Gate of Manifest Virtue (Zhaode men)

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In the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the Gate of Manifest Virtue (Zhaode men) was where the emperor summoned ministers to discuss business outside formal court audiences, and it was here that the offices of the Grand Secretariat were established. In the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), it was the night duty post for imperial guardsmen.

The gate was initially called East Corner Gate (Dong jiao men) in the Ming dynasty, was dubbed the Gate of Spreading Administration (Hongzheng men), and was given the present name by the Qing (1644-1911) rulers.