Lu Jingming is a female subordinate of Xu Chen who is a non-native of the capital and from a humble background. She sought refuge at the Crown Princess's residence in the autumn of the fourteenth year of the Yongji era through a friend's connections. She has a clean background, making her one of the few useful members of Xu Chen's staff after the purge of those with questionable ties. Though talented, her lowly birth meant she had no right to choose her master and could only devote herself to Xu Chen. She successfully completed the task of spreading rumors through beggar ringleaders in the Eastern and Western Districts and located artisans and merchants for Xu Chen, including Zhou Yan. She departed with great enthusiasm after being told to make arrangements for Xu Chen's meeting with Zhou Yan.
