The Royal Guards, as a famous secret service agency in the Ming Dynasty, played a significant role in history with its subordinate Northern and Southern Zhenfu Departments. However, what are the differences in their respective responsibilities? This article will reveal the specific duties of the Northern Zhenfu Department and the Southern Zhenfu Department of the Royal Guards based on historical records.

First, let's understand the overall functions of the Royal Guards. Founded in the early Ming Dynasty, the Royal Guards were primarily responsible for the emperor's security, overseeing officials, and executing special tasks. Against this backdrop, the Northern and Southern Zhenfu Departments assumed different responsibilities.

The Northern Zhenfu Department of the Royal Guards was mainly responsible for the security and surveillance of the capital region. It was directly affiliated with the emperor, serving as the emperor's personal guard. It protected the emperor's safety and supervised officials inside and outside the capital to ensure the stability of the imperial court. The Northern Zhenfu Department also handled special tasks assigned by the emperor, such as assassinations, intelligence gathering, and other confidential matters.

On the other hand, the Southern Zhenfu Department of the Royal Guards was primarily responsible for the security and surveillance of the provinces. Its responsibilities were broader, covering the oversight of local officials, suppressing rebellions, maintaining public order, and more. It monitored the behavior of local officials to prevent corruption and disloyalty, while also ensuring local stability and preventing civil unrest and external threats.

In summary, the Northern and Southern Zhenfu Departments of the Royal Guards played distinct roles in the Ming Dynasty's political system, jointly maintaining the political order and social stability of the dynasty. The Northern Zhenfu Department, as the emperor's personal guard, focused on protecting the emperor's safety and overseeing the capital. While the Southern Zhenfu Department emphasized surveillance of the provinces and maintaining local public order. The clear division of responsibilities between these two departments reflects the governance characteristics of the Ming Dynasty's centralized power. Through this historical exploration, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Ming Dynasty's political structure and historical development.

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