, showing no mercy to corrupt officials.

Powerful figures feared him greatly. Because his surname Lu was similar to the Chinese character for fish (鱼), they called him 'Fish Head Cenzheng' (刺多，难对付), implying he was full of thorns and difficult to deal with.

However, the common people affectionately referred to him as a 'minister like a fishbone' (骨鲠之臣), recognizing his unwavering integrity and courage to speak uncomfortable truths.