(metaphor) an organization or government office with very little funding, low benefits, or no opportunities for corruption; originally used for imperial offices that offered no chance for financial gain

Office for the general administration of affairs of all nations, the government body in charge of foreign policy in imperial China during the late Qing dynasty, established in 1861.

Historical name for the ministry of foreign affairs during the late Qing dynasty.

headquarters or office of the Gendarmerie in Beijing during the Qing Dynasty, responsible for city security and law enforcement

Literally "the government office is made of iron, while the officials flow through like water"; used to describe how institutions remain stable while their staff and leadership are constantly changing.