Chapter 2 Section 1 Xia Dynasty Official System

The official system in ancient China has a long history, and its origin can be traced back to the late primitive society, that is, the era of rumors in ancient history, when the seeds of officials already existed.For example, in the period of the Yellow Emperor, the Yellow Emperor used the cloud as his official, the Yan Emperor used the fire as his official, and Taihao (haohao) used the dragon as his official.By the time of Yao and Shun, official names gradually increased.According to records, Shun once appointed Yu to manage the leveling of water and soil, Abandoned to manage farming, Vertical to manage all kinds of workers, Yi to manage mountains, forests and rivers, Qi to manage education, Gao Tao to manage punishment, Boyi to manage sacrifices, and Long Guan to issue orders, etc.This shows that the social productive forces at that time had developed to a certain extent, class divisions and antagonisms had emerged, and power organs above society were being formed.The bureaucratic system emerged along with the creation of the initial state power.

The symbol of the formation of Chinese state power is the establishment of hereditary dynasties.The Xia Dynasty (approximately 21st century BC-approximately 17th century BC) was my country's first hereditary dynasty and the earliest slavery country.When the Xia Dynasty was first established, the supreme ruler was called "Hou" and later called "King". The original meaning of the word "hou" is to give birth, and it also contains the meaning of ancestors, which shows that the Xia Dynasty has just emerged from the clan organization of primitive society, and the supreme ruler exercises power in the capacity of ancestors. According to Dong Zhongshu's analysis, the original meaning of the word "Wang" is that the three horizontal lines represent heaven, earth, and man, and the vertical line is the person who connects the three, that is, the king. "Shuowen Jiezi" also said: "The king is where the world belongs." It means that the heart of the world belongs to the king, and the king is the representative of the highest power in the world.From Yu to Jie in the Xia Dynasty, there were 17 kings in total.

The most important officials under the king are "Three Righteousness" and "Six Matters". "Zheng" is a general term for officials.In the Xia Dynasty, Chezheng was in charge of clothing, Pazheng was in charge of meals, and Muzheng was in charge of animal husbandry. They were all officials who directly served the royal family.Three officials are different from these officials. They refer to high-level officials who are in charge of political affairs. There are usually two or three people.The people of Liushi are often around the king, and their status is also very high. When there is military affairs, they can command the army on behalf of the king.

In addition, the more important officials include Qiu [qiu prisoner], coward, Dali, Taishi, Xihe, blind [gugu], and official teachers. Qiuren is the close minister of the king, who is mainly responsible for issuing the king's orders and announcing government orders.At the same time, it also has the responsibility of soliciting opinions and expressing feelings from the bottom up. A coward is an official who executes the economic power of the state.Responsible for the collection of agricultural surplus products. Dali is an official with judicial functions.Manage prisons and mediate lawsuits.

Tai Shi is a historian.In charge of records and books. Xihe was the official in charge of the calendar. Blind is the musician.In charge of music during sacrifices and king entertainment. The official teacher is the instructor of the "school" (that is, the school), and he also has the responsibility of admonishing the king. The Xia Dynasty has begun to divide the administrative districts according to the region. "Mu" is an official sent to various administrative regions to collect tribute.However, under the rule of King Xia, there are still many tribes, such as Ge, Wei, Gu, Kunwu, Shang, Zhou and so on.Most of the leaders of these tribes are called "Bo", and some are called "XX".Bo is the leader of one party and has relative independence, but he must be restricted by King Xia.According to legend, "Yu met the princes in Tushan, and all the nations held the jade and silk", and at another meeting, "Fangfeng came later, and Yu killed him" ("Guoyu·Lu Yuxia").At the time of Xia Wangfen, "Jiuyi came to Yu (yu, refers to hard labor)".At the time of Xia Wangmang, he "ordered Jiuyi, hunted the sea, and caught big fish" ("Bamboo Book Chronicles").These records all reflect the affiliation relationship between each ministries and the Xia Dynasty.