Jin Yi Wei - the personal bodyguards of the Ming Emperors

The Jinyi Wei (simplified Chinese: 锦衣卫; literally "Brocade-Clad Guard") was the secret service of the Ming emperors, Imperial highest Central Intelligence Agency.

As Political commissar on any Ming's army during the war which was Jinyi Wei another function.

Originally a 500-man organization set up in 1382 by Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) to be his personal bodyguards, it was soon entrusted and empowered to watch over his officials. By 1385 they numbered 14,000 and were the emperor's eyes and ears(Ming's Chinese nicknamed them were Central officials eagles and military dogs朝廷鹰犬) press people especially in political and military. At their peak (time of Zhengde Emperor), the Jinyi Wei had about 200,000 members. They had the power to bypass judicial precedures and could arrest, imprison and punish without going through due process just only obey by emperor's will.

By the time of Emperor Yongle control of the Guard was largely in the hands of the eunuchs, who had the ears of the emperors, In fact, Eastern Factory(东厂) control by the eunuchs, Jinyi Wei belong to emperor directly.

The Jinyi Wei was disbanded along with the remnants of the Ming Dynasty after the Manchu invasion of China.

Commander Wan Hu

Usually their commander was emperor's kinship or general had military merit.Vice commander have 2 person, divided Bei(meant:north) and Nan(meant:south), Bei's rank higher than Nan that both them must be Kung fu masters. They manage and control officials named [Qeng Hu](千户).

Research newly weapons that was Jinyi Wei's one of tasks by Nan Wan Hu, early rocket test occurred in Ming Dynasty was possible even remain one picture on today.