1
凡吏部選授之制，自太宗天會十二年，始法古立官，至天眷元年，頒新官制。 及天德四年，始以河南、北選人並赴中京，吏部各置局銓注。 又命吏部尚書蕭賾定河南、北官通注格，以諸司橫班大解、並大將軍合注差人，依年例一就銓注，餘求仕人分四季擬授，遂為定制。 貞元二年，命擬注時，依舊令，求仕官明數謂面授也，不許就本鄉，若衰病年老者毋授繁劇處。
The Ministry of Personnel's selection and appointment system began when Emperor Taizong, in Tianhui 12 (1134), restored offices on ancient models; by Tianjuan 1 (1138) a new official structure was issued. In Tiande 4 (1156) candidates from the Henan and Hebei circuits were first required to report together at Zhongjing, where the Ministry of Personnel set up separate bureaus for certification and registration. Minister of Personnel Xiao Ze was also ordered to set unified registration rules for the Henan and Hebei circuits. Holders of horizontal-rank grand release from various agencies and eligible grand generals were certified in one annual batch; other office-seekers received seasonal draft appointments, and this became standard practice. In Zhenyuan 2 (1154), draft nominations were again governed by the old rule that candidates declare their numbers for in-person assignment and could not take posts in their home districts; the frail, sick, or elderly were barred from demanding assignments.
2
世宗大定元年，敕從八品以下除授，不須奏聞。 又制，求仕官毋入權門，違者追一官降除，有所饋獻而受之者，奏之。 二年，詔隨季選人，如無過或有功酬者，依格銓注。 有廉能及汙濫者，約量升降，呈省。 七年，命有司，自今每季求仕人到部，令本部體問，政跡出眾者，及贓汙者，申省核實以聞，約量升擢懲斷，年老者勿授縣令。 又謂宰臣曰：「隨朝官能否，大率可知。 若外路轉運司幕官以至縣令，但驗資考，其中縱有忠勤廉潔者，無路而進，是此人終身不敢望三品矣，豈進賢退不肖之道哉！ 自今通三考視其能否，以定升降為格。」 又曰：「今用人之法甚弊，其有不求聞達者，人仕雖久，不離小官，至三四十年不離七品者。 而新進者結朝貴，致顯達，此豈示激勸之道。 卿等當審於用人，以革此弊。」 時清州防禦使常德輝上言：「吏部格法，止敘年勞，是以雖有才能，拘於法而不得升，以致人材多滯下位。 又刺史縣令親民之職，多不得人，乞加體察，然後公行廉問，庶使有懼心。 且今酒稅使尚選能者，況承流宣化之官，可不擇乎？ 自今宜以能吏當任酒使者授親民之職。」 從之。 十年，上謂宰臣曰：「守令以下小官，能否不能遍知。 比聞百姓或請留者，類皆不聽。 凡小官得民悅，上官多惡之，能承事上官者，必不得民悅。 自今民願留者，許直赴部，告呈省。 遣使覆實，其績果善可超升之，如丞簿升縣令之類，以示激勸。」 二十六年，以闕官，敕：「見行格法合降資歷內，三降兩降各免一降，一降者勿降。 省令譯史合得縣令資歷內，免錄事及下縣令各一任。 密院令史三考以上者，同前免之。 台、部、宗正府、統軍司令譯史，合曆縣令任數，免下令一任。 外路右職文資諸科，合曆縣令亦免一任。 當過檢法知法，三考得錄事者，已後兩除一差。」
In Dading 1 (1161), Emperor Shizong decreed that appointments from the secondary eighth rank down no longer required imperial report. A further rule barred office-seekers from patronizing powerful households; violators lost one rank and were demoted, and any official who accepted gifts was reported to the throne. In the second year, seasonal candidates without fault or with merit compensation were to be certified under the standard regulations. The honest and capable were promoted and the corrupt were demoted as appropriate, with reports sent to the provincial office. In the seventh year, each season's office-seekers were to be vetted by their home departments when they reached the ministry; outstanding performers and the corrupt were reported to the provincial office for verification and appropriate promotion or punishment, and the elderly were not appointed county magistrates. He also told the chief ministers, "For officials attached to the capital, competence is usually plain to see. But for staff of outer-circuit transport commissions down to county magistrates, only seniority counts. Even the loyal, diligent, and incorrupt among them have no avenue of advancement and may never reach the third rank in a lifetime. How is that advancing the worthy and removing the unfit? From now on, after three performance reviews, competence should determine promotion and demotion." He added, "Today's appointments are badly flawed. Men who do not court influence may serve for decades without leaving minor posts—some stay at the seventh rank for thirty or forty years. Meanwhile newcomers attach themselves to court grandees and rise to eminence. How does that encourage merit? You must be more careful in appointments and reform this abuse." At that time Qingzhou Defense Commissioner Chang Dehui memorialized, "Ministry regulations count only years of service, so capable men are trapped by the rules and cannot advance, and talent piles up in the lower ranks. Prefects and magistrates, who work directly with the people, are often poorly chosen. I ask for closer scrutiny and open honest inspection so that officials will fear misconduct. Even wine-tax commissioners are chosen for ability today—how much more should officials who carry policy to the people be carefully selected? From now on, capable officials who would qualify as wine-tax commissioners should be assigned to posts that serve the people directly. The court approved. In the tenth year the emperor told his chief ministers, "It is impossible to know the competence of every minor official below the prefect and magistrate level. Yet when the people petition to keep a good official, their requests are usually ignored. Minor officials who please the people are often disliked by their superiors, while those who please their superiors rarely please the people. From now on, when the people wish to retain an official, let them report directly to the ministry and the provincial office. Send envoys to verify the record, and if it is genuinely good, promote the official out of turn—for example, raising a deputy or registrar to county magistrate—to encourage merit." In the twenty-sixth year, because offices stood vacant, an edict ruled that under current demotion rules, officials due for three or two demotions would each skip one step, and those due for one demotion would not be demoted. Provincial clerks and translator-scribes who qualified for county-magistrate seniority were excused one term each as registrar and as lower-grade county magistrate. Privy Council clerks with three or more performance reviews received the same exemptions. Clerks and translator-scribes of the Censorate, ministries, Imperial Clan Court, and army commands who had served the requisite terms for county magistrate were excused one term as lower magistrate. Outer-circuit right-track and civil-track candidates who had completed county-magistrate terms were also excused one term. Those who had passed legal examinations and, after three reviews, reached registrar would thereafter receive one substantive appointment for every two nominations."
3
明昌三年，上曰：「舊制，每季到部求仕人，識字者試以書判，不識字者問以疑難三事，體察言行相副者。 其令自今隨季部人並令依條試驗。」 宰執奏曰：「既體察知與所舉相同，又試中書判，若不量與升除，無以示勸。」 遂定制，若隨朝及外路六品以上官則隨長任用，外路正七品官擬升六品縣令一等除授，任滿合降者免降，從七品以下於各等資歷內減兩任擬注，以後體察相同即依已升任使，若體察不同者本等注授，若見任縣令升中上令者、並掌錢谷及丁憂去者，候解由到部。 諸局分人亦候將來出職日准上擬注。 猛安謀克擬依前提刑司保舉到升任例，施行時嘗令隨門戶減一資歷。 明昌七年，敕複令如舊。 泰和元年，上以縣令見守闕，近者十四月，遠者十六月，又以縣令丞簿員闕不相副，敕省臣：「右選官見格，散官至明威者注縣令，宣武者注丞簿，雖曾犯選格及虧永者亦注，是無別也。」 遂定制，曾犯選格及虧永者，廣威注令，明威注丞簿。 衛紹王大安元年，以縣令闕少，令初入上中下令者，與其守闕可令再注丞簿一任，俟員闕相副則當復舊。
In Mingchang 3 (1192) the emperor said, "Under the old system, seasonal office-seekers at the ministry were tested on documentary judgment if literate and questioned on three difficult cases if not, with conduct matched against words. Order that from now on all seasonal candidates at the ministry be examined under those rules." The chief executives replied, "If investigation confirms the recommendation and the candidate passes the judgment test, failure to promote appropriately would remove any incentive to excel." A standing rule followed: capital and outer-circuit officials of the sixth rank and above were appointed at their superiors' discretion; outer-circuit proper seventh-rank officials could be drafted one grade up to sixth-rank county magistrate, with demotion waived on term completion; from the secondary seventh rank down, draft nominations skipped two terms within each seniority grade; thereafter matching investigation allowed appointment at the advanced rank, while mismatched investigation meant appointment at the original grade; incumbent magistrates promoted to upper-middle magistrate, those managing revenue and grain, or those leaving for mourning waited until their discharge papers reached the ministry. Bureau staff likewise waited until their scheduled departure from clerical service before receiving draft nominations under the same rules. Meng'an and mouke units were to follow the earlier precedent of promotion through Punishments Bureau recommendation; when implemented, one seniority grade had been deducted by household. In Mingchang 7 (1196) an edict restored the earlier rule. In Taihe 1 (1201), with county magistracies vacant for fourteen months nearby and sixteen months in distant circuits, and magistrate, deputy, and registrar posts out of balance, the emperor told the provincial ministers, "Under current right-track rules, honorary ranks up to Mingwei qualify for county magistrate and Xuanwu for deputy and registrar—even men who had violated selection rules or carried perpetual faults were nominated the same way, with no distinction." A standing rule followed: men who had violated selection rules or carried perpetual faults were nominated as magistrates only at Guangwei rank and as deputies or registrars at Mingwei rank. In Da'an 1 (1209) under Emperor Weishao, because magistrate vacancies were scarce, newcomers to upper-middle magistrate who were holding a vacancy could be drafted for one more term as deputy or registrar; when posts and vacancies were again balanced, the old rule would apply.
4
宣宗貞祐二年，以播越流離，官職多闕，權命河朔諸道宣撫司得擬七品以下，尋以所注吏部不知，季放之闕多至重複，乃奏罷之。 時李英言：「兵興以來，百務煩冗，政在用人，舊雖有四善、十七最之法，而拔擢蔑聞，幾為徒設。 大定間，以監察御史及審錄官分詣諸路，考核以擬，號為得人，可依已試之效，庶幾使人自勵。」 詔從之。 三年，戶部郎中奧屯阿虎言：「諸色遷官並與女直一體，而有司不奉，妄生分別，以至上下相疑。」 詔以違制禁之。 初，宣宗之南遷也，詔吏部以秋冬于南京、春夏於中都置選，而赴調者憚於北行，率皆南來，遂並于南京設之。 三月，命汰不勝官者，令五品以上官公舉，今季赴部人內，先擇材幹者量緩急易之。 興定元年，詔有司議減冗員。 又詔，自今吏部每季銓選，差女直、漢人監察各一員監視，又盡罷前犯罪降除截罷、及承應未滿解去而複為隨處官司委使者。 又定制，權依劇縣例俱作正七品，令隨朝七品、外路六品以上職事官，舉正七品以下職事官年未六十無公私罪堪任使者，歲一人，仍令兼領樞密院彈壓之職，以鎮軍人。 凡上司不得差占及淩辱決罰。 到任半年，委巡按官體訪具申籍記。 又半年覆察，考滿日分等升用。 如六事備為上等，升職一等，四事為中等，減二資歷，其次下等減一資歷，不稱者截罷。
In Zhenyou 2 (1214) under Emperor Xuanzong, with the court displaced and offices widely vacant, pacification commissions on the Hebei frontier were temporarily allowed to draft appointments through the seventh rank; because the Ministry of Personnel was not informed, seasonal vacancy lists soon duplicated, and the arrangement was abolished on memorial. At that time Li Ying said, "Since the wars began, affairs have multiplied and good government depends on appointing the right men. The old rules of four excellences and seventeen superlatives are barely used for promotion and have become nearly meaningless. During the Dading era, censorial investigators and review officials toured the circuits to assess officials and draft nominations, with good results; that tested method should be revived so that men will strive to excel. An edict approved. In the third year, Households Bureau Director Aotun Ahu said, "Officials of every background should be treated like Jurchens when transferring posts, but the responsible offices ignore this, invent distinctions, and breed mutual suspicion. An edict forbade the practice as a violation of regulations. When Emperor Xuanzong moved south, the Ministry of Personnel was ordered to hold selection at Nanjing in autumn and winter and at Zhongdu in spring and summer; candidates feared traveling north and mostly reported to Nanjing, so selection was consolidated there. In the third month, incompetent officials were ordered removed; fifth-rank officials and above were to recommend replacements publicly; among this season's candidates at the ministry, capable men were to be chosen first and assigned according to urgency. In Xingding 1 (1217) the responsible offices were ordered to discuss cutting redundant posts. Another edict required that each seasonal ministry selection be supervised by one Jurchen and one Han inspector, and abolished officials previously demoted or dismissed for crimes, as well as attendants who left before completing their terms yet were again commissioned by local offices. Another rule, following demanding-county precedent, treated the posts as proper seventh rank; capital seventh-rank and outer-circuit sixth-rank functional officials were to recommend proper seventh-rank and below officials under sixty without offenses, one per year, who would also hold Privy Council authority to suppress disturbances and control troops. Superiors could not requisition them or insult and punish them arbitrarily. After six months in office, touring inspectors investigated and filed full reports for the registry. After another six months they were reinspected, and at term's end were promoted by grade. If all six criteria were met, upper grade meant promotion one rank; four criteria meant middle grade and reduction of two seniority steps; the next lower grade meant one seniority step down; the unfit were dismissed outright.
5
凡省選之制，自熙宗皇統八年以上京僻遠，始命詣燕京擬注，歲以為常。 貞元遷都，始罷是制。 其常調製，正七品兩任升六品，六品三任升從五品，從五品兩任升正五品，正五品三任升刺史。 凡內外官皆以三十月為考，隨朝官以三十月為任，升職一等。 自非制授，尚書選在外官，命左司移文勾取。 承安三年，始命置簿勾取。
The provincial selection system began in Huangtong 8 (1148) under Emperor Xizong, when officials from the remote upper capital were first required to travel to Yanjing for draft nominations each year. When the capital was moved in the Zhenyuan era, this rule was abolished. Under the regular-transfer system, proper seventh rank advanced to sixth after two terms; sixth rank to secondary fifth after three; secondary fifth to proper fifth after two; proper fifth to prefect after three. All inner and outer officials were reviewed every thirty months; capital-attached officials served thirty-month terms and advanced one rank on completion. Except for imperial appointments, the Director selected outer officials and ordered the Left Office to summon them by document. In Cheng'an 3 (1198) registers for summoning officials were first established.
6
大定十五年，制凡二品官及宰執樞密使不理任，每及三十月則書于貼黃，不及則附于闕滿簿。 內外三品官以五十月為任。 泰和三年，制凡文資右職官應遷三品職事者，五品以上曆五十月，六品以下及門廕雜流職事至四品以上而散官應至三品者，皆曆六十月，方許告遷。 七年，自按察使副依舊三十月理考外，內外四品以四十月理考，通八十月遷三品。 泰和八年，詔以門廕官職事至四品者甚少，自今至刺史而散官應至三品者，即許告遷三品。 此省選資考之制也。
In Dading 15 (1175) it was ruled that second-rank officials, chief ministers, and privy councilors did not count formal terms; every thirty months this was noted on the yellow slip, or otherwise recorded on the vacancy register. Inner and outer third-rank officials served fifty-month terms. In Taihe 3 (1203) civil- and right-track officials eligible for third-rank functional posts needed fifty months of service from the fifth rank up, while sixth rank and below, hereditary entrants, and those with fourth-rank functional posts but third-rank honorary rank needed sixty months before petitioning for transfer. In the seventh year, surveillance commissioner deputies still completed reviews in thirty months, but other inner and outer fourth-rank officials did so in forty months, for a total of eighty months before transfer to the third rank. In Taihe 8 (1208) an edict noted that few hereditary-entry officials reached fourth-rank functional posts; from then on those who reached prefect with honorary rank qualifying for the third rank could petition for third-rank transfer. Such was the provincial selection system of seniority and performance review.
7
世宗大定元年，上謂宰臣曰：「朕昔曆外任，不能悉知人之優劣，每除一官必以不稱職為憂。 夫薦賢乃相職，卿等其各盡乃心，勿貽笑天下。」 又曰：「凡擬注之際當為官擇人，勿徒任親舊，庶無曠官矣。」 又曰：「守令之職當擇材能，比聞近邊殘破多用年老及罪降者，是益害邊民也。 若資歷高者不當任邊遠，可取以下之才能者升授，回不復降，庶可以完複邊陲也。」 邊升之制，蓋始於此。 三年，詔監當官遷散官至三品尚任縣令者，與省除。 四年，敕隨朝六品以繁劇局分官有闕者，省不得擬注，令具闕及人以聞。 六年，制官至三品除，朝廷約量勞績歲月，特恩遷官。 七年，制內外三品官遇擬注，其曆過成考以上月日，不曾遷加，或經革撥，可於除目內備書以聞。 又敕，外路四品以上職事官、並五品合升除官，皆具闕及人以聞。 六品以下官，命尚書省擬定而複奏。 上又謂宰臣曰：「擬注外官，往往未當。 州縣之官良則政舉，否則政隳。 卿宜辨論人材，優劣參用，則遞相勉勵，庶幾成治矣。」 又曰：「從來頓舍人例為節副，今宣徽院同簽銀術可以特收頓舍，然後授以滄州同知，此亦何功，但其人有足任使，故授以同簽也。 且如自護衛、符寶、頓舍考滿者與六品五品之職，而與元苦辛特收頓舍者例除，則是不倫也。」 十年，謂宰臣曰：「凡在官者，若不為隨朝職任，便不能離常調。 若以卿等所知任使恐有滯，如驗入仕名項或廉等第用之亦可。 若不稱職，即與外除。」 十一年，上謂宰臣曰：「隨朝官多自計所曆，一考謂當得某職，兩考又當得某職，故但務因循而已。 及被差遣，又多稽違。 近除大理司直李寶為警巡使，而奏謝言'臣內曆兩考'，意謂合得五品則除六品也。 朕以此人幹事，嘗除監察御史，及為大理司直，未嘗言情見一事，由是除長官，欲視其為政，故授是職。 自今外路與內除者，察其為政公勤則升用，若但務苟簡者，不必待任滿即當依本等出之。 不明賞罰，何以示勸勉也。」 十二年，上謂宰臣曰：「朕嘗取尚書省百官行止觀之，應任刺史知軍者甚少，近獨深州同知辭不習為可，故用之。 即今居五品者皆再任當例降之人，故不可也。 護衛中有考滿者，若令出職，慮其年幼不閑政事，兼宿衛中如今日人材亦難得也。 若勒留承應，累其資考，令至正五品可乎？」 皆曰：「善。」 十六年，敕宰臣：「選調擬注之際，須引外路求仕人，引至尚書省堂量材受職。」 二十一年，謂宰臣曰：「海陵時，與人本官太濫，今複太隘，令散官小者奏之。」 二十四年，以舊資考太滯，命各減一任，臨時量人材、辛苦、資歷、年甲，以次奏稟。
In Dading 1 (1161) Emperor Shizong told his chief ministers, "When I served in the provinces I could not know every man's worth, and every appointment made me fear I had chosen someone unfit. Recommending worthy men is a chancellor's duty. Give your full effort and do not make the empire a laughingstock." He added, "When drafting nominations, choose men for the office, not merely kin and old friends, so that posts will not stand empty." He also said, "Prefects and magistrates should be chosen for ability. I hear the ravaged frontier is staffed with the elderly and men demoted for crimes, which only harms the border people further. Men of high seniority should not serve on distant frontiers; promote capable men from lower ranks instead, and do not demote them on return, so that the borderlands may be restored. The frontier-promotion system began here. In the third year, supervisory officials whose honorary rank had reached the third rank while still serving as county magistrates were to receive provincial appointments instead. In the fourth year, when demanding bureau posts held by capital sixth-rank officials and above stood vacant, the provincial office could not draft nominations but had to report the vacancies and available men. In the sixth year, when officials reached third rank for dismissal, the court weighed merit and length of service for special-grace promotion. In the seventh year, when third-rank officials were drafted for nomination, months beyond completed reviews without promotion, or time after reorganization, were to be recorded fully in the appointment roster and reported. Another edict required outer-circuit fourth-rank functional officials and above, and fifth-rank officials due for promotion or dismissal, to report vacancies and candidates. Officials of the sixth rank and below were drafted by the provincial office and then resubmitted for approval. The emperor again told his chief ministers, "Draft nominations for provincial officials are often inappropriate. Good prefectural and county officials raise government; bad ones ruin it. You should assess men's talents and employ the strong and weak together so they encourage one another, and good governance may be achieved." He also said, "Lodging attendants were usually made military commissioners' deputies. Now Palace Attendant Office co-signer Yintu was specially allowed to take lodging attendants and then appointed Cangzhou vice commissioner. What merit was that? Yet the man was capable, so he received the co-signer post. Guards, talisman vault staff, and lodging attendants who complete their reviews receive fifth- and sixth-rank posts, while men who suffered hardship to become lodging attendants receive routine appointments—that is inconsistent." In the tenth year he told his chief ministers, "Officials who do not take capital functional posts cannot escape the regular transfer track. If relying only on men you know risks stagnation, you may also use entry records or integrity grades. If they prove unfit, assign them to provincial posts instead." In the eleventh year the emperor told his chief ministers, "Capital officials mostly count their own seniority—after one review they expect a certain post, after two another—and therefore do only the minimum. When dispatched on missions, they often delay and disobey. Recently Li Bao, Direct Clerk of the Court of Judicial Review, was appointed patrol commissioner, yet in his thanks he said, "I have completed two inner reviews," meaning he thought he deserved the fifth rank but received the sixth. I consider him capable. He once served as censorial investigator, and as Direct Clerk he never once pressed personal claims or handled a case on his own. I appointed him chief to see how he would govern, and gave him this post for that reason. From now on, for provincial and capital appointments, promote those who govern fairly and diligently; those who merely coast need not wait for term's end but should be released at their original grade. Without clear rewards and punishments, how can we encourage merit?" In the twelfth year the emperor told his chief ministers, "I once reviewed the conduct records of all provincial officials; few were fit for prefect or army command. Recently only Shenzhou Vice Commissioner Ci Buxi was acceptable, so I appointed him. Those now at the fifth rank are all serving second terms and due for routine demotion, so they will not do. Some guards have completed their reviews; if sent out to office, I fear they are young and unfamiliar with government, and talent in the palace guard is hard to find today. If they were kept as attendants and their seniority accumulated until they reached the proper fifth rank, would that work?" All said, "Excellent." In the sixteenth year the chief ministers were ordered, "When selecting and drafting nominations, outer-circuit office-seekers must be brought to the provincial office hall to have their talents assessed and receive appointments." In the twenty-first year he told his chief ministers, "Under Emperor Hailing, appointments to original offices were too loose; now they are too tight. Let men with lower honorary ranks be reported to the throne." In the twenty-fourth year, because old seniority rules were too rigid, each official's required terms were reduced by one; talent, hardship, seniority, and age were to be weighed case by case and reported in order.
8
章宗大定二十九年，定制，自正七品而上皆以兩任而後升。 明昌四年，以前制有職官已帶三品者不許告遷，有司因之不舉，以致無由遷敘。 上慮其滯，遂定制，已帶三品散官寶曆五十月，從有司照勘，格前進官一階，格後為始再算。 五年，命宰臣擬注之際，召赴選人與之語，以觀其人。 六年，命隨朝五品之要職，及外路三品官，皆具人闕進呈，以聽制授。 七年，敕隨朝除授必欲至三十月，如有急闕，則具闕及人奏稟。 尋複令，不須待考滿後，當通算其所曆而已。 承安四年，敕宰臣曰：「凡除授，恐未盡當。 今無門下省，雖有給事中而無封駁司，若設之，使於擬奏未受時詳審得當，然後授之可也。」 乃立審官院，凡所送令詳審者，以五日內奏或申省。 承安五年，以六品、從五品闕少，敕命曆三任正七品而後升六品。 泰和元年，諭旨宰臣曰：「凡遇急闕，與其用資歷未及之人，何如止起複丁憂舊人也。」 命內外官通算，合得升等而少十五月者，依舊在職補足，而後升除，或有餘月日以後積算。 遇闕而無相應人，則以資歷近者奏稟。 二年，命少五月以下者本任補，六月至十四月者本任或別除補之。 是制既行之後，至六年，以一例遞升複恐太濫，命量材續稟。 衛紹王大安元年，定文資本職出身內，有至一品職事官應遷一品散官者，實曆五十月方許告遷。 二品三品職事官應告本品循遷者，亦曆五十月，不得過本品外。 四品以下職事官如遷三品者，亦曆五十月，止許告遷三品一資。 六品以下職事官曆六十月告遷，帶至三品更不許告。 犯選格者皆不許。 如已至三品以上職事者，六十月亦聽。 凡遷三品官資及致仕並橫遷三品者，則具行止以聞。 四品則六十月告遷，雜班則否。 宣宗興定元年，徒單頑僧言：「兵興以來，恩命數出，以勞進階者比年尤多。 賤職下僚散官或至極品，名器之輕莫此為甚。 自今非親王子及職一品，餘人雖散官至一品乞皆不許封公。 若已封者，雖不追奪其儀衛，亦當降從二品之制。」 從之。
In Dading 29 (1189) under Emperor Zhangzong, a rule fixed that all officials from the proper seventh rank up advanced only after two terms. In Mingchang 4 (1193), an old rule barred functional officials who already held third-rank honorary titles from petitioning for transfer; the responsible offices therefore stopped recommending them, leaving no path for advancement. Fearing stagnation, the emperor fixed a rule: officials who already held third-rank honorary titles, after fifty actual months verified by the responsible offices, advanced one rank step under the old scale and began counting anew under the new scale. In the fifth year, when chief ministers drafted nominations, they were to summon candidates and speak with them to assess their character. In the sixth year, important capital fifth-rank posts and outer-circuit third-rank offices were to be submitted with lists of candidates and vacancies for imperial appointment. In the seventh year, an edict required capital appointments to run thirty months; urgent vacancies were to be reported with lists of candidates. Soon it was ordered that officials need not wait for review completion but should have their total seniority calculated. In Cheng'an 4 (1199) the chief ministers were ordered, "I fear our appointments are not always appropriate. There is no Gate Department now; although there are supervisory attendants, there is no office to seal and rebut memorials. If such an office were created to scrutinize draft nominations before approval, appointments would be more reliable." The Review-of-Officials Office was established; all orders sent for detailed review were to be reported to the throne or the provincial office within five days. In Cheng'an 5 (1200), because sixth-rank and secondary fifth-rank vacancies were scarce, officials were required to serve three terms at proper seventh rank before advancing to sixth rank. In Taihe 1 (1201) the chief ministers were instructed, "When urgent vacancies arise, rather than appointing men whose seniority is insufficient, why not recall former officials who have completed mourning?" Inner and outer officials were to have seniority calculated comprehensively; those eligible for promotion but short by fifteen months would complete the time in their current posts before advancement; surplus months would count toward later promotion. When vacancies arose with no fully qualified candidate, the nearest in seniority was reported. In the second year, those short by five months or less completed the time in their current post; those short six to fourteen months did so in their current post or another appointment. After this system had run six years, uniform stepwise promotion was feared too lax, and talent was again to be weighed case by case. In Da'an 1 (1209) under Emperor Weishao, civil-track officials who reached first-rank functional posts and sought first-rank honorary rank required fifty actual months before petitioning. Second- and third-rank functional officials seeking routine transfer within their rank also needed fifty months and could not advance beyond their rank. Fourth-rank functional officials and below seeking third rank also needed fifty months and could petition for only one grade step within the third rank. Sixth-rank functional officials and below petitioned after sixty months; once they held third-rank honorary rank, further petitions were barred. Those who had violated selection regulations were barred. Those already in third-rank functional posts or above were also allowed to petition after sixty months. Transfers to third-rank seniority, retirement, and lateral transfers to the third rank all required submission of conduct records. Fourth-rank officials petitioned after sixty months; miscellaneous ranks did not. In Xingding 1 (1217) under Emperor Xuanzong, Toudan Wanseng said, "Since the wars began, grace appointments have multiplied, and merit promotions in recent years are especially numerous. Men in humble posts sometimes reach the highest honorary ranks—never has the devaluation of office titles been worse. From now on, except imperial princes and first-rank functional officials, no one should be enfeoffed as duke even if honorary rank reached the first grade. Those already enfeoffed, though not stripped of ceremonial guards, should be reduced to secondary second-rank protocol. The court approved.
9
凡選監察御史，尚書省具才能者疏名進呈，以聽制授。 任滿，御史台奏其能否，仍視其所察公事具書于解由，以送尚書省。 如所察事皆無謬戾為稱職，則有升擢。 庸常者臨期取旨，不稱者降除，任未滿者不許改除。 大定二十七年前，嘗令六十以上者為之。 後，台官以年老者多廢事為言，乃敕尚書省於六品七品內取六十以下廉幹者備選。 二十九年，令台官得自辟舉。 明昌三年，複命尚書省擬注，每一闕則具三人或五人之名，取旨授之。 承安三年，敕監察給由必經部而後呈省。 泰和四年，制以給由具所察事之大小多寡定其優劣。 八年，定制，事有失糾察者以怠慢治罪。 貞祐二年，定制以所察大事至五、小事至十為稱職，數不及且無切務者為庸常，數內有二事不實者為不稱職。 四年，命台官辟舉，以名申省，定其可否。
Censorial investigators were chosen when the provincial office memorialized capable men by name for imperial appointment. On term completion the Censorate reported their competence and recorded the cases they had investigated in the discharge certificate sent to the provincial office. If their investigations were free of error, they were deemed competent and promoted. Mediocre performers awaited imperial decision at term's end; the unfit were demoted or dismissed; those whose terms were incomplete could not be reassigned. Before Dading 27 (1187), the post had been limited to men sixty and older. Later censorial officials reported that elderly appointees often neglected their duties, and the provincial office was ordered to select honest, capable men under sixty from the sixth and seventh ranks as reserves. In the twenty-ninth year, censorial officials were allowed to recommend candidates themselves. In Mingchang 3 (1192) the provincial office again drafted nominations, listing three or five names per vacancy for imperial appointment. In Cheng'an 3 (1198) censorial discharge certificates were required to pass through the ministry before reaching the provincial office. In Taihe 4 (1204) discharge certificates were to list investigated cases by size and number to determine the investigator's rating. In the eighth year a rule fixed that failure to investigate and correct cases was punished as negligence. In Zhenyou 2 (1214) a rule fixed that five major cases or ten minor cases made an investigator competent; fewer cases with no urgent matters meant mediocrity; two false cases within the count meant incompetence. In the fourth year censorial officials recommended candidates by name to the provincial office for approval.
10
廉察之制，始見於海陵時，故正隆二年六月有廉能官複與差除之令。 大定三年，命廉到廉能官第一等進官一階升一等，其次約量注授。 汙濫官第一等殿三年降二等，次二年，又次一年，皆降一等。 詔廉問猛安謀克，廉能者第一等遷兩官，其次遷一官。 汙濫者第一等決杖百，罷去，擇其兄弟代之。 第二等杖八十，第三等杖七十，皆令複職。 蒲輦決則罷去，永不補差。 八年，省臣奏御史中丞移剌道所廉之官，上曰：「職官多貪污，以致罪廢，其餘亦有因循以苟歲月者。 今所察能實可甄獎，若即與升除，恐無以慰民愛留之意，且可遷加，候秩滿日升除。」 十年正月，上謂宰臣曰：「今天下州縣之職多闕員，朕欲不限資歷用人，何以遍知其能。 擬欲遣使廉問，又慮擾民而未得其真。 若令行辟舉之法，複恐久則生弊。 不若選人暗察明廉，如其相同，然後升黜之，何如？」 宰臣曰：「當如聖訓。」 十一年，奏所廉善惡官，上曰：「罪重者遣官就治，所犯細微者蓋不能禁制妻拏耳，其誡勵而釋之。 凡廉能官，四品以下委官覆實，同則升擢。 三品以上以聞，朕自處之。」 時陳言者有雲：「每三年委宰執一員廉問者。」 上以大臣出則郡縣動搖，誰複敢行事者。 今默察明問之制，蓋得其中矣。 又謂宰臣曰：「朕以欲遍知天下官吏善惡，故每使採訪，其被升黜者多矣，宜知勸也。 若常設訪察，恐任非其人以之生弊，是以姑罷之。」 皆曰：「是官不設，何以知官吏之善惡也？」 左丞相良弼曰：「自今臣等盡心親察之。」 上曰：「宜加詳，勿使名實淆混。」 十二年，以同知城陽軍山和尚等清強，上曰：「此輩，暗察明訪皆著政聲。 夫賞罰必信，則善者勸、惡者懼，此道久行庶可得人也。 其第其政績旌賞之。」 三月，詔贓官既已被廉，若仍舊在職必複害民，其遣驛使遍詣諸道，即日罷之。 大定二十八年，制以閣門祗候、筆硯承奏、奉職、妃護衛，東宮入殿小底，宗室郎君，王府郎君、省郎君，始以選試才能用之，不須體察。 內藏本把、不入殿小底、與入殿小底、及知把書畫，則亦不體察。
The honest-inspection system first appeared under Emperor Hailing; hence the Zhenglong 2 (1157) order to reassign honest and capable officials. In Dading 3 (1163) first-grade honest and capable officials found by inspectors were promoted one rank step and one grade; others received appropriate draft appointments. First-grade corrupt officials were detained three years and demoted two grades; second-grade two years and one grade down; third-grade one year and one grade down. An edict ordered honest inspection of meng'an and mouke units; first-grade honest and capable leaders advanced two offices, the next grade one office. First-grade corrupt leaders were sentenced to one hundred strokes, dismissed, and replaced by a brother. Second-grade offenders received eighty strokes and third-grade seventy, and all were ordered back to office. If the council ruled against them, they were dismissed and never reassigned. In the eighth year provincial ministers reported the officials investigated by Censor-in-Chief Yila Dao. The emperor said, "Most officials are corrupt and end up dismissed for crimes; the rest merely coast through their terms. Those found truly capable deserve reward, but immediate promotion might disappoint the people who wish to keep them. For now they may receive rank advancement and promotion or dismissal when their terms end." In the first month of the tenth year the emperor told his chief ministers, "Prefectural and county posts stand vacant across the empire. I wish to appoint without seniority limits—how can I know every man's ability? I consider sending envoys for honest inspection, yet fear disturbing the people and still not learning the truth. If we rely on recommendation, I fear abuses will arise over time. Better to have selected men investigate secretly and inquire openly, and promote or demote when the results match—what do you think?" The chief ministers said, "We shall follow Your Majesty's instruction." In the eleventh year good and bad officials from inspection were reported. The emperor said, "Send officials to punish serious crimes on the spot; for minor offenses they probably could not control their households—admonish and release them. Honest and capable officials of the fourth rank and below were to be verified by commissioned officials and promoted if confirmed. Third rank and above were to be reported to me for my own decision." Some memorialists suggested commissioning one chief minister every three years for honest inspection." The emperor replied that when great ministers tour the circuits, prefectures and counties are thrown into turmoil and no one dares govern normally. The present system of secret investigation and open inquiry strikes the right balance. He again told his chief ministers, "Because I wish to know the character of officials everywhere, I constantly send investigators. Many have been promoted or demoted—they should take the hint. Permanent investigators might be the wrong men and breed abuses, so for now the system is suspended." All said, "Without such an office, how can we know which officials are good or bad?" Left Chancellor Liang Bi said, "From now on we shall investigate personally with all our effort." The emperor said, "Be thorough and do not confuse reputation with reality." In the twelfth year, because Chengyang Army Vice Commissioner Shan Heshang and others were honest and forceful, the emperor said, "These men earned outstanding reputations in both secret investigation and open inquiry. When rewards and punishments are reliable, the good are encouraged and the bad fear. If this practice continues, worthy men may be found. Grade their administrative achievements and reward them." In the third month an edict ruled that corrupt officials already exposed by inspection, if left in office, would harm the people again; courier envoys were sent to every circuit to dismiss them immediately. In Dading 28 (1188) gate attendants, memorial presenters, ceremonial attendants, consort guards, Eastern Palace attendants, imperial clan gentlemen, princely household gentlemen, and provincial gentlemen were first chosen by ability tests without investigation. Inner-storehouse custodians, non-hall and hall attendants, and custodians of calligraphy and painting were likewise exempt from investigation.
11
明昌三年，以所廉察則有清廉之聲，而政績則平常者，敕命不降注。 以石仲淵等四人，雖清廉為百姓所喜，而複有行事邀順人情之語，則與公正廉能人不同，敕命降注。 凡治績平常者，奪元舉官俸一月。 四年，上曰：「凡被舉者，或先選者不同，其後為人再舉而察者同，或先察者同，而後察者不同，當何以處之？ 其議可久通行無窒之術以聞。」 省臣奏曰：「保舉與體察不一者，可除不相攝提刑司境內職事，再令體察，如果同則依格用，不同則還本資歷。」 時有議「凡當舉人之官，歲限以數，減資注受者。」 是日，省臣並奏，以謂如此恐滋久長求請僥倖之弊。 遂擬：「被舉官如體察相同，隨常升用，不如所舉者元舉官約量降除。 如自囑求舉，或因勢要及為人請囑而舉之者，各追一官，受賄者以枉法論，體察官亦同此。 歲舉不限數，不舉不坐罪，但不如所舉則有降罰，如此則必不敢濫舉，而實材可得。」 上曰：「是可止作條理，施行一二年，當別思其法。」 承安四年，以按察司不兼採訪，遂罷平倒別路除授之制。 泰和元年，定制，自第一等闕外，第二等闕滿，合注縣令者升上令，少一任與中令，少二任與下令，少三任以上者與錄事軍防判，仍減一資，注令。 少五任以上者注丞簿。 第三等任滿，合注縣令者升中令，少一任與下令，少二任以上者與錄事防判，亦減一資，注令。 少四任以上者並注丞簿。 已入縣令者，秩滿日與上令，仍依各等資考內通減兩任呈省。 已任七品、六品者減一資注授，經保充縣令，明問相同，依資考不待滿升除，見隨朝者考滿升注，既升除後將來覆察公正廉能者不降。 宣宗南遷，嘗以御史巡察。 興定元年，以縣官或非材，監察御史一過不能備知，遂令每歲兩遣監察御史巡察，仍別選官巡訪，以行黜陟之政。 哀宗正大元年，設司農司，自卿而下迭出巡察吏治臧否，以升黜之。
In Mingchang 3 (1192) officials with reputations for honesty but only ordinary achievements were ordered not to receive demoted nominations. Shi Zhongyuan and four others, though honest and popular with the people, had been reported as courting popular sentiment in their conduct and differed from truly upright officials; they received demoted nominations. For ordinary administrative performance, the original recommender's salary was withheld for one month. In the fourth year the emperor said, "When a recommended official's first selection differs from a later recommendation that investigation confirms, or early investigation matches but later investigation differs, how should we proceed? Discuss methods that can be applied long term without obstruction and report." Provincial ministers reported, "When recommendation and investigation disagree, remove the official from a post in a non-overlapping Punishments Bureau jurisdiction and investigate again; if results match, appoint under the regulations; if not, return him to his original seniority." At that time some proposed annual quotas for recommending officials, with reduced seniority for those who drafted appointments." That day provincial ministers memorialized that such a rule would breed long-term favor-seeking and opportunism. They drafted a rule: if investigation confirmed the recommendation, promote normally; if not, demote the original recommender as appropriate. Self-solicited recommendations, recommendations through powerful connections, or recommendations at others' request each cost one rank; bribe-takers were prosecuted for bending the law, and investigating officials faced the same penalties. Annual recommendations were unlimited and failure to recommend unpunished, but false recommendations brought demotion—so officials would not recommend recklessly and real talent could be found." The emperor said, "Make this into regulations for a year or two, then reconsider the method." In Cheng'an 4 (1199), because surveillance commissions no longer also conducted investigations, the system of balanced transfers and appointments across circuits was abolished. In Taihe 1 (1201) a rule fixed that beyond first-grade vacancies, when second-grade vacancies were full, those qualifying for county magistrate became upper magistrate; one term short meant middle magistrate; two terms short lower magistrate; three or more terms short meant registrar or military defense judge, with one seniority grade deducted, nominated as magistrate. Those five or more terms short were nominated as deputy or registrar. On third-grade term completion, those qualifying for county magistrate became middle magistrate; one term short meant lower magistrate; two or more terms short meant registrar or defense judge, with one seniority grade deducted, nominated as magistrate. Those four or more terms short were all nominated as deputy or registrar. Incumbent county magistrates received upper magistrate on rank completion, with two terms deducted within each seniority grade and reported to the provincial office. Incumbent seventh- and sixth-rank officials received appointments with one seniority grade deducted; those guaranteed as county magistrates, if open inquiry confirmed, were promoted by seniority without waiting for term completion; capital officials were promoted on review completion; after promotion, those later found fair and capable were not demoted. When Emperor Xuanzong moved south, censors were sent on inspection tours. In Xingding 1 (1217), because county officials might be unqualified, one censorial pass could not reveal everything; two censorial inspection tours were ordered each year, with separately selected officials on circuit visits, to carry out promotions and demotions. In Zhengda 1 (1224) under Emperor Aizong, the Directorate of Agriculture was established; from the director down its officials rotated on inspection tours to assess officials and promote or demote them.
12
舉薦。 大定二年，詔隨朝六品、外路五品以上官，各舉廉能官一員。 三年，定制，若察得所舉相同者，即議旌除。 若聲跡穢濫，所舉官約量降罰。 九年，上曰：「朕思得忠廉之臣，與之共治，故嘗命五品以上各舉所知，於今數年矣！ 以天下之大，豈無其人？ 由在上者知而不舉也。」 參知政事魏子平奏曰：「可令當舉官者，每任須舉一人，視其當否以為旌賞。」 上曰：「一任舉一人，則人材或難，恐涉於濫。 又少有所犯則罪舉者，故人益畏而不敢舉。 宋國被舉之官有犯罪者，所舉官雖宰執亦不免降黜，若有能名，則被遷賞。 且人情始慕進，故多廉慎，既得任用，或失所守。 宰執自掌黜陟之權，豈可因所舉而置罪耶？」 左丞相紇石列良弼曰：「已申前令，命舉之矣。」 十年，上曰：「舉人之法，若定三品官當舉幾人，是使小官皆諂媚於上也。 惟任滿詢察前政，則得人矣。」 十一年，上謂宰臣曰：「昨觀貼黃，五品以下官多闕，而難於得人。 凡三品以上，朕則自知，五品以下，不能盡識，卿等曾無一言見舉者。 國家之務，朕豈能獨盡哉！ 蓋嘗思之，欲畫久安之計，興百姓之利，而無良輔佐，雖有所行皆尋常事耳。」 十九年，時朝廷既取民所譽望之官而升遷之，後，上以隨路之民赴都舉請者，往往無廉能之實，多為所使而來沽名者，不須舉行。
Recommendation. In Dading 2 (1162) capital sixth-rank and outer-circuit fifth-rank officials and above were each ordered to recommend one honest and capable official. In the third year a rule fixed that when investigation confirmed a recommendation, commendation and appointment were discussed. If a nominee's reputation and conduct proved corrupt or abusive, the recommending official was appropriately demoted and punished. In the ninth year the Emperor said: "I want loyal and honest officials to help me govern; I once ordered fifth-rank officials and above to recommend people they knew—and years have passed! In an empire this vast, surely such people exist? The fault lies with those above who know good candidates but fail to recommend them." Assistant Administrator Wei Ziping proposed that officials obliged to recommend must nominate one person per term, with commendation or reward depending on whether the choice proved sound. The Emperor replied: "Requiring one recommendation per term would strain the supply of talent and invite indiscriminate nominations. Further, when nominees commit even minor offenses the recommender is punished, so officials grow afraid and stop recommending. In the Song, when a recommended official committed a crime even the recommender—a chief minister—was demoted; only those with a proven record of good recommendations were promoted. Besides, people are careful and honest when seeking advancement, but once appointed some fail to maintain their standards. Chief ministers control promotions and demotions themselves—how can they be punished for a nominee's misconduct?" Left Grand Chancellor Heishilie Liangbi said: "We have already reissued the prior order commanding officials to recommend." In the tenth year the Emperor said: "Fixing how many nominees each third-rank official must submit would only make junior officials flatter their superiors. What works is reviewing a predecessor's record at the end of one's term—that is how you find good people." In the eleventh year he told his chief ministers: "Yesterday's memorial showed many vacancies below the fifth rank, yet good candidates are hard to find. I know everyone third rank and above myself; below the fifth rank I cannot know them all—yet not one of you has offered a recommendation. I cannot manage the state alone! I want lasting stability and prosperity for the people, but without capable helpers everything we do stays ordinary." In the nineteenth year, after the court had already promoted officials praised by the populace, the Emperor found that petitioners from the circuits who came to the capital often lacked real integrity and ability—many were merely agents seeking fame—and such petitions were no longer to be acted upon.
13
章宗大定二十九年，上以選舉十事，命奉禦合魯諭尚書省定擬。
In Dading 29 (1189), under Emperor Zhangzong, the Emperor set forth ten points on official selection and ordered Palace Attendant Helu to have the provincial office draft regulations.
14
其一曰：「舊格，進士、軍功最高，尚且初除丞簿，第五任縣令升正七品，兩任正七品升六品，三任六品升從五品，兩任從五升正五品，正五三任而後升刺史，計四十餘年始得至刺史也，其他資格出職者可知矣。 拘於資格之滯，至於如此，其令提刑司採訪可用之才，減資考而用之，庶使可用者不至衰老。」 省臣遂擬，凡三任升者減為兩任，於此資歷內，遇各品闕多，則于第二任未滿人內，選人材、苦辛可以超用者，及外路提刑司所採訪者，升擢之。
First: "Under the old rules, even top jinshi graduates and holders of military merit started as registrar or assistant magistrate; only after five terms as county magistrate could one reach regular seventh rank, and it took more than forty years to become a prefect. Other career paths were similarly slow. Bound by rigid seniority rules, promotion took decades; the Punishments Bureau should seek out capable talent and appoint them with reduced seniority requirements so able people are not wasted by old age." The provincial ministers proposed reducing three-term promotions to two terms; when vacancies were numerous, officials in their second incomplete term who showed talent and hardship, or those scouted by outer-circuit Punishments Bureaus, could be promoted ahead of schedule.
15
其二曰：「舊格，隨朝苦辛驗資考升除者，任滿回日一而複降之。 如正七滿回降除從七品，從五品回降為六品之類。 今若其人果才能，可為免降。」 尚書吏部遂擬，今隨朝考滿，遷除外路五品以下職事，並應驗考次職滿有才能者，以本官任滿已前十五月以上、二十月以內，察訪保結呈省。
Second: "Under the old rules, capital-attached officials who earned promotion through verified hardship were demoted one step when their term ended and they returned to the capital. For example, upon completing a term at regular seventh rank one returned at secondary seventh; upon completing secondary fifth one returned at sixth rank. If the official is truly capable, the demotion may be waived." The Ministry of Personnel proposed that capital-attached officials completing their examinations and transferring to outer-circuit posts below fifth rank, if talented, could within fifteen to twenty months before term's end be investigated, certified by guarantors, and submitted to the provincial office to waive demotion.
16
其三曰：「隨路提刑所訪廉能之官，就令定其堪任職事，從宜遷注。」
Third: "Honest and capable officials identified by circuit Punishments Bureaus should be assigned to suitable posts as appropriate."
17
其四曰：「從來宰相不得與求仕官相見，如此何由知天下人材優劣。 其許相見，以訪才能。」 尚書刑部謂：「在制，求仕官不得於私第謁見達官，違者追一官降等奏除。 若有求請饋遺，則以奏聞，仍委御史糾察。」 上遂命削此制。
Fourth: "Prime ministers have traditionally been barred from meeting office-seekers—under such rules how can they know who is qualified? They should be permitted to meet candidates in order to assess talent." The Ministry of Justice noted the existing rule that office-seekers must not call on high officials at private residences; violators lost a rank, were demoted, and reported for dismissal. Any solicitation or gifts were to be reported, with censors assigned to investigate. The Emperor ordered this regulation repealed.
18
其五曰：「舊時，臣下雖知親友有可用者，皆欲遠嫌而不引薦。 古者舉賢不避親仇，如祁奚舉仇，仁傑舉子，崔祐甫除吏八百皆親故也。 其令五品以上官，各舉所知幾人，違者加以蔽賢之罪。」 吏部議，內外五品以上職事官，每歲保廉能官一人。 外路五品，隨朝六品願舉者聽。 若不如所舉者，各約量降罰。 今擬賢而不舉者，亦當約量降罰。
Fifth: "Officials who knew capable friends and relatives often avoided recommending them for fear of appearing partial. Antiquity knew no such scruple: Qi Xi recommended his enemy, Di Renjie recommended his son, and Cui Youfu appointed eight hundred relatives and associates. Let each official fifth rank and above recommend those they know; failure to do so is the crime of concealing talent." The Ministry of Personnel proposed that inner and outer functional officials fifth rank and above each year guarantee one honest and capable official. Outer-circuit fifth-rank and capital-attached sixth-rank officials might recommend if they chose. If nominees did not match their recommendation, the guarantor was appropriately demoted and punished. It was also proposed that officials who failed to recommend worthy people they knew should be appropriately punished.
19
其六曰：「前代官到任之後，即舉可自代者，其令自今五品以上官，舉自代以備交承。」 吏部按《唐會要》，建中元年赦文，文武常參官外，節度、觀察、防禦、軍使、刺史、赤令、畿令、並七品以上清官，大理司直評事，受命之三日，于四方館上表，讓一人以自代，外官則馳驛奏聞。 表付中書門下，每官闕即以所舉多者量授。 今擬內外官五品以上到任，須舉所知才行官一員以自代。 太傅、丞相、平章謂：「自古人材難得，若令舉以自代，恐濫而不得實材。」 參政謂：「自代非謂即令代其人也，止類姓名，取所舉多者約量授之爾，此蓋舜官相讓，《周官》推賢之遺意。」 上以參政所言與吏部同，從之。
Sixth: "Previous dynasties required new appointees to nominate a successor; from now on officials fifth rank and above should nominate replacements to ensure orderly succession." The Ministry cited the Tang Huiyao: under the Jianzhong amnesty, officials from military commissioners down to seventh-rank "pure" officials and judicial reviewers had three days after appointment to submit at the Four Directions Hostel a memorial nominating a replacement; outer officials reported by dispatch courier. Memorials went to the Secretariat; when a vacancy opened, the most frequently nominated candidate was appointed. It was proposed that all inner and outer officials fifth rank and above, upon taking office, must nominate one capable official they knew as their replacement. The Grand Preceptor, Grand Chancellor, and associate administrators objected: "Talent has always been scarce; requiring self-replacement nominations risks flooding the lists with unqualified names." An associate administrator replied: "Self-replacement does not mean immediate succession—it means registering names so that the most frequently nominated can be appointed; this follows the ancient tradition of mutual recommendation from the Zhou Offices." The Emperor agreed with the associate administrator and the Ministry, and approved.
20
其七曰：「隨朝、外路長官，一任之內足知僚屬之能否，每任可令舉幾人。」 吏部擬，今內外五品以上職事官長，于僚屬內須舉才能官一人，數外舉者聽。
Seventh: "Capital-attached and outer-circuit chiefs know their subordinates' abilities within one term; each term they should recommend several." The Ministry proposed that chiefs among fifth-rank functional officials and above must recommend one talented subordinate, with additional nominations permitted.
21
其八曰：「人才隨色有之，監臨諸物料及草澤隱逸之士，不無人材，宜薦舉用之。」 吏部擬，監臨諸物料內，以外路五品、隨朝六品以上，舉廉能者，直言所長，移文轉申省，差官察訪得實，隨材任使。 草澤隱逸，當遍下司縣，以提刑司察訪呈省。 隨色人材，令內外五品以上職官薦之。
Eighth: "Talent appears in every walk of life—warehouse overseers, recluses in the countryside; such people should be recommended and employed." The Ministry proposed that outer-circuit fifth-rank and capital-attached sixth-rank officials recommend honest, capable warehouse overseers, state their strengths, submit reports to the provincial office, and after investigation appoint them as their talents warranted. For reclusive scholars, orders should go to all counties for the Punishments Bureau to investigate and report to the provincial office. Officials fifth rank and above inside and outside the capital should recommend talent from every category.
22
其九曰：「親軍出職，內有尤長武藝，勇敢過人者，其令內外官舉、提刑司察，如資考高者，可參注沿邊刺史、同知、縣令。」 吏部擬，若依本格資歷，恐妨才能，若舉察得實者，依本格減一資歷擬注。 尚書省擬，依旨升品擬注。
Ninth: "Among veterans of the Imperial Guard are men of exceptional martial skill and bravery; inner and outer officials should recommend them and the Punishments Bureau investigate; those with sufficient seniority may be considered for frontier prefect, vice-prefect, or county magistrate." The Ministry proposed that rigid seniority rules could block talent; verified recommendations could receive registration with one rank of seniority waived. The provincial office proposed elevation in rank for verified candidates.
23
其十曰：「內外官所薦人材，即依所舉試之，委提刑司採訪虛實，若果能稱職，更加遷擢，如或碌碌，即送常調。 古者進賢受上賞，進不肖有罰，其立定賞罰條格，庶使人不敢徇私也。」 省臣議，隨款各欲舉人，則一人內所舉不下五七人。 自古知人為難，人材亦自難得，限數多則猥避責罰、務苟簡，不副聖主求賢之意。 擬以前項各款，隨色能舉一人，即充歲舉之數。 如此則不濫，而實材得矣。 每歲貢人數，尚書省覆察相同，則置簿籍之，如有闕則當隨材奏擬。
Tenth: "Recommended talent should be tested as proposed; the Punishments Bureau should verify credentials; the capable should be further promoted, the mediocre returned to ordinary career tracks. In antiquity recommending the worthy brought great rewards and recommending the unworthy brought punishment; fixed rules of reward and punishment would deter favoritism." The provincial ministers noted that under each item officials might nominate five to seven people each. Knowing people has always been difficult, and talent is scarce; high quotas would encourage perfunctory lists that defeat the purpose of seeking talent. It was proposed that one successful nomination in any category would count toward the annual quota. This would avoid indiscriminate nominations while securing real talent. The provincial office would review and register annual nominations; vacancies would be filled with suitable candidates as appropriate.
24
宣宗興定元年，令隨朝七品、外路六品以上職事官，舉正七品以下職事官年未六十、不犯贓，堪任使者一人。 三年，定辟舉縣令制。 稱職，則元舉官減一資歷。 中平，約量升除。 不稱，罰俸一月。 犯免官，免所居官。 及官當私罪解任、杖罪、贓汙者，約量降除。 汙贓至徒以上及除名者，一任不理資考。 三品以上舉縣令，稱職者約量升除，不稱奪俸一月。 若被舉者犯免官等罪，奪俸兩月。 贓汙至徒以上及除名者，奪俸三月，獄成，而會赦原者，亦原之。 五年，制辟舉縣令考平者，元舉者不得複舉，他人舉之者聽。 又舊制，保舉縣令秩滿之後，以六事論升降，三事以下減一資歷，四事減兩資歷，六事皆備則升職一等。 既而御史張升卿言：「進士中下甲及第人、及監官至明威當入縣丞主簿，而三事以下減一資歷注下令，四事減注中令，令皆七品也，若複八品矣。 輕重相戾，宜更定之。」 遂定制，自今四事以下如前條，六事完者，進士中下甲及第、監官當入縣丞主簿人，減三資歷，注上令。 餘出身者亦同此。 任二十月以上，雖未秩滿，若以理去官，六事之跡已經覆察，論升如秩滿例。 五年，以舉官或私其親，或徇於請求，或謬於鑒裁而妄舉，數歲之間以濫去者九十餘人，乃罷辟舉縣令之制。 至哀宗正大元年，乃立法，命監察御史、司農司官，先訪察隨朝七品、外路六品以上官，清慎明潔可為舉主者，然後移文使舉所知，仍以六事課殿最，而升黜舉主。 故舉主既為之盡心，而被舉者亦為之盡力。 是時雖迫危亡，而縣令號為得人，由作法有足取雲。
In Xingding 1 (1217) under Emperor Xuanzong, capital-attached seventh-rank and outer-circuit sixth-rank officials were ordered to recommend one sub-seventh-rank official under sixty, free of corruption, and fit for assignment. In the third year the system of direct recommendation for county magistrates was established. If the nominee performed well, the recommender gained one rank of seniority. If performance was middling, the recommender was promoted or demoted as appropriate. If the nominee failed, the recommender was fined one month's salary. If the nominee committed an offense warranting dismissal, the recommender lost his current rank. Private offenses, corporal punishment, or corruption on the nominee's part brought appropriate demotion for the recommender. Corruption warranting penal servitude or expulsion from the roster meant the recommender's seniority went uncredited for one term. Third-rank officials who recommended county magistrates were promoted if the nominee succeeded and fined one month's salary if not. If the nominee committed an offense warranting dismissal, the recommender lost two months' salary. Corruption warranting penal servitude or expulsion cost three months' salary, though amnesty could restore even that penalty once the case was closed. In the fifth year a rule fixed that when a directly recommended county magistrate received a middling evaluation, the original recommender could not recommend again, though others might. Under the older guarantee system, after a county magistrate's term six performance criteria determined the guarantor's reward: three or fewer met meant one seniority rank deducted, four meant two, all six meant promotion one grade. Censor Zhang Shengqing objected: "Lower-ranked jinshi and supervisory officials destined for assistant magistrate or registrar would, under the guarantee rewards, be appointed as seventh-rank lower or middle county magistrate after seniority reductions—effectively demoting them to eighth rank. The rewards and penalties were inconsistent and needed revision." A revised rule fixed that with four criteria or fewer the old penalties applied; with all six criteria met, lower jinshi and supervisory officials received three ranks of seniority reduction and appointment as upper county magistrate. Officials of other backgrounds were treated likewise. After twenty months' service, even if a magistrate left office before term's end for legitimate reasons, once the six criteria were verified the guarantor's reward followed the full-term rule. In the fifth year, because recommenders favored relatives, accepted bribes, or misjudged candidates—more than ninety incompetents removed in a few years—the direct recommendation system for county magistrates was abolished. In Zhengda 1 (1224) under Emperor Aizong a new law required censorial investigators and Directorate of Agriculture officials first to identify honest capital-attached seventh-rank and outer-circuit sixth-rank officials fit to serve as recommenders, then authorize them to nominate candidates; the six performance criteria determined the recommender's reward or punishment. Recommenders therefore did their utmost, and nominees likewise exerted themselves fully. Though the dynasty was near collapse, county magistrates were said to be well chosen—a method with much to commend it.
25
功酬虧永
Merit Compensation and Perpetual Fault
26
功酬虧永之制。 凡諸提點院務官，三十月遷一官，周歲為滿，止取無虧月日用之。 大定四年，定制，一任內虧一分以上降五人，二分以上降十人，三分以上降十五人，若有增羨則依此升遷，其升降不盡之數，于後任充折。 二十一年，以舊制監當官並責決，而不顧廉恥之人，以謂已決即得赴調，不以刑罰為畏。 擬自今，若虧永及一酬以上，依格追官殿一年外，虧永不及酬者，亦殿一年。
The system of merit compensation and perpetual fault. Supervisors of bureau establishments advanced one rank every thirty months; a full year counted as a term, reckoned only by days without fault. In Dading 4 (1164) a rule fixed that within one term a fault of one-tenth reduced standing by five places, two-tenths by ten, three-tenths by fifteen; surplus merit brought proportional promotion; unused adjustments carried forward to the next term. In the twenty-first year, because warehouse supervisors were routinely beaten, the shameless treated a beating as sufficient to qualify for reassignment and feared no further punishment. It was proposed that henceforth perpetual fault of one merit compensation unit or more would bring rank reduction and a one-year bar; perpetual fault of less than one unit would still bar for one year.
27
章宗大定二十九年，罷年遷之法，更定制，比永課增及一酬遷一官，兩酬遷兩官，如虧課則削亦如之，各兩官止。 又罷使司小都監與使副一體論增虧者，及罷餘前升降不盡之數後任充折之制。 泰和元年，制犯選及虧永者，右職漢人至宣武將軍從五品、女直至廣威將軍正五品，方注縣令。 又吏格，曾犯選及虧永者，女直至武義從六，漢人及諸色人至武略從六，皆注諸司，亦兩除一差，至明威方注丞簿。 貞祐三年，制曾虧永、犯選者，遷至宣武，注諸司，至懷遠從四下，方注丞簿，至安遠從四上，注下令。
In Dading 29 (1189) Emperor Zhangzong abolished annual advancement and fixed a new rule: one merit compensation unit above the perpetual quota meant one rank gained, two units two ranks; shortfalls brought proportional demotion, each capped at two ranks. The rule treating assistant bureau directors and deputy commissioners as a single unit for surplus and fault calculations was abolished, as was carrying unused adjustments to the next term. In Taihe 1 (1201) a rule fixed that Han right-wing officials guilty of selection violations or perpetual fault, and Jurchen women, needed to reach secondary fifth or regular fifth rank respectively before appointment as county magistrate. Personnel regulations further provided that such offenders—Jurchen women to secondary sixth, Hans and others to secondary sixth—were posted to bureaus through two dismissals per assignment, reaching assistant magistrate or registrar only at Mingwei rank. In Zhenyou 3 (1215), offenders had to reach Manifest Martiality for bureau posts, Boundless Fidelity for registrar or assistant magistrate, and Settled Distance for lower county magistrate.
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正大元年，制曾犯選、曾虧永者，至廣威與諸司、兩除一差，至安遠注丞簿，三任，其至鎮國從三品下，方注下令。 群牧官三周歲為滿，所牧之畜以十為率，駝增二頭，馬增二匹，牛亦如之，羊增四口，而大馬百死十五匹者，及能征前官所虧，三分為率，能盡征及征二分半以上，為上等，升一品級。 駝增一，馬牛增二，羊增三，大馬百死二十五，征前官所虧二分以上，為中等，約量升除。 駝不增，馬牛增一，羊增二，大馬百死三十，征虧一分以上，為下等，依本等除。 餘畜皆依元數，而大馬百死四十，征虧不及一分者，降一等。 此明昌四年制也。 五年，制馬牛羊虧元數十之一，騬馬百死四十，征虧不及一分者，降一等，決四十。 若駝馬牛羊虧元數一分、馬百死四十，征虧不得者，杖八十，降同前。
In Zhengda 1 (1224), such officials needed Broad Martiality for bureau posts with two dismissals per assignment, Settled Distance for registrar or assistant magistrate after three terms, and Pacifying the State for lower county magistrate. Pasture officials served three-year terms; herd increases were measured in tens—two camels, two horses, two head of cattle, four sheep—and among horses no more than fifteen deaths per hundred; recovering all or at least five-sixths of a predecessor's shortfall rated upper grade and merited one rank. One camel, two horses or cattle, three sheep, twenty-five horse deaths per hundred, and recovery of two-thirds or more of prior shortfalls rated middle grade and brought appropriate promotion. No camel increase, one horse or cattle, two sheep, thirty deaths per hundred, and recovery of one-third or more of shortfalls rated lower grade and brought standard appointment. If other livestock met original counts but horse deaths reached forty per hundred and shortfall recovery fell below one-third, the official was demoted one grade. This was the Mingchang 4 (1193) regulation. In the fifth year a rule fixed that if horses, cattle, and sheep fell one-tenth below the original count, or gelded horses suffered forty deaths per hundred, and recovery of shortfalls fell short of one-tenth, the official was demoted one grade and sentenced to forty strokes. If camels, horses, cattle, and sheep fell one-tenth below the original count, horses suffered forty deaths per hundred, and shortfalls could not be recovered, the penalty was eighty strokes and demotion as before.