In operational terms, however, an autocrat like the emperor of China had to contend with procedural rules as well as moral admonitions and his own interests and reputation. He needed staff cooperation and component information and advice. For example, procedural rules might require that he could act only when a matter was formally presented to him or only when others had prepared his choices to decide upon. His staff outnumbered him and slept in shifts. Personal freedom for such an autocrat might be hard to find, especially in an age that exalted imperial rites and ceremonies. He was burdened by many duties and manipulated by the system - by his courtiers during the day and by his harem at night.
Aspects of the Chinese autocracy
1. The pervasiveness of the imperial authority. "The chinese emperor seems to have had the final word in every aspect of life."
2. The resulting politicization of all these aspects, from dress to manners, books to paintings. "One's every act might have political significance."
3. The emperor's careful refusal to allow any rival authority to arise, nor any untaxable income, that might challenge the imperial monopoly of power.
In short, China's imperial institution at times was capable of strong leadership, and this fact seems to have contributed to China's early achievements. We cannot say the emperor did it all - far from it! - yet we may see the vigor of the imperial institution as a rough index to the strength of China's social cohesion and unity. But as time went on, how long could this quality of strong leadership survive the growth of the body politic?
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