The first chapter opens with the narrator’s introduction. He expounds on the idea that a just and honest magistrate brings peace to and improves the moral character of all the people under his rule. The narrator further lists what qualities makes a good magistrate, such as not taking bribes and accomplishing what other people are unable to. Officials who take bribes or try to close cases too quickly by extracting false confessions should not be elected to office, as they cannot bring peace to the “common people” (6). The narrator claims that since he has “time hanging heavily on [his] hands,” he is recording the cases of an exemplary magistrate, not to educate people but to offer them something with which to “beguile some idle hours” (7).

The narrative opens by introducing the titular character, Jen-djieh Dee, who lived during the Tang dynasty in the first half of the 7th century. He was born in Tai-yuan, the capital city of Shansi Province, and achieved a high position at the Imperial Court due to his honesty and hard work. In recognition of his long life of exemplary service, he was eventually ennobled as duke Liang. The novel deals with three cases from Judge Dee’s early career, after he was appointed magistrate of Chang-ping.