How did the execution of Hu Weiyong change the Ming central government?

The execution of prime minister Hu Weiyong in 1380 served as a catalyst for the Hongwu emperor to fundamentally restructure the Ming central government, shifting it toward absolute despotism.12

Following the execution, the emperor abolished the prime ministership and the central chancellery in perpetuity. This action fragmented administrative authority, leaving the six ministries—Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works—to report directly to the emperor. By removing the chief counselor, the emperor became the sole coordinator of the government, which significantly strengthened his personal control over the officialdom.12

To manage the resulting administrative burden, the emperor utilized grand secretaries—originally from the Hanlin Academy—to handle routine tasks. However, these officials functioned merely as servants to the emperor rather than independent policymakers. While this consolidation of power allowed for direct imperial rule, many scholars argue that it gravely weakened the state system by creating an unsustainable workload for the emperor and removing necessary checks on his authority.12