From the Sui dynasty onward, the
六部 (Six Ministries) were
吏 (personnel),
户 (revenue),
礼 (rites),
兵 (war),
刑 (justice),
工 (works).
兵部 handled officer appointments, conscription, weapon stores, and military registers — but not actual battlefield command, which fell to the emperor and his generals. It was abolished in 1906 when the Qing replaced it with the modern Army Ministry (
陆军部).
