Titles of Officials
A Biographical Dictionary of the Qin, Former Han and Xin Periods (221 BC - AD 24)
Fortunately for historians of the early empires, the Han shu includes a chapter that lists the senior posts of imperial government and their incumbents, and a number of scholars have set out to formulate the principles upon which those institutions were based and to relate them to the activities of officials as described in other chapters of the histories. 1 As the present volume does not set out to provide a history of China’s early institutions, there is little reason to include a detailed account of such matters here. The summary that follows below is intended to do no more than to provide the context within which most of the subjects of these biographies lived and worked.
The highest responsibility for the empire rested with the three, and later two, most senior officials of the central government, usually entitled the Chancellor (Chengxiang 丞相), Imperial Counsellor (Yushi dafu 御史大夫) and, for a short time, the Supreme Commander (Taiwei 太尉). Ranking below these senior statesmen there were nine ministers of state (Jiu qing 九卿) who bore specialist responsibilities for named aspects of administration, ranging from religious observances to the collection of tax, from the security of the capital city to the reception of state visitors. Each one of the nine supervised the work of a number of subordinate officials who were charged with tasks such as providing medical care for the imperial family, supervising the manufacture of luxury goods, the upkeep of the imperial stables or the registration of land. The directors (Ling 令) of these offices were supported by a staff of assistants. At the same time the members of the Secretariat (Shangshu 尙書) provided advice and assistance directly to the emperor, and the powers of its director were in time to outstrip those of the most senior officials of the civil service proper. Honorary titles (Jia guan 加官), which were bestowed on persons of promise without a fixed quota, carried no specific duties but provided them with easy access to the court. Established posts existed for a few generals, such as General of the Van (Qian Jiangjun 前將軍); other titles which were bestowed temporarily and as occasion demanded were at times no more than an honorary epithet; sometimes they signified the task or campaign for which a senior army officer had been commissioned.
The major provincial divisions of the empire were those of the kingdoms (Guo 國) and commanderies (Jun 郡). Kingdoms, which had not existed during Qin, were entrusted to the near relatives of the emperor and held on an hereditary basis for life, except for deprivation owing to crime. The reduction of their extent and power accompanied the consolidation of the strength of the central government. Senior officials were appointed on a personal basis to be governors (Shou 守, or Taishou 太守) of the commanderies for a limited period, being subject to promotion or demotion. Both the kings and the governors were supported by subordinate staff who included the Magistrates (Ling 令, or Zhang 長) who were responsible for administering the constituent counties (Xian 縣) of the kingdoms and the commanderies. The counties and the towns that they included were further sub—divided into districts (Xiang 鄕) and wards, or hamlets (Li 里). In addition the kingdoms and commanderies included areas that had been made over to the Nobles (Hou 侯) with authority to raise tax and maintain law and order. Nobilities were held on an hereditary basis. From 106 onwards special officials (Cishi 刺史, later Mu 牧) were appointed to inspect the efficiency and honesty of the senior provincial administrators.
In all, a sense of hierarchy informed the institutions of government and the system of officials. The same principle was evident in the scale of official grades and salaries, the acknowledgement of fourteen grades for imperial consorts and the system of twenty orders of honour (Jue 爵) that rewarded meritorious service.
The English expressions used for official titles in this book are in general those that appeared in the Cambridge History of China, volume I and certain other publications. As the Chinese terms acompany them on their first occurrence in an entry throughout the biographical list, it has not been deemed necessary to include an alphabetical list of the English terms here. The first list of Chinese terms which follows below includes both those that are adopted here and, in parenthesis, those which are used in major publications, such as those of Dubs, Bielenstein and de Crespigny. For ease of use, a second list, giving the terms used in other publications, allows for cross—reference. The two lists include only those terms which appear in this book. Where the meaning of a title still requires elucidation, or if doubts remain regarding the duties or position of an official, and in the case of especially commissioned generals, a term is left as such without an English expression.
There can be no ideal solution to the vexed problem of how best to render these titles in English. A case can certainly be made for presenting a literal translation, and I am well aware that a choice of terms on other principles, as has been made here, may involve the sacrifice of a clue to the origin, dignity or duties of a particular official (e.g., ‘Bearer of the Golden Mace’, for Zhijinwu 執金吾, is certainly more colourful than ‘Superintendent of the Capital’, as adopted here). Notwithstanding, I have thought fit to choose a term which indicates an official’s responsibilities, or his place in the organs of government, where possible in immediately meaningful terms; and in so far as imperial offices were organised on an hierarchical basis, it has been thought advisable to choose terms which convey some idea of an official’s degree of seniority.
Other difficulties abound. In many cases a Chinese title was itself changed, without necessarily implying a change in function or duty, and it may be questioned whether the same English expression should be used irrespectively for each version. At times it may not be possible to choose a term which describes or alludes to an official’s function, simply because there is insufficient information with which to do so, despite the efforts of commentators to clarify these matters over some two thousand years. In addition, the adoption of English terms that have an assured place in cultures or empires other than those of China may engender a false analogy or lead to misapprehension; and there is an ever ready need to avoid the use of a term which, so far from forming a recognisable element in imperial administration, may lead to mystification or even bathos. Part of the difficulty lies, as in other cultures, in the failure of the Chinese themselves to choose terms on a systematic basis.
In such circumstances, the choice of the terms that are used here attempts to denote the actual function of an official and his corresponding place in the civil service. Thus, despite considerable differences of Chinese nomenclature, the titles of the Nine Ministers of State include the same element, i.e., Superintendent, to indicate that they worked on terms of parity (e.g., Zhijinwu and Da Sinong 大司農 are rendered as Superintendent of the Capital and Superintendent of Agriculture, respectively); and in so far as those terms replaced those of Zhongwei 中尉 and Da Nongling 大農令, without a substantial change of responsibility, the same English expressions are used for those two earlier terms. 2 In the same way, the senior officials who were responsible for the commanderies were entitled Shou 守 until 148 and thereafter Taishou 太守; and Wang Mang 王莽 adopted the terms Zuzheng 卒正, Lianshuai 連率, Dayin 大尹 or Dafu 大夫. 3 All these terms are rendered here as ‘Governor’, rather than as literal translations such as ‘Leaders of Combinations’ for Lianshuai.
Officials who administered a specialised department under the auspices of one of the Nine Ministers of State were usually entitled Ling, which is translated in such cases as ‘Director’; but as Ling is also used in other contexts, where necessary it is rendered otherwise (e.g., as the senior official of a large county, ‘Magistrate’). For Dafu 大夫,’ ‘Counsellor’ has been adopted in place of the traditional ‘Grandee’ in the belief that it conveys the function of such officials more accurately; where necessary the term is modified (e.g., ‘Advisory Official’, for Jian Dafu 諫大夫). 4 Titles of nobility, which usually followed from the estate where the noble was situated, are retained as such. To avoid confusion with specific European terms such as Marquis, the titles Hou 侯 Chehou 徹侯 and Liehou 列侯 are translated as ‘Noble’. For the same reason, the Chinese term Gong 公, used in pre-imperial times and again under Wang Mang, is retained as such, rather than being rendered as Duke. Zhuhouwang 諸侯王, not seen before Han usage, is translated as ‘King’. Where possible modem English expressions have been avoided, if there is doubt whether their implications applied to imperial government, e.g., to avoid an implication of a Qin or Han concept of jus or justitia, the title Tingwei 廷尉 is rendered as ‘Superintendent of Trials’ in preference for ‘Commandant of Justice’. The terms shou 守 and jia 假 are regularly rendered as ‘Acting’ and ‘Temporary’. In the absence of a detailed study of institutional history under Wang Mang, many of the titles chosen during his regime are left in transliteration, with no attempt at a rendering.
For military officials it has been possible to retain a system of seniority and rank that corresponds with that of other empires, i.e. with ‘General’ for Jiangjun 將軍,’Colonel’ for Xiaowei 校尉,’ Major’ for Sima 司馬 and ‘Captain’ for Hou 候. But it would be false to seek too close an identity; ‘general’ may imply no more than an independent adoption of the command of certain forces, or leadership of a given body of men that was not necessarily recognised officially. No attempt has been made to translate the titles of officials of the Xiongnu 匈奴 or other non—Chinese peoples.
Inevitably the choice of English terms involves some inconsistencies or anomalies. In particular, the rendering of Jingzhao Yin 京兆尹 as ‘Governor of the Capital’ and Zhijinwu as ‘ Superintendent of the Capital’ can only look odd, in so far as the Zhijinwu was the senior of the two officials. The choice of terms is however consistent, by maintaining ‘Governor’ for an official with specific territorial authority and ‘Superintendent’ for one of the Nine Ministers.
(a) Chinese Terms
Boshi | Academician [Erudit] | 博士 |
Boshi Dizi | Pupil of the Academicians | 博士弟子 |
Boshi Puye | Supervisor of the Academicians [Supervisor of the Erudits] | 博士僕射 |
Bubing Xiaowei | Colonel, Infantry [Colonel of Foot Soldiers] | 歩兵校尉 |
Bushi Sefu | Bailiff of the Drying House | 暴室嗇夫 |
Changle Weiwei | Superintendent of the Guards (Changle Palace) [Commandant of the Changle Palace Guard] | 長樂衛尉 |
Changshi Lang | Gentleman in Permanent Attendance [Gentleman in Regular Attendance] | 常侍郎 |
Changshui Xiaowei | Changshui Colonel | 長水校尉 |
Chengmen Jiangjun | General of the City Gates | 城門將軍 |
Chengmen Lingshi | Clerk to Director, City Gates | 城門令史 |
Chengmen Xiaowei | Colonel of the City Gates | 城門校尉 |
Chengxiang | Chancellor [Lieutenant Chancellor] | 丞相 |
Chengxiang Shi | Clerk to the Chancellor | 丞相史 |
Chengxiang Zhangshi | Chief Clerk to the Chancellor | 丞相長史 |
Cishi | Regional Inspector [Inspector] | 刺史 |
Da Changqiu | Empress’ Chamberlain [Grand Prolonger of Autumn] | 大長秋 |
Da Honglu | Superintendent of State Visits [Grand Herald] | 大鴻臚 |
Da Jiangjun | General-in-Chief | 大將軍 |
Da Jiangjun Wuku ling | Director, General-in-Chief s Armoury [Prefect of the Arsenal] | 大將軍武庫令 |
Da Nongling | Superintendent of Agriculture [Grand Prefect/Chief of Agriculture] | 大農令 |
Da Sikong | Imperial Counsellor [Grand Minister of Works] | 大司空 |
Da Sima | Marshal of State [Commander-in-Chief] | 大司馬 |
Da Sinong | Superintendent of Agriculture [Grand Minister of Agriculture] | 大司農 |
Da Sinong Zhongcheng | Deputy to the Superintendent of Agriculture | 大司農中丞 |
Da Situ | Chancellor [Grand Minister over the Masses] | 大司徒 |
Da Xingling | Superintendent of State Visits [Prefect Grand Usher] | 大行令 |
Dafu | Counsellor [Grandee] | 大夫 |
Dafu | Governor (see under Zhu Meng 朱萌) | 大夫 |
Dali | Superintendent of Trials [Commandant of Justice] | 大理 |
Dayin | Governor [Grand Governor] | 大尹 |
Dazhui | (see under Sun Ji 孫汲) | 大贅 |
Dian Shuguo | Director of the Dependent States | 典屬國 |
Dianke | Superintendent of State Visits [Director of Guests] | 典客 |
Dong Zhishi | Eastern Weaving House | 東織室 |
Du Liao Jiangjun | General, Trans-Liao Command [General who crosses the Liao River] | 度遼將軍 |
Duhu | Protector General | 都護 |
Duyou | Investigator | 督郵 |
Fangshi | Master of the Occult Arts | 方士 |
Fengchang | Superintendent of Ceremonial [Upholder of Ceremonies] | 奉常 |
Fengju Duwei | Commandant, Imperial Carriages [Chief Commandant of Imperial Equipages] | 奉車都尉 |
Fu Xiaowei | Lieutenant Colonel | 副校尉 |
Fucheng | Noble of the Interior | 附城 |
Fujie Ling | Director, Insignia and Credentials [Prefect of Insignia and Credentials] | 符節令 |
Fuma Duwei | Commandant, Attendant Cavalry [Chief Commandant of Attendant Cavalry] | 駙馬都尉 |
Gongcao Shi | Official in the Bureau of Merit | 功曹史 |
Gonggong | Superintendent, Lesser Treasury | 共エ |
Gongju Ling | Director of Official Carriages | 公車令 |
Gongren | Palace Maid | 宮人 |
Goushun rongcong | Attached as Supernumerary to the Imperial Palace Gardens | 鉤盾冗從 |
Goushun Ling | Director, Imperial Palace Gardens [Prefect Intendant of the Imperial Palace Gardens] | 鉤盾令 |
Guan Duwei | Commandant of the Passes [Chief Commandant of a Pass | 關都尉 |
Guanglu Dafu | Counsellor of the Palace [Imperial Household Grandee] | 光祿大夫 |
Guangluxun | Superintendent of the Palace [Superintendent of the Imperial Household] | 光祿勳 |
Guannei Duwei | Commandant, Interior | 關內都尉 |
Guannei Hou | Noble of the Interior | 關內侯 |
Guo Jiang | General of the State | 國將 |
Hou | Captain, Company Commander | 候 |
Hou Jiangjun | General of the Rear | 後將軍 |
Hu Bei Jun | Commissioner of the Northern Barracks | 護北軍 |
Hu Ji Xiaowei | Colonel, Foreign Cavalry [Colonel of Hu Cavalry] | 胡騎校尉 |
Hu Qiang Xiaowei | Colonel Protector of the Qiang [Colonel protecting the Tibetans] | 護羌校尉 |
Huangmen | Attendant at the Yellow Gates | 黃門 |
Huangmen Lang | Gentleman of the Yellow Gates | 黃門郎 |
Huangmen Ling | Director of the Yellow Gates [Prefect of the Yellow Gates | 黃門令 |
Huangmen shi Lang | Gentleman in Attendance at the Yellow Gates | 黃門侍郎 |
Huangmen Shuzhe | Writer of the Yellow Gates | 黃門書者 |
Hucao Duwei | Commandant, Grain Transport [Chief Commandant Protecting Grain Transport by water] | 護漕都尉 |
Hujun | Commissioner over the Army | 護軍 |
Ji Duwei | Commandant, Cavalry [Chief Commandant of Cavalry] | 騎都尉 |
Ji Lang | Gentleman of Cavalry | 騎郎 |
Jia Guan | (General term for Honorary Titles, without quota) [Concurrent Offices] | 加官 |
Jia Jian | Inspector of the Household | 家監 |
Jia Ling | Director of the Household [Prefect of the Household] | 家令 |
Jiacheng | Household Assistant | 家丞 |
Jian | Inspector | 監 |
Jian[yi] Dafu | Advisory Counsellor [Grandee Remonstrant] | 諫[議]大夫 |
Jiangjun | General | 將軍 |
Jiangxue Dafu | Counsellor, Canonical Texts | 講學大夫 |
Jiangxue Jijiu | Libationer, Canonical Texts | 講學祭酒 |
Jiangyue Jijiu | Libationer with Responsibility for Music | 講樂祭酒 |
Jiangzuo Da Jiang | Court Architect | 將作大匠 |
Jijiu | Libationer | 祭酒 |
Jima Ling | Director of Riding Horses [Prefect of the Stables for Riding Horses] | 騎馬令 |
Jing fu Duwei | Commandant, Governor of the Capital [Chief Commandant of the Adjunct Capital Region] | 京輔都尉 |
Jingbu Cheng | Assistant at the Capital | 京部丞 |
Jingzhao Duwei | Commandant of the Capital [Chief Commandant of the Adjunct Capital Region] | 京兆都尉 |
Jingzhao Yin | Governor of the Capital | 京兆尹 |
Jishi | with honorary title of | 給事 |
Jiu Qing | Nine Ministers of State [Nine Ministers] | 九卿 |
Juji Duwei | Commandant, Chariots and Cavalry | 車騎都尉 |
Juji Jiangjun | General of Chariots and Cavalry | 車騎將軍 |
Jun hou | Captain in the Forces | 軍候 |
Jun Jian | Military Inspector | 軍監 |
Jun Zheng | Military Controller | 軍正 |
Ku Ling | Director of Stores | 庫令 |
Lang | Gentleman | 郎 |
Langzhong | Gentleman of the Palace | 郎中 |
Langzhong Hu Jiang | Leader at the Gates, Gentlemen of the Palace [General of the Gentlemen-of-the-Palace of the Doors] | 郎中戶將 |
Langzhong Jiang | Leader of the Gentlemen of the Palace | 郎中將 |
Langzhong Ling | Superintendent of the Palace [Prefect of the Gentlemen-of-the-Palace] | 郎中令 |
Lantai Ling shi | Clerk to Director, Lantai Depository [Foreman Clerk of the Orchid Terrace] | 蘭臺令史 |
Liang Jiazi | Member of a well-established family | 良家子 |
Lianshuai | Governor [Leader of Combinations] | 連率 |
Ling Shi | (a) Junior official of a county (b) Magistrate’s clerk [Foreman Clerk] | 令史 |
Ling | Magistrate [Prefect] | 令 |
Linxi Ling | Director, Sacrificial Stores and Animals [Prefect of the Office of Sacrificial Oblations and Victims] | 廩犧令 |
Lingyin | Senior Minister | 令尹 |
Mu | Regional Commissioner [Shepherd] | 牧 |
Nanzi | Male of adult age, without orders of honour | 男子 |
Nayan | Superintendent of Agriculture | 納言 |
Neiguan Zhang | Chief of the Inner Palace Office | 內官長 |
Neishi | Metropolitan Superintendent [Clerk of the Capital] | 內史 |
Nong Duwei | Commandant, Agriculture [Chief Commandant of Agriculture] | 農都尉 |
Pi Jiang | Lieutenant General | 裨將 |
Pian Jiangjun | Detached General | 偏將軍 |
Piaoji Jiangjun | General of Cavalry on the Alert [General of Agile Cavalry] | 驃騎將軍 |
Pingzhun Ling | Director, Office for Price Stabilisation [Prefect of the Bureau of Equalisation and Standards] | 平準令 |
Po Qiang Jiangjun | Po Qiang General | 破羌將軍 |
Puye | Supervisor | 僕射 |
Qian Jiangjun | General of the Van | 前將軍 |
Qiang Ji Xiaowei | Colonel, Qiang Cavalry | 羌騎校尉 |
Qiangnu Duwei | Commandant, Strong Bowmen | 強弩都尉 |
Qiangnu Jiangjun | General, Strong Bowmen | 強弩將軍 |
Qimen | Attendant at the Gates (see HHSJJ 81.1b note) | 期門 |
Qimen Lang | Gentleman Attendant at the Gates | 期門郎 |
Qingji Xiaowei | Colonel of Light Cavalry | 輕騎校尉 |
Qingju Jiangjun | General, Light Chariots | 輕車將軍 |
Qingju Shizhe | Commissioner, Light Chariots | 輕車使者 |
Sanji | (Honorary title) [Cavalier Attendant] | 散騎 |
Sefu | Bailiff | 嗇夫 |
Shang Dafu | Senior Counsellor | 上大夫 |
Shang Jiangjun, Jiang | Supreme General | 上將軍 |
Shangshu Dafu | Counsellor of the Secretariat [Prefect of the Masters of Writing] | 尙書大夫 |
Shangshu Ling | Director of the Secretariat | 尙書令 |
Shangshu Puye | Deputy Director, Secretariat [Supervisor of the Masters of Writing] | 尙書僕射 |
Shao Fu | Junior Tutor | 少傅 |
Shaofu | Superintendent of the Lesser Treasury [Privy Treasury] | 少府 |
Sheren | Attached to the staff of, member of staff of [Member of the Suite] | 舍人 |
Shesheng Xiaowei | Colonel, Archers under Training [Colonel of Archers who Shoot by Sound] | 射聲校尉 |
Shi Yushi | Secretary in Attendance on the Imperial. Counsellor [Attending Secretary] (see Hulsewé,‘Shuo—wen Dictionary’, p. 254) | 侍御史 |
Shilang | Gentleman in Attendance | 侍郎 |
Shiwu | Deprived of orders of honour as a punishment for crime (see under (Kaizhang) 開章; HS 74, p. 3149 note; Hulsewé, Remnants of Han Law p. 216) | 士伍 |
Shiyi | Physician in Attendance [Attending Physician] | 侍醫 |
Shizhong | Palace Attendant (Honorary title) | 侍中 |
Shizhong Jijiu | Libationer, Palace Attendants | 侍中祭酒 |
Shou | Governor | 守 |
Shuiheng Duwei | Superintendent of Waterways and Parks [Chief Commandant of Waters and Parks] | 水衡都尉 |
Shuling, | Commandant (see HHS 12, p. 501 note) | 屬令 |
Shuzhang | Commandant (see HHS 13, p. 515 note) | 屬長 |
Shuzheng | Commandant (see HHS 3A, p. 4 note) | 屬正 |
Shuzi | Cadet | 庶子 |
Sili Xiaowei, Sili | Colonel, Internal Security [Colonel Director of Retainers] Sili from 7 BC; see HSBZ 11.8a; 75.31b, 86.7a notes; Bielenstein, Bureaucracy, pp. 84—5 | 司隸校尉 |
Sima | Major | 司馬 |
Siyun | Deputy to the Marshal of State | 司允 |
Sizhi | Deputy to the Chancellor | 司直 |
Sizhong | Superintendent of the Palace | 司中 |
Sou Su Duwei | Commandant, Collection of Grain [Chief Commandant who Searches for Grain] | 騪粟都尉 |
Tai Cang Ling | Director of the Great Granary [Prefect of the Great Granary] | 太倉令 |
Tai Fu | Senior Tutor [Grand Tutor] | 太傅 |
Taibao | Grand Protector [Grand Guardian] | 太保 |
Taichang | Superintendent of Ceremonial [Grand Master of Ceremonies] | 太常 |
Taipu | Superintendent of Transport [Grand Coachman] | 太僕 |
Taishi | Grand Tutor [Grand Master] | 太師 |
Taishi Ling | Director, Astronomy [Prefect Grand Astrologer] | 太史令 |
Taishou | Governor [Grand Administrator] | 太守 |
Taiwei | Supreme Commander [Grand Commandant] | 太尉 |
Taiyi Jian | Inspector of Physicians-in-Chief [Inspector of the Grand Physician] | 太醫監 |
Taiyi Ling | Director of the Physicians-in-Chief [Prefect Grand Physician] | 太醫令 |
Taizhong Dafu | Grand Counsellor of the Palace [Grand Palace Grandee] | 太中大夫 |
Taizi men Dafu | Counsellor, Establishment of the Heir Apparent [Grandee at the Gate of the Heir Apparent] | 太子門大夫 |
Taizi Shaofu | Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent | 太子少傅 |
Taizi Shi You Jijiu | Teacher, Friend, Libationer of the Heir Apparent | 太子師友祭酒 |
Taizi Shuzi | Cadet (Heir Apparent) | 太子庶子 |
Taizi Taifu | Senior Tutor to the Heir Apparent | 太子太傅 |
Taizi Zhong Shuzi | Palace Cadet, Heir Apparent | 太子中庶子 |
Ting Zhang | Village Head, Ward Head [ (a) Chief of a Commune; (b) Chief of an Officials’ Hostel] | 亭長 |
Tingwei | Superintendent of Trials [Commandant of Justice] | 廷尉 |
Tingwei Ping | Judicial Referee | 廷尉平 |
Tingwei shi | Clerk to the Superintendent of Trials | 廷尉史 |
Tingwei You Jian | Inspector of the Right, Superintendent of Trials | 廷尉右監 |
Tunji Xiaowei | Colonel, Garrison Cavalry | 屯騎校尉 |
Wei Hou | Guards’ Captain | 衛候 |
Wei Jiangjun | General of Defence | 衛將軍 |
Wei Sima | Guards’ Major [Major of the Guards] | 衛司馬 |
Weiwei | Superintendent of the Guards | 衛尉 |
Weiyang Jiu Ling | Director [Prefect] of Stables, Weiyang Palace | 未央廏令 |
Wu guan Zhonglang Jiang | Leader of the Gentleman of the Palace, all purposes [General of the Gentlemen-of-the-Household for all purposes] | 五官中郎將 |
Wuji Changshi | Cavalryman in Permanent Attendance | 武騎常侍 |
Wuji Xiaowei | Wu and Ji Colonel [Wu and Chi Colonels] (see Chen Zhi, Han shu xin zheng p. 452, Hulsewé CICA, p. 79 note 63) | 戊己校尉 |
Xi Zhishi | Western Weaving House | 西織室 |
Xiangguo | Chancellor of State | 相國 |
Xiaoji Jiangjun | General of Swift Cavalry [General of Resolute Cavalry] | 驍騎將軍 |
Xiaowei | Colonel | 校尉 |
Xihe | Superintendent of Agriculture (Distinguish the title of this name held by Liu Xin 劉歆 [1]) | 羲和 |
Ya Jiang | Subordinate General | 亞將 |
Yeting Ling | Director, Sleeping Apartments [Prefect of the Lateral Courts] | 掖庭令 |
Yezhe | Imperial Messenger, Royal Messenger [Internuncio] | 謁者 |
Yi Guan Ling | Director, Interpreters’ Office [Prefect of the Office of Interpreters] | 譯官令 |
Yi Lang | Gentleman Consultant | 議郎 |
Yicao | Consultative Bureau [Bureau of Consultation] | 議曹 |
Yin Jian | Inspector of Tunes [Inspector of Tones] | 音監 |
Yizhong [jiu] Jian | Inspector of Hunting Equipment | 栘中[廏]監 |
You Cao | Bureau Head of the Right | 右曹 |
You Fufeng | Metropolitan Superintendent of the Right [Western Sustainer] | 右扶風 |
You Ji Jiang | Cavalry General of the Right | 右騎將 |
Youjiao | Patrol Leader | 游徼 |
You Neishi | Metropolitan Superintendent of the Right [Clerk of the Western Part of the Capital] | 右內史 |
You Quhou | Captain, Brigade [Company] of the Right | 右曲候 |
You Xiang | Chancellor of the Right | 右相 |
Youji Duwei | Commandant, Roving Task force | 游擊都尉 |
Yu yuan | Junior Prison Official | 獄掾 |
Yue fu yin jian | Inspector of Tones, Bureau of Music | 樂府音監 |
Yueji Xiaowei | Colonel, Picked Cavalry | 越騎校尉 |
Yufu Ling | Director, Palace Wardrobe [Prefect of the Imperial Wardrobe] | 御府令 |
Yulin | Elite Yulin [Feathered Forest] Corps | 羽林 |
Yulin Jian | Inspector, Yulin | 羽林監 |
Yushi | Secretary to the Imperial Counsellor | 御史 |
Yushi Dafu | Imperial Counsellor [Grandee Secretary, Imperial Clerk Grandee] | 御史大夫 |
Yushi zhongcheng | Assistant to the Imperial Counsellor [Palace Assistant Secretary] | 御史中丞 |
Zai | Magistrate (see HHS 26, p. 901 note) | 宰 |
Zei Cao | Bureau of Banditry | 賊曹 |
Zhang | (a) Magistrate [Chief] (b) Head | 長 |
Zhanggu | Recorder of Precedent [Authority on Ancient Matters] | 掌故 |
Zhangshi | Chief clerk | 長史 |
Zhanshi | Supervisor of the Household | 詹事 |
Zhengshi | Consultant | 徵事 |
Zhi su Duwei | Commandant, Control of Grain | 治粟都尉 |
Zhi su Neishi | Superintendent of Agriculture [Clerk of the Capital for Grain] | 治粟內史 |
Zhijinwu | Superintendent of the Capital [Bearer of the Gilded Mace] | 執金吾 |
Zhishi | Weaving House | 織室 |
Zhizong | Superintendent of Ceremonial | 秩宗 |
Zhong Changshi | Regular Palace Attendant | 中常侍 |
Zhong Dafu | Counsellor of the Palace [Palace Grandee] | 中大夫 |
Zhong Huangmen | Attendant at the Yellow Gates [Palace Attendant of the Yellow Gates] | 中黃門 |
Zhong Jiangjun | General of the Centre | 中將軍 |
Zhong Lei Xiaowei | Colonel, Central Ramparts [Colonel of the Capital Rampart] | 中壘校尉 |
Zhong Taipu | Superintendent of Transport of the Palace [Palace Grand Coachman] | 中太僕 |
Zhong Yezhe | Royal Messenger [Palace Intemuncio] | 中謁者 |
Zhong Yezhe Ling | Director of Messengers, Palace Writers [Prefect of the Palace Intemuncios] | 中謁者令 |
Zhonglang | Gentlemen of the Palace [Gentlemen of the Household] | 中郎 |
Zhonglang Jiang | Leader of the Gentlemen of the Palace [General of the Gentlemen of the Household] | 中郎將 |
Zhongshu Ling | Director, Palace Writers | 中書令 |
Zhongshu Puye | Supervisor, Palace Writers | 中書僕射 |
Zhongwei | Superintendent of the Capital [Commandant of the Capital] | 中尉 |
Zhou Mu | Regional Commissioner [Shepherd] | 州牧 |
Zhu Jue Duwei | Commandant, Orders of Honour [Chief Commandant over the Nobility] | 主爵都尉 |
Zhubu | Registrar [Master of Records] | 主簿 |
Zhuli | (an honorary title, i.e. jia guan) [Inspector of Officials] | 諸吏 |
Zongzheng | Superintendent [Director] of the Imperial Clan | 宗正 |
Zuo Cao | Bureau Head of the Left | 左曹 |
Zuo Lingyin | Senior Minister of the Left | 左令尹 |
Zuo Neishi | Metropolitan Superintendent of the Left [Clerk of the Eastern Part of the Capital] | 左內史 |
Zuo Pingyi | Metropolitan Superintendent of the Left [Eastern Supporter] | 左馮翊 |
Zushi | (see Loewe, RHA vol. II, p. 387) | 卒史 |
Zuzheng | Governor [Director of Confederations] | 卒正 |
(b) English Renderings (as in Dubs, Bielenstein and de Crespigny)
Entries follow for variant terms used in Dubs, Bielenstein and de Crespigny [those adopted parenthesis].
Attending Physician [Physician in Attendance] | Shiyi | 侍醫 |
Attending Secretary [Secretary in Attendance on the Imperial Counsellor] (see Hulsewé, ‘Shuo—wen Dictionary’, p. 254) | Shi Yushi | 侍御史 |
Authority on Ancient Matters [Recorder of Precedent] | Zhanggu | 掌故 |
Bearer of the Gilded Mace [Superintendent of the Capital] | Zhijinwu | 執金吾 |
Bureau of Consultation [Consultative Bureau] | Yicao | 議曹 |
Captain, Company [Brigade] of the Right You | Quhou | 右曲候 |
Cavalier Attendant [Honorary title, not translated] | Sanji | 散騎 |
Chief Commandant of the Adjunct Capital Region [Commandant, Governor of the Capital] | Jing fu Duwei | 京輔都尉 |
Chief Commandant of Agriculture [Commandant, Agriculture] | Nong Duwei | 農都尉 |
Chief Commandant of Attendant Cavalry [Commandant, Attendant Cavalry] | Fuma Duwei | 駙馬都尉 |
Chief Commandant of Cavalry [Commandant, Cavalry] | Ji Duwei | 騎都尉 |
Chief Commandant of Imperial Equipages [Commandant, Imperial Carriages] | Fengju Duwei | 奉車都尉 |
Chief Commandant over the Nobility [Commandant, Orders of Honour] | Zhu Jue Duwei | 主爵都尉 |
Chief Commandant of a Pass [Commandant of the Passes] | Guan Duwei | 關都尉 |
Chief Commandant Protecting Grain Transport by Water [Commandant, Grain Transport] | Hucao Duwei | 護漕都尉 |
Chief Commandant of Waters and Parks [Superintendent of Waterways and Parks] | Shuiheng Duwei | 水衡都尉 |
Chief Commandant who Searches for Grain [Commandant, Collection of Grain] | Sou Su Duwei | 騪粟都尉 |
Chief of a Commune [Village Head, Ward Head] | Ting Zhang | 亭長 |
Clerk of the Capital [Metropolitan Superintendent] | Neishi | 內史 |
Clerk of the Capital for Grain [Superintendent of Agriculture] | Zhi su Neishi | 治粟內史 |
Clerk of the Eastern Part of the Capital [Metropolitan Superintendent of the Left] | Zuo Neishi | 左內史 |
Clerk of the Western Part of the Capital [Metropolitan Superintendent of the Right] | You Neishi | 右內史 |
Colonel of Archers who Shoot by Sound [Colonel, Archers under Training] | Shesheng Xiaowei | 射聲校尉 |
Colonel of the Capital Rampart [Colonel, Central Ramparts] | Zhong Lei Xiaowei | 中壘校尉 |
Colonel Director of Retainers [Colonel, Internal Security] (Sili from 7 BC; see HSBZ 11.8a; 75.31b, 86.7a notes; Bielenstein, Bureaucracy, pp. 84—5) | Sili Xiaowei, Sili | 司隸校尉 |
Colonel of Foot Soldiers [Colonel, Infantry] | Bubing Xiaowei | 歩兵校尉 |
Colonel of Hu Cavalry [Colonel, Foreign Cavalry] | Hu Ji Xiaowei | 胡騎校尉 |
Colonel Protecting the Tibetans [Colonel Protector of the Qiang] | Hu Qiang Xiaowei | 護羌校尉 |
Commandant of the Capital [Superintendent of the Capital] | Zhongwei | 中尉 |
Commandant of the Changle Palace Guard [Superintendent of the Guards (Changle Palace)] | Changle Weiwei | 長樂衛尉 |
Commandant of Justice [Superintendent of Trials] | Tingwei | 廷尉 |
Commander-in-Chief [Marshal of State] | Da Sima | 大司馬 |
Concurrent Offices (term for Honorary Titles, without quota) | Jia Guan | 加官 |
Director of Confederations [Governor] | Zuzheng | 卒正 |
Director of Guests [Superintendent of State Visits] | Dianke | 典客 |
Director of the Imperial Clan [Superintendent of the Imperial Clan] | Zongzheng | 宗正 |
Eastern Supporter [Metropolitan Superintendent of the Left] | Zuo Pingyi | 左馮翊 |
Erudit [Academician] | Boshi | 博士 |
Feathered Forest corps [Elite Yulin] | Yulin | 羽林 |
Foreman Clerk [(a) Junior official of a county (b) Magistrate’s clerk] | Ling Shi | 令史 |
General of Agile Cavalry [General of Cavalry on the Alert] | Piaoji Jiangjun | 驃騎將軍 |
General who Crosses the Liao River [General, Trans-Liao Command] | Du Liao Jiangjun | 度遼將軍 |
General of the Gentlemen-of-the-Household [Leader of the Gentlemen of the Palace] | Zhonglang Jiang | 中郎將 |
General of the Gentlemen-of-the-Household for All Purposes [Leader of the Gentleman of the Palace, all purposes] | Wu guan Zhonglang Jiang | 五官中郎將 |
General of the Gentlemen-of-the-Palace of the Doors [Leader at the Gates, Gentlemen of the Palace] | Langzhong Hu Jiang | 郎中戶將 |
General of Resolute Cavalry [General of Swift Cavalry] | Xiaoji Jiangjun | 驍騎將軍 |
Gentlemen of the Household [Gentlemen of the Palace] | Zhonglang | 中郎 |
Gentleman in Regular Attendance [Gentleman in Permanent Attendance] | Changshi Lang | 常侍郎 |
Grand Administrator [Governor] | Taishou | 太守 |
Grand Coachman [Superintendent of Transport] | Taipu | 太僕 |
Grand Commandant [Supreme Commander] | Taiwei | 太尉 |
Grandee at the Gate of the Heir Apparent [Counsellor, Establishment of the Heir Apparent] | Taizi men Dafu | 太子門大夫 |
Grand Governor [Governor] | Dayin | 大尹 |
Grand Guardian [Grand Protector] | Taibao | 太保 |
Grand Herald [Superintendent of State Visits] | Da Honglu | 大鴻臚 |
Grand Master [Grand Tutor] | Taishi | 太師 |
Grand Master of Ceremonies [Superintendent of Ceremonial] | Taichang | 太常 |
Grand Minister of Agriculture [Superintendent of Agriculture] | Da Sinong | 大司農 |
Grand Minister of Works [Imperial Counsellor] | Da Sikong | 大司空 |
Grand Minister over the Masses [Chancellor] | Da Situ | 大司徒 |
Grand Palace Grandee [Grand Counsellor of the Palace] | Taizhong Dafu | 太中大夫 |
Grand Prefect/Chief of Agriculture [Superintendent of Agriculture] | Da Nongling | 大農令 |
Grand Prolonger of Autumn [Empress’ Chamberlain] | Da Changqiu | 大長秋 |
Grand Tutor [Senior Tutor] | TaiFu | 太傅 |
Grandee [Counsellor] | Dafu | 大夫 |
Grandee Remonstrant [Advisory Counsellor] | Jian[yi] Dafu | 諫[議]大夫 |
Grandee Secretary, or Imperial Clerk Grandee [Imperial Counsellor] | Yushi Dafu | 御史大夫 |
Imperial Household Grandee [Counsellor of the Palace] | Guanglu Dafu | 光祿大夫 |
Inspector [Regional Inspector] | Cishi | 刺史 |
Inspector of the Grand Physician [Inspector of Physicians-in-Chief] | Taiyi Jian | 太醫監 |
Inspector of Officials [an honorary title, i.e. jia guan] | Zhuli | 諸吏 |
Inspector of Tones [Inspector of Tunes] | Yin Jian | 音監 |
Intemuncio [Imperial Messenger, Royal Messenger] | Yezhe | 謁者 |
Leader of Combinations [Governor] | Lianshuai | 連率 |
Lieutenant Chancellor (as in Dubs) [Chancellor] | Chengxiang | 丞相 |
Master of Records [Registrar] | Zhubu | 主簿 |
Member of the Suite [Attached to the staff of] | Sheren | 舍人 |
Nine Ministers [Nine Ministers of State] | Jiu Qing | 九卿 |
Palace Assistant Secretary [Assistant to the Imperial Counsellor] | Yushi zhongcheng | 御史中丞 |
Palace Attendant of the Yellow Gates [Attendant at the Yellow Gates] | Zhong Huangmen | 中黃門 |
Palace Grand Coachman [Superintendent of Transport of the Palace] | Zhong Taipu | 中太僕 |
Palace Grandee [Counsellor of the Palace] | Zhong Dafu | 中大夫 |
Palace Intemuncio [Royal Messenger] | Zhong Yezhe | 中謁者 |
Prefect [Magistrate] | Ling | 令 |
Prefect of the Arsenal [Director, Armoury] | Wuku Ling | 武庫令 |
Prefect of the Bureau of Equalisation and Standards [Director, Office for Price Stabilization] | Pingzhun Ling | 平準令 |
Prefect of the Gentlemen-of-the-Palace [Superintendent of the Palace] | Langzhong Ling | 郎中令 |
Prefect Grand Astrologer [Director, Astronomy] | Taishi Ling | 太史令 |
Prefect Grand Physician [Director of the Physicians-in-Chief] | Taiyi Ling | 太醫令 |
Prefect Grand Usher [Superintendent of State Visits] | Da Xingling | 大行令 |
Prefect of the Great Granary [Director of the Great Granary] | Tai Cang Ling | 太倉令 |
Prefect of the Household [Director of the Household] | Jia Ling | 家令 |
Prefect Intendant of the Imperial Palace Gardens [Director, Imperial Palace Gardens] | Goushun Ling | 鉤盾令 |
Prefect of the Imperial Wardrobe [Director, Palace Wardrobe] | Yufu Ling | 御府令 |
Prefect of Insignia and Credentials [Director, Insignia and Credentials] | Fujie Ling | 符節令 |
Prefect of the Lateral Courts [Director, Sleeping Apartments] | Yeting Ling | 掖庭令 |
Prefect of the Masters of Writing [Director of the Secretariat] | Shangshu Ling | 尙書令 |
Prefect of the Office of Interpreters [Director, Interpreters’ Office] | Yi Guan Ling | 譯官令 |
Prefect of the Office of Sacrificial Oblations and Victims [Director, Sacrificial Stores and Animals] | Linxi Ling | 廩犧令 |
Prefect of the Palace Intemuncios [Director of Messengers, Palace Writers] | Zhong Yezhe Ling | 中謁者令 |
Prefect of the Stables for Riding Horses [Director of Riding Horses] | Jima Ling | 騎馬令 |
Prefect of Stables, Weiyang Palace [Director of Stables, Weiyang Palace] | Weiyang Jiu Ling | 未央廏令 |
Privy Treasurer [Superintendent of the Lesser Treasury] | Shaofu | 少府 |
Shepherd [Regional Commissioner] | Mu/ Zhou Mu | 牧,州牧 |
Superintendent of the Imperial Household [Superintendent of the Palace] | Guangluxun | 光祿勳 |
Supervisor of the Erudits [Supervisor of the Academicians] | Boshi Puye | 博士僕射 |
Supervisor of the Masters of Writing [Deputy Director, Secretariat] | Shangshu Puye | 尙書僕射 |
Upholder of Ceremonies [Superintendent of Ceremonial] | Fengchang | 奉常 |
Western Sustainer [Metropolitan Superintendent of the Right] | You Fufeng | 右扶風 |
Wu and Chi Colonels [Wu and Ji Colonel] (see Chen Zhi, Han shu xin zheng p. 452, Hulsewé CICA, p. 79 note 63) | Wuji Xiaowei | 戊己校尉 |
1 See HS 19A; for detailed studies of Qin and Han institutions, see Wang Yü—ch’üan, ‘An Outline of the Central Government of the Former Han Dynasty’; Bielenstein, Bureaucracy, Kamada Shigeo, Shin Kan seiji seido no kenkyû; Tao Xisheng and Shen Juchen, Qin Han zhengzhi zhidu; Wang Chao, Gao Wenjun and Xie Qingzhuan, Zhongyang zhiguan zhi; Nishijima Sadao, Chûgoku kodai teikoku no keisei to kôzô; Twitchett and Loewe (eds.), The Cambridge History of China, vol. I chapters 7,8 and 9; for local government, see Yan Gengwang, Zhongguo difang xingzheng zhidu shi; for official titles, see de Crespigny, Official Titles of the Former Han Dynasty; for military organisation, see Loewe, RHA, vol. I, chapter IV and vol. II, pp. 384—7; for summaries, see Hulsewé, RHL, pp. 14—7; Loewe, Crisis and Conflict, pp. 307—14.
2 For a full list of the terms used for the Nine Ministers of State, see Loewe, Crisis and Conflict, p. 310.
3 See HHSJJ 24.2a note for the suggestion that Wang Mang’s terms for these governors corresponded with marks of status or rank.
4 ‘Grandee’ seems to have been first used to denote a Spanish or Portuguese nobleman of the highest rank, but the word is not known as a designation of an official of state. To many readers, it may carry implications of a gorgeously dressed courtier, who bore no responsibilities for government. For the basic reference to Dafu, see HSBZ 19A.8b.
Michael Loewe