Lu Guangxi

Lu Guangxi (?—1911), courtesy name Liangchen, original name Huixi, was born in Wanfangzhou, Shuntian Prefecture (present-day Beijing). He was an official and scholar in the late Qing Dynasty. He was the son of Lu Zhongqi and came from a family with a certain tradition of officialdom.

In his early years, Lu Guangxi associated with Sheng Yu and studied diligently, showing excellent academic performance. His father, Lu Zhongqi, once attempted to show filial piety and resilience by cutting his own thigh to take medicine during a serious illness. In the 30th year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign (1904), Lu Guangxi passed the imperial examination as a jinshi (successful candidate), and was selected as a Shujishi (recommendation scholar), beginning his official career.

Subsequently, he studied abroad in Japan, focusing on military sciences, and completed his studies. Upon returning to China, Lu Guangxi was appointed as an editor of official documents, and later promoted to a lector role, participating in governmental academic affairs. His knowledge and talents gained recognition during that time.

In 1911, the third year of the Xuantong Emperor’s reign, Lu Guangxi traveled to Shanxi Province with his father, Lu Zhongqi. While working at the Xinjun (New Army) military affairs bureau in Shanxi, due to the influence of the turbulent political situation, he was inevitably affected by the ongoing conflicts. Ultimately, Lu Guangxi and his father were killed in the fighting. This event occurred during a tumultuous period at the end of the Qing Dynasty’s rule.

After his death, Lu Guangxi was posthumously awarded a third-rank official position in the Jingtan (Beijing hall) and given the posthumous title “Wenjie” (Literary and Upright) in recognition of his conduct and scholarship throughout his life. His story reflects the typical experiences of scholar-officials in the late Qing period and the personal fate amidst the chaos of the era.