This position, like that of the "shihyeh" of traditional China, is generally held by trusted confidants of the local official or by respected and knowledgeable elders. Without a doubt, Wang Ho-sheng knows Chengkung like the back of his hand.
這種在舊小說中慣被稱為「師爺」的角色，在地方上，通常由鎮長的親信，或是德高望重的耆老擔任；毫無疑問，王河盛勝任愉快，地方上的大事小事他都如數家珍。