Censorate System of the Ming

Timeline

1. 1368–1379Nanjing · Ming dynastyEarly Ming followed Yuan practice in maintaining the Censorate-Tai, appointing a Censor-in-Chief, deputies, and circuit supervising censors to impeach officials and uphold discipline.
2. 1380Nanjing · Ming dynastyIn Hongwu 13 the Censorate-Tai was abolished and the Censorate established, headed by left and right Censor-in-Chiefs, with thirteen circuits of supervising censors touring the provinces to inspect officials; the reorganization of the supervisory system was completed.
3. 1381–1390Nanjing · Ming dynastyAfter the Censorate was established, it formed with the Six Offices of Remonstrance a joint supervisory pattern; circuit tours, file audits, and impeachment rules took shape and became standard practice in the later Hongwu reign.