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How did Han nobles receive income without governing their territories?

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Map showing the Han Empire's territory around 100 BCE, shaded in orange, covering much of eastern China and extending westward. The map also marks the boundary of modern China and highlights the Great Wall running along the northern frontier, built for protection against the Huns. Major rivers and the capital, Chang'an (Xi'an), are labeled. — Han dynasty Map showing the extent of the Han empire c. 100 bce.

During the Han dynasty, nobles were granted titles that included the right to receive income from specific territories, known as nobilities. However, these nobles did not govern their lands; they exercised no administrative, judicial, or other authority over them.1

Instead, the central government maintained direct control over these areas. Officials appointed by the central government were responsible for the administration of the prefectures and commanderies, which included the collection of taxes. These government officials collected the taxes from the nobilities, which were then provided to the noble titleholders as their income. This system allowed the imperial government to reward military officers, civil officials, and surrendered enemy leaders while simultaneously serving as a political instrument to limit the power of regional kings.1