The Secretariat (中书省, Zhōngshū Shěng) was the nerve center of imperial decision-making, responsible for drafting and presenting policies for the emperor's approval. This department originated in the Han Dynasty as the office of imperial scribes but rose to prominence in the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties when the Three Departments system was formalized. By then, the Secretariat had evolved into the emperor's primary think tank, filled with scholars, strategists, and senior officials whose duty was to transform imperial intentions into formal edicts.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Secretariat's core function was policy creation and communication. Officials within the department, known as Grand Secretaries (中书令, Zhōngshū Lìng) and their deputies, worked closely with the emperor, drafting memorials, edicts, decrees, and strategic plans. These drafts were then passed to the Chancellery for review, ensuring accuracy and legality.
Because of this process, the Secretariat became a powerful advisory body. The emperor's voice and authority were expressed through documents created here, making its members key players in shaping the empire's direction. By the Tang Dynasty, the office's prestige was such that serving in the Secretariat was one of the highest honors in the bureaucracy.
Influence and Evolution
Over time, the Secretariat's power waxed and waned. During strong reigns, it was a well-regulated administrative hub. In periods of weak imperial control, however, it often became a battleground for factions, as those who controlled policy drafts effectively controlled the empire's agenda. By the Ming Dynasty, the department's structure shifted, and the Grand Secretariat (内阁, Nèigé) emerged as a successor, continuing its role as the emperor's policy office.