The "Book of Changes" mentions that Fu Xi, Shen Nong, and Huang Di taught the people. The "Commentary on the Book of Changes" explains their official titles at the time, stating that Fu Xi was the Master of Dragons, Shen Nong was the Master of Fire, Huang Di was the Master of Clouds, and Shao Hao was the Master of Birds, with their names all related to their roles.
Starting from Zhuan Xu, those officials who served the people were referred to only by their titles in handling civilian affairs, such as Chong Li, Ju Mang, Zhu Rong, Hou Tu, Ru Shou, and Xuan Ming, all of which were relatively early positions. The "Book of Documents" records that during the time of Tang Yao, Yu, and Shun, four sons of Xi He were appointed to manage astronomy, teaching the people to understand the agricultural seasons. The Four Great Ministers were also established to select and promote overlooked talents, along with twelve prefectures to pacify distant areas and manage nearby ones. Da Yu served as the Director of Public Works, responsible for governing water and soil; Hou Ji served as the Director of Agriculture, responsible for sowing grains; Qi served as the Director of Education, responsible for promoting five kinds of teachings; Jiu Yao served as the Director of Justice, responsible for implementing the five punishments; Chui served as the Director of Labor, responsible for managing tools; Yi served as the Director of Nurturing, responsible for caring for plants, trees, birds, and beasts; Bo Yi served as the Director of Ceremonies, responsible for the three rituals; Kui was in charge of music, coordinating the relationship between humans and gods; Long served as the Director of Communications, responsible for conveying the emperor's orders. We don't know much about the Xia and Shang dynasties, but the Zhou dynasty had a much better-organized government.
In the Zhou Dynasty, the heavenly officials were the Prime Minister, the earthly officials were the Minister of Personnel, the spring officials were the Minister of Rites, the summer officials were the Minister of War, the autumn officials were the Minister of Justice, and the winter officials were the Minister of Works. These six ministries each had their own subordinates and responsibilities, handling various affairs. The Tai Shi, Tai Fu, and Tai Bao were known as the Three Dukes (high-ranking ministers), assisting the emperor in court discussions. They managed nearly all affairs, so their titles could not be summarized with just one word. Additionally, there were three junior ministers, Shao Shi, Shao Fu, and Shao Bao, who served as deputies to the Three Dukes. Together with the six ministries, this made a total of nine high-ranking officials. In the "Spring and Autumn Annals," it is stated that the Three Dukes did not have fixed official titles, meaning that only suitable candidates could hold these positions, similar to how Shun assisted Yao, Yi Yin assisted Tang, and Zhou Gong and Shao Gong assisted King Wu of Zhou. Some say that the Minister of War oversees heaven, the Minister of Personnel oversees people, and the Minister of Works oversees the earth, and together they form the Three Dukes. The Four Yues were the feudal lords of the four cardinal directions.
After the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, the bureaucracy became chaotic, and the responsibilities of various officials became disorderly. During the Warring States period, each vassal state governed independently, with different administrative systems. After the Qin Dynasty unified the country, the title of emperor was established, along with various official positions. The Han Dynasty followed the Qin system without major reforms, only making some simplifications and adjustments based on actual circumstances. Since then, there have been some changes in the governmental structure. After Wang Mang usurped the throne, he imitated the ancient official system, but the people were unstable, and Wang Mang implemented many tyrannical policies, ultimately leading to the country's downfall. This provides a simple overview of the evolution of the official system, helping us understand how government has changed over time.
First, let's talk about the positions of Chancellor and Grand Commandant. During the Qin Dynasty, both the Chancellor and Grand Commandant were important positions in the court, wielding the power of the golden seal and purple ribbon, essentially acting as the emperor's chief advisor in handling state affairs. The Qin Dynasty had Left and Right Chancellors, but when Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne, only one Chancellor was appointed initially. Eleven years later, the title was changed to Grand Tutor, accompanied by a green ribbon. During the reign of Emperor Xiaohui and Empress Dowager Lü, the positions of Left and Right Chancellors were reinstated, but in the second year of Emperor Wen's reign, it reverted to a single Chancellor. The Chancellor had two secretaries under him, each with an official rank equivalent to two thousand shi. Under Emperor Ai, the title changed again in Yuanshou 2 to Grand Minister of Works. In the fifth year of Emperor Wudi's Yuanshou reign, a new position of Supervisor was established, also with an official rank of two thousand shi, primarily responsible for assisting the Chancellor in impeaching corrupt officials.
Next, let's discuss the position of Grand Commandant. This position also existed during the Qin Dynasty, holding the golden seal and purple ribbon, and was mainly responsible for military affairs. However, Emperor Wudi abolished this position in the second year of Jian Yuan. In the fourth year of Yuanshou, the position of Grand Marshal was established, initially carrying the title of general. In the third year of Dijie during Emperor Xuandi's reign, another Grand Marshal position was created, but this time without the title of general, nor the golden seal and purple ribbon, or subordinate officials. It was not until the first year of Emperor Chengdi Suihe that the Grand Marshal regained the golden seal and purple ribbon, along with appointed officials, receiving the same salary as the Chancellor, but without the general's title. In the second year of Emperor Aidi's Jianping reign, the Grand Marshal's seal and ribbon, along with the appointed officials, were abolished, and the title of general was reinstated. In the second year of Yuanshou, the Grand Marshal's seal and ribbon, as well as the appointed officials, were restored, the title of general was once again removed, and the official position was elevated above that of the Minister of Works. The Grand Marshal also had secretaries, each with a rank of one thousand shi.
Then there is the Imperial Censor. This official position existed since the Qin Dynasty, ranking among the top officials, holding a silver seal and a blue ribbon, mainly responsible for assisting the Prime Minister in handling government affairs. Below this position were two Central Censors, both with a rank of one thousand shi. One of them was called the Chief Censor, who worked in the Lan Terrace in the palace, responsible for managing archives and documents, supervising governors in various regions, managing fifteen Imperial Censors, receiving reports from officials, and filing impeachments according to regulations. In the first year of Emperor Cheng's Suihe reign, the Imperial Censor was renamed Minister of Works, using a gold seal and a purple ribbon, with the same salary as the Prime Minister, and a Chief Historian was also appointed, similar to the former Chief Censor. In the second year of Emperor Ai's Jianping reign, the title was changed back to Imperial Censor, and in the second year of Emperor Yuanshou, it was changed back to Minister of Works, with the Chief Censor also renamed Chief Historian of the Censorate. Among the Imperial Censors were also some individuals known as "the Embroidered Uniforms," specifically responsible for investigating corruption and handling major cases; this was established by Emperor Wu and was not always in existence.
Next, let's talk about the Grand Protector. This was an ancient official position established in the first year of Emperor Gaozu, also with a gold seal and a purple ribbon. It was abolished several times but reestablished in the second year of Emperor Ai's Yuanshou reign. The rank of this position was above the Three Excellencies.
The Grand Preceptor and Grand Guardian were also ancient official positions, established in the first year of Emperor Ping's Yuanshi reign, also with a gold seal and a purple ribbon. The Grand Preceptor's position was above the Grand Protector, and the Grand Guardian was below the Grand Protector.
Lastly, there were the Front, Rear, Left, and Right Generals. These positions existed since the Zhou Dynasty and were carried over to the Qin Dynasty, ranking among the top officials with similar insignia. During the Han Dynasty, these positions were not always established; sometimes only Front and Rear Generals were appointed, and sometimes Left and Right Generals were appointed, mainly responsible for military affairs and managing minority ethnic group affairs. They also had Chief Historians under them, with a rank of one thousand shi.
Fengchang was a Qin Dynasty official position, mainly responsible for royal sacrificial rituals, with a deputy, the Cheng. In the sixth year of Emperor Jing's reign, this official position was renamed Taichang. It ran several departments, including Taile, Taizhu, Taizai, Taishi, Taibu, and Taiyi, each with a Lingcheng (like a director and their deputy), as well as a Changcheng for the Juyuan and Dushui departments, and a Lingcheng for various temples, palaces, gardens, and sacrificial sites. There were also Lingcheng specifically in charge of the Taizai and Taizhu for each Wuzhi (ancient sacrificial site), along with a Wei for each. In addition, the doctors and managers of various tombs also fell under the jurisdiction of Taichang. Emperor Jing renamed Taizhu to Cisi in his sixth year, and Emperor Wu renamed it Miaosi in the first year of his Taichu era, also establishing the Taibu.
Boshi was also an official position in the Qin Dynasty, mainly responsible for studying ancient classics and understanding the past and present. Their salary was equivalent to 600 shi of grain, with many officials, sometimes numbering in the dozens. In the fifth year of Emperor Wu's reign, a new position was established specifically for studying the "Five Classics." In the first year of Emperor Xuandi's reign, twelve more positions for Boshi were added. In the first year of Emperor Yuandi's Yongguang, those tombs and lands went back under Sanfu's control. Later, when Wang Mang seized power and founded a new dynasty, he renamed Taichang as Zhizong.
Let's talk about the Langzhong Ling today – a seriously big deal! Simply put, they guarded the imperial palace. It existed in the Qin Dynasty, called Langzhong Ling, with a deputy called Cheng. Later, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, it was renamed Guanglu Xun, sounding even more powerful.
There are many people under the Guanglu Xun, including high-ranking officials, palace guards, and ushers, all inherited from the Qin Dynasty. He also oversaw the Qimen and Yulin guards. The high-ranking officials mainly advised the emperor on matters of state, offering policy suggestions. They are divided into Taizhong Daifu, Zhong Daifu, and Jian Daifu, with varying numbers, sometimes reaching dozens. Jian Daifu was established in the fifth year of Emperor Wu of Han and held a very high rank. In the first year of Taichu, Zhong Daifu was renamed Guanglu Daifu, also elevating its rank.
Palace guards are primarily responsible for guarding the palace gates and sometimes go out for tasks like escorting the emperor. They are divided into ranks, including Yilang, Zhonglang, Shilang, and Langzhong, with possibly over a thousand members! Each rank has different levels, with Zhonglang including the Five Officials and the Left and Right Three Generals, all holding extremely high ranks. Langzhong includes the Three Generals of Chariots, Households, and Cavalry, also with high ranks. Ushers are responsible for receiving guests and handling matters, numbering around seventy, and they hold a significant rank, including a Pushi with an even higher rank.
Qimen is mainly responsible for guarding the emperor, established during the time of Emperor Wu of Han, with a large number of personnel similar to the palace guards, also having a Pushi. During the time of Emperor Ping, it was renamed Huben Lang, with the addition of a Zhonglangjiang, a very high rank. Yulin is also responsible for guarding, with a slightly lower rank than Qimen, established during the time of Emperor Wu of Han, initially called Jianzhangyingqi, later renamed Yulinqi. Uniquely, they also recruited the sons of soldiers who had died in battle, training them as Yulin orphans. Yulin also has a Lingcheng. During the time of Emperor Xuan, Zhonglangjiang and Qiduwei were appointed to supervise Yulin, both holding very high ranks.
Finally, the Pushi, an official position existing since the Qin Dynasty, is present in many departments like Shizhong, Shangshu, Boshi, and Lang. Ancient times valued military officials, so a chief inspector was appointed to supervise them, and similar supervisory roles existed in departments such as the Juntun Li, the Zou, the Zai, and the Yongxiang Palace personnel.
The Weiwei, an official position in the Qin Dynasty, was mainly responsible for the dispatch and management of the palace guards, with a deputy to help with the paperwork. Emperor Jing initially changed the title of this official position to Zhong Daifu Ling but later reverted it back to Weiwei. The Weiwei oversaw three divisions: the Imperial Carriage division, the Guards, and the elite troops, each with several deputies. Additionally, there were twenty-two squadron commanders and their deputies under the Weiwei's jurisdiction. The Changle, Jianzhang, and Ganquan Palaces each had their own Weiwei, responsible for palace security, although these positions were not always established.
The Taifu, a Qin Dynasty position, managed the imperial stables, with two deputies assisting. It oversaw the main stables, those at Weiyang Palace, and the Imperial Stud, each with five deputies and a lieutenant. Furthermore, there were four departments: Che Fu, Lu Lun, Riding Horses, and Jun Horses, as well as five more inspectorates: Long Ma, Xian Ju, Tuo Quan, Taoyi, and Cheng Hua, each with deputies. Each of the six ranches in the border counties also had three deputies. There were also two departments, Mù Tuó and Kūn Sī Sī, each with deputies. The Empress Dowager's Taifu (a position not always filled) was specifically responsible for managing her chariots and horses. In the first year of Emperor Wudi's Taichu reign, the Imperial Stud was renamed Ma Tuo Ma, and the Lu Lun department was newly established.
The Tingwei, another Qin Dynasty post, handled judicial matters, with three departments: Zheng Jian, Zuo Jian, and You Jian, all staffed by high-ranking officials. Under Emperor Jing, the Tingwei was renamed Dali, but Emperor Wudi later changed it back to Tingwei. Under Emperor Xuandi, the departments of Zuo Ping and You Ping were newly established. Under Emperor Aidi, it was changed back to Dali. After Wang Mang usurped the throne, the Tingwei was renamed Shi (meaning 'knight' or 'warrior').
The Diànkè (典客) was an official position in the Qin Dynasty, mainly responsible for receiving and managing the tributary peoples, with a subordinate known as a cheng (assistant). Emperor Jing renamed it Dàxínglìng; later, Emperor Wu changed it to Dàhónglú. It had three departments beneath it—Xíngrén (messengers), Yìguān (translators), and Biéhuǒ (special affairs)—as well as the local administration, with each department having its own cheng. In the first year of Emperor Wu's Taichu reign, Xíngrén was renamed as Dàxínglìng, and a new department called Biéhuǒ was established. During Wang Mang's reign, Dàhónglú was renamed Diǎn Yuè. Initially, the mansions of the counties were managed by the Shǎofǔ (Department of the Treasury), then later by the Zhōngwèi (Central Commander), and finally by Dàhónglú.
The Zōngzhèng (宗正) was another official position in the Qin Dynasty, responsible for managing the affairs of the imperial relatives, also with a cheng as a subordinate. During Emperor Ping's reign, it was renamed Zōngbó. It had two departments under it—Dūsī Kōng (Department of Capital Affairs) and Nèi Guān (Internal Officials)—along with the offices of the princess's mansion and the gate guards, all under its jurisdiction. Wang Mang merged the authority of Zōngzhèng into Zhìzōng (Department of Nobility). Initially, Nèi Guān was under the Shǎofǔ, then under Zhǔ Jué (Master of Ceremonies), and finally under Zōngzhèng.
To put it simply, the Zhìsù Nèi Shǐ (治粟内史) was an official position in the Qin Dynasty responsible for managing food and supplies, with two assistants. It was renamed Dànónglìng in the first year of Emperor Jing's Hòuyuán and then Dàsīnóng in the first year of Emperor Wu's Taichu. There were several other departments under it, including Tàicāng (Grand Granary), Jūnshū (Equal Distribution), Píngzhǔn (Price Stabilization), Dōunèi (Internal Affairs), and Jítian (Land Registration), with the heads of these departments being lìng cheng. Additionally, there were cháng cheng (chief assistants) for the Wòguān (Department of Weights and Measures) and Tiěshì (Iron Market). In total, there were sixty-five officials managing food and water conservancy projects in the counties, all under the jurisdiction of Dàsīnóng. There was also a Sōusù Dūwèi (騪粟都尉), an official in the army during the time of Emperor Wu, though this position was not always present. After Wang Mang usurped the throne, Dàsīnóng was renamed Xīhé and later changed to Nàyán. Initially, Wòguān belonged to the Shǎofǔ, then to Zhǔ Jué, and finally came under Dàsīnóng's jurisdiction.
The Shao Fu was a Qin Dynasty government office responsible for managing taxes from the mountains, forests, oceans, lakes, and other such places to fund the imperial household, with six assistants reporting to it. It oversaw a bunch of departments, including the Shangshu, Fuzhi, Taiyi, and so on—there were a whole lot of them! The Lingchengs headed them up; there were also the Baoren, Dushui, and Junguan departments with top deputies; in addition, there were the guys running the ten ponds in the Shanglin Garden; and the Lingchengs of the eight departments: Zhongshu Yezhe, Huangmen, Goudun, Shangfang, Yufu, Yongxiang, Neizhe, and Huanzhe. It also oversaw a bunch of other miscellaneous positions like Pushe, Shuzhang, and Zhonghuangmen. During Emperor Wu's first year of the Taichu era, the names of several departments were changed: Kaogongshi to Kaogong, Zuoyi to Jifei, Jushi to Baogong, Ganquan Jushi to Kuntai, and Yongxiang to Yeting. Jifei was in charge of hunting, with nine assistants and two lieutenants; Taiguan had seven assistants; Kuntai had five assistants; Yuelu had three assistants; Yeting had eight assistants; Huanzhe had seven assistants; Goudun had five assistants and two lieutenants. In Emperor Cheng's fourth year of the Jiandi era, the Ling of Zhongshu Yezhe was changed to Zhong Yezhe Ling; initially, there were only five Shangshu and four assistants. In the first year of Heping, Dongzhi got rid of, and Xizhi was changed to Zhi Shi. In the second year of Suihe, Emperor Ai got rid of Yuelu. Wang Mang changed the name of the Shao Fu to Gonggong.
So, Lieutenant, this is an official position that existed in the Qin Dynasty, mainly responsible for patrolling and maintaining order in the capital city, with authority over two Cheng (丞), Hou (候), and Sima (司马), as well as one thousand soldiers. In the first year of the Taichu era of Emperor Wu, this official position was renamed the Commander of the Gold Guard. Below it are several departments, such as Zhonglei, Si Hu, Wuku, and Douchuan, whose heads are all Ling Cheng (令丞). The Douchuan and Wuku each have three Cheng, while Zhonglei has two Wei. Additionally, the Shidao Left and Right Zhong Hou and their subordinates, as well as the Hou Cheng, Left and Right Jing Fu Captain, Wei Cheng, and their soldiers, are also under the Captain's authority. Initially, Si Hu was managed by the Shao Fu, and Zhonglei was overseen by the Zhu Jue, but later they all reported to the Captain. From Taichang to the Commander of the Gold Guard, the rank is all Zhong Er Qian Shi (中二千石), and the Cheng below are all Qian Shi (千石).
The Crown Prince's tutor and his assistant are also ancient official positions, with officials such as the Grand Master of the Crown Prince, Shuzi, Xian Ma, and Sheren under them.
The Imperial Works Overseer is another official position in the Qin Dynasty, primarily responsible for the construction and maintenance of the imperial palace, with two Cheng and Left and Right Zhong Hou under their authority. In the sixth year of Emperor Jing, it was renamed the Grand Supervisor of Works. Below it are the heads of seven departments, including Shiku, Dongyuan Zhu Zhang, Left and Right Front and Rear Zhong Xiao, as well as a Chief of the Main Chapter. In the first year of Emperor Wu, Dongyuan Zhu Zhang was renamed the Woodworker. In the third year of Emperor Cheng, the five Cheng of Zhong Hou and Left and Right Front and Rear Zhong Xiao were abolished.
The Chamberlain is also an official position in the Qin Dynasty, mainly responsible for the household affairs of the Empress and the Crown Prince, with one Cheng below them. Below it are the Crown Prince's Rate Officer, Household Cheng, as well as servants, Zhong Dun, Guard Rate, Chief Steward of the Kitchen, and the heads of Zhong Changqiu, Sifu, Yongxiang, Cang, Jiu, Cisi, and Shiguan. The Chamberlain also oversaw the eunuchs. In the third year of Emperor Cheng, the Chamberlain's position was abolished, and its affairs were merged into the Grand Changqiu. The Changxin Chamberlain (长信詹事), responsible for the Empress Dowager's palace, was renamed the Changxin Shao Fu in the sixth year of Emperor Jing, and in the fourth year of Emperor Ping, it was renamed the Changle Shao Fu (长乐少府).
The Jiangxing office, also an official position in the Qin Dynasty, was renamed Dachangqiu during the sixth year of Emperor Jingdi. This post was sometimes filled by eunuchs, sometimes by scholar-officials.
The Dianshuguo office, also an official position in the Qin Dynasty, was mainly responsible for overseeing surrendered barbarian tribes. In the third year of Emperor Wudi Yuanshou, the King of Kunye surrendered, resulting in the addition of more vassal states, with the appointment of Commanders, Magistrates, and Captains, along with one thousand soldiers. Its subordinate departments included Jiu Yiling. In the first year of Emperor Chengdi Heping, the Dianshuguo office was abolished and merged into Dahonglu.
The Shuihengduwei office, established by Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty in the second year of Yuanding, was primarily in charge of Shanglin Garden, with five department heads under it. It also managed the officials of nine departments: Shanglin, Junshu, Yuxiu, Jinpu, Jizhuo, Zhongguan, Jiqiao, Liujiu, and Bentong (department managers and their deputies). Additionally, the officials of Hengguan, Shuisikong, Dushui, Nongcang, and the seven Chief Magistrates of Ganquan Shanglin and Dushui (senior department managers) were also under its jurisdiction. Shanglin Garden had eight department heads and twelve Captains (lower-level managers), Junshu had four department heads, Yuxiu had two department heads, Dushui had three department heads, Jinpu had two Captains, and Ganquan Shanglin had four department heads. In the second year of Emperor Chengdi's Jiashi, the departments of Jiqiao and Liujiu were abolished. After Wang Mang seized power, the Shuihengduwei office was renamed Yuyu, initially overseeing Yuxiu, Shanglin, Hengguan, and Zhuanqian through the Court of the Household.
The Neishi office, which existed in the Zhou Dynasty, was continued in the Qin Dynasty and was mainly responsible for managing the capital city. By the second year of Emperor Jingdi's reign, the Neishi office had split into Left Neishi and Right Neishi. In the first year of Emperor Wudi Taichu, Right Neishi was renamed Jingzhao Yin, under which were the heads of Chang'an City and the Imperial Kitchen, as well as the Chief Magistrates of Dushui and Tieguan. Left Neishi was renamed Zuo Fengyi, overseeing the Chief Magistrates and Captains of the Granary, along with the Chief Magistrates of Zuo Dushui, Tieguan, Yunlei, and the four markets in Chang'an.
The Chief Commandant, an official position in the Qin Dynasty, was primarily responsible for the affairs of the marquises. During the sixth year of Emperor Jing of Han, it was renamed Commandant; in the first year of Emperor Wu of Han, it became known as Right Fu Feng, overseeing the region to the right of the Interior Minister. This position was responsible for officials in charge of livestock, as well as the supervisors of the Right Capital Water, Iron Official, Horse Stable, and Yongzhou Imperial Kitchen. Right Fu Feng, Left Fengyi, and Jingzhao Yin are collectively known as the Three Auxiliaries, with each of these three official positions having two deputies. Later, the marquises were placed under the jurisdiction of the Grand Master of Ceremonies. In the fourth year of Yuanding, a Commandant of the Three Auxiliaries and a Deputy Commandant were established.
From the Grand Tutor to Right Fu Feng and other high-ranking officials, their annual salary is two thousand shi, a unit of weight used to measure grain, and thus, salary, while their deputies receive six hundred shi.
The Protector General, an official position in the Qin Dynasty, was placed under the Grand Marshal in the fourth year of Emperor Wu of Han. In the first year of Emperor Cheng of Han, it was equivalent to the Director of Justice in the Grand Marshal's Office. In the first year of Emperor Ai of Han, it was renamed Minister of Justice/Punishments. In the first year of Emperor Ping of Han, it was again renamed Protector General.
Speaking of which, the Imperial Inspector is an official position in the Han Dynasty, first established in the fourth year of Emperor Wu of Han. This role held significant power, overseeing a staff of over 1,200 people, specifically targeting those involved in witchcraft and sorcery, as well as extremely wicked individuals. Later, military authority was withdrawn, and the position became primarily responsible for inspecting the Three Auxiliaries, Three He, and Hongnong areas. During the reign of Emperor Yuan, this position was abolished; during Emperor Cheng's reign, it was disbanded again. However, during Emperor Ai's reign, it was restored, but the name was changed to Imperial Inspector, wearing the virtuous official's hat, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Minister of Works, with a status similar to that of the Director of Justice.
These examples illustrate the complexity and frequent changes in the bureaucratic structure of the Han Dynasty.
Then, there were eight commanders, all established during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. These eight are respectively the Commander of City Gates, the Commander of Central Barracks, the Commander of Garrison Cavalry, the Commander of Infantry, the Commander of Yue Cavalry (cavalry from the Yue people), the Commander of Changshui (a region known for its cavalry), the Commander of Hu Cavalry (cavalry from the Hu people), and the Commander of Archers. There is also a Tiger Elite Commander in charge of the light chariot unit. Each of these commanders has a deputy and a secretary under them, holding high-ranking positions of two thousand shi. The Commander of City Gates is in charge of the city gate garrison in the capital, the Commander of Central Barracks oversees security in the Northern Military Camp and also manages Western Regions affairs; the Commander of Garrison Cavalry is in charge of the cavalry; the Commander of Infantry is responsible for the gate garrison in Shanglin Park; the Commander of Yue Cavalry oversees the Yue Cavalry; the Commander of Changshui is in charge of the Hu Cavalry in Changshui; the Commander of Hu Cavalry oversees the Hu Cavalry in Chiyang, though this position is not always filled; the Commander of Archers is in charge of the imperial archers; the Tiger Elite Commander is responsible for the light chariot unit.
Next, let's talk about the Governor-General of the Western Regions, a position established in the second year of Emperor Xuan's reign, with significant power, overseeing thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions, equivalent to a local chief official, with a rank similar to two thousand shi, and under him are Vice Commandants, deputies, sergeants, attendants, and a thousand men. There is also a Wujie Commander, established during the reign of Emperor Yuan, with a rank higher than six hundred shi, and also with some subordinates. The Commander of Royal Carriages is in charge of the imperial chariots, while the Commander of Imperial Horses oversees the imperial horses, both positions established during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, with a rank of two thousand shi.
Finally, there are some additional positions, such as Attendant in Waiting, Left and Right Ministers of the Secretariat, Cavalry Commander, and Palace Attendant in Waiting. While these positions are not high-ranking, they can confer other titles, such as Marquis, General, Minister, Commander, Court Secretary, Imperial Physician, Imperial Household Officer, and even Palace Attendant. The number of individuals who receive additional titles can be quite significant, sometimes reaching dozens. Attendants in Waiting and Palace Attendants in Waiting have the privilege of entering the palace, while other positions carry their own responsibilities. Cavalry Commanders accompany the emperor on his travels. The Supervisor is another position that can confer titles such as Minister, Scholar, and Imperial Counselor, and is primarily responsible for advising the emperor, second only to the Palace Attendants in Waiting. Beneath the Central Yellow Gate, there is also a Supervisor of the Yellow Gate, who holds a rank equivalent to that of a Minister. Many of these official positions are inherited from the Qin Dynasty.
Now, let’s discuss the peerage system of the Qin Dynasty. The first rank is Gentleman, followed by Upper Craftsman, Zanniao, Bugeng, Minister, Official Minister, Public Minister, Public Attendant, Five Ministers, Left and Right Chief Attendants, Left and Right Craftsman, Upper Craftsman, Chariot Chief Attendant, Chief Attendant, Marquis Within the Passes, with the highest rank being Marquis. These titles are awarded based on merit. The Marquis is quite powerful, adorned with a gold seal and a purple ribbon. However, to avoid the name of Emperor Wu of Han, it was later renamed Tonghou or Liehou. The Marquis also oversees the officials in his fiefdom, with subordinates such as household managers, gatekeepers, and retainers. This system reflects the structured hierarchy and the importance of merit in the Qin Dynasty.
Next, let's talk about the princes. This system was established by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang when he founded the Han Dynasty. The princes possessed gold seals and ceremonial robes, overseeing the affairs of their own fiefdoms. They also had many officials under them, such as the Grand Tutor assisting the king, the minister of the interior managing the local population, the military commander in charge of military affairs, and the Chancellor commanding all officials, as well as various other positions similar to those in the central government of the Han Dynasty. However, during the reign of Emperor Jing of Han, in order to consolidate power, he ordered five years later that the princes could no longer manage their own fiefdoms and that officials would instead be appointed by the emperor. At the same time, the title of Chancellor was changed to "Chancellor," and positions like the Grand Master of Ceremonies, the Minister of Justice, and various others were abolished, with the number of other official positions also reduced. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the minister of the interior was changed to Intendant of the Capital, the military commander was changed to Commandant of Justice, and the Prefect of the Palace Attendants was changed to Imperial Attendant, but the other systems of the principalities remained unchanged. However, the rank of the Imperial Attendant was lowered, at the same rank as the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, both at the level of a thousand shi.
Let's talk about the Imperial Inspector next. This was an official position in the Qin Dynasty, mainly responsible for supervising the commanderies and counties. During the Han Dynasty, this official position was abolished, and officials were dispatched by the Chancellor to inspect the commanderies and counties, but it was not permanent. It was not until the fifth year of Emperor Wu of Han that the position of Regional Inspector was officially established, responsible for conveying the emperor's orders and inspecting the commanderies and counties, with a rank of six hundred shi, totaling thirteen people. In the first year of Emperor Cheng of Han, the Regional Inspector was renamed Governor, with a rank of two thousand shi. In the second year of Emperor Ai of Han, it was changed back to Regional Inspector, and in the second year of Yuanshou, it was changed back to Governor. The title of this position changed several times between "Inspector" and "Governor."
The Prefect was also an official position that existed in the Qin Dynasty, responsible for managing the commanderies and counties, with a rank of two thousand shi. Below the Prefect were the Intendants, and in the border commanderies, there were also military officers responsible for managing the military, all with a rank of six hundred shi. In the second year of Emperor Jing of Han, the Prefect was renamed Governor.
Here's a glimpse into the administrative structure of the Qin Dynasty. The junwei (郡尉) was an official position that assisted the county governor (郡守) in managing military affairs and soldiers. The rank was similar to that of the county governor, both at the level of two thousand shi. Below them were their subordinates, with a rank of six hundred shi. In the second year of Emperor Jing of Han, the junwei was renamed as the duwei (都尉).
And finally, there's the matter of the border duwei. This was an official position in the Qin Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, agricultural commandants and vassal state commandants were newly established.
The xianling (县令) and xianchang (县长) were also official positions in the Qin Dynasty, responsible for managing their respective counties. Counties with a population of over ten thousand households were governed by xianling, with salaries ranging from one thousand shi to six hundred shi; those with a population of less than ten thousand households were governed by xianchang, with salaries ranging from five hundred shi to three hundred shi. Xianling and xianchang had officials under them, with salaries ranging from four hundred shi to two hundred shi; these were all senior officials. Those with salaries lower than one hundred shi held positions such as斗食 and 佐史, which were junior officials.
There was a pavilion every ten li, and ten pavilions made up a township, which included sanlao (三老), youzhi (有秩), sefu (啬夫), and youjiao (游徼). The sanlao were responsible for educating the people; the sefu handled disputes and collected taxes; the youjiao patrolled to prevent theft. Counties were roughly a hundred li square, but in densely populated areas, the county's area would be smaller, while in sparsely populated areas, it would be larger; the same applied to townships and pavilions. These were all part of the Qin Dynasty's system.
Counties governed by princes were called "guo" (国), those governed by the empress dowager, empress, and princesses were called "yi" (邑), and areas governed in minority ethnic regions were called "dao" (道). In total, there were 1,587 counties, 6,622 townships, and 29,635 pavilions in the country.
Officials earning over two thousand stones wore silver seals and green ribbons. This didn't apply to Grand Masters. Officials with a salary of over six hundred stones wore bronze seals and black ribbons, excluding Grand Masters, Scholars, Imperial Censors, Courtiers, and Officials. However, Attendants, Imperial Censors, and those handling documents and the imperial seal did wear seals and ribbons. Officials with a salary of over two hundred stones wore bronze seals and yellow ribbons. During Emperor Cheng's second year of Yangshuo, the ranks of officials with salaries of eight hundred and five hundred stones were abolished. In the first year of Suihe, county magistrates and county ministers all started wearing black ribbons. In the second year of Jianping of Emperor Ai of Han, yellow ribbons were restored. From the lowest rank of junior clerks to the highest rank of Prime Minister, the total number of officials in the country was 132,885.
