Translation: Ministry of Personnel or Ministry of Appointments
📜 Key Functions of Bộ Lại:
| Area | Function |
|---|---|
| 🧑⚖️ Appointments | Managed selection, promotion, and dismissal of civil officials (mandarins) |
| 📋 Civil Service Records | Maintained biographical records, ranks, evaluations, and assignments |
| 🏛️ Examination Oversight | Coordinated with imperial examination boards for merit-based selection |
| 📅 Seniority & Rotation | Managed the rotation of officials to prevent local corruption or power buildup |
| 📐 Discipline | Investigated misconduct and handled punishments or demotions |
📚 How It Worked:
- After passing the Confucian imperial exams (with ranks like Cử nhân, Tiến sĩ, etc.), candidates were reviewed and appointed by Bộ Lại.
- Promotions were based on exam results, moral conduct, governance success, and loyalty to the emperor.
- Officials were often moved between regions to prevent entrenchment and favoritism.
🏯 Place in the Imperial Bureaucracy:
- Bộ Lại was one of the Lục Bộ (六部) — the Six Ministries:
- Bộ Lại – Personnel (Appointments)
- Bộ Hộ – Revenue
- Bộ Lễ – Rites
- Bộ Binh – War
- Bộ Hình – Justice
- Bộ Công – Public Works
- It reported to the Thượng thư (Grand Chancellor) and the Emperor (Hoàng Đế).