Ministers › Exemplary Magistrates
Lu Kai
Northern Wei official from Luoyang known for his sincerity, serving as Attendant Gentleman and Grand Administrator of Zhengping; the plum-blossom poem to Fan Ye is traditionally attributed to him. Died 504.
In spring fields beside a canal, a wooden water wheel turns as water pours down, many small farmers work in the flooded paddies, and a plain sedan chair stands on the path along the bank, with village houses and green hills in the distance.
Also known as Zhi Jun · Hui (posthumous name)
Lu Kai, courtesy name Zhijun, came from Luoyang in Henan Commandery and served Northern Wei. He became a Secretariat student at fifteen and held posts including Palace Attendant and Attendant Gentleman of the Yellow Gate, ten years and more in key positions, known for sincerity; during Emperor Xiaowen's reforms he was sent to reassure the imperial kin. He then governed Zhengping for seven years with a good name. In 501 his brother Lu Xiu died in prison, implicating him; he was freed. He died in 504 and was named Hui. The plum-blossom poem to Fan Ye, sending a branch from afar, is traditionally credited to him via the Jingzhou Ji.
Life and times
Dates Birth year unknown; died 504 CE