governors, and as a result there came into existence a "Privy Council of
State", which gradually took over functions of the executive. The system
of administration in the Han and in the T'ang period is shown in the
following table:

_Han epoch_ _T'ang epoch_

1. Emperor 1. Emperor

2. Three counsellors to the emperor 2. Three counsellors and three
(with no active functions) assistants (with no active
functions)

3. Eight supreme generals 3. Generals and Governors-General
(only appointed in time of war) (only appointed in time of
war; but in practice
continuously in office)

4. ---- 4. (a) State secretariat
(1) Central secretariat
(2) Secretariat of the Crown
(3) Secretariat of the Palace
and imperial historical
commission

4. (b) Emperor's Secretariat
(1) Private Archives
(2) Court Adjutants' Office
(3) Harem administration