Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti
'The Jade Emperor' is the supreme ruler of the gods. His palace is like that of the Emperor on earth and he has a complete civil service beneath him.
The Emperor on earth used to make solemn offerings to the Jade Emperor who created men by moulding them from clay and leaving them out to dry. It began to rain and the Jade Emperor rushed out to shelter them but some were already spoiled. This is why some men are born sickly or deformed.
Adapted from 'A guide to the Gods' by Richard Carlyon
