Huzhu

Overview

Huzhu was a member of the Juechan clan, belonging to the Plain Yellow Banner's bondservant class. His family had lived in Fola for generations and submitted to the Qing dynasty during the Tiancong era. Volume 49 of the official Qing dynasty compilation, *the Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, clearly records that he served as the Chief Steward of the Imperial Kitchen, and lists numerous court positions held by his descendants. Tiancong was the reign title of Huang Taiji, indicating that his submission occurred before the Qing dynasty entered the Central Plains; bondservant status signified a specific subordinate position within the Eight Banners, not a title for ordinary employees.

The Chief Steward of the Imperial Kitchen was involved in the management of court catering affairs and cannot be simply equated with a chef. Huzhu's son, Duleng'e, served as an Inner Steward; his grandsons, Duerbo and Abu Nai, also served as Inner Stewards; another grandson, Tabu Nai, served as the Chief Steward of the Imperial Kitchen; among his great-grandsons, Gadahun served as the Director of the Imperial Household Department, Gahachan as a Second-Class Imperial Bodyguard, Taoge as a Secretary, and Liuwu as the Treasurer. The Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department oversaw all affairs of the department, while the Imperial Steward managed its personnel and related services. The Treasurer was responsible for the imperial treasury. The Imperial Guards were responsible for attending to and protecting the emperor. Their duties varied. Family records indicate that bondservants could hold multiple court positions simultaneously, but Hu Zhu could not be posthumously granted the title of Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department based on his descendants' official titles. The exact address and terms of office of Fu Ala remain to be verified.