The Meaning of “Xiansefu”

Usually, the official titles Xiansefu, Dasefu mentioned in the bamboo slips unearthed at Yunmeng are thought to be synonymous with County Prefect (Xianling). But it is very difficult to explain why the three titles appeared in the same document or clause. In fact, after carefully analyzing the materials where the three titles appeared, at least it can be concluded that Xiansefu is different from County Prefect. What’s more, in combination with the analysis of the title Xiansefu mentioned in the bamboo slips unearthed at Liye, it is very possible that Xiansefu is the subordinate officer appointed by the chief of province in charge of monitoring the administration of the county. The explanation is in accordance with the complicated regional administration system of the Qin dynasty.