Xu Jie

Xu Jie was a son of a clerk who had made his way into the lowest rank of officialdom, Xu Jie placed third in the jinshi examination of 1523. His rapid career advancement thereafter enabled his family in one generation to become among the richest landholders of Songjiang Prefecture, near Shanghai. His commercial ventures also included trade and banking.

Xu Jie served as a senior Grand secretary from 1562 till 1568, under the emperors Jiajing (r. 1521-1567) and Longqing (1567-1572). His personal wealth and official position in government aroused rumors of impropriety, and brought impeachment charges from the crusading censor, Hai Rui. Xu Jie had succeeded Yan Song as chief Grand Secretary in 1562, but he was forced into retirement in 1568, having lasted long enough in that position to do little more than help launch the new reign that began in February 1567.