Lishi Xianguan (Immortal Official of Profit)

Lishi Xianguan is a minor deity within the folk Chinese pantheon of wealth deities, traditionally identified as Yao Shaosi, a subordinate general serving under Zhao Gongming. According to the Investiture of the Gods legend, he accompanied Zhao Gongming in his campaign against the Western Qi state and, after his death, was enfeoffed as Lishi Xianguan. The term 'lishi' originally denoted profitable trade and general auspiciousness, later evolving to signify particularly favourable omens for merchants. In traditional practice, shopkeepers would first pay homage to Lishi Xianguan before worshipping the principal God of Wealth upon opening a new store or settling annual accounts—a ritual gesture signifying that auspicious beginnings must precede abundant wealth. His icon typically portrays him as a youthful, rosy-cheeked figure in brocaded robes, cradling a gold ingot, often flanking the Caishen altar alongside the Wealth-Attracting Boy; he is invariably venerated by merchants during festivals and remains the most beloved of China’s minor wealth deities in popular folk belief.