Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Volume 3, Ceremonial Regalia

Page 9

Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops
	Instruction-	Signal	Signal	Crimson	Crimson	Earth-	Earth-	Earth-
	Relaying			Leading	Leading
	Banners	Banners	Banners	Banners	Banners	Armored	Armored	Armored
	Censorate Officials The Censorate (Yushitai) was the "eyes and ears" of the Emperor, responsible for investigating corruption and maintaining discipline.		Ministry of Personnel Officials The Ministry of Personnel (Libu) handled appointments, promotions, and the civil service examinations.		Ministry of Revenue Officials The Ministry of Revenue (Hubu) managed the empire's census, taxes, and treasury.		Ministry of Rites Officials The Ministry of Rites (Libu) oversaw state ceremonies, diplomatic relations, and education.
	Censorate Officials		Ministry of War Officials The Ministry of War (Bingbu) managed military appointments and the postal relay system.		Ministry of Justice Officials The Ministry of Justice (Xingbu) handled the legal system and oversaw prisons.		Ministry of Works Officials The Ministry of Works (Gongbu) managed construction projects and state-owned industries.
	Banners	Banners	Banners	Banners	Banners	Armored	Armored	Armored
	Relaying			Leading	Leading
	Instruction-	Signal	Signal	Crimson	Crimson	Earth-	Earth-	Earth-
Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops	Troops

The diagram exhibits a perfect horizontal and vertical symmetry, placing the "Six Ministries"—the primary administrative organs of the state—at the center of the column. The "Earth-Armored" (Jiǎtǔ) units on the right likely correspond to the Central element (Earth) in the traditional Five Phases cosmology, symbolizing the central authority of the Emperor around which the administration revolves.