The only limitations of his power are these: he is bound to make a full report every three years of the affairs of the province, _and give in it an account of his own faults,_ and if he omits any, and they are discovered in other ways, he is punished by degradation, bambooing, or death.

It is the right of any subject, however humble, to complain to the emperor himself against any officer, however high; and for this purpose a large drum is placed at one of the palace gates.

Whoever strikes it has his case examined under the emperor's eye, and if he has been wronged, his wrongs are redressed, but if he has complained unnecessarily, he is severely punished.

Imperial visitors, sent by the Board of Censors, may suddenly arrive at any time to examine the concerns of a province; and a governor or other public officer who is caught tripping is immediately reported and punished.
Thus the political institutions of China are built on literature.
Knowledge is the road to power and wealth.

All the talent and knowledge of the nation are interested in the support of institutions which give to them either power or the hope of it.