He had curtailed the privileges of the eunuchs to such an extent that for a hundred and fifty years to come,--so long, in fact, as the empire was in the hands of wise rulers,--their malign influence was inappreciable in court circles and politics generally.

He left Chinese officials in control of the civil administration, keeping closely to the lines of the system which had obtained under the previous dynasty; he did not hastily press for the universal adoption of Manchu costume; and he even caused sacrificial ceremonies to be performed at the mausolea of the Ming Emperors.

One new rule of considerable importance seems to have been introduced by the Manchus, namely, that no official should be allowed to hold office within the boundaries of his own province.

Ostensibly a check on corrupt practices, it is probable that this rule had a more far-reaching political purport.

The members of the Han-lin College presented an address praying him (1) to prepare a list of all worthy men; (2) to search out such of these as might be in hiding; (3) to exterminate all rebels; (4) to proclaim an amnesty; (5) to establish peace; (6) to disband the army, and (7) to punish corrupt officials.
The advice conveyed in the second clause of the above was speedily acted upon, and a number of capable men were secured for the government service.