The regulations of the imperial court reveal a profoundly harsh feudal society, which is often underrepresented in historical dramas.
Many viewers of Chinese historical dramas set in the Qing Dynasty often mock the ministers who bow submissively when reprimanded by the emperor, appearing to tremble and weak… This leads us to question the demeanor of officials during that time.
However, historical records indicate that these officials had their own struggles, arising from a series of extremely strict regulations during this period.
A court session could turn into a “nightmare” for the officials, leading to severe punishment or even death (Image: Sohu).
Sources from Sohu report that during a court session in the Qing Dynasty, the emperor could arrive late, even appearing sleepy and lethargic, but the officials in attendance were not allowed to show any such emotions.
In ancient times, officials wishing to enter the Forbidden City for court sessions had to leave very early. If the session started around 5 a.m., they had to leave at dawn and be present by 4 a.m., waiting outside the palace.
Only high-ranking officials, such as prime ministers and heads of departments, were permitted to use palanquins. Others had to walk a considerable distance from the palace gate to the meeting place.
Additionally, they were not allowed to use lanterns to light their way, as doing so was believed to disturb the emperor’s sleep.
As a result, many officials stumbled or even fell into ditches and drowned on their way to court, particularly those who were older, had poor eyesight, or had difficulty walking…
The regulations of the imperial court reveal a profoundly harsh feudal society (Image: Sohu).
Later, to address this issue, officials agreed to travel in groups, with the group leader, usually a minister, allowed to carry a single lantern to light the way.
According to records, officials who were absent from a court session without a valid reason would have 25% of their monthly salary deducted. A second offense would result in a deduction of three months’ salary.
Moreover, if officials missed court sessions for an entire month, they could be charged with a “criminal offense” and face imprisonment of up to one year according to the law.
Of course, this law was relatively lenient compared to some other dynasties. For example, during the Ming Dynasty, if an official was late to a court session, they would be immediately punished with 20 lashes. Repeated offenses could lead to 100 lashes.
Many elderly officials, due to their frailty, could not endure such punishment and died from the beatings on the spot.
Moreover, officials were generally afraid to eat breakfast, even while waiting outside the main hall. This was because if they ate or drank too much, their bodies would produce unavoidable “needs.” Such interruptions could disrupt the court session.
On days when the emperor was in a good mood, officials might be forgiven for such infractions. However, if the emperor was displeased, the official could face scolding, punishment, or even death, which could also affect their families.
The regulations of the imperial court illustrate a profoundly harsh feudal society, where no one could feel safe without the necessary alertness and cunning.
Nevertheless, the lessons from these stories provide significant educational insights for modern life.
- A series of images depicting the true appearance of officials from the late Qing Dynasty, far different from how they are portrayed in films
- The “strange” strategy of the imperial court that helped officials cope with hunger during court sessions
- In the past, why did officials have to express gratitude when granted death by the emperor?
