They were given the authority to overrule judicial proceedings in prosecutions with full autonomy in arresting, interrogating and punishing anyone, including nobles and the emperor's relatives.

The guards donned a distinctive golden-yellow uniform, with a tablet worn on his torso, and carried a sword (Dao) known as the embroidered spring knife (Chinese: 绣春刀; pinyin: Xiù chūn dāo).

The Hongwu Emperor increased the Jinyiwei's duties later, allowing them to inspect his officials at work in the capital city, before formally establishing it in 1382 with about 500 members.

In 1393, the Hongwu Emperor reduced the Jinyiwei's duties after they allegedly abused their authority during the investigation of a rebellion plot by general Lan Yu, in which about 40,000 people were implicated and executed.

The Embroidered Guard were authorized to overrule judicial proceedings in prosecuting those deemed as enemies of the state, granted with full autonomy in arresting, interrogating, detaining them without trial and punishing them, without going through due process.