A commendatory term for an incorruptible official who is not swayed by money and serves the people selflessly; also used ironically to describe a notoriously greedy official (though less common).
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
Liu Chong, an upright prefect of Kuaiji during the Han Dynasty, was deeply concerned about the hardships faced by the common people. He simplified government decrees and penalties as much as possible, and abolished many burdensome taxes and levies, which profoundly moved the local populace.
When he was about to leave his post, many elderly residents from Shanyin County came to bid him farewell and insisted on giving him 100 large coins.
Liu Chong, in his sincere reluctance, only accepted one large coin. This act earned him the esteemed reputation of being a 'One-Coin Prefect'.