Chapter 926

"Smuggling?" Gu Yanwu frowned. "Smuggling does indeed fall under my jurisdiction!" Gu Yanwu held the post of Assistant Prefect of Quanzhou Prefecture. During the Great Ming Dynasty, the duties of an Assistant Prefect varied by region. Generally, they were responsible for managing official granaries, overseeing tax grain, and encouraging agriculture. However, in prefectures traversed by major rivers, the Assistant Prefect was also tasked with water conservancy, while those in coastal areas were additionally responsible for maritime defense. If the Prefect was like a mayor, the Assistant Prefect was a deputy mayor in charge of various specific portfolios; their exact duties depended on local circumstances. Quanzhou’s Yuegang was a major port for the Great Ming Dynasty’s overseas trade. As Assistant Prefect of Quanzhou Prefecture, Gu Yanwu was not only responsible for maritime defense but also for overseeing smuggling matters. Li Shan’s reporting of Shi Lang for smuggling was, therefore, entirely logical.