The Grand Council, Chün-chi-ch'u, which functioned mainly as a secretarial and consultative agency to the Emperor, was the most important institution of the Ch'ing Dynasty. The Grand Councilors, Chün-chi Ta-chen, had daily audience with the Emperor to assist him in making decisions on important government policies and administrative matters and in drafting and despatching edicts. From time to time the Grand Councilors were sent by the Emperor to the provinces as trouble shooters to deal with urgent matters such as war operations, flood control or investigation of provincial officials.