County Magistrate(县令):
In Chinese, it is pronounced as: xiàn lìng，Written as:

In ancient China, the County Magistrate was an important local official responsible for managing the administrative affairs of a county. The County Magistrate held a relatively lower position within the local administrative hierarchy, yet played a crucial role as the county was the basic unit in the national administrative division system. The County Magistrate was directly responsible for implementing national policies, laws, and orders at the local level.
Throughout Chinese history, the functions and status of the County Magistrate varied with the changing dynasties. During the Qin and Han dynasties, the County Magistrate was directly appointed by the central government and was responsible for the administration, judiciary, and financial matters within the county. By the Tang dynasty, the County Magistrate became a vital part of the centralized administrative system, tasked with comprehensive local management. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the authority of the County Magistrate was further clarified, becoming the central figure in local governance.
The County Magistrate was responsible for organizing and supervising the administrative affairs within the county, including household registration, tax collection, and public works. The County Magistrate also held judicial authority and could adjudicate general civil and criminal cases locally. Additionally, the County Magistrate was responsible for maintaining social order, handling local disputes, and organizing community development. In some dynasties, the County Magistrate was also tasked with promoting local education and cultural development, and facilitating the Imperial examination system.
Generally appointed by the central government, the position of County Magistrate was usually held by officials with certain qualifications and capabilities. To prevent excessive local power, ancient systems sometimes implemented regular reassignments. The central government assessed the performance of County Magistrates, with the possibility of promotion for those who excelled and dismissal for those who failed in their duties.
Although the County Magistrate was a local official, they directly faced the public and held substantial administrative power, which afforded them a high social status, respect, and certain privileges. However, the County Magistrate also faced significant pressure and responsibilities, as they needed to find a balance between central directives and local realities.