The officials of the Later Qi dynasty mostly followed the old system of the Northern Wei dynasty. The highest positions were Grand Chancellor, Grand Tutor, and Grand Protector, collectively referred to as the Three Masters, equivalent to the ancient title of Shang Gong. Only those with outstanding achievements could hold these positions. Next were the Grand Marshal and Grand General, collectively known as the Two Grands, in charge of military affairs. Below them were the Grand Commandant, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Works, collectively known as the Three Excellencies. The residences of the Three Masters, Two Grands, and Three Excellencies all had three large gates, with a central yellow gate, behind which stood a screen. Each residence also had various officials including Chief Clerk, Commandant, Military Advisor, Palace Attendant, Registrar, Recorder, Office Manager, Household Manager, Treasury Manager, Central Army, External Army, Cavalry, Changliu, City Bureau, and Prison officials. The East and West Pavilions also had Libationer and Military Advisor, as well as officials from the Departments of Law, Ink, Agriculture, Water Management, Armor, Collections, and Scholars. There were also Left and Right Attendants, Chief and Assistant Military Advisors, and other officials. The Minister Over the Masses also had additional Left and Right Chief Clerks. Below the Three Excellencies were the officials with the title of Yitong Sansi (Equivalent to 'Equal to Three Officials'). If additional offices were granted, officials below the Chief Clerk would be appointed, but the number of personnel in the Departments of Recorder, Treasury, City Bureau, Agriculture, Water Management, Armor, Collections, and Scholars would be reduced by one in each department. The rank of these officials was one level below that of the Three Excellencies. The assistants to the Three Masters and Two Grands were organized similarly to those in the Minister of the Interior's office. During the Ganming period, the position of Prime Minister was created. During the Heqing period, the Prime Minister's position was divided into Left and Right Prime Ministers, each with their own staff.
The positions of Specially Appointed Official (Tejin), Grand Minister of Splendid Happiness, Grand Minister of Golden Purple Splendid Happiness, and Grand Minister of Silver Blue Splendid Happiness are all held by experienced senior officials, allowing them to retire in leisurely positions. There are numerous military ranks ranging from first to ninth rank, including titles such as General of Chariots and Cavalry, General of Guards, and many others. These military positions are used to reward meritorious officials.
The Ministry of Rites is headed by a Chief Minister and a Deputy Minister, along with the Ministry of Personnel, Palace Secretariat, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of War, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Finance. In addition, there is a Registrar of the Ministry, a position higher than the Chief Minister, with equivalent authority but without supervisory responsibilities. The Chief Minister is primarily responsible for addressing and correcting identified issues, and mutually supervising with the Deputy Chief of the Censorate (an agency responsible for supervising officials). The Deputy Chief's duty is to enforce the law, with one left Deputy Chief and one right Deputy Chief, both having the same power as the Chief Minister. The left Deputy Chief handles impeachment, while the right does not. The Registrar, Chief Minister, and Deputy Minister oversee the six ministries, collectively referred to as the Central Secretariat.
Below are the subordinate officials, the Left Chancellor and the Right Chancellor. The Left Chancellor is in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, the Office of Evaluation, the Office of Ceremonies, the Hall of Government, the Office of Rites, the Three Dukes, the Department of Ancestral Temples, Host and Guest, Left, Right, and Central Armies, Left and Right External Military Forces, Capital Officials, Officials of Two Thousand Stones, the Department of Finance, Left and Right Households, totaling seventeen departments, and is responsible for investigating and correcting any issues found. If there are any violations in the palace, the Left Chancellor is also responsible for correcting them. As for the Right Chancellor, he is in charge of the Department of Carriages, the Office of Agriculture, Field Granaries, the Department of Construction, Capital Military Forces, the Department of Comparisons, the Department of Water, the Department of Food, the Department of Granaries, the Department of Metals, and the Department of Treasury, totaling eleven departments. The Right Chancellor is also responsible for managing palace affairs, as well as the supply of various supplies such as oil, lamps, pens, ink, and tents, but is not responsible for investigations; everything else is the same as the Left Chancellor. There are also eight historians, jointly responsible for these matters. The six Secretariats each oversee various departments underneath them. The Ministry of Personnel oversees the Ministry of Personnel, the Office of Evaluation, and the Office of Ceremonies; the Hall of Government oversees the Office of Ceremonies, the Three Dukes, and the Department of Carriages; the Department of Ancestral Temples oversees the Department of Ancestral Temples, Host and Guest, the Office of Agriculture, Field Granaries, and the Department of Construction; the Five Military Forces oversee the Left Central Military Force, Right Central Military Force, Left External Military Force, Right External Military Force, and Capital Military Force; the Capital Officials oversee the Capital Officials, Officials of Two Thousand Stones, the Department of Comparisons, the Department of Water, and the Department of Food; the Department of Finance oversees the Department of Finance, the Department of Granaries, Left Household, Right Household, the Department of Metals, and the Department of Treasury, totaling twenty-eight departments. The Ministry of Personnel, the Three Dukes, each has two Langzhong officials, while the other departments have one Langzhong official each, bringing the total to thirty Langzhong officials. The Ministry of Personnel, the Office of Rites, the Three Dukes, the Office of Agriculture, the Capital Officials, the Officials of Two Thousand Stones, the Department of Comparisons, the Left Household, and other departments also have historians and principal officials as needed.
The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for handling memorials, advice, and managing items presented to the Emperor. It consists of six officials each from the Secretariat, Bureau of Correspondence, and Yellow Gate Chamberlain, four recorders, and eight officials from the Bureau of Transmission and the Bureau of Personnel. In total, there are six departments. The Left and Right Bureaus each have two officials, responsible for all matters in the Zhu Hua Pavilion, from propagandists to officials ranked higher than White Robe Attendant. There are four Left and Right Directors. The Imperial Kitchen Bureau is in charge of food and has two stewards responsible for all imperial culinary affairs. Each of the Assistant and Supervisor positions has four officials. The Bureau of Medicine oversees medical affairs and has two stewards and assistants responsible for all imperial medicinal affairs. There are four Imperial Physicians and four Medicine Supervisors. The Bureau of Clothing has two Chief Superintendents and two Vice Superintendents responsible for managing the Emperor's garments and belongings. The Bureau of Cleansing comprises four Cleansing Superintendents responsible for cleaning and arranging. The Bureau of the Palace has four Palace Supervisors responsible for guiding and organizing the Emperor's outings, as well as maintaining the palace, such as preparing plows when the Emperor goes to the fields.
The Secretariat is responsible for handling the Emperor's proclamations and managing the music presented to the Emperor. It consists of one Director, one Supervisor, and four Attendants. It also oversees the Ling Official in charge of the Western Liang Department, four Ling Officials of the Western Liang, four Ling Officials of Guizi, the Ling Official of Qingshang Department, and four Ling Officials of Qingshang. The Personnel Ministry supervises the Ministry of Personnel, tasked with drafting and issuing the Emperor's edicts, as well as conveying orders and condolences. This includes ten Secretariat Attendants and ten Chief Scribes.
The Ministry of Literature oversees the management of classics. It comprises one Director, one Supervisor, four Gentlemen, twelve Scribes, and four Correctors. The Ministry of Literature also oversees the Ministry of Works, comprising two Gentlemen, eight Assistant Gentlemen, and two Scribes.
The Ministry of Books is responsible for collecting and organizing various opinions and suggestions, and reporting to the emperor in a timely manner. There are six Cavalry Attendants, six Imperial Guard Riders, seven Advisers, six Cavalry Officers, twenty External Cavalry Officers, six Censors, one hundred and twenty External Cavalry Officers, and two hundred and forty Court Attendants. The Ministry of Books also supervises the Court of the Imperial Household, with one Cavalry Attendant, one Imperial Guard Rider, one Cavalry Officer, and one Attendant of the Imperial Guards, as well as two Court Gentlemen.
Now, let's talk about the Secretariat, which manages the comings and goings at the imperial palace. It has two Central Attendants, four Central Attendants, and four Censors. Additionally, there are two Central Pharmacists and their Assistants, as well as two Central Attendants and one Central Steward. For the Central Food Bureau, there are two Pharmacists and their Assistants, and four Supervisors. The Bureau of Internal Attendants is simpler, with one Chief and one Subordinate.
Next is the Imperial Censorate, a vital department responsible for supervising and investigating officials who have committed errors. It consists of one Chief Censor, two Assistant Censors, eight Censors, twelve Palace Censors, twelve Inspecting Censors, and four Record Keepers. Additionally, there is a Token Office with a Director and four Deputy Directors.
The Ministry of Works primarily oversees all bridges and waterways in the capital. It has two Envoys and ten Advisors. It also oversees the bureaus of Duwei, Hechang, and Fangcheng, each overseeing different bridges and waterways.
The Bureau of Attendants is responsible for handling major events of good and bad fortune, as well as matters related to court etiquette. It has two Deputy Attendants, thirty Attendants, and one Record Keeper.
Lastly, there are the Nine Ministries: Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of War, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Ceremonies, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Treasury. Each ministry has a Director, Deputy Director, and Subordinate, as well as numerous officials such as clerks, officers, registrars, and record keepers.
The Grand Ritual Office is responsible for the management of imperial tombs, temple sacrifices, ritual music, astronomy, calendrical matters, clothing, and appearance. It has many departments, such as four scholars responsible for ritual systems; two music supervisors responsible for overseeing and adjusting music; and two officials known as the Eight Scholars...and so on. In short, it oversees the officials of various departments related to tomb guards (various tombs), temple sacrifices (temple), music performance (Taile), clothing and appearance (clothing), band performances (Taile), prayer during sacrifices (chief ritualist), astronomical affairs (Chief Historian), medical care (chief physician), sacrificial animals (livestock), and cooking and etiquette for sacrifices (chief cook), and so on. In addition, the Grand Ritual Office also oversees sacrifices outside the capital (outer shrines) and ancestral temples (ancestral temples), the music of the Qing Shang Department (Qing Shang Department), the Yellow Household Bureau (Yellow Household Bureau), and the Lingtai and divination (Lingtai, chief diviner) under the charge of the Chief Historian.
The Grand Household Office is responsible for the imperial palace's food and drink, tents and utensils, palace gates, and other matters. It has departments such as the Palace Guard Office (Palace Guard), the Grand Office (Grand Office), the Gate Office (Gate Office), the Supply Office (Supply Office), the Food Storage Office (Food Storage), the Pure Zhang Office (Pure Zhang), the Hualin Office (Hualin), and so on. The Gate Office has six Protectors to handle specific affairs, while other departments have officials such as Commanders and Deputies. The Grand Household Office also oversees the East Garden Bureau, responsible for certain dangerous items.
In simple terms, the Grand Ritual Office is responsible for national sacrifices, rituals, astronomical affairs, and calendrical matters, while the Grand Household Office is responsible for daily provisions and logistical support for the imperial palace. Both are important government institutions.
The Imperial Guard Command is mainly responsible for managing the Imperial Guard and weapons in the palace. It also oversees the city gates, with two commanders in charge of guarding the gates. In addition, it is responsible for the royal fleet, arsenal, and the garrison forces of the capital. There is also a department in the arsenal specifically for repairing weapons and equipment, with a repair supervisor in charge.
The Department of Imperial Clan Affairs is mainly responsible for managing the household registration and affairs of the imperial family members. It oversees the fiefs of princes, various kingdoms, and the household affairs of the princesses.
The Department of Imperial Transportation is responsible for managing the royal vehicles, horses, cattle, and other livestock. It has many sub-departments, such as the Office of Imperial Horses and Harnesses, the Left and Right Camel Bureaus, the Left and Right Ox Bureaus, the Sheep Office, and the Vehicle Department. The Office of Imperial Horses and Harnesses has two chief attendants, while the Camel and Ox Bureaus have three bureaus each. The Department also oversees the Offices of Litigation, Sacrificial Rites, and Entry and Exit.
The Supreme Court is responsible for adjudicating cases and sentencing punishments. It has a chief judge, a supervisor, an assessor, four legal scholars, twenty law clerks, two prison inspectors, ten clerks, two prison supervisors, and ten legal officials.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for receiving foreign envoys and handling diplomatic affairs such as court meetings and ceremonies. It includes departments such as the Protocol Office, the Temple Office, and the Ceremonial Office. The Protocol Office has two metropolitan protocol officers and one provincial protocol officer; the Temple Office has a deputy abbot; and the Ceremonial Office has thirty ceremonial officials.
The Sino Temple is mainly responsible for managing food, firewood supplies, vegetables, and fruits in the garden. It oversees the Pingzhun Office, Taicang, Goudu Office, Diannong Office, Daoguan Office, as well as the water granaries in Liangzhou and Shiji, and the officials and attendants of the Jietian Bureau. The Goudu Office also oversees the officials of six departments: Dayou, Shanglin Park, Hunting Grounds, Firewood Field, Ponds, and Alfalfa Fields. The Diannong Office also oversees the officials of three departments: Shanyang, Pingtou, and Dukang. The Daoguan Office is also responsible for the officials of the Imperial Fine Department, Curved Surface Department, and Treasury Department.
The Taifu Palace is mainly in charge of gold, silver, treasures, warehouses, and manufacturing various objects. It oversees the three Shangfang Offices, as well as the officials and attendants of the Left Treasury Office, Dyer's Office, Smelting Offices in the East and West, Huang Treasury Office, Right Treasury Office, Fine Work Office, Left School Office, and Zhen Guan Office. The Left Shangfang also oversees the officials of three bureaus: Bieju, Musical Instruments Bureau, and Equipment Bureau. The Middle Shangfang oversees the officials of four bureaus: Bieju, Jingzhou Silk Bureau, Yongzhou Silk Bureau, and Dingzhou Lingerie Bureau. The Right Shangfang only oversees the official of one bureau. The Dyer's Office also oversees the officials of three bureaus: Jingfang, Hedong, and Xindu. The Smelting Office in the East oversees the officials of three bureaus: Fukou, Wu'an, and Baijian. The Smelting Office in the West oversees the officials of four bureaus: Jinyang Smelting, Quanbu, Dazhi, and Yuanchou. The Zhen Guan Office also oversees the official of the Shiku.
The Guozis Temple is responsible for teaching students. There is a Rector, equivalent to a principal, as well as a Secretary, Five Administrators, Chief Clerk, and Recorder who serve as administrative staff. It has five Doctors, ten Assistants, and seventy-two students. The Imperial Academy has ten Doctors, twenty Assistants, and two hundred students. The Four Gates School has twenty Doctors, twenty Assistants, and three hundred students.
Changqiu Temple oversees all the palaces, both large and small, within the imperial palace. In the temple, there is one minister and one chief eunuch, both of whom are officials. There are also two assistants, as well as clerks, officials, registrars, and record keepers. Changqiu Temple also oversees the orders and subordinates of the Central Huangmen, Yeting, Jinyang Palace, Zhongshan Palace, gardens, central palace servants, and Xiguan departments. In addition, there is a special bureau chief for the Violent Room. Below the Central Huangmen, there are attendants and four scholars. Each location in Yeting, Jinyang Palace, and Zhongshan Palace has two palace scholars. Under the Zhongshan Office, there is a bureau chief specifically in charge of face bean. Under the Garden Office, there is a department chief specifically in charge of mulberry gardens. Under the Central Palace Servants Office, there is a Yellow Riding Bureau instructor, a fine horse carriage commander, and a carriage department chief. Under the Xiguan Office, there is a dyeing bureau chief. In summary, Changqiu Temple handles a great many affairs!
The Jiangzuo Institute is mainly responsible for various construction projects in the imperial palace. There is a chief artisan in the institute, as well as four subordinates, clerks, registrars, and record keepers. If there is any construction project, temporary positions such as commander, deputy commander, chief historian, and record keeper are set up. In addition, the Jiangzuo Institute also oversees military commanders, deputy military commanders, flag bearers, and deputy flag bearers.
Zhaoxuan Temple is responsible for overseeing Buddhist affairs. The temple has a chief monk and three assistants. There are also clerks and registrars responsible for managing various affairs of monks across the country.
The General's Office has one general responsible for the palace guard duties. All guards outside the Zhu Hua Pavilion are under the jurisdiction of the General's Office. When the emperor travels, the General's Office is responsible for arranging the ceremonial guard and security details. The Deputy General also handles similar tasks. The General's Office has officials such as chief historian, record keeper, clerks, registrars, and record keepers to handle internal affairs. In addition, the General's Office also oversees the Left and Right Guards, along with other offices.
On the left and right sides are two military offices, each with a general in charge of the barracks on either side. Except for the Zhuhua Pavilion, there are two military generals stationed elsewhere to assist in management. Each office has officials such as the Sima (military advisor), Gongcao (chief military strategist), Zhubu (chief clerk), and Lushi (recorder) responsible for handling various affairs in the office.
Officials responsible for the ceremonial guard include the Yuzhang Zhengfu (chief ceremonial officer), Yuzhang Wuzhi (five ceremonial officers), and other ceremonial personnel. Officials in charge of the Zhidang (a type of guard unit) include the Zhidang Zhengfu (chief commander), Zhiru Zhengfu (chief escort), Xunwu Qianfeng Zhengfu (chief vanguard), Xunwu Qianfeng Wuzang, and other officials. Officials in charge of the Zhiwei (another guard unit) include Zhiwei Zhengfu (chief guard), Yiwei Zhengfu (escort guard), Qianfeng Zhengfu (vanguard), and others. Officials responsible for the Zhitu (a type of guard unit) include Zhitu Zhengfu (chief guard) and Xunwu Qianfeng Sandu (scattered commander). Officials in charge of guarding the palace include Zhu Yi Zhige (chief palace guard), Zhige General, Zhiling, Zhizhai, Zhihou, and so on.
In addition, there is one Wuzuo General and one Yunqi General; several generals of the Xiaoriding, Youti, and the Four Armies of Front and Rear, Left and Right; five Left, Right, and Central Langjiang Generals each; ten each of Infantry, Yueqi, Shesheng, Tunqi, Changshui, and other types of Colonels, as well as ten Fengche Duyou each; fifteen each of Wubenzhong Langjiang and Yulin Supervisors; thirty Rongcong Pushe; sixty Qiduwei; twenty-five each of Jidu, Jishe, Qiangnu, and other generals, as well as twenty-five Wuzuo Changshi; fifty palace generals; one hundred Yuanwai Generals; fifty Dianzhong Sima Supervisors; and one hundred Yuanwai Sima Supervisors.
Officials in charge of the left and right military offices include the commanders of the left and right generals, and the commanders of the Qian Niu Beishen; as well as the left and right Beishen Zhengfu (chief guards), left and right Beishen Wuzhi (five guards), and other left and right Beishen personnel; the left and right Daojian Beishen Zhengfu (chief guards), and the Beishen Zhengfu (chief guard), Beishen Wuzhi (five guards), and other Beishen personnel.
The Guard's Office is overseen by a general who oversees the four gateways in the east, west, south, and north. When the emperor travels, the general is responsible for protecting the emperor's entourage. The Deputy Guard also accompanies him, along with the Chief Clerk, the Master of Records, the Military Officer, five officials, and the Recorder, who are in charge of handling affairs in the office. These subordinate officials govern the four offices in the east, west, south, and north. Each office has a Colonel, a Chief Clerk, a Master of Records, a Recorder, and a Chief Clerk. There are also Chief Recorders of Direct Troops, as well as Military Officers, Warehouse Officers, Central Troops, External Troops, Cavalry, Long Flow, City Bureau, and other staff members, with one each in every department; the departments of Law, Fields, and Armor also have one staff member each. The general also oversees the Captains and Deputy Captains of each gateway.
As for the Administrative Office, the specific operations are not well-documented. Only the positions of Imperial Orders and Palace Attendants are known. Other positions like Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, and Gentlemen are arranged based on actual circumstances, without detailed descriptions.
The Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, and Grand Guardian, collectively known as the Three Masters, are responsible for educating and assisting the crown prince. The Junior Preceptor, Junior Tutor, and Junior Guardian, collectively known as the Three Juniors, each serve the crown prince and are responsible for attending to him and learning from the Three Masters' virtues. When the crown prince travels, the Three Masters walk in front, while the Three Juniors walk behind.
The Chamberlain's Office oversees all matters, big and small, inside and outside the Eastern Palace, handling all matters. The office has officials such as the Chief, Military Officer, five officials, Chief Clerk, and Recorder. It also manages the departments of Household Affairs, Rate Office, and Palace Steward, as well as the Left and Right Guards. Each department has a Chief, and each guard has a Master of Records, with Military Officers and Chief Clerks assisting in their work.
The Household Affairs department manages the officials of the Food Bureau, Warehouse Department, and Treasury. It also oversees the officials of the Internal Guard Department (responsible for internal palace affairs). The Food Bureau has two chiefs for the Kitchen and Wine departments; the Warehouse Department has a Garden Chief; and the Treasury Department has chiefs for the Armory and Treasury Offices. The Rate Office manages the officials and chiefs of the Central Shield Office (responsible for palace security and timekeeping). The Palace Steward oversees the officials of the Stables Department, with the Carriage Bureau under its jurisdiction.
The leaders of the Left and Right Guard Houses are in charge of the Deputy Commanders of the Cavalry, along with five subordinate positions and their members. There are also Deputy Commanders of the Inner Guard, five subordinate positions, and members of the Inner Guard. Additionally, there are Deputy Commanders, five subordinate positions, and their members. Members of the Direct Pavilion, Front Direct, and Rear Direct are also included. Furthermore, there are two each of the ranks of the Cavalry, Garrison Guard, and Military Commanders, along with thirty Cavalry Lieutenants.
First, let's talk about the organization of the departments in the court. In the Ministry of Personnel, there are Middle Secretaries, Middle Attendants, Attendants of the Communications Department, and Attendants of the Main Affairs Department, with each position having four people. In addition, they oversee the Inner Palace, Food and Medicine Storage, and Fasting Commanders' departments. The Inner Palace Bureau has two Inner Supervisors and four Deputy Supervisors; the Food and Medicine Storage Bureau each has two Supervisors and two Deputies; the Medicine Storage Bureau also has four Attending Physicians; and the Fasting Commanders Bureau has two Fasting Commanders and two Inner Attendants.
Next is the Library Department, which consists of four Middle Secretaries and twenty-eight Attendants. It also oversees the Classics Library, which includes eight Stable Hands, two Guard Attendants, one Gatekeeper, and one House Gatekeeper. The Library Department further supervises the two departments of the Xiliang and Qingshang Music Officers.
The number of officials in each province, department, prefecture, and temple varies according to the complexity of the work, including Record Keepers, Book Order Historians, and Book Clerks, etc. Each department also has Cao Bing, responsible for miscellaneous tasks, with the number adjusted according to workload. The names of officials in charge of specific tasks vary greatly and are difficult to list one by one.
Now let's talk about the official positions of the nobles. The King ranks above the Grand Marshal (if not a Prince, then below the Three Dukes). There is one Chief Instructor, and most other positions are similar to those in the Liang Dynasty. The distribution of salaries within the royal family is all handed over to the national treasury, then distributed proportionally, with one-third of the treasury allocated for their daily expenses, and one-fourth for ranks below Dukes.
The prince and the kingdom each appoint one minister of the Central Secretariat, Grand Minister of Agriculture, Commandant, Palace Attendant, two Deputy Ministers, one General each for the Upper, Middle, and Lower ranks, two High Officials each for the Upper and Middle ranks, four palace guards, one for each of the Office of Records, Office of Sacrifices, Imperial Academy, and Office of the Guards, four commanders of the fasting period, one official for the Food Department, one for the Stables, two Deputy Physicians, one Deputy Treasurer, two scribes, four envoys, and ten attendants, and so on.
Finally, there are official positions in other kingdoms. Compared to the prince's kingdom, other kingdoms have additional Grave Keepers, Temple Keepers, and Palace Attendants, but no Middle General, and one less High Official each for the Upper and Middle ranks. The principalities have fewer positions such as palace guards, commanders of the fasting period, and Deputy Physicians. The marquises, earls, lords, and viscounts further reduce the number of generals and high officials compared to the principalities. As for the princess's residence, officials such as the Household Supervisor, Deputy, Chief Clerk, and Recorder are appointed.
In Sizhou Province, the Governor serves as the highest administrative official. There are numerous other officials underneath, such as the Attendant Historian, Assistant Historian, Provincial Capital, Chief Clerk, along with officials from the Western Secretariat, Registrar, Revenue Office, Office of Merits, Treasury Office, Tax Office, Military Office, Cavalry Office, Judicial Office, and various officials in each county. Below the Chief Clerk, there are Historians, and under the Western Secretariat, there are Deputy Historians. Sizhou also oversees the appointment of officials for the two markets in the east and west, as well as for Qingdu County and some other nearby counties.
In Qingdu County, the appointed officials include a Magistrate (County Governor), Deputy, Chief Justice, Chief Clerk, Postmaster, Five Key Officials, Supervisor of the Gates, Recorder, Chief Scribe, Examiner, including clerks for the Office of Merits, Registrar, Revenue Office, Treasury Office, Tax Office, Military Office, Cavalry Office, Bandit Office, Judicial Office, and other offices, along with the Chief Clerk for the central area, and so on.
Ye County, Linzhang County, and Cheng'an County, each of these three counties has officials such as magistrate, chief magistrate, recorder, registrar, supervisor, clerk, and chief secretary, as well as various clerks for departments such as archives, finance, land, treasury, tax, military, cavalry, bandit suppression, and legal affairs. Ye County also oversees the Right, South, and West divisions, as well as twelve route divisions with a total of one hundred and thirty-five li, each with a designated supervisor. Linzhang County oversees the Left and East divisions, with nine route divisions totaling one hundred and fourteen li, each with a designated supervisor. Cheng'an County oversees the Rear and North divisions, with eleven route divisions totaling seventy-four li, each with a designated supervisor. The county magistrates and other officials under Qingdu commandery receive the same treatment as those in the upper-ranking counties. The officials below the commandery officials in the capital commanderies also receive the same treatment as those in the upper-ranking commanderies.
Let me tell you, the Governor's Office of Shangshang Province is quite magnificent! There are many officials in the office, including the chief of staff, the marshal, the recorder, the warehouse, and military personnel, as well as various clerks, the registrar, external military, cavalry, long-distance troops, city bureau, and criminal court clerks. In total, there are numerous clerks from various departments, including law, finance, land, armor, gathering, and military affairs, along with other clerks such as the right household clerks, military advisors, and various administrative clerks. In summary, it is a bustling and crowded environment.
Added up, both inside and outside Shangshang Prefecture, there are a total of three hundred and ninety-three officials! That number is pretty intimidating. The number of officials in other prefectures is a bit lower than that of Shangshang Prefecture. Shangzhong Prefecture has ten fewer officials than Shangshang, Shangxia Prefecture has ten fewer officials than Shangzhong, Zhongshang Prefecture has fifty-one fewer officials than Shangxia, Zhongzhong Prefecture has ten fewer officials than Zhongshang, Zhongxia Prefecture has ten fewer officials than Zhongzhong, Xiaoshang Prefecture has fifty fewer officials than Zhongxia, Xiaozhong Prefecture has ten fewer officials than Xiaoshang, and Xiaoxia Prefecture has ten fewer officials than Xiaozhong.
Now let's talk about the Shangshang County Magistrate's Office. Although it's not as large as the prefectural office, it is still quite substantial. It includes officials like the sub-magistrate, middle judge, Guangying clerk, Guangying registrar, clerk, registrar, five officials, provincial affairs officer, recording officer, as well as officials from the Xicao, Hucao, Jincao, Zucao, Bingcao, and Jicao departments, along with the Confucian scholar, assistant teacher, students of the Confucian school, market supervisor, granary supervisor, and so on.
When you add these officials together, there are a total of two hundred and twelve officials in the Shangshang County Magistrate's Office. The number of officials in other counties also decreases in a similar pattern to the prefectures. Shangzhong County has five fewer officials than Shangshang County, Shangxia County has five fewer officials than Shangzhong County, Zhongshang County has forty-five fewer officials than Shangxia County, Zhongzhong County has five fewer officials than Zhongshang County, Zhongxia County has five fewer officials than Zhongzhong County, Xiaoshang County has forty fewer officials than Zhongxia County, Xiaozhong County has two fewer officials than Xiaoshang County, and Xiaoxia County has two fewer officials than Xiaozhong County.
Wow, there are definitely a lot of people at the county office! Under the highest-ranking county magistrate, there are officials such as the sub-magistrate, middle judge, Guangying clerk, Guangying registrar, as well as clerks, registrars, recording officers, officials from the Xicao, Hucao, Jincao, Zucao, Bingcao departments, and the market supervisor, adding up to a total of fifty-four people! The number of officials varies across counties of different levels. Shangzhong County has five fewer officials than Shangshang County, Shangxia County has five fewer officials than Shangzhong County, and so on.
States, prefectures, and counties, according to their size, all have a certain number of "aides" known as "báizhí" to help with work. The officials appointed in towns vary according to their rank. For example, there are town commanders, deputy commanders, chief historians, record officers, granary officers, military officers, river chiefs, and city administrators, as well as armor officers, mayors, warehouse supervisors, and so on. The military stationed at the borders also has officials of varying ranks, such as border commanders, deputy border commanders, clerks, squad leaders, and deputy squad leaders, among others.
In ancient times, official salaries were also based on rank. A first-rank official could receive eight hundred bolts of silk annually, with every two hundred bolts counting as one "zhì" (unit). A first-rank official of the next lower level would receive seven hundred bolts, with every one hundred seventy-five bolts counting as one "zhì." A second-rank official would receive six hundred bolts annually, with one hundred fifty bolts counting as one "zhì"; a second-rank official of the next lower level would receive five hundred bolts, with one hundred twenty-five bolts counting as one "zhì." A third-rank official would receive four hundred bolts, with one hundred bolts counting as one "zhì"; a third-rank official of the next lower level would receive three hundred bolts, with seventy-five bolts counting as one "zhì."
A fourth-rank official would receive two hundred forty bolts, with sixty bolts counting as one "zhì"; a fourth-rank official of the next lower level would receive two hundred bolts, with fifty bolts counting as one "zhì." A fifth-rank official would receive one hundred sixty bolts, with forty bolts counting as one "zhì"; a fifth-rank official of the next lower level would receive one hundred twenty bolts, with thirty bolts counting as one "zhì." A sixth-rank official would receive one hundred bolts, with twenty-five bolts counting as one "zhì"; a sixth-rank official of the next lower level would receive eighty bolts, with twenty bolts counting as one "zhì." A seventh-rank official would receive sixty bolts, with fifteen bolts counting as one "zhì"; a seventh-rank official of the next lower level would receive forty bolts, with ten bolts counting as one "zhì." An eighth-rank official would receive thirty-six bolts, with nine bolts counting as one "zhì"; an eighth-rank official of the next lower level would receive thirty-two bolts, with eight bolts counting as one "zhì." A ninth-rank official would receive twenty-eight bolts, with seven bolts counting as one "zhì"; a ninth-rank official of the next lower level would receive twenty-four bolts, with six bolts counting as one "zhì." Although these salaries might appear considerable, the actual silver value one could exchange them for would depend on the prevailing market prices at the time.
Officials' salaries are divided into three types: textiles, grain, and cash. Officials with a heavy workload will be promoted one rank; those with an average workload will maintain their current rank; those with light workloads will be demoted one rank. Officials who hold additional positions or are in a probationary position will also be demoted one rank. Officials who are not in charge or who fail to attend court meetings will forfeit their salaries. From the highest-ranking officials to the lowest-ranking officials, there is a corresponding number of attendants. Top-tier officials may have as many as thirty attendants, while the lowest-ranking officials may have five attendants in a group, or four, three, two, or one attendant in a group. Busy officials will have an additional group, those with an average workload will maintain their current number of groups, and those with light workloads will have one group removed.
The salary system for prefectures, counties, and districts is as follows: upon taking office, governors, prefects, and county magistrates receive a year's salary upfront. The governor of a top-tier province receives eight hundred units of textiles per year, the same as the governor of a silk-producing province; the difference in textiles between top-tier provinces is fifty units; the difference between middle-tier provinces and bottom-tier provinces is one hundred units; the difference between top-tier counties is fifty units, and so on. Salaries for officials below the rank of governor are measured in units of textiles, and if there is a captain in the county, their salary is half of the magistrate's. These salaries are determined based on the annual tax revenue of their respective regions. Regarding military officials like generals, garrison commanders, and deputy commanders, they each have different salary standards.
Officials below the rank of provincial governor, prefect, and county magistrate, as well as personnel needed for service and labor, must obtain approval before receiving their salaries. Personnel required for service should be drafted from their local areas. Each person in service is required to pay eighteen bolts of silk, and they are exempt from personal corvée labor during their service. The labor obligation is evaluated based on local prices in the provinces, commanderies, and counties.
The Three Excellencies, the Kings, and the Two Grand Officials (the Grand Marshal and the Grand General) are the highest-ranking officials.
Wow, look at all these official positions listed above—it's a lot to take in! Let's start with the first-ranking officials, such as the Ministers of the Imperial Clan, the Three Teachers of the Crown Prince, the Special Advisors, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, as well as the Generals of Chariots and Cavalry. If these two generals had higher ranks, they'd outrank the Duke of the Imperial Domain. If the Guard General's rank were any higher, he'd surpass the Crown Prince's Grand Preceptor. And the Four Conquering Generals, if they had higher positions, would be more powerful than the Guard Grand General. Next in line are the Left and Right Masters of Splendid Happiness, the Duke of the Imperial Clan, and the Duke of the Imperial Domain, all of whom are first-ranking officials.
Next up are the second-ranking officials, including the Supervisor of the Masters of Writing, which has two positions, with the left one holding a higher rank. Also included are the Chief of the Palace Secretariat and the Four Garrison Generals—if they were to hold higher ranks, they'd be more powerful than the Four Conquering Generals. The General of the Central Army, the General of the Garrison Army, and the General of the Pacification Army are usually positions held by retired military officials. If the Commander of the Army had a higher position, he would be more powerful than the Prefect of the Masters of Writing. The Protector General, the Supporter General, as well as the Purple and Azure Masters of Splendid Happiness, the Duke of the Imperial County, and the Marquis of the Imperial Domain, are all second-ranking officials.
Finally, we have the third-ranking officials: the Minister of Personnel, the Four Peace Generals, the Central Commander, the Protector General, the Minister of Imperial Sacrifices, the Minister of Splendid Happiness, the Minister of the Guard, the Three Princes of the Crown Prince, the Chief of the Palace Secretariat, the Minister of the Crown Prince's Office, the Palace Attendant, the Supervisor of the Imperial Secretariat, the Four Pacifying Generals, the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the Intendant of the Capital, the Third-Ranking Provincial Governor, the Left and Right Guard Generals, the Supervisor of the Palace Library, the Purple and Blue Masters of Splendid Happiness, the Duke of the Imperial County, and the Count of the Imperial Domain.
Finally, there are official positions below the third rank, such as Cavalier Attendant, Third-Class Inspector of Zhongzhou, Left Chief Minister of Works, General of the Four Directions (which refers to the Xiongnu, Qiang, Rong, and Man tribes), National Scholar, Deputy Director of the Secretariat, Palace Attendant, Minister of the Autumn, Grand Architect, Champion General of the State, Chief of Staff to the Grand Commandant, Generals of the Left and Right, General Who Supports the State, Commandant of the Guards, Grand Master of the Imperial Palace, Dragon Cavalry General, Third-Class Prefect of Upper Commanderies, and Count of a Minor County, all of which are third rank positions. Oh, there are so many official positions, it's hard to remember them all!
Wow, there are so many official positions listed above! Let's start with those officials from first to third rank, such as General of Distant Defense, General Who Pacifies the Distant, as well as Junior Minister of Rites, Junior Minister of Civil Administration, Junior Minister of Justice, Imperial Secretary, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Personnel, Yellow Gate Attendant, and Junior Attendant to the Crown Prince, all of whom are prominent figures in the court with high status. Moving down, there are Right Chief Minister of Works, Chief Minister of Works, Chief of the Imperial Family, Grand Steward, Junior Minister of State Justice, Junior Minister of State Ceremonies, Junior Minister of State Agriculture, Junior Minister of State Treasury, Marshal of the Three Dukes' Estates, Palace Attendant, Chief of the Imperial Garrison, as well as Cavalry General, Cloud Cavalry General, Valiant Cavalry General, Agile Cavalry General, and so on, all of which can be considered senior officials and belong to the upper class.
Next is the fourth rank of officials, including the Central General, the General of the Central Garrison, the Left Deputy Minister, the Military Advisor of the Three Dukes, the Provincial Governor's Historian, the Chief Magistrate of the Upper Province, the Three Crown Prince's Equerries, the Front General, the Left General, the Right General, the Rear General, the Deputy Director of the Palace Library, the Crown Prince's Attendant, the Chief Magistrate of the Middle County, as well as various Commanders of the Guards, Swordsmen, and Escorts, among others. These positions, although slightly lower than the previous ones, also hold real power and prestigious status. Moving down further, there are the Loyal General, the Righteous General, the Bodyguard General, the Direct Attendants, the Chief Official of the Middle Province, the Attendant of the Three Ducal Offices, the Chief Librarian, the Prince's Companion, the Imperial Academy Scholar, the Attendant Cavalry, the Crown Prince's Aide, the Deputy Attendant Cavalry, and various other positions. Also included are the Charging General, the Victorious General, the Chief of Clothing, the Chief Food Officer, the Chief Music Officer, the Crown Prince's Cavalry, the Garrison Guards, the Chief Military Officer, the Chief of the Guard, and the Chief of the Imperial County. These positions, although of lower rank, each have their own responsibilities and play important roles in the court. In conclusion, the official positions listed above, from the first rank to the fifth rank, cover various departments of the court; it really covers a wide range of roles!
Goodness, this resume, with all those official positions listed, is enough to make one's head spin! Let's start with the first person, who has been a General of the Flanking Waves, General of Lingjiang, and held various local government positions such as Third Class Governor of Lower Prefecture. He has also served in the central government as a Gentleman of Writings, Cavalry Officer of the Court, and even as the Crown Prince's Stablemaster, a prestigious position by the Crown Prince's side! Additionally, he has held various deputy commander positions such as Deputy Commander of Left and Right Guards, Deputy Commander of Arms, and Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, all sounding quite impressive! Furthermore, he has also held positions such as Imperial Food Supervisor and Imperial Medical Supervisor, responsible for the royal diet and medicine, a lucrative job indeed! Other official positions he has held include General of Chariots, General of Warships, and Deputy Commandant of the Imperial Guard, all prestigious titles. Lastly, he has been ennobled as a Marquis, with titles such as Marquis of Eternal Sanctity, Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness, Marquis of Guizheng, Marquis of Guiming, and Marquis of Guide, truly a noble and esteemed position! In short, this person has climbed up the ranks steadily and eventually reached the rank of Fifth Class.
The second person's resume is also quite impressive! He has been a General of Martial Might, General of Valiant Valor, truly excelling in both civil and military affairs! In the central government, he has served as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and a Gentleman of the Palace Library, both crucial positions in the imperial court. He has also held various local government positions such as Third Class Assistant Historian of the Upper Prefecture, Third Class Garrison Commander of the Fourth Central Prefecture, and more. Additionally, he has served as Chief Attendant to the Crown Prince and Prince's Literary Officer, prestigious positions by the Crown Prince's side with promising futures! He has also served as an Official Attendant, an important role in receiving guests. Similarly, he has held various military positions such as General of Distinguished Courage, General of Manifest Trust, Deputy Commander of the Crown Prince's Attendants, General of Martial Merit, and Commander of the Imperial Guards, all positions overseeing military affairs. He has even served as Chief Justice and Judicial Supervisor, responsible for judicial trials. Lastly, he has held various local government positions such as Third Class Attendant Military Recorder of the Upper Prefecture, Third Class Prefect of the Upper County, and more. He ultimately attained the rank of Sixth Class. My, my, these two individuals have had quite successful careers!
Old Li, look at this resume, it's really impressive! First is "General of Duliang and Henghai," this is a frontier general! Then there is "Commander of the Direct Charge," directly commanding military operations! Next is an endless list of official titles, like "Third-Class Zhongzhou Attendant Historian," "Military Staff of the Three Public Offices," "Attendant of the Grand Master," "Grand Master of the Prince's Gate," a long list that's hard to understand, but all high-ranking and well-paid! Then there's "Third-Class Shangzhou Military, Granary, and Central Army Staff," "Grand Farmer of the Prince," "Cavalry Captain," "Direct Rear Guard," "Master of the Seal," the ranks just keep getting higher! "Third-Class Zhongzhou Record Keeper Staff," this is already a promotion with a title! In parentheses it also says "Previously held a higher rank," meaning there were even higher positions before! Moving on, there's "General of Yumin and Yuejiang," "Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard," these are generals leading troops in battle! "Third-Class Zhongzhou Historian," "Various Kaifu Chief Scribes, Military Staff," "Third-Class Zhongzhou Military, Granary, Central Army Staff," "Prince's Attendant," "Third Temple Chief," "Prince's Direct Front," "Prince's Deputy Direct Supervisor," "Prince's Various Team Leaders," an endless list of official titles, and finally it says "Ranked as a Sixth-Class official," indicating a high official position!
Lao Li, take a look at this again, it's even more impressive! "General Rong Zhao, General Wu Yi," these are generals again! "Vanguard General Xunwu, Commander-in-Chief," this is a genuine commander! "Ritual Sacrificer of the East and West Halls of the Three Dukes' Mansion," this is a ceremonial position of honor in the Three Dukes' Mansion! There are many official positions listed afterwards: "Third Class Deputy Historian of the Lower State," "Third Class Chief Clerk of the Upper State Prefecture, Military Staff Officer," "Third Class Deputy Historian of the Lower State Records, Military Staff Officer," "Fourth Class Prefectural Records, Military Staff Officer," "Lord of the King's County," "Accumulated Generals of Archery and Shooting," "Assistant Cavalry Attendant Officer," "Prince's Lieutenant," "Military Staff Officer of the Three Dukes' Mansion," "Military Staff Officer of the Column Command," these are truly legendary figures in the officialdom! In parentheses, it also says "previously promoted," indicating that their prior positions were even higher! "Valiant and Fierce General," "Deputy Commander of the Yiwu," again generals and commanders! "Chief Historian of the East and West Halls of the Various Departments, Military Staff Officer, Column Military Staff Officer," "Third Class Lower State Merit, Granary, Central Army Military Staff Officer," "Fourth Class Prefectural Merit, Granary, Central Army Military Staff Officer," "Third Class Chief Clerk of the Central State Prefecture, Column Military Staff Officer," "Simashi of the Second Guard," "Attendant of the Zhan Shi Mansion," "Five Positions on the Left and Right for Personal Support," "Third Class Garrison Records, Military Staff Officer," "Six Temple Attendants," "Senior Secretary," "Assistant Secretary of Works," "Prince's Physician," "Prince's Cavalry Officer," "Prince's Cavalry Officer with Five Backup Positions," "Third Class County Magistrate of the Central Prefecture," "Third Class County Magistrate of the Central County," the sheer number of official positions is simply overwhelming! Finally, it says "ranked as a seventh-rank official," although it is one rank lower than the previous one, it is still a genuine seventh-rank official! The backgrounds of these two individuals are incredibly impressive!
This General Yanghui Yaofeng has had a rich career! He has served as Deputy Commander of the Vanguard, General of Heavy Crossbows, as well as in various military positions such as Military Officer of the Three Dukes' Office, Military Officer of the Third Rank in Shangzhou, and Military Officer of the Lie Cao. He has also held positions such as Grand Minister of Agriculture of the Royal Kingdom, Deputy of Changqiu Monastery, Deputy of Jiangzu Temple, Commander of the Prince's Second Rate Square, as well as Military Officer of the Third Rank in Zhen Cang, Middle Army Canjunshi, and others. Later, he became General of Border Expansion, General of Honorable Martial Vanguard, Doctor of the Imperial Academy, Attendant of the Imperial Prince, Doctor of the Imperial Temple, Attendant of the Martial Cavalry, and held positions such as Left and Right Guards, Swordsmen Bodyguards, as well as various military positions like General, Lieutenant General, Army Commander, Military Commander, etc. He later served as Military Officer of Middle Zhou, Military Officer of Lie Cao, Military Officer of Various Gongfu, Court Assistant, Assistant Teacher of the National Academy, Official in Charge of Public Transport and Markets, Military Officer of the Third Rank in Zhen Lie Cao, County Magistrate, Imperial Historian, Assistant of Royal Food and Medicine, Commander of Fasting, Middle Assistant of Royal Food and Medicine, Deputy of the Prince's Direct Guard Unit, Deputy of the Second Guard, Commander of the Honorable Vanguard, Deputy of the Prince's Cavalry, Deputy of the Prince's Inner Guard Unit, and others. His final positions were Commander of Various Garrisons and Military Commander, with a rank of seventh grade.
Next is General Jingmo Suirong, who has served as Assistant to the Legal Officer, Military Officer of the Third Rank in Shangzhou, Military Officer of the Third Rank in Xiaozhou, Military Officer of the Lie Cao, Military Officer of the Fourth Zhongfu, Lord of the Marquisate, General of the Palace, Attendant of the Imperial Prince, among other positions before his promotion. Later, he was appointed as General of Border Pacification, and also held positions such as Swordsmen Bodyguard, as mentioned earlier. He has also served as Deputy Commander of the Vanguard, Deputy of the Prince's Inner Guard Unit, Chief Secretary, Imperial Historian of the Palace, Deputy of the Prince's Food and Medicine, Commander of Fasting, Military Officer of Middle Zhou, Middle Officer of the Royal Court, Military Officer of the Third Rank in Zhen Kai Cao, County Magistrate of the Third Rank in Xiaojun, and Prefect of the Third Rank in Xiaoxian. His final rank was of eighth grade.
Lao Li, look at this official position table; it's densely packed, and it's making my head spin! First is the General of Feiqi and General of Sunji; these titles sound impressive! He also holds many positions: Chief of the Three Officials' Office and Officer of the Left and Right Household Division Army, Chief of the Left and Right Household Division Army, Gate Recorder, Imperial Secretary, Inspector of the Imperial Censorate, Various Prefects and Signatories of the Imperial Seal, Supervisor of the Central Yamen Office, Supervisor of the Central Yellow Gate, (Previously promoted.) There are also titles such as General of Military Teeth and General of Military Valor. In short, his responsibilities include being in charge of five positions responsible for the Crown Prince's personal bodyguards, Supervisor of the Palace Gates, five positions for the Crown Prince's personal bodyguards, Marquis, Count, and State Farmer, Upper, Middle, and Lower Generals for the Imperial Princes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Officials of the Imperial Princes, Court Attendant to Kings and Dukes, Chief of the Left and Right Household Division Army, Deputy General, five positions of the Vanguard of Military Merit, Signatory of the Governor and the Third-Level Governor, Deputy of the Crown Prince's various teams, Deputy of various garrisons and armies, Magistrate of Qingdu County, and his official rank is the eighth rank. Next is the General of Qingye; his son became the Prefect of the Son and Male State, and he also held many positions: Director of the Imperial Envoys Bureau, Third-Level Governor and Officer of the Left and Right Household Division Army, Central Yellow Gate, Prince's Inner Court, Princess's Household, Prince's Guard, and Librarian, Four Scholars of the Four Gates, Doctor of Law, Scrivener, Supervisor of the Chief of the Three Officials' Office, Military Affairs of the Capital, Seven Department Inspectors, Various County Inspectors, (Previously promoted.) In addition, there is also the General of Hengye, who served as the Court Attendant to Kings and Dukes, Middle Inspector and Imperial Envoy of Marquis, Count, and State, Chief of the Three Temples of the Crown Prince, Supervisor of the Chief of the Left and Right Household Division Army, Supervisor of the Palace Marshal, Imperial Guards, Crown Prince's Food Supervisor, Central Province, and Warehouse Supervisor, Crown Prince's personal bodyguard, Censor and Assistant to the Public Chariot, Third-Level Central Governor, and his official rank is the ninth rank. Ah, the official positions in ancient times are so complex! These two generals: one holds the eighth rank, and the other the ninth rank; although they hold many titles, their ranks are not too different.
First, let's take a look at the official positions of the Tang Dynasty; there are quite a few! You see, from Deputy Generals and Palace Scholars to the Treasury of the Crown Prince, Superintendent of Imperial Stables, and the Crown Prince's Chief Scribe, various other officials, including District Commanders, Pass Commanders, as well as Military Supervisors in Shangzhou and Zhongzhou, Directors of the Imperial Secretariat, Three Orders of the Crown Prince, Generals and Ministers in the royal states, Prefects, County Magistrates, and so on—these are all relatively high positions in the past. Moving down further, there are Deputy Generals, Commanders of the Guards, Officials in the Ministry of Ceremonies, the Office of the Grand Herald, the Office of the Privy Council, as well as the Chief of the National Agriculture Bureau, Junior Yellow Gate Attendants, Deputy Marshals of the Exterior, Assistant Tutors of the Imperial Academy, Leaders of Troops, Distant Wardens, Palace Attendants, Provincial Record Keepers, Signatories of Lower Provinces, and Physicians in the Ministries of Personnel, State Affairs, and Rites; all of these are classified as ninth rank.
Next are the ranks of internal officials, totaling thirteen levels. The first level, if they manage tribal chiefs, they are considered third rank; if not managing tribal chiefs, it is the fourth rank. The second level, managing tribal chiefs and managing tribal subordinates are both fourth rank. Chief Censors of various provinces, as well as those in the Capital and Prefectures, who manage tribal chiefs and subordinates are all classified as fifth rank. Moving down, non-managing tribal chiefs and subordinates are sixth rank, managing subordinates are sixth rank, and non-managing subordinates are seventh rank. Chief Scribes of provincial capitals and students of the National University are seventh rank. Chief Scribes of various provinces, Secretaries of the Western Office in provincial capitals, Chief Censors, and Chief Scribes of Qingdu County are eighth rank. Secretaries of the Western Office in various provinces, as well as Chief Censors and Chief Scribes of various counties, are all classified as eighth rank. Secretaries in provincial offices and Chief Scribes in various counties are all classified as ninth rank.
When Emperor Taizu of the Zhou Dynasty first began to control the Guannei region, the official titles still followed the traditional titles of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Once the situation in the world stabilized a bit, reforms were initiated, appointing the Grand Secretary Lu Bian to study the official system of the Zhou Dynasty, establishing the Three Dukes and Three Solitaries as officials for discussing political affairs. Then, the Six Ministers were established to manage various affairs. The official ranks established by Lu Bian were as follows:
Essentially, "nei ming" refers to court officials, and their salary levels were as follows: Three Dukes with nine ranks, Three Solitaries with eight ranks, Six Ministers with seven ranks, Upper Officers with six ranks, Middle Officers with five ranks, Lower Officers with four ranks, Upper Soldiers with three ranks, Middle Soldiers with two ranks, Lower Soldiers with one rank.
The term "wai ming" refers to princes and their subordinate officials. The various dukes had nine ranks, the princes had eight ranks, the marquises had seven ranks, the viscounts had six ranks, the barons had five ranks, the solitaries of the dukes and ministers of the princes had four ranks, the solitaries of the marquises, ministers of the dukes, and upper officers of the princes had three ranks, the ministers of the marquises, upper officers of the dukes and princes had two ranks, the lower officers of the dukes and princes, middle officers of the marquises, lower officers of the dukes and princes, and soldiers of the viscounts had one rank, while the soldiers of the barons and the marquises had no rank.
How were these salaries calculated? Lower Soldiers received 125 stones, and from the Middle Soldiers upwards, it doubled all the way to the Upper Officers, who received 4,000 stones. The salary of a minister was twice the base amount, a solitary was triple, a duke was quadruple, and then each was increased by one more. The salary for a duke was 10,000 stones. The salary of the ninth rank was 120 stones, and for the eighth to seventh ranks, for every two ranks decreased, one-sixth was deducted, all the way down to the second and first ranks, which received 40 stones. When distributing salaries, the harvest of the year was taken into account. If the yield was over four pots per mu, it was considered a good year, and the salary was paid according to the standard; if the yield was three pots, it was considered an average year, and half the salary was paid; if the yield was two pots, it was considered a poor year, and one-tenth of the salary was paid; if there was a crop failure, then there was no salary. This was the system put in place by the Six Ministers.
Once these systems were established, Emperor Taizu began implementing them from the third year of Emperor Gong of Wei. These official titles underwent many changes until the end of the Zhou Dynasty. For specific details, please refer to the "Lu Zhuan," which will not be elaborated on here.
