Volume 155 Treatises 108: Selection and appointment of Officials 1

選舉一〈（科目上）〉

Selection and Appointment, Part One (Examination Categories, Part One)

自敷奏以言，明試以功，三載考績，三考黜陟幽明，始於《舜典》。司徒以鄉三物興賢能，太宰以三歲計吏治，詳於《周官》。兩漢而下，選舉之製不同，歸於得賢而已。考其大要，不過入仕則有貢舉之科，服官則有銓選之格，任事則有考課之法。然曆代之議貢舉者每曰：“取士以文藝，不若以德行。就文藝而參酌之，賦論之浮華，不若經義之實學。 ”議銓選者每曰：“以年勞取人，可以絕超躐，而不無賢愚同滯之歎；以薦舉取人，可以拔俊傑，而不無巧佞捷進之弊。 ”議考課者每曰：“拘吏文，則上下督察，浸成澆風；通譽望，則權貴請托，徒開利路。 ”於是議論紛紜，莫之一也。

From memorials and spoken counsel, to testing merit in the open, to triennial review of performance, and through three rounds of examination distinguishing the worthy from the unworthy—all this began in the Canon of Shun. The Minister of Education promoted the worthy and able by the district's three standards; the Grand Steward assessed official performance every three years—as detailed in the Offices of Zhou. From the Han dynasties onward, methods of selection and appointment varied, but all aimed at the same end: finding worthy men. In broad outline, entry to office rested on tribute and recommendation; appointment to posts on selection standards; and assessment of service on evaluation procedures. Yet critics of the tribute system in every age would say: "Selecting scholars by literary skill is inferior to selecting them by virtue and character. Even within literary tests, the ornate excess of rhapsodies and essays pales beside the substantive learning of classical interpretation. " Those who debated appointment standards often said: "Promoting by seniority can curb leapfrogging, yet it leaves the worthy and the mediocre stuck together alike; while recommendation can lift exceptional talent, it also opens the door to the clever and obsequious racing ahead. " Critics of performance review said: "Tie officials to paperwork, and oversight from above and below breeds a culture of hollow compliance; rely on reputation instead, and the powerful trade favors—opening nothing but avenues of private gain. " And so debate swirled on, with no single settled view.

宋初承唐製，貢舉雖廣，而莫重於進士、製科，其次則三學選補。銓法雖多，而莫重於舉削改官、磨勘轉秩。考課雖密，而莫重於官給曆紙，驗考批書。其他教官、武舉、童子等試，以及遺逸奏薦、貴戚公卿任子親屬與遠州流外諸選，委曲瑣細，咸有品式。其間變更不常，沿革迭見，而三百餘年元臣碩輔，鴻博之儒，清強之吏，皆自此出，得人為最盛焉。今輯舊史所錄，臚為六門：一曰科目；二曰學校試；三曰銓法；四曰補蔭；五曰保任；六曰考課。煩簡適中，隱括歸類，作《選舉志》。

Early Song followed Tang practice: tribute examinations were many, but none mattered more than the jinshi and special decree categories, with selection through the Three Academies next in importance. Appointment rules were many, but none counted more than memorial recommendations for rank changes and scrutinized reviews for promotion. Performance review was rigorous, but its heart lay in the official calendar sheets and the signed endorsements that verified each assessment. Other paths—exams for instructors, military candidates, and child prodigies; memorial recommendations of recluses; appointments for sons and kin of the nobility; selections in remote prefectures and outside the regular rolls—all had their own elaborate, fixed procedures. Rules changed often and reforms piled one upon another, yet for more than three centuries chief ministers, great scholars, and upright officials all emerged through this system—it produced talent on a scale unmatched. Here we compile what the old histories record and arrange it in six sections: first, examination categories; second, school examinations; third, selection methods; fourth, yin privilege appointments; fifth, guarantor appointment; sixth, performance evaluation. Selecting what is essential without excess and grouping it by category, we compose the Treatise on Selection and Appointment.

宋之科目，有進士，有諸科，有武舉。常選之外，又有制科，有童子舉，而進士得人為盛。神宗始罷諸科，而分經義、詩賦以取士，其後遵行，未之有改。自仁宗命郡縣建學，而熙寧以來，其法浸備，學校之設遍天下，而海內文治彬彬矣。今以科目、學校之製，各著於篇。

Song examination categories included the jinshi, various specialized subjects, and military examinations. Beyond the regular examinations were special decree categories and child prodigy tests, but the jinshi track yielded talent in the greatest abundance. Emperor Shenzong first abolished the specialized categories and split selection between classical interpretation and poetry-rhapsody—a division that thereafter remained unchanged. From Emperor Renzong's order that every prefecture and county establish schools, and especially from the Xining reforms onward, the system grew ever more complete—schools spread across the realm, and cultural order flourished throughout the land. The institutions governing examination categories and schools are each treated in their own sections below.

初，禮部貢舉，設進士、《九經》、《五經》、《開元禮》、《三史》、《三禮》、《三傳》、學究、明經、明法等科，皆秋取解，冬集禮部，春考試。合格及第者，列名放榜於尚書省。凡進士，試詩、賦、論各一首，策五道，帖《論語》十帖，對《春秋》或《禮記》墨義十條。凡《九經》，帖書一百二十帖，對墨義六十條。凡《五經》，帖書八十帖，對墨義五十條。凡《三禮》，對墨義九十條。凡《三傳》，一百一十條，凡《開元禮》，凡《三史》，各對三百條。凡學究，《毛詩》對墨義五十條，《論語》十條，《爾雅》、《孝經》共十條，《周易》、《尚書》各二十五條。凡明法，對律令四十條，兼經並同《毛詩》之製。各間經引試，通六為合格，仍抽卷問律，本科則否。諸州判官試進士，錄事參軍試諸科，不通經義，則別選官考校，而判官監之。試紙，長官印署面給之。試中格者，第其甲乙，具所試經義，朱書通、否，監官、試官署名其下。進士文卷，諸科義卷、帖由，並隨解牒上之禮部。有篤廢疾者不得貢。貢不應法及校試不以實者，監官、試官停任。受賂，則論以枉法，長官奏裁。

Initially the Ministry of Rites set up jinshi and specialized categories—the Nine Classics, Five Classics, Kaiyuan Rites, Three Histories, Three Rites, Three Commentaries, Classicist, Classics Understanding, and Law Understanding. Candidates submitted qualifying exams in autumn, assembled at the Ministry in winter, and sat the final examination in spring. Those who passed were listed by name and the results posted at the Department of State Affairs. Jinshi candidates were tested on one poem, one rhapsody, and one essay; five policy questions; ten fill-in passages from the Analects; and ten written classical interpretations on either the Spring and Autumn Annals or the Record of Rites. For the Nine Classics track: one hundred twenty fill-in passages and sixty written classical interpretations. For the Five Classics track: eighty fill-in passages and fifty written classical interpretations. For the Three Rites track: ninety written classical interpretations. For the Three Commentaries: one hundred ten items. For the Kaiyuan Rites and Three Histories: three hundred written interpretations each. Classicist candidates faced fifty written interpretations on the Mao Odes, ten on the Analects, ten combined on the Erya and Classic of Filial Piety, and twenty-five each on the Book of Changes and Book of Documents. Law Understanding candidates answered forty questions on statutes and ordinances; supplementary classic requirements followed the Mao Odes format. Candidates were tested at intervals with classical citations; six correct answers qualified. Law was also tested by random roll check, except for the main law category itself. Prefectural judges examined jinshi candidates and recording secretaries examined other categories. If examiners lacked classical training, other officials were appointed to grade the papers under judicial supervision. Examination papers were stamped on the cover by the chief official before being issued. Successful candidates were ranked in order; their classical interpretations were recorded with pass or fail marked in red, and supervising and examining officials signed below. Jinshi papers, specialized-category interpretation sheets, and fill-in receipts were all forwarded to the Ministry of Rites with the qualifying documents. Candidates with serious chronic illness were barred from recommendation. If recommendations violated regulations or grading was falsified, supervising and examining officials were removed from office. Accepting bribes was prosecuted as perversion of law, with the chief official memorializing for imperial judgment.

凡命士應舉，謂之鎖廳試。所屬先以名聞，得旨而後解。既集，什伍相保，不許有大逆人緦麻以上親，及諸不孝、不悌、隱匿工商異類、僧道歸俗之徒。家狀並試卷之首，署年及舉數、場第、鄉貫，不得增損移易，以仲冬收納，月終而畢。將臨試期，知舉官先引問聯保，與狀僉同而定焉。凡就試，唯詞賦者許持《切韻》、《玉篇》，其挾書為奸，及口相受授者，發覺即黜之。凡諸州長吏舉送，必先稽其版藉，察其行為；鄉里所推，每十人相保，內有缺行，則連坐不得舉。故事，知舉官將赴貢院，台閣近臣得薦所知之負藝者，號曰“公薦”。太祖慮其因緣挾私，禁之。

When commissioned scholars sat the examinations, it was called the locked-hall examination. Their department first submitted their names and could send qualifying documents only after receiving imperial approval. Once assembled, candidates formed mutual-guarantee groups of five and ten. Excluded were relatives within mourning for great treason, the unfilial and undutiful, those concealing artisan or merchant status, and monks or Daoists who had returned to lay life. Household registers and exam cover sheets recorded age, number of attempts, session rank, and native place—none of which could be altered. Papers were collected in mid-winter and due by month's end. Before the examination, the chief examiner summoned mutual guarantors for questioning and verified their records against the registers. Only poetry and rhapsody candidates could bring the Qieyun and Yupian. Cheating with hidden texts or oral collusion meant immediate dismissal. Prefectural chiefs recommending candidates first verified household registers and investigated conduct; community nominees formed groups of ten as mutual guarantors; if any member's conduct was deficient, the whole group was barred from recommendation. By precedent, as the chief examiner entered the examination compound, close ministers could recommend talented acquaintances—called "public recommendation." Emperor Taizu, fearing nepotism and private favor, banned the practice.

自唐以來，所謂明經，不過帖書、墨義，觀其記誦而已，故賤其科，而“不通”者其罰特重。乾德元年，詔曰：“舊制，《九經》一舉不第而止，非所以啟迪仕進之路也；自今依諸科許再試。 ”是年，諸州所薦士數益多，乃約周顯德之製，定諸州貢舉條法及殿罰之式：進士“文理紕繆”者殿五舉，諸科初場十“不”殿五舉，第二、第三場十“不”殿三舉，第一至第三場九“不”並殿一舉。殿舉之數，朱書於試卷，送中書門下。三年，陶穀子邴擢上第，帝曰：“穀不能訓子，安得登第？ ”乃詔：“食祿之家，有登第者，禮部具姓名以聞，令覆試之。 ”自是，別命儒臣於中書覆試，合格乃賜第。時川蜀、荊湖內附，試數道所貢士，縣次往還續食。開寶三年，詔禮部閱貢士及十五舉嚐終場者，得一百六人，賜本科出身。特奏名恩例，蓋自此始。

Since Tang times, Classics Understanding tested little beyond fill-in passages and rote interpretation—memorization, not understanding—so the category was despised and failure carried especially harsh penalties. In Qiande 1, an edict declared: "Under the old rule, one failure in the Nine Classics ended a candidate's career—that is no way to keep the path to office open; hereafter, as with other categories, candidates may try again." That year, with prefectural recommendations swelling, rules modeled on Zhou Xiande set tribute procedures and failure penalties: jinshi with "confused reasoning" were barred five sessions; specialized categories faced graduated penalties for accumulated failures across sessions. Barred-session counts were marked in red on examination papers and sent to the Secretariat and Chancellery. In the third year, Tao Gu's son Bing ranked first. The emperor said: "Gu could not teach his own son—how did he pass?" An edict ordered: "When salary-receiving families produced degree holders, the Ministry of Rites must report their names for re-examination. Thereafter Confucian officials at the Secretariat re-examined such candidates; degrees were granted only after they passed. As Sichuan, Huguang, and other newly submitted regions sent candidates, counties provided travel rations for the round trip. In Kaibao 3, the Ministry of Rites reviewed candidates who had attempted fifteen times and always completed the full examination; one hundred six were granted degrees in their categories. The special memorial-name privilege began at this point.

五年，禮部奏合格進士、諸科凡二十八人，上親召對講武殿，而未及引試也。明年，翰林學士李昉知貢舉，取宋準以下十一人，而進士武濟川、《三傳》劉睿材質最陋，對問失次，上黜之。濟川，昉鄉人也。會有訴昉用情取舍，帝乃籍終場下第人姓名，得三百六十人，皆召見，擇其一百九十五人，並準以下，乃禦殿給紙筆，別試詩賦。命殿中侍御史李瑩等為考官，得進士二十六人，《五經》四人，《開元禮》七人，《三禮》三十八人，《三傳》二十六人，《三史》三人，學究十八人，明法五人，皆賜及第，又賜錢二十萬以張宴會。昉等尋皆坐責。殿試遂為常製。帝嚐語近臣曰：“昔者，科名多為勢家所取，朕親臨試，盡革其弊矣。 ”八年，親試進士王式等，乃定王嗣宗第一，王式第四。自是禦試與省試名次，始有升降之別。時江南未平，進士林鬆、雷說試不中格，以其間道來歸，亦賜《三傳》出身。

In the fifth year, the Ministry reported twenty-eight qualified jinshi and specialized candidates; the emperor summoned them to the Lecture on Military Affairs Hall, though oral examination had not yet taken place. The next year Hanlin Academician Li Fang served as chief examiner and selected eleven candidates including Song Zhun—but jinshi Wu Jichuan and Three Commentaries candidate Liu Rui were the weakest; they fumbled the oral examination and were dismissed. Jichuan was from Fang's home district. When complaints arose that Fang had favored certain candidates, the emperor registered everyone who had completed the examination but failed—three hundred sixty in all. He summoned them, selected one hundred ninety-five together with Zhun and those ranked below him, and held a separate poetry and rhapsody examination in the imperial hall. Palace Diarist Li Ying and others served as examiners. Twenty-six jinshi plus candidates in Five Classics, Kaiyuan Rites, Three Rites, Three Commentaries, Three Histories, Classicist, and Law Understanding—all received degrees. Two hundred thousand cash was granted to expand the celebration banquet. Fang and his colleagues were soon all punished. The palace examination thus became standard practice. The emperor once told close ministers: "In the past, examination honors went mostly to powerful families. By presiding personally, I have swept those abuses away. " In the eighth year he personally examined jinshi including Wang Shi, ranking Wang Sigong first and Wang Shi fourth. From then on, palace examination rankings could differ from provincial examination rankings—promotions and demotions between the two became possible. While Jiangnan remained unconquered, jinshi candidates Lin Song and Lei Shuo had failed the examination but defected through secret routes; they too were granted Three Commentaries degrees.

太宗即位，思振淹滯，謂侍臣曰：“朕欲博求俊彥於科場中，非敢望拔十得五，止得一二，亦可為致治之具矣。 ”太平興國二年，禦殿覆試，內出賦題，賦韻平側相間，依次而用。命李昉、扈蒙第其優劣為三等，得呂蒙正以下一百九人。越二日，覆試諸科，得二百人。並賜及第。又閱貢藉，得十舉以上至十五舉進士、諸科一百八十餘人，並賜出身；《九經》七人不中格，亦憐其老，特賜同《三傳》出身。凡五百餘人，皆賜袍笏，錫宴開寶寺，帝自為詩二章賜之。甲、乙第進士及《九經》，皆授將作監丞、大理評事，通判諸州，其餘亦優等授官。三年九月，廷試舉人。故事，惟春放榜，至是秋試，非常例也。是冬，諸州舉人並集，會將親征北漢，罷之。自是，間一年或二年乃貢舉。

When Emperor Taizong took the throne, seeking to lift those long stalled in office, he told his ministers: "I mean to seek outstanding talent in the examination halls. I do not expect to find five in ten—even one or two will serve as instruments of good governance." In Taiping Xingguo 2, a palace re-examination was held. Rhapsody topics were issued from within the palace, with rhyme tones alternating level and oblique in order. Li Fang and Hu Meng ranked candidates in three grades, selecting one hundred nine including Lü Mengzheng. Two days later specialized categories were re-examined, yielding two hundred candidates. All received degrees. Tribute registers were also reviewed, finding over one hundred eighty jinshi and specialized candidates with ten to fifteen attempts—all granted degrees; Seven failing Nine Classics candidates, pitied for their age, were specially granted degrees equivalent to Three Commentaries. More than five hundred received robes and court tablets, were feasted at Kaibao Temple, and received two poems composed by the emperor. Top-ranked jinshi and Nine Classics candidates were appointed Assistant Director of the Directorate of Works and Case Reviewer, serving as prefectural vice commissioners; others also received preferential appointments. In the ninth month of the third year, a court examination was held. By precedent results were posted only in spring—this autumn examination was exceptional. That winter candidates from all prefectures had assembled, but with the emperor about to campaign against Northern Han, the examination was cancelled. Thereafter tribute examinations were held every one or two years.

五年，覆試進士。有顏明遠、劉昌言、張觀、樂史四人，以見任官舉進士，特授近藩掌書記。有趙昌國者，求應百篇舉，謂一日作詩百篇。帝出雜題二十，令各賦五篇，篇八句。日旰，僅成數十首，率無可觀。帝以是科久廢，特賜及第，以勸來者。

In the fifth year jinshi were re-examined. Yan Mingyuan, Liu Changyan, Zhang Guan, and Yue Shi—four incumbent officials who sat the jinshi examination—were specially appointed secretaries in nearby fan administrations. Zhao Changguo sought the Hundred-Poem examination, claiming he could compose one hundred poems in a single day. The emperor issued twenty miscellaneous topics and required five poems on each, eight lines per poem. By day's end he had completed only several dozen poems, none of much merit. Because this category had long been discontinued, the emperor specially granted a degree to encourage others.

八年，進士、諸科始試律義十道，進士免帖經。明年，惟諸科試律，進士復帖經。進士始分三甲。自是錫宴就瓊林苑。上因謂近臣曰：“朕親選多士，殆忘饑渴，召見臨問，觀其才技而用之，庶使田野無遺逸，而朝廷多君子爾。 ”雍熙二年，廷試初唱名及第，第一等為節度推官。是年及端拱初，禮部試已，帝慮有遺才，取不中格者再試之，於是由再試得官者數百人。凡廷試，帝親閱卷累日，宰相屢請宜歸有司，始詔歲命官知舉。

In the eighth year jinshi and specialized categories first tested ten law-interpretation questions; jinshi were exempted from fill-in classics. The next year only specialized categories tested law; jinshi again took fill-in classics. Jinshi were first divided into three ranks. Thereafter the grant banquet was held at the Qionglin Garden. The emperor told close ministers: "In selecting scholars I nearly forget hunger and thirst—I summon them, question them, observe their talents, and employ them—so that no talent in the countryside goes overlooked and the court may have true gentlemen." In Yongxi 2, degree recipients' names were first announced at the court examination; first-rank candidates were appointed military commissioner staff evaluators. That year and at the start of Duangong, fearing overlooked talent after the Ministry examination, the emperor re-examined failures—several hundred gained office thereby. The emperor personally reviewed examination papers for days; only after repeated requests from chief councillors was it decreed that officials would serve as chief examiners each year.

舊制，既鎖院，給左藏錢十萬資費用。端拱元年，詔改支尚書祠部，仍倍其數，罷禦廚、儀鸞司供帳。知貢舉宋白等定貢院故事：先期三日，進士具都榜引試，借御史台驅使官一人監門，都堂簾外置案，設銀香爐，唱名給印試紙。及試中格，錄進士之文奏禦，諸科惟籍名而上；俟製下，先書姓名散報之，翌日，放傍唱名。既謝恩，詣國學謁先聖先師，進士過堂閤下告名。聞喜宴分為兩日，宴進士，請丞郎、大兩省；宴諸科，請省郎、小兩省。綴行期集，列敘名氏、鄉貫、三代之類書之，謂之小錄。醵錢為遊宴之資，謂之酺。皆團司主之。製下，而中書省同貢院關黃覆奏之，俟正敕下，關報南曹、都省、御史台，然後貢院寫春關散給。〈（籍而入選謂之春關。）〉登科之人，例納朱膠綾紙之直，赴吏部南曹試判三道，謂之關試。

Under the old system, once the examination compound was locked, one hundred thousand cash from the Left Treasury covered expenses. In Duangong 1, payment was shifted to the Ministry's Ancestral Temples Bureau at double the amount, abolishing Imperial Kitchen and Ceremonial Guard provisions. Chief examiners Song Bai and others established compound precedents: three days before, jinshi assembled for preliminary testing; a Censorate envoy guarded the gate; names were called and stamped papers issued outside the hall curtain. Successful jinshi papers were submitted to the emperor; specialized categories only listed names; after the decree, names were distributed first; results were posted and announced the next day. After the thanksgiving audience they visited the Imperial Academy to honor the sage and his teacher; jinshi reported their names at the Hall Gate. The Joyous Announcement Banquet spanned two days: jinshi were feasted with vice directors and grand secretaries invited; specialized categories were feasted with bureau directors and junior grand secretaries invited. A procession schedule listed names, native places, and three generations—the small register. Funds were pooled for touring banquets—the contribution feast. Group officers managed all of this. When the decree issued, the Secretariat and compound submitted a yellow memorial for review; after the formal decree, the Southern Bureau, Department of State Affairs, and Censorate were notified; then the compound distributed the spring gate notice. (Those registered and entering selection were called the spring gate.) Degree recipients customarily paid for vermilion glue and silk paper, then tested on three judgment cases at the Ministry's Southern Bureau—the gate examination.

淳化三年，諸道貢士凡萬七千餘人。先是，有擊登聞鼓訴校試不公者。蘇易簡知貢舉，受詔即赴貢院，仍糊名考校，遂為例。既廷試，帝諭多士曰：“爾等各負誌業，效官之外，更勵精文采，無墜前功也。 ”詔刻《禮記·儒行篇》賜之。每科進士第一人，天子寵之以詩，後嚐作箴賜陳堯叟，至是，並賜焉。先是，嚐並學究、《尚書》、《周易》為一科，始更定本經日試義十道，《尚書》、《周易》各義五道，仍雜問疏義六道，經注四道。明法舊試六場，更定試七場：第一、第二場試律，第三場試令，第四、第五場試小經，第六場試令，第七場試律，仍於試律日雜問疏義六、經注四。凡《三禮》、《三傳》、《通禮》每十道義分經注六道、疏義四道，以六通為合格。

In Chunhua 3, recommended scholars from all circuits exceeded seventeen thousand. Previously some had struck the petition drum protesting unfair grading. Su Yijian, as chief examiner, went directly to the compound upon receiving the decree and sealed names for grading—establishing precedent. After the court examination the emperor told the scholars: "Each of you has his own ambition and learning; beyond office, refine your literary talent and do not fall from what you have achieved." An edict ordered the Confucian Conduct chapter of the Record of Rites carved and distributed. Each session's top jinshi received an imperial poem; later an admonition was also bestowed on Chen Yaosou, and thereafter both were granted. Previously Classicist, Documents, and Changes had been one category; now each original classic required ten daily interpretation questions—five each on Documents and Changes—plus six commentary and four gloss questions. Law Understanding expanded from six to seven sessions: law, law, statutes, minor classics, minor classics, statutes, law—with six commentary and four gloss questions on the law day. For Three Rites, Three Commentaries, and Comprehensive Rites, ten questions apportioned six gloss and four commentary; six correct answers qualified.

自淳化末，停貢舉五年。真宗即位，復試，而高句麗始貢一人。先是，國子監、開封府所貢士，與舉送官為姻戚，則兩司更互考試，始命遣官別試。

From the end of Chunhua, tribute examinations were suspended five years. When Emperor Zhenzong took the throne examinations resumed, and Goryeo first sent one candidate. Previously Directorate and Kaifeng candidates related by marriage to recommenders were examined alternately; now separate examiners were dispatched.

咸平三年，親試陳堯谘等八百四十人，特奏名者九百餘人，有晉天福中嚐預貢者。凡士貢於鄉而屢絀於禮部，或廷試所不錄者，積前後舉數，參其年而差等之，遇親策士則別籍其名以奏，徑許附試，故曰特奏名。又賜河北進士、諸科三百五十人及第、同出身。既下第，願試武藝及量才錄用者，又五百餘人，悉賜裝錢慰遣之，命禮部敘為一舉。較藝之詳，推恩之廣，近代所未有也。

In Xianping 3, Chen Yaozi and eight hundred forty others were personally examined; over nine hundred special memorial-name candidates included some from the Later Jin Tianfu era. Scholars who failed repeatedly at the Ministry or in court examinations had prior attempts and age weighed; at imperial questioning their names were separately registered for direct admission—hence special memorial name. Degrees and equivalent degrees were also granted to three hundred fifty Hebei jinshi and specialized candidates. Over five hundred who failed but wished to test military arts or be appointed by talent received travel money and departure; the Ministry counted it as one attempt. The detail of comparison and breadth of imperial grace were unmatched in recent times.

舊制，及第即命以官。上初復廷試，賜出身者亦免選，於是策名之士尤眾，雖藝不及格，悉賜同出身。乃詔有司，凡賜同出身者並令守選，循用常調，以示甄別。又定令：凡試卷，封印院糊名送知舉官考定高下，復令封之送覆考所，考畢然後參校得失，不合格者，須至覆場方落。諭館閣、台省官，有請屬舉人者密以聞，隱匿不告者論罪。仍詔諸王、公主、近臣，毋得以下第親族賓客求賜科名。

Under the old system a degree meant immediate appointment. When court examination was restored, degree recipients were exempted from selection; degree-holders multiplied—even those failing qualification received equivalent degrees. An edict ordered that all equivalent-degree recipients await selection and follow regular promotion to preserve standards. Regulations required sealed papers with obscured names sent to chief and review examiners; failures were finalized only after review. Academy, Secretariat, and Censorate officials soliciting favor for candidates had to report secretly; concealment was punishable. Princes, princesses, and close ministers were forbidden to seek degrees for failed relatives and guests.

景德四年，命有司詳定《考校進士程式》，送禮部貢院，頒之諸州。士不還鄉里而竊戶他州以應選者，嚴其法。每秋賦，自縣令佐察行義保任之，上於州；州長貳復審察得實，然後上本道使者類試。已保任而有缺行，則州縣皆坐罪；若省試而文理紕繆，坐元考官。諸州解試額多而中者少，則不必足額。

In Jingde 4, offices detailed Grading Procedures for Jinshi and distributed them to prefectures. Those who secretly registered elsewhere instead of returning home faced strict penalties. Each autumn, magistrates and assistants investigated conduct and guaranteed candidates, reporting to the prefecture; prefectural chiefs re-investigated and reported to circuit commissioners for categorized examination. If guaranteed candidates later showed deficient conduct, prefectures and counties were punished; if provincial examination papers showed confused reasoning, original examiners were punished. If qualifying quotas exceeded passers, quotas need not be filled.

尋又定《親試進士條製》。凡策士，即殿兩廡張帟，列幾席，標姓名其上。先一日表其次序，揭示闕外，翌旦拜闕下，仍入就席。試卷，內臣收之，付編排官，去其卷首鄉貫狀，別以字號第之；付封彌官謄寫校勘，用禦書院印，付考官定等畢，復封彌送覆考官再定等。編排官閱其同異，未同者再考之；如復不同，即以相附近者為定。始取鄉貫狀字號合之，即第其姓名、差次，並試卷以聞。其考第之製凡五等：學識優長、詞理精絕為第一；才思該通、文理周率為第二；文理俱通為第三；文理中平為第四；文理疏淺為第五。然後臨軒唱第，上二等曰及第，三等曰出身，四等、五等曰同出身。餘如貢院舊制。

Soon Regulations for Imperial Jinshi Examination were also established. For policy questioning, curtains hung in both hall wings with desks bearing candidates' names. Seating order was posted a day ahead; candidates bowed at the gate next morning and took their seats. Inner attendants collected papers; native-place registers were removed and replaced with code numbers; sealing officials copied and proofread with the Imperial Script Academy seal; examiners graded, then review examiners re-graded. Arranging officials compared results; unmatched papers were re-examined; persistent differences were resolved by nearest rank. Registers and codes were matched, names and order fixed, and papers submitted. Grading had five levels: superior learning and exquisite reasoning—first; comprehensive talent and thorough reasoning—second; reasoning and text both adequate—third; middling reasoning and text—fourth; shallow reasoning and text—fifth. Names were announced at the throne: top two ranks passed; third received a degree; fourth and fifth equivalent degrees. Other procedures followed compound precedent.

五年，詔士曾預南省試者，犯公罪聽贖罰。令禮部取前後詔令經久可行者，編為條製。諸科三場內有十“不”、進士詞理紕繆者各一人以上，監試、考試官從違製失論，幕職、州縣官得代日殿一選，京朝官降監場務，嚐監當則與遠地；有三人，則監試、考試官亦從違製失論，幕職、州縣官衝替，京朝官遠地監當；有五人，則監試以下皆停見任；舉送守倅，諸科五十人以上有一人十“不”，即罰銅與免殿選監當，進士詞理紕繆亦如之。後又詔：“試鎖廳者，州長吏先校試合格，始聽取解；至禮部不及格，停其官，而考試及舉送者，皆重置罪。 ”八年，始置謄錄院，令封印官封試卷付之，集書吏錄本，監以內侍二人。詔：“進士第一人，令金吾司給七人導從，聽引兩節。著為令。”

In the fifth year, prior southern provincial examinees could redeem public offenses by fine. The Ministry of Rites compiled enduring edicts into regulations. Ten failures in specialized categories or confused jinshi reasoning triggered penalties for supervisors and examiners; local and capital officials faced demotion or remote assignment; three failures triggered replacement of local officials and remote assignment for capital officials; five failures suspended all supervisors and below; recommending prefects faced fines if one in fifty specialized candidates had ten failures; jinshi confused reasoning likewise. Later an edict required prefectural chiefs to pre-examine locked-hall candidates before submission; Ministry failure suspended their offices and heavily punished examiners and recommenders. In the eighth year a Transcription Office was established; sealed papers were copied under two inner attendants' supervision. An edict granted the top jinshi seven ushers from the Golden Guard and two ceremonial staffs. This became regulation.

天聖初，宋興六十有二載，天下乂安。時取才唯進士、諸科為最廣，名卿钜公，皆繇此選，而仁宗亦向用之，登上第者不數年，輒赫然顯貴矣。其貢禮部而數詘者，得特奏名，或因循不學，乃詔曰：“學猶殖也，不學將落，遜誌務時敏，厥修乃來。朕慮天下之士或有遺也，既已臨軒較得失，而憂其屢不中科，則衰邁而無所成，退不能返其裏閭，而進不得預於祿仕。故常數之外，特為之甄采。而狃於寬恩，遂隳素業，苟簡成風，甚可恥也。自今宜篤進厥學，無習僥幸焉。 ”時晏殊言：“唐明經並試策問，參其所習，以取材識短長。今諸科專記誦，非取士之意，請終場試策一篇。 ”詔近臣議之，咸謂諸科非所習，議遂寢。舊制，鎖廳試落輒停官，至是始詔免罪。

At the start of Tiansheng, after sixty-two years of Song, the realm was at peace. Jinshi and specialized categories supplied the broadest talent; great ministers rose through them, and Emperor Renzong favored top graduates—many became eminent within years. Repeated Ministry failures brought special memorial names; some neglected study, prompting an edict: "Learning is cultivation—neglect it and you decline; cultivate diligence and improvement will come. We fear overlooked scholars; having tested them at court, we worry repeated failure leaves them aged without achievement—unable to return home or enter office. Therefore beyond the regular quota we specially select them. Yet accustomed to leniency, they abandon proper study—a shameful perfunctory custom. Henceforth advance your learning earnestly and do not rely on luck. " Yan Shu said: "Tang Classics Understanding also tested policy questions to measure knowledge. Now specialized categories rely on memorization alone—not true selection; test one policy essay at the final session." Close ministers discussed; all said specialized categories were outside their study—the proposal was shelved. Locked-hall failure had meant office suspension; now punishment was first exempted.

景祐初，詔曰：“鄉學之士益蕃，而取人路狹，使孤寒棲遲，或老而不得進，朕甚憫之。其令南省就試進士、諸科，十取其二。凡年五十，進士五舉、諸科六舉；嚐經殿試，進士三舉、諸科五舉；及嚐預先朝禦試，雖試文不合格，毋輒黜，皆以名聞。 ”自此率以為常。士有親戚仕本州，或為發解官，及侍親遠宦，距本州二千里，令轉運司類試，以十率之，取三人。於是諸路始有別頭試。其年，詔開封府、國子監及別頭試，封彌、謄錄如禮部。

At Jingyou's start an edict said: "District scholars multiply while paths narrow, leaving the poor stalled—We pity them. Let jinshi and specialized provincial examinations take two from ten. Age fifty with five jinshi or six specialized attempts; prior palace examination with three jinshi or five specialized attempts; and prior imperial examinees—even if papers failed—were reported by name without dismissal." This became regular practice. Scholars with relatives serving locally or parents far away beyond two thousand li were examined by transport commissioners—three from ten. Separate-head examinations began in the circuits. That year Kaifeng, the Directorate, and separate-head exams sealed and transcribed like the Ministry.

初，貢士踵唐製，猶用公卷，然多假他人文字，或傭人書之。景德中，嚐限舉人於試紙前親書家狀，如公卷及後所試書體不同，並駁放；其假手文字，辨之得實，即斥去，永不得赴舉。賈昌朝言：“自唐以來，禮部采名譽，觀素學，故預投公卷；今有封彌、謄錄法，一切考諸試篇，則公卷可罷。 ”自是不復有公卷。

At first candidates still submitted public portfolios as in Tang, but many used ghostwriters or hired scribes. In Jingde candidates had to handwrite household registers on exam paper; handwriting mismatches meant rejection; proven ghostwriting meant permanent expulsion. Jia Changchao said: "Since Tang the Ministry valued reputation and prior learning, hence public portfolios; now with sealing and transcription, everything rests on exam papers—public portfolios may be abolished." Public portfolios ceased thereafter.

寶元中，李淑侍經筵，上訪以進士詩、賦、策、論先後，俾以故事對。淑對曰：“唐調露二年，劉思立為考功員外郎，以進士試策滅裂，請帖經以觀其學，試雜文以觀其才。自此沿以為常。至永隆二年，進士試雜文二篇，通文律者，始試策。天寶十一年，進士試一經，能通者試文賦，又通而後試策，五條皆通，中第。建中二年，趙讚請試以時務策五篇，箴、論、表、讚各一篇，以代詩、賦。大和三年，試帖經，略問大義，取精通者，次試論、議各一篇。八年，禮部試以帖經口義，次試策五篇，問經義者三，問時務者二。厥後變易，遂以詩賦為第一場，論第二場，策第三場，帖經第四場。今陛下欲求理道而不以雕琢為貴，得取士之實矣。然考官以所試分考，不能通加評校，而每場輒退落，士之中否，殆係於幸不幸。願約舊制，先策，次論，次賦及詩，次帖經、墨義，而敕有司並試四場，通較工拙，毋以一場得失為去留。 ”詔有司議，稍施行焉。

In Baoyuan, Li Shu attended the classics lecture; the emperor asked the order of jinshi exam sections and he answered by precedent. Shu replied: "In Tang Tiaolu 2, Liu Sili requested fill-in classics and mixed essays when policy answers proved careless. This became regular practice. By Yonglong 2 jinshi tested two mixed essays before policy. In Tianbao 11 one classic, then rhapsody, then policy—all five policy passes meant success. In Jianzhong 2 Zhao Zan proposed policy essays and formal prose replacing poetry and rhapsody. In Dahe 3 fill-in classics and brief meaning questions preceded discourse and deliberation essays. In the eighth year fill-in oral meaning preceded five policy questions—three classics, two current affairs. Later changes made poetry-rhapsody first, discourse second, policy third, fill-in classics fourth. Now Your Majesty seeks the Way without prizing ornament—you have true selection of scholars. Yet examiners grade sessions separately; each eliminates candidates—success hangs too much on fortune. Please restore old order—policy, discourse, rhapsody and poetry, fill-in and interpretation—and compare all four sessions together without eliminating on one alone." Offices discussed and partially implemented it.

既而知制誥富弼言曰：“國家沿隋、唐設進士科，自咸平、景德以來，為法尤密，而得人之道，或有未至。且曆代取士，悉委有司，未聞天子親試也。至唐武後始有殿試，何足取哉？使禮部次高下以奏，而引諸殿廷，唱名賜第，則與殿試無以異矣。 ”遂詔罷殿試。而議者多言其輕上恩，隳故事，復如舊。

Drafting Officer Fu Bi said: "Since Xianping and Jingde jinshi rules have been strict, yet selection may not have reached perfection. Selection was always entrusted to offices; the Son of Heaven never personally examined. Only under Empress Wu did palace examination appear—what is there to emulate?" Let the Ministry rank and report, then announce names at court—how differs that from palace examination? An edict abolished palace examination. Critics said it slighted imperial grace; palace examination was restored.

時範仲淹參知政事，意欲復古勸學，數言興學校，本行實。詔近臣議，於是宋祁等奏：“教不本於學校，士不察於鄉里，則不能核名實。有司束以聲病，學者專於記誦，則不足盡人材。參考眾說，擇其便於今者，莫若使士皆土著，而教之於學校，然後州縣察其履行，則學者修飭矣。 ”乃詔州縣立學，士須在學三百日，乃聽預秋賦，舊嚐充賦者百日而止。試於州者，令相保任，有匿服、犯刑、虧行、冒名等禁。三場：先策，次論，次詩賦，通考為去取，而罷帖經、墨義，士通經術願對大義者，試十道。仲淹既去，而執政意皆異。是冬，詔罷入學日限。言初令不便者甚眾，以為詩賦聲病易考，而策論汗漫難知；祖宗以來，莫之有改，且得人嚐多矣。天子下其議，有司請如舊法。乃詔曰：“科舉舊條，皆先朝所定也，宜一切如故，前所更定令悉罷。”

Vice Grand Councillor Fan Zhongyan sought to restore antiquity, urging schools and practical conduct. Song Qi and others memorialized: "Without school-based teaching and district examination, names and reality cannot be verified. Binding candidates to tonal rules and memorization cannot reveal full talent. The best course is local residence, school education, and conduct examination by prefectures and counties." Prefectures and counties established schools; three hundred study days were required before autumn exams; prior examinees needed one hundred. Prefectural testing required mutual guarantee with bans on concealed mourning, crime, bad conduct, and false identity. Three sessions—policy, discourse, poetry-rhapsody—determined selection; fill-in and written interpretation were abolished; classicists could test ten great-meaning questions. After Fan Zhongyan departed, the ruling faction disagreed. That winter the school-day requirement was abolished. Many protested—poetry-rhapsody tonal rules were easy to grade while policy discourse was hard to judge; since the founding ancestors the system had produced many worthy men. The emperor referred the matter down; offices requested the old method. An edict declared: "Examination regulations set by former courts should all remain; recent changes are abolished.

會張方平知貢舉，言：“文章之變與政通。今設科選才，專取辭藝，士惟道義積於中，英華發於外，然則以文取士，所以叩諸外而質其中之蘊也。言而不度，則何觀焉。邇來文格日失其舊，各出新意，相勝為奇。朝廷惡其然，屢下詔書戒飭，而學者樂於放逸，罕能自還。今賦或八百字，論或千餘字，策或置所問而妄肆胸臆，漫陳他事，驅扇浮薄，重虧雅俗，豈取賢斂才備治具之意邪？其增習新體，澶漫不合程式，悉已考落，請申前詔，揭而示之。”

Chief examiner Zhang Fangping said: "Literary change keeps pace with governance. Selecting by literary skill alone assumes inner substance shows in writing—yet words without measure reveal nothing. Words without measure reveal nothing. Recently literary style loses its old form as each competes in novelty. The court repeatedly warns against this, yet scholars delight in unrestraint. Rhapsodies reach eight hundred characters, discourses over a thousand, policy essays ignore the questions—is this gathering the worthy? Candidates in diffuse new styles have been failed; please reissue the prior edict publicly.

初，禮部奏名，以四百名為限，又諸科雜問大義，僥幸之人，悉以為不便。知制誥王珪奏曰：“唐自貞觀訖開元，文章最盛，較藝者歲千餘人，而所收無幾。咸亨、上元增其數，亦不及百人。國初取士，大抵唐製，逮興國中，貢舉之路浸廣，無有定數。比年官吏猥眾，故近詔限四百人，以懲其弊。且進士、明經先經義而後試策，三試皆通為中第，大略與進士等，而諸科既不問經義，又無策試，止以誦數精粗為中否，則其專固不達於理，安足以長民冶事哉？前詔諸科終場問本經大義十道，《九經》、《五經》科止問義而不責記誦，皆以著於令。言者以為難於遽更，而圖安於弊也。惟陛下申敕有司，固守是法，毋輕易焉。”

Ministry registration was capped at four hundred; great-meaning tests for specialized categories displeased opportunists. Wang Gui memorialized: "From Zhenguan through Kaiyuan literature flourished; thousands competed yearly yet few passed. Xianheng and Shangyuan increased quotas yet still admitted fewer than one hundred. Early selection followed Tang; by Xingguo the tribute path widened without fixed numbers. Recent edicts capped admissions at four hundred to curb swollen ranks. Jinshi test classic meaning then policy; specialized categories test only memorization—is that enough to govern people? Prior edicts required ten great-meaning questions on original classics; Nine and Five Classics tested meaning not memorization. Critics called sudden change hard and clung to old abuses. Only let Your Majesty instruct offices to hold firm.

嘉祐二年，親試舉人，凡與殿試者始免黜落。時進士益相習為奇僻，鉤章棘句，浸失渾淳。歐陽脩知貢舉，尤以為患，痛裁抑之，仍嚴禁挾書者。既而試榜出，時所推譽，皆不在選。澆薄之士，候脩晨朝，群聚詆斥之，街司邏卒不能止，至為祭文投其家，卒不能求其主名置於法，然自是文體亦少變。待試京師者恒六七千人，一不幸有故不應詔，往往沉淪十數年，以此毀行幹進者，不可勝數。

In Jiayou 2 all who reached palace examination were first exempted from dismissal. Jinshi increasingly wrote eccentric, thorny prose, losing natural simplicity. Chief examiner Ouyang Xiu sternly suppressed eccentric prose and forbidden texts. When results posted, celebrated candidates were mostly excluded. Furious scholars denounced Xiu at court; sacrificial essays were thrown at his home—yet literary style somewhat changed. Six or seven thousand awaited capital examination; one missed summons could mean ten years' stagnation—countless ruined conduct to advance.

王洙侍邇英閣講《周禮》，至“三年大比，大考州裏，以讚鄉大夫廢興。 ”上曰：“古者選士如此，今率四五歲一下詔，故士有抑而不得進者，孰若裁其數而屢舉也。 ”下有司議，鹹請：“易以間歲之法，則無滯才之歎。薦舉數既減半，主司易以詳較，得士必精。且人少則有司易於檢察，偽濫自不能容，使寒苦藝學之人得進。 ”於是下詔：“間歲貢舉，進士、諸科悉解舊額之半。增設明經，試法：凡明兩經或三經、五經，各問大義十條，兩經通八，三經通六，五經通五為合格，兼以《論語》、《孝經》，策時務三條，出身與進士等。而罷說書舉。”

Wang Zhu lectured on the Zhou Rites: "Every three years compare and examine districts to assist promotion and demotion." The emperor said: "Ancient selection was thus; now edicts come every four or five years—would it not be better to cut numbers and examine more often?" Offices requested: "A biennial method would end stalled talent. Halved recommendations let examiners compare carefully for finer scholars. Fewer candidates ease inspection, curb fraud, and let poor diligent scholars advance." An edict ordered biennial tribute with jinshi and specialized quotas halved. Classics Understanding was added: two, three, or five classics with ten great-meaning questions each; Analects and Filial Piety plus three policy questions—degree equal to jinshi. The Lecturer Examination was abolished.

時以科舉既數，而高第之人驟顯，欲稍裁抑。遂詔曰：“朕惟國之取士，與士之待舉，不可曠而冗也。故立間歲之期，以勵其勤；約貢舉之數，以精其選。著為定式，申敕有司，而高第之人，嚐不次而用。若循舊比，終至濫官，甚無謂也。自今製科入第三等，與進士第一，除大理評事、簽書兩使幕職官；代還，升通判；再任滿，試館職。製科入第四等，與進士第二、第三，除兩使幕職官；代還，改次等京官。製科入第五等，與進士第四、第五，除試銜知縣；代還，遷兩使職官。鎖廳人視此。若夫高才異行，施於有政而功狀較然者，當以異恩擢焉。 ”仁宗之朝十有三舉，進士四千五百七十人；其甲第之三人凡三十有九，其後不至於公卿者，五人而已。英宗即位，議者以間歲貢士法不便。乃詔禮部三歲一貢舉，天下解額，取未行間歲之前四之三為率，明經、諸科毋過進士之數。

Because examinations were frequent and top graduates rose swiftly, some wished restraint. An edict said: "State selection and scholars awaiting examination must neither be neglected nor redundant. Biennial periods encourage diligence; reduced tribute numbers refine selection. Fix this permanently—yet top graduates are often appointed out of turn. Following old ratios would flood offices—meaningless. Special decree third rank equals jinshi first—Case Reviewer and fan secretary; after term, vice commissioner; after second term, tested for academy post. Special decree fourth equals jinshi second and third—fan secretary; after term, next-rank capital official. Special decree fifth equals jinshi fourth and fifth—trial magistrate; after term, fan administration official. Locked-hall candidates follow this. Outstanding talent with proven merit receives special promotion. In Renzong's thirteen sessions there were four thousand five hundred seventy jinshi; of thirty-nine top-three graduates, only five failed to reach chief minister rank. When Yingzong took the throne, critics said biennial tribute was inconvenient. Ministry tribute every three years was ordered; quotas took three-fourths of pre-biennial rates.

神宗篤意經學，深憫貢舉之弊，且以西北人材多不在選，遂議更法。王安石謂：“古之取士俱本於學，請興建學校以復古。其明經、諸科欲行廢罷，取明經人數增進士額。 ”乃詔曰：“化民成俗，必自庠序；進賢興能，抑繇貢舉。而四方執經藝者專於誦數，趨鄉舉者狃於文辭，與古所謂‘三物賓興，九年大成’，亦已盭矣。今下郡國招徠雋賢，其教育之方，課試之格，令兩製、兩省、待制以上、御史、三司、三館雜議以聞。 ”議者多謂變法便。直史館蘇軾曰：

Shenzong, devoted to classical learning, pitied tribute abuses and northwest talent lost to selection—reform was discussed. Wang Anshi said: "Ancient selection rooted in schools—establish schools to restore antiquity. Abolish specialized categories and add their numbers to jinshi quota." An edict said: "Transforming people must begin with schools; advancing the worthy rests on tribute-recommendation. Yet classicists recite while candidates cling to phrasing—far from ancient 'three standards and nine years to completion.' Summon worthy talent from prefectures; let high officials jointly discuss education and examination methods." Most debaters favored reform. Directorate Compiler Su Shi said:

得人之道，在於知人，知人之法，在於責實。使君相有知人之明，朝廷有責實之政，則胥吏、皂隸，未嚐無人，雖用今之法，臣以為有餘；使無知人之明，無責實之政，則公卿、侍從，常患無人，況學校貢舉乎？雖復古之製，臣以為不足矣。

Obtaining men requires knowing men; knowing men requires holding them to reality. If rulers know men and the court demands reality, even clerks may hold talent—present methods would suffice; without knowing men and demanding reality, even grand ministers lack men—how much less schools and tribute? Even restoring ancient institutions would be insufficient.

時有可否，物有興廢，使三代聖人復生於今，其選舉亦必有道，何必由學乎？且慶曆間嚐立學矣，天下以為太平可待，至於今惟空名僅存。今陛下必欲求德行道藝之士，責九年大成之業，則將變今之禮，易今之俗。又當發民力以治宮室，斂民財以養遊士，置學立師；以又時簡不帥教者，屏之遠方，徒為紛紛，其與慶曆之際何異？至於貢舉，或曰鄉舉德行而略文章；或曰專取策論而罷詩賦；或欲舉唐故事，采譽望而罷封彌；或欲變經生帖、墨而考大義，此數者皆非也。

If sage kings of three dynasties were reborn today, selection would have its Way—why must it pass through schools? Qingli schools once promised peace—yet only empty names remain. If you truly seek men of virtue and arts and require nine years' completion, you must change present rites and custom. You must mobilize people to build palaces, collect wealth for wandering scholars, establish schools; and expel the undisciplined—mere turmoil no different from Qingli. Some say recommend by district virtue and slight literary skill; some say take only policy and abolish poetry-rhapsody; some wish to follow Tang, gather reputation and abolish sealing; some wish to replace fill-in with great meaning—all wrong.

夫欲興德行，在於君人者修身以格物，審好惡以表俗，若欲設科立名以取之，則是教天下相率而為偽也。上以孝取人，則勇者割股，怯者廬墓。上以廉取人，則弊車、羸馬、惡衣、菲食，凡可以中上意者無所不至。自文章言之，則策論為有用，詩賦為無益；自政事言之，則詩賦、論策均為無用。然自祖宗以來莫之廢者，以為設法取士，不過如此也。近世文章華麗，無如楊億。使億尚在，則忠清鯁亮之士也。通經學古，無如孫復、石介。使復、介尚在，則迂闊誕謾之士也。矧自唐至今，以詩賦為名臣者，不可勝數，何負於天下，而必欲廢之？

To raise virtue the ruler must cultivate self and set custom; category-based selection teaches the realm to compete in falsity. Select by filial piety and the brave cut flesh from their thighs while the timid mourn at graves. Select by integrity and broken carts, thin horses, and poor clothes become performances of virtue. In writing, policy is useful and poetry-rhapsody useless; in governance, both poetry-rhapsody and policy are useless. Yet since founding ancestors it has not been abolished—because selection methods go no further. In recent times none matched Yang Yi in ornate writing. If Yi still lived, he would be loyal, upright, and stern. In classics and antiquity none matched Sun Fu and Shi Jie. If Fu and Jie still lived, they would seem narrow and absurd. From Tang to today countless renowned ministers came through poetry-rhapsody—why must it be abolished?

帝讀軾疏曰：“吾固疑此，得軾議，釋然矣。 ”他日問王安石，對曰：“今人材乏少，且其學術不一，異論紛然，不能一道德故也。一道德則修學校，欲修學校，則貢舉法不可不變。若謂此科嚐多得人，自緣仕進別無他路，其間不容無賢；若謂科法已善，則未也。今以少壯時，正當講求天下正理，乃閉門學作詩賦，及其入官，世事皆所不習，此科法敗壞人材，致不如古。”

Reading Shi's memorial the emperor said: "I indeed doubted this; Shi's discussion relieves me. " Later he asked Wang Anshi, who replied: "Talent is scarce and learning diverges—they cannot unify morality. Unifying morality requires schools; schools require changing tribute methods. If this category often obtained men, it is because office had no other path—unworthy men cannot be absent; if you say examination law is already good, it is not yet so. Youth should study correct principles, yet they learn poetry-rhapsody; entering office they know nothing—this law ruins talent.

既而中書門下又言：“古之取士，皆本學校，道德一於上，習俗成於下，其人才皆足以有為於世。今欲追復古製，則患於無漸。宜先除去聲病偶對之文，使學者得專意經術，以俟朝廷興建學校，然後講求三代所以教育選舉之法，施於天下，則庶幾可以復古矣。 ”於是改法，罷詩賦、帖經、墨義，士各占治《易》、《詩》、《書》、《周禮》、《禮記》一經，兼《論語》、《孟子》。每試四場，初大經，次兼經，大義凡十道，〈（後改《論語》、《孟子》義各三道。）〉次論一首，次策三道，禮部試即增二道。中書撰大義式頒行。試義者須通經、有文采乃為中格，不但如明經墨義粗解章句而已。取諸科解名十之三，增進士額，京東西、陝西、河北、河東五路之創試進士者，及府、監、他路之舍諸科而為進士者，乃得所增之額以試。皆別為一號考取，蓋欲優其業，使不至外侵，則常慕向改業也。

The Secretariat said: "Ancient selection rooted in schools produced talent sufficient for the age. Restoring antiquity all at once fears lack of gradual steps. First remove tonal parallelism so scholars focus on classics, then seek three-dynasty methods and perhaps antiquity may be restored. Poetry-rhapsody, fill-in, and written interpretation were abolished; each scholar mastered one classic plus Analects and Mencius. Four sessions: major classic, supplementary classics, ten great-meaning questions, (Later changed to three Analects and three Mencius questions each.) then one discourse and three policy questions—the Ministry added two. The Secretariat drafted great-meaning forms for issuance. Testers had to understand classics and write well—not crude clause parsing like old Classics Understanding. Ten percent of specialized qualifying names added to jinshi quota; new jinshi circuits and conversions used the added quota. Separate codes favored their fields so they would aspire to change profession rather than encroach outward.

又立新科明法，試律令、《刑統》，大義、斷桉，所以待諸科之不能業進士者。未幾，選人、任子，亦試律令始出官。又詔進士自第三人以下試法。或言：“高科任簽判及職官，於習法豈所宜緩。昔試刑法者，世皆指為俗吏，今朝廷推恩既厚，而應者尚少，若高科不試，則人不以為榮。 ”乃詔悉試。帝嚐言：“近世士大夫，多不習法。 ”吳充曰：“漢陳寵以法律授徒，常數百人。律學在六學之一，後來縉紳，多恥此學。舊明法科徒誦其文，罕通其意，近補官必聚而試之，有以見恤刑之意。”

New Law Understanding tested statutes, Penal Code, great meaning, and case judgment—for those unable to pursue jinshi. Soon selected officials and yin appointees tested statutes before first office. Jinshi from third rank down were ordered to test law. Some said: "High ranks become secretaries—how can law study be relaxed? Penal-law testers were called vulgar clerks; grace is thick yet few respond—if high ranks exempt, none will honor it. An edict ordered all to test. The emperor said: "Recently scholar-officials mostly do not study law. Wu Chong said: "Han Chen Chong taught law to hundreds of disciples. Law study was one of the Six Academies; later gentry disdained it. Old Law Understanding recited text without grasping meaning; recent appointees assemble for testing—showing intent to temper punishments.

熙寧三年，親試進士，始專以策，定著限以千字。舊特奏名人試論一道，至是亦製策焉。帝謂執政曰：“對策亦何足以實盡人材，然愈於以詩賦取人爾。 ”舊制，進士入謝，進謝恩銀百兩，至是罷之。仍賜錢三千，為期集費。諸州舉送、發解、考試、監試官，凡親戚若門客毋試於其州，類其名上之轉運司，與鎖廳者同試，率七人特立一額。後復令存諸科舊額十之一，以待不能改業者。

In Xining 3 the emperor personally examined jinshi on policy alone with a thousand-character limit. Special memorial-name candidates formerly tested one discourse; now they also received policy questions. The emperor told those in power: "Policy alone cannot fully reveal talent, yet it surpasses poetry-rhapsody. Jinshi thanksgiving silver of one hundred taels was abolished. Three thousand cash was granted instead as assembly funds. Relatives and clients of recommending officials could not test locally; they tested with locked-hall candidates under separate quotas of roughly one per seven. Later ten percent of old specialized quotas was retained for those unable to change profession.

元祐初，知貢舉蘇軾、孔文仲言：“每一試，進士、諸科及特奏名約八九百人。舊制，禮部已奏名，至禦試而黜者甚多。嘉祐始盡賜出身，近雜犯亦免黜落，皆非祖宗本意。進士升甲，本為南省第一人，唱名近下，方特升之，皆出一時聖斷。今禮部十人以上，別試、國子、開封解試、武舉第一人，經明行修進士及該特奏而預正奏者，定著於令，遞升一甲。則是法在有司，恩不歸於人主，甚無謂也。今特奏者約已及四百五十人，又許例外遞減一舉，則當復增數百人。此曹垂老無他望，布在州縣，惟務黷貨以為歸計。前後恩科命官，幾千人矣，何有一人能自奮厲，有聞於時？而殘民敗官者，不可勝數。以此知其無益有損。議者不過謂宜廣恩澤，不知吏部以有限之官待無窮之吏，戶部以有限之財祿無用之人，而所至州縣，舉罹其害。乃即位之初，有此過舉，謂之恩澤，非臣所識也。願斷自聖意，止用前命，仍詔考官量取一二十人，誠有學問，即許出官。其餘皆補文學、長史之類，不理選限，免使積弊增重不已。 ”遂詔定特奏名考取數，進士入四等以上、諸科入三等以上，通在試者計之，毋得取過全額之半，是後著為令。

In early Yuanyou chief examiners Su Shi and Kong Wenzhong said: "Each session totals about eight or nine hundred jinshi, specialized, and special memorial-name candidates. Under the old system many were dismissed at palace examination after Ministry registration. From Jiayou all received degrees; recently even mixed offenders were exempted—neither accorded with ancestors' intent. Jinshi rank promotion originally honored provincial first place when announced name was low—by momentary imperial decision. Now fixed regulations promote Ministry top ten, separate-head first, and others sequentially—grace rests with offices not the ruler—meaningless. Special memorial-name candidates already reach about four hundred fifty; exceptional reduction of one attempt will add hundreds more. These aging men spread through prefectures seeking only corrupt profit. Former grace appointments numbered nearly a thousand—has one ever distinguished himself? Yet those harming people and ruining office are beyond counting. This shows harm without benefit. Critics say broaden grace—they ignore finite posts for infinite officials and suffering prefectures. At reign's start such excess is called grace—we do not recognize it. Please use only the prior order; instruct examiners to select one or two dozen with genuine learning for office. The rest should fill literary and chief clerk posts without selection limits. An edict fixed special memorial-name numbers—not exceeding half the full quota; thereafter regulation. While reforming prior policies, the Ministry requested a separate Spring and Autumn doctorate.

時方改更先朝之政，禮部請置《春秋》博士，專為一經。尚書省請復詩賦，與經義兼行，解經通用先儒傳注及己說。又言：“新科明法中者，吏部即注司法，敘名在及第進士之上。舊明法最為下科，然必責之兼經，古者先德後刑之意也。欲加試《論語》大義，仍裁半額，注官依科目次序。 ”詔近臣集議。左仆射司馬光曰：“取士之道，當先德行，後文學；就文學言之，經術又當先於詞采。神宗專用經義、論策取士，此乃復先王令典，百王不易之法。但王安石不當以一家私學，今天下學官講解。至於律令，皆當官所須，使為士者果能知道義，自與法律冥合；何必置明法一科，習為刻薄，非所以長育人材、敦厚風俗也。”

The Department requested restoring poetry-rhapsody alongside classic interpretation. It also said: "New Law Understanding passers rank above jinshi degree holders. Old Law Understanding was lowest yet required classics—ancient intent of virtue before punishment. Wish to add Analects great meaning, halve quota, assign by category order. Wish to add Analects great meaning, halve quota, assign by category order. Close ministers were ordered to discuss. Sima Guang said: "Select first by virtue and conduct, then literary skill; among literary skill, classics precede phrasing. Shenzong's classic interpretation and policy restore former kings' canon—the unchanging law of kings. But Wang Anshi's private learning should not lecture throughout schools. Statutes are what officials need; if scholars know the Way they accord with law naturally; why establish Law Understanding practicing harshness—not how to nurture talent.

四年，乃立經義、詩賦兩科，罷試律義。凡詩賦進士，於《易》、《詩》、《書》、《周禮》、《禮記》、《春秋左傳》內聽習一經。初試本經義二道，《語》、《孟》義各一道，次試賦及律詩各一首，次論一首，末試子、史、時務策二道。凡專經進士，須習兩經，以《詩》、《禮記》、《周禮》、《左氏春秋》為大經，《書》、《易》、《公羊》、《穀梁》、《儀禮》為中經，《左氏春秋》得兼《公羊》、《穀梁》、《書》，《周禮》得兼《儀禮》或《易》，《禮記》、《詩》並兼《書》，願習二大經者聽，不得偏占兩中經。初試本經義三道，《論語》義一道，次試本經義三道，《孟子》義一道，次論策，如詩賦科。並以四場通定高下，而取解額中分之，各占其半。專經者用經義定取舍，兼詩賦者以詩賦為去留，其名次高下，則於策論參之。自復詩賦，上多向習，而專經者十無二三，諸路奏以分額各取非均，其後遂通定去留，經義毋過通額三分之一。

In the fourth year Classic Interpretation and Poetry-Rhapsody were established; law-interpretation testing abolished. Poetry-rhapsody jinshi studied one classic among Changes, Odes, Documents, Rites of Zhou, Record of Rites, and Zuo Commentary. First session: two classic and one Analects and one Mencius interpretations; second: rhapsody and regulated poem; third: discourse; final: two policy questions. Classic specialists studied two classics with major-middle pairing rules; two major permitted, not two middle. Classic specialists: three original and one Analects, then three original and one Mencius, then discourse and policy. All four sessions determined rank; qualifying quota halved between categories. Classic specialists decided by interpretation; combined by poetry-rhapsody; rank referenced policy and discourse. After restoring poetry-rhapsody the emperor favored it; classic specialists were scarce; later retention was uniform with classic interpretation capped at one-third.

光又請：“立經明行修科，歲委升朝文臣各舉所知，以勉勵天下，使敦士行，以示不專取文學之意。若所舉人違犯名教及贓私罪，必坐舉主，毋有所赦，則自不敢妄舉。而士之居鄉、居家者，立身行己，不敢不謹，惟懼玷缺外聞。所謂不言之教，不肅而成，不待學官日訓月察，立賞告訐，而士行自美矣。 ”遂立科，許各舉一人。凡試進士者，及中第唱名日，用以升甲。後分路別立額六十一人，州縣保任上之監司，監司考察以聞，無其人則否。預薦者不試於州郡，惟試禮部。不中，許用特奏名格赴廷試，後以為常。既而詔須特命舉乃舉，毋概以科場年上其名。

Guang requested Cultivated Classics and Conduct: yearly recommendations to show intent beyond literary skill alone. If recommended persons violate ethics or embezzle, recommenders punished without pardon. Scholars at home dare not be careless, fearing public stain. Teaching without words—scholar conduct beautifies itself without daily school inspection. " The category was established, permitting one recommendation each. On passing day this was used for jinshi rank promotion. Later sixty-one circuit quotas; prefectures guaranteed and commissioners investigated—if no worthy person, none. Recommended persons tested only at the Ministry, not in prefectures. Failure permitted special memorial-name court examination—later regular. Soon special imperial command was required before recommendation.

六年，詔復通禮科。初，開寶中，改鄉貢《開元禮》為《通禮》，熙寧嚐罷，至是始復。凡禮部試，添知舉官為四員，罷差參詳官，而置點檢官二十人，分屬四知舉，使協力通考；諸州點檢官專校雜犯，亦預考試。

In the sixth year Comprehensive Rites was restored. Kaibao changed district Kaiyuan Rites to Comprehensive Rites; Xining abolished it—now restored. Ministry chief examiners increased to four; twenty inspection officials assisted joint grading; prefectural inspectors checked mixed offenses and participated in examination.

八年，中書請禦試復用祖宗法，試詩賦、論、策三題。且言：“士子多已改習詩賦，太學生員總二千一百餘人，而不兼詩賦者才八十二人。 ”於是詔：“來年禦試，習詩賦人復試三題，專經人且令試策。 ”自後概試三題。帝既親政，群臣多言元祐所更學校、科舉制度非是，帝念宣仁保佑之功，不許改。紹聖初，議者益多，乃詔進士罷詩賦，專習經義，廷對仍試策。初，神宗念字學廢缺，詔儒臣探討，而王安石乃進其說，學者習焉。元祐禁勿用。至是，除其禁。四年，詔禮部，凡內外試題悉集以為籍，遇試，頒付考官，以防復出。罷《春秋》科，凡試，優取二《禮》，兩經許占全額之半，而以其半及他經。既而復立《春秋》博士，崇寧又罷之。

In the eighth year the Secretariat requested palace examination restore three topics—poetry-rhapsody, discourse, and policy. It said most candidates changed to poetry-rhapsody; of over two thousand one hundred academy students only eighty-two omitted it. Next year's palace exam: poetry-rhapsody candidates retest three topics; classic specialists test policy only. Afterward all tested three topics. After personal rule many said Yuanyou reforms were wrong; mindful of Xuanren's protecting merit, the emperor did not change them. At Shaosheng's start jinshi poetry-rhapsody was abolished for classic interpretation; court response still tested policy. Shenzong ordered investigation of neglected character learning; Wang Anshi advanced his doctrine. Yuanyou forbade use. Now the prohibition was removed. In the fourth year all examination topics were collected into a register to prevent repetition. Spring and Autumn abolished; Two Rites preferred; two classics half quota, other half other classics. Spring and Autumn doctorate was restored; Chongning again abolished it.

徽宗設辟雍於國郊，以待士之升貢者。臨幸，加恩博士弟子有差。然州郡猶以科舉取士，不專學校。崇寧三年，遂詔：“天下取士，悉由學校升貢，其州郡發解及試禮部法並罷。 ”自此，歲試上舍，悉差知舉，如禮部試。五年，詔：“大比歲更參用科舉取士一次，其亟以此意使遠士即聞之。 ”時州縣悉行三舍法，得免試入學者，多當官子弟，而在學積歲月，累試乃得應格，其貧且老者甚病之，故詔及此，而未遽廢科舉也。大觀四年五月，星變，凡事多所更定。侍御史毛注言：“養士既有額，而科舉又罷，則不隸學籍者，遂致失職。天之視聽以民，士，其民之秀者，今失職如此，疑天亦譴怒。願以解額之歸升貢者一二分，不絕科舉，亦應天之一也。 ”遂詔更行科舉一次。臣僚言：“場屋之文，專尚偶麗，題雖無兩意，必欲厘而為二，以就對偶；其超詣理趣者，反指以為澹泊。請擇考官而戒飭之，取其有理致而黜其強為對偶者，庶幾稍救文弊。”

Huizong established the Imperial Academy at the suburban altar for tribute-advancing scholars. On imperial visits academy doctors and students received graded favor. Yet prefectures still selected by examination, not exclusively schools. Chongning 3: all selection through school tribute; prefectural qualifying and Ministry methods abolished. Annual upper-hall testing assigned chief examiners like Ministry examination. Great comparison years additionally use examination once—urgently inform distant scholars. Three-hall method favored officials' sons; poor and old suffered under accumulated years and repeated tests—hence the edict, yet examination was not immediately abolished. Daguan 4 fifth month: a star changed and many matters were revised. Mao Zhu said: "With school quotas yet examination abolished, those off school rolls lose their path. Heaven sees through the people; scholars are their elite—this loss perhaps draws heaven's reproach. Return one or two tenths of quota to tribute, not cutting examination—responding to heaven. Examination was ordered once more. Ministers said: "Examination writing favors parallel ornament; topics without dual intent are split for parallelism; those strong in reasoning are called bland. Select examiners and warn them—reward reasoning, dismiss forced parallelism.

宣和三年，詔罷天下三舍法，開封府及諸路並以科舉取士；惟太學仍存三舍，以甄序課試，遇科舉仍自發解。六年，禮部試進士萬五千人，詔特增百人額，正奏名賜第者八百餘人，因上書獻頌直令赴試者殆百人。有儲宏等隸大閹梁師成為使臣或小史，皆賜之第。梁師成者，於大觀三年嚐中甲科。自設科以來，南宮試者，無逾此年之盛。然雜流閹宦，俱玷選舉，而祖宗之良法蕩然矣。凡士不繇科舉若三舍而賜進士第及出身者，其所從得不一。凡遺逸、文學，吏能言事或奏對稱旨，或試法而經律入優，或材武、或童子而皆能文，或邊臣之子以功來奏，其得之雖有當否，大較猶可取也。崇寧、大觀之後，達官貴胄既多得賜，以上書獻頌而得者，又不勝紀。

Xuanhe 3 abolished three-hall method; Kaifeng and circuits again selected by examination; only the Imperial Academy retained three halls; examination still sent qualifying documents. The sixth year Ministry tested fifteen thousand jinshi; one hundred quota added; over eight hundred degreed; nearly one hundred memorial-praisers ordered to test. Chu Hong and others, attached to eunuch Liang Shicheng as envoys or clerks, all received degrees. Liang Shicheng had himself passed top rank in Daguan 3. Since categories began, southern palace never exceeded this year's abundance. Yet low-born eunuchs stained selection—and ancestral good methods were lost. Scholars granted jinshi or equivalent without examination or three halls obtained it by diverse paths. Recluses, literary talent, skilled memorialists, law testers, martial prodigies, border sons presenting merit—though uneven, broadly acceptable. After Chongning and Daguan high officials mostly received grants; memorial-praisers beyond counting.

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