Backyard West Wing Chamber (the Magistrate's Clerk in the Yamen): Throughout the Qing dynasty, various types of clerks—known colloquially as "shiyue"—were commonly found in government offices at all levels, assisting officials in handling official documents and managing administrative affairs. The term "shiyue" is a casual name for "molu," referring to private aides personally recruited by officials under the feudal system of the yamen, also called "muyou" or "mubin."

The term "bakufu" originally referred to the headquarters of an ancient general, but it also came to denote the commanding general who orchestrated strategies from behind the scenes. As explained in the *Shiji Suoyin*, citing Cui Hao: "In ancient times, when armies marched into battle, they would establish their command post; once the campaign ended and troops returned, the temporary headquarters were dismantled. In peacetime, however, these spaces were transformed into makeshift offices using tents and curtains—hence the name 'mofu.' Thus, the character 'mo' was likely a scribal error for 'mu,' the correct character for 'tent.'"

The shogunate system originated from the tradition of nurturing scholars during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and even during the Qing Dynasty, it continued to profoundly influence reforms in the feudal bureaucratic system and the broader transition to modern society—making it a key to understanding ancient Chinese society today.

The East Annex in the Backyard (the "Shiyue" serving in government offices during the Qing Dynasty): During the Qing era, these assistant officials—commonly known as "Shiyue"—typically enjoyed relatively high incomes. However, their work involved endless paperwork and tedious administrative tasks, leading to a monotonous and austere lifestyle. As a result, those who chose to study under a Shiyue or assist in managing official affairs were often individuals whose performance in the imperial examinations had been less than stellar. Year after year, they diligently honed their skills in bureaucratic studies, striving to win the favor of their superiors. For instance, in the region of Shaoxing, where literary traditions thrived but exam success remained elusive, thousands upon thousands of aspiring scholars turned to securing positions as Shiyue, seeking both stability and opportunity within the officialdom.

During the Qing Dynasty, the practice of "muyou"—consultants who assisted governors, provincial officials, and county-level administrators—became a distinct political culture, playing an indispensable role within local government offices. Muyou were categorized into various types, such as those specializing in criminal law, finance, and official correspondence. Among these roles, the "xingming" consultant, responsible for matters of life and death, held the most prestigious position; the "qiangu" consultant, managing finances and grain supplies, occupied a nearly equal-ranking seat. In contrast, all other consultants—though equally important in their own right—held positions and received salaries that were significantly lower than those of the "xingming" and "qiangu" consultants, earning them the title of "small seats."

Front Yard West Wing (Zeng Guofan’s Staff Office): Zeng Guofan’s staff office, established during the Taiping Rebellion era (1853–1872), was characterized by its integration of military and political functions, blending both traditional and modern elements. As a prominent statesman of the late Qing dynasty, Zeng Guofan founded the Xiang Army, promoted Western-style modernization, and actively cultivated talent. Over the years, he recruited nearly 300 advisors to his inner circle, making his staff office one of the largest and most influential administrative networks of its time, profoundly shaping the political landscape of late Qing China.

The East Annex of the Front Yard (Li Hongzhang’s Staff Office): Li Hongzhang’s staff office was one of the prominent political advisory bodies during the late Qing dynasty. Established in Shanghai in 1862, just one year after Emperor Tongzhi ascended the throne, it remained active until Li Hongzhang’s death in 1901—spanning an impressive 40-year period. During this time, its members played pivotal roles both domestically and internationally: they founded the Huai Army, launched pioneering enterprises that laid the groundwork for China’s modern industrialization, and rose to become influential regional officials within the late Qing government. Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, they handled foreign negotiations, negotiated treaties, and effectively steered China’s foreign affairs. Compared to other contemporary advisory offices, Li Hongzhang’s staff office was uniquely intertwined with the trajectory of modern Chinese history, deeply reflecting the era’s emphasis on Western-style reforms and innovations.