XP-698

2022

Other

Jinyiwei, translated as the Embroidered Uniform Guard, wasn't a single person, but a powerful military organization serving as the Ming Dynasty's imperial secret police. Established by Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) in the late 14th century, the Jinyiwei reported directly to the emperor.

They were initially personal bodyguards, but their role quickly expanded to include intelligence gathering, surveillance, and law enforcement. They had the authority to investigate, arrest, interrogate, and punish individuals, often bypassing regular legal channels. This made them both feared and influential.

While no single individual *was* "the" Jinyiwei, the heads of the organization, often titled commanders, wielded significant power. These commanders oversaw the agents and operations of the Guard. The Jinyiwei's activities contributed significantly to the Ming Dynasty's political stability and, controversially, to imperial control.