A Study on figure of Songshi through 『Luzhou Gong'an』 : Focusing on the conflict aspects between government officials and Songshi in the judicial culture of Qing Dynasty

The successive dynasties of China viewed the contestation negatively. In addition, Songshi[訟師], who played an assisting role, was recognized as a social evil that stirred up contestation. Thus, the suppression against Songshi through the system occurred, which became more concrete and intensified in the Qing Dynasty. It is considered as supporting this fact that the successive emperors of the Qing Dynasty pointed out Songshi's problems through royal instructions. From this point of view, 『Luzhou Gong'an』, written by Lan, Tingyuan, local government official of Qing Dynasty, can be considered as being in line with the national perception. Although 『Luzhou Gong'an』 is a trial record that recorded the actual trials by Lan Tingyuan, the composition and description method of its text can be regarded as novel. Of course, only 5 examples of Songshi appeared in all 24 episodes of 『Luzhou Gong'an』. However, as the fact that it was the record left by the local government official of the local government, and that it consistently described Songshi negatively is considered to sufficiently reveal the perception of viewing Songshi in the Qing Dynasty, 『Luzhou Gong'an』 is used as the basis of the study. All Songshis in 『Luzhou Gong'an』 were basically portrayed as having excellent speech skills and bold personality. They tried to instigate lawsuits to pursue their own interests, and to take the property of innocent people in collusion with local ruffians or deputy officials. In particular, Songshis such as Lin Jiongbi, Chen Xingtai showed more ability than Lan Tingyuan as they escaped without punishment even though all their crimes were disclosed. Lan Tingyuan discussed the adverse effects of Songshi on local communities and local government through the trial records related to Songshi, and through these records, the perception of Songshi by the officials of the Qing Dynasty, especially the local government officials, could be understood again.