Yèxiàn

Ye County stands on the plain east of the mountains surrounding the Nanyang basin. Its county yamen was first built under the Ming and arranged around a central axis of gates and halls, with offices and subsidiary buildings to either side. The great hall survived the fighting at the end of the dynasty, while other parts of the complex were rebuilt under the Qing. Within its gates a stone inscription reminded officials that their salaries came from the labour of the people.