In 1380, the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming dynasty, had his chancellor Hu Weiyong executed for alleged treason and abolished the office of chancellor. In his Ancestral Instructions (皇明祖训), he explained the new order. The ministries and offices “check each other and do not dare to press on each other. All matters are brought together at the court.”
His rule for the future was absolute: “When my descendants are emperor, they may not appoint a chancellor. If any minister dares to propose it, all officials shall impeach him at once. The offender shall be put to death by slicing, and his whole family executed.”