ABSTRACT
In the five elements of blessing enumerated in the Oanon of Hi8tory 1 (Shu Cheng) political power and noble titles are not included. Except in the feudal period when the vassal lords resembled European barons, and after the centralization when an empty title with a small pecuniary compensation was awarded to serviceable officials, nobility, as an institution, was hardly a factor in China, socially or politically. The Manchu government, following the tradition of the country, provided special privileges and financial aids for three classes of peoples, Imperial clansmen, Bannermen, and the titular nobles.
