Grand Secretariat

The Grand Secretariat was a key administrative body in ancient China, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It served as the central office for the emperor’s bureaucracy, overseeing governmental affairs and managing documents, appointments, and communication between various departments. The Grand Secretariat played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the state, often acting as an advisory group to the emperor. Comprised of high-ranking officials, it was instrumental in policy-making and implementing the emperor's directives, thus shaping the governance of the empire.