Volume 83 Treatises 36: Selection of Officials 3

選舉三○銓法中

Selection of Officials, Part Three — On the Laws Governing Examination and Appointment

至元四年，詔：「諸官品正從分等，職官用蔭，各止一名。諸蔭官不以居官、去任、致仕、身故，其承蔭之人，年及二十五以上者聽。諸用蔭者，以嫡長子。若嫡長子有廢疾，立嫡長子之子孫，曾玄同。如無，立嫡長子同母弟，曾玄同。如無，立繼室所生。如無，立次室所生。如無，立婢子。如絕嗣者，傍蔭其親兄弟，各及子孫。如無，傍蔭伯叔及其子孫。諸用蔭者，孫降子、曾孫降孫、婢生子及傍蔭者，皆於合敘品從降一等。諸蔭子入品職，循其資考，流轉升遷。廉慎幹濟者，依格超升。特恩擢用者，不拘此例。其有不務廉慎，違犯禮法者，依格降罰，重者除名。諸自九品依例遷至正三品，止於本等流轉，二品以上選自特旨。諸職官蔭子之後，若有餘子，不得於諸官府自求職事，諸官府亦不許任用。」五年，詔：「諸蔭官各具父祖歷仕緣由、去任身故歲月並所受宣敕劄付、彩畫宗支，指實該承蔭人姓名年甲，本處官司體勘房親，揭照籍冊，別無詐冒，及無廢疾過犯等事，上司審驗相同，保結申覆，令親賫文解赴部。諸蔭敘人員，除蒙古及已當禿魯花人數別行定奪外，三品以下、七品以上、年二十五之上者，當儤使一年，並不支俸。滿日，三品至五品子孫量材敘用外，六品七品子準上銓註監當差使，已後通驗各界增虧定奪。」十六年，部擬：「管匠官止於管匠官內遷用。其身故匠官之子，若依管民官品級承蔭，緣匠官至正九品以下，止有院長、同院務，例不入流品，似難一例蔭用。比附承蔭例，量擬正從五品子於九品匠官內敘，六品、七品子於院長內敘。凡儤直曾當怯薛身役，已經歷仕及止有一子，五十以上者，並免。」二十七年，詔：「凡軍民官陣亡，軍官襲父職，民官陣亡者，其子比父職降二等敘，其孫若弟復降一等。」大德四年，省議：「諸職官子孫蔭敘，正一品子，正五品敘。從一品子，從五品敘。正二品子，正六品敘。從二品子，從六品敘。正三品子，正七品敘。從三品子，從七品敘。正四品子，正八品敘。從四品子，從八品敘。正五品子，正九品敘。從五品子，從九品敘。正六品子，〈（流官於巡檢內用，雜職於省劄錢谷官內用。）〉從六品子，近上錢谷官。正七品子，酌中錢谷官。從七品子，近下錢谷官。諸色目人比漢人優一等蔭敘，達魯花赤子孫與民官子孫一體蔭敘，傍蔭照例降敘。」至大四年，詔：「諸職官子孫承蔭，須試一經一史，能通大義者免儤使，不通者發還習學，蒙古、色目願試者聽，仍量進一階。」延祐六年，部呈：「福建、兩廣、海北、海南、左右兩江、雲南、四川、甘肅等處蔭敘之人，如父祖始仕本處，止以本地方敘用。據腹裏、江南歷仕升等遷往者，其子孫弟侄承蔭，又註遠方，誠可憐憫。今將承蔭人等量擬敘用，福建、兩廣、八番官員擬江南蔭敘，海北、海南、左右兩江官員擬接連蔭敘，雲南官員擬四川蔭敘，四川、甘肅官員擬陜西蔭敘。」

In the fourth year of the Zhiyuan era, an imperial edict declared: "Official ranks shall be graded by regular and subordinate status. Each office-holder entitled to privilege appointment may name only one heir. Privilege appointment was allowed regardless of whether the ancestor still held office, had left his post, had retired, or was deceased — provided the heir was at least twenty-five years old. The heir entitled to privilege appointment was the eldest son of the principal wife. If the eldest son of the principal wife was disabled, his descendants were appointed instead — sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons alike. If there were none, the next choice was a younger brother of the eldest son by the same mother, and their descendants in turn. If there were none, a son born of a successor wife was appointed. If there were none, a son born of a secondary wife was appointed. If there were none, a son born of a bondwoman was appointed. If the direct line failed, collateral privilege extended to full brothers and their descendants. If there were none, it extended to paternal uncles and their descendants. In every case of privilege appointment — whether a grandson stood in for a son, a great-grandson for a grandson, the heir was a bondwoman's son, or the line was collateral — the appointee received one rank below the grade he would otherwise have earned. Sons who entered ranked office through privilege were promoted by rotation according to their qualifications and service reviews. Officials who were incorrupt, careful, and effective could be promoted ahead of schedule under the regulations. Those raised by special imperial favor were exempt from this rule. Those who failed to maintain integrity or who violated ritual and law were demoted and punished under the regulations; in serious cases they were removed from the rolls entirely. An official promoted by rule from ninth rank up to regular third rank could circulate only within that grade; appointment to second rank or above required a special imperial order. Once an office-holder's privileged son had been appointed, any remaining sons were forbidden to seek office on their own, and no government office might employ them." In the fifth year, an edict: "Every privilege-appointed official must fully report the reasons for his father and grandfather's successive service, the month and year of leaving office or death, and the proclamation appointment documents and letters received, along with a colored lineage chart. He must identify in fact the name and age of the person who should inherit the privilege. The local office shall investigate among neighbors and kin, consult against the household register, verify there is no fraud or impersonation, and no crippling illness or past offenses, etc. The superior office shall review and confirm agreement, guarantee and submit for verification, and have a kinsman carry the documents of release to the ministry. Except for Mongols and those who had already performed tulughach guard service — governed by separate rules — privilege appointees below third rank and seventh rank or above, aged twenty-five or older, were required to serve one year of unpaid corvée rotational duty. When that year was complete, descendants of third- through fifth-rank officials were appointed according to ability; sons of sixth- and seventh-rank officials were examined and posted to supervisory or warehouse duties as above. Thereafter the net gains and losses of each circuit were reviewed before final disposition." In the sixteenth year, the ministry proposed: "Officials who supervised crafts could be transferred only among posts within that same category. If the son of a deceased artisan official inherited privilege by the standards of civilian administration, the result would be awkward: artisan officials ranked no higher than regular ninth grade and held only such posts as institute director or co-institute manager, which by precedent lay outside the regular ranks. The same privilege rule could hardly be applied to them. Drawing on the privilege inheritance precedent, it was proposed that sons of regular and subordinate fifth-rank officials be appointed within ninth-rank crafts posts, and sons of sixth- and seventh-rank officials within institute directorships. Exempt from corvée duty were those who had already served in the keshig, those who had already held office, those who had only one son, and those aged fifty or above." In the twenty-seventh year, an edict ruled that when military or civilian officials fell in battle, a military officer's son inherited his father's post outright. If a civilian official was killed, his son was appointed two ranks below the father's office, and a grandson or younger brother one rank lower still." In the fourth year of Dade, the provincial administration council deliberated: "For all office-holding officials' descendants receiving privilege appointment: a regular first-rank official's son receives appointment at regular fifth rank. The son of a subordinate first-rank official was appointed at subordinate fifth rank. The son of a regular second-rank official was appointed at regular sixth rank. The son of a subordinate second-rank official was appointed at subordinate sixth rank. The son of a regular third-rank official was appointed at regular seventh rank. The son of a subordinate third-rank official was appointed at subordinate seventh rank. The son of a regular fourth-rank official was appointed at regular eighth rank. The son of a subordinate fourth-rank official was appointed at subordinate eighth rank. The son of a regular fifth-rank official was appointed at regular ninth rank. The son of a subordinate fifth-rank official was appointed at subordinate ninth rank. The son of a regular sixth-rank official — (regular officials were placed among patrol inspectors; miscellaneous officials among revenue and grain posts under provincial notification.) The son of a subordinate sixth-rank official received a higher-grade revenue and grain post. The son of a regular seventh-rank official received a middle-grade revenue and grain post. The son of a subordinate seventh-rank official received a lower-grade revenue and grain post. Semu people received privilege appointment one grade higher than Han Chinese. Sons and grandsons of darughachi were treated like the descendants of civilian officials. Collateral heirs were appointed at reduced grades according to precedent." In the fourth year of the Zhida era, an edict required descendants inheriting privilege to pass an examination in one Classic and one History. Those who showed mastery of the main ideas were exempt from corvée duty; those who failed were sent back to study. Mongols and Semu who chose to be examined were allowed to do so and could still receive a measured advance of one grade." In the sixth year of Yanyou, the ministry submitted: "For persons receiving privilege appointment in Fujian, the Two Guangs, Haibei, Hainan, the Left and Right Two Rivers, Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu, and other places — if the father and grandfather first took office in that locality, appointment is only within that local region. Yet when officials from the metropolitan interior or Jiangnan had risen in rank and been transferred to distant posts, their sons, grandsons, brothers, and nephews who inherited privilege were often sent still farther away — a hardship that plainly deserved relief. The ministry therefore proposed these regional equivalencies for privilege appointment: Fujian, the Two Guangs, and Eight Fan officials would follow Jiangnan standards; Haibei, Hainan, and the Left and Right Two Rivers would follow adjacent-region standards; Yunnan would follow Sichuan; and Sichuan and Gansu would follow Shaanxi."

凡遷調閩廣、川蜀、雲南官員：每三歲，遣使與行省銓註，而以監察御史往蒞之。至元十九年，省議：「江淮州郡遠近險易不同，似難一體，今量分為三等，若腹裏常調官員遷入兩廣、福建溪洞州郡者，於本等資歷上，例升二等，其餘州郡，例升一等。福建、兩廣官員五品以上，照勘員闕，移咨都省銓註，六品以下，就便委用，開具咨省。」二十年，部擬：「遷敘江淮官員，擬定應得資品，若於接連福建、兩廣溪洞州郡任用，升一等。甘肅、中興行省所轄系西夏邊地，除本處籍貫見任官外，腹裏遷去甘肅者，擬升二等，中興府擬升一等。」二十二年，詔：「管民官腹裏遷去四川升一等，接連溪洞升二等。四川見任官遷往接連溪洞升一等，若遷去溪洞諸蠻夷，別議定奪。達魯花赤就彼處無軍蒙古軍官內選擬，不為常例。」二十二年，江淮官員遷於龍南、安遠縣地分者，擬升三等，仍以三十月為滿升轉。二十八年，詔：「腹裏官員遷去雲南近裏城邑，擬升二等，若極邊重地，更升一等。行省咨保人員，比依定奪。其蒙古、土人及招附百姓有功之人，不拘此例。」省臣奏準：「福建、兩廣官員多闕，都省差人與彼處行省、行臺官，一同以本土周回相應人員委用。」部議：「雲南六品以下任滿官員，依御史臺所擬，選資品相應人，擬定名闕，具歷仕腳色，咨省奏準，敕牒到日，許令之任。若有急闕，依上選取，權令之任，歷過月日，依上準理。」二十九年，詔：「福建、兩廣官員歷兩任滿者，遷於接連去處，一任滿日，歷江南一任，許入腹裏通行遷轉，願於兩廣、福建者聽，依例升等。」至治元年，省臣奏：「江浙、江西、湖廣、四川、雲南五處行省所轄邊遠地分官員，三年一次差人與行省、行臺官一同遷調。」泰定四年，部擬：「諸職官子孫承蔭，已有元定蔭敘地方通例，別難議擬，如願於廣海蔭敘者，聽其所請，依例升等遷敘。其已咨到都省，應合本省地分蔭敘而未受除者，依例咨行省，令差去遷調官就便銓註。廣海闕官，於任滿得代，有由應得路府州縣儒學教授、學正、山長內願充者，借註正九品以下名闕，任回，止理本等月日。廣海應設巡檢，於本省應得常選上等錢谷官選擬，權設，理本等月日。行省自用並不應之人，不許委用，如受敕巡檢到彼，即聽交代。」

For officials transferred among Fujian-Guangdong, Sichuan-Shu, and Yunnan, an envoy was sent every three years to conduct examinations and appointments jointly with the Branch Secretariat, with a supervising censor present to oversee the process. In the nineteenth year of Zhiyuan, the provincial council deliberated: "The Jiang-Huai prefectures and districts differ in distance and in difficulty of terrain — it seems hard to treat them uniformly. Now they are measured and divided into three grades. If regularly reassigned officials from the interior are transferred into the Two Guangs and Fujian stream-cave prefectures and districts, on top of their current qualifications they are promoted two grades by rule; for other prefectures and districts, one grade by rule. In Fujian and the Two Guangs, vacancies for fifth rank and above were reported to the central secretariat for examination and appointment; for sixth rank and below, officials were appointed locally and the province was notified." In the twentieth year, the ministry proposed: "For transferred officials from Jiang-Huai, the qualifications they should receive are determined. If appointed in adjacent Fujian and Two Guangs stream-cave prefectures and districts, one grade promotion. Gansu and the territory under the Zhongxing Branch Secretariat lay on the former Western Xia frontier. Except for native incumbents, officials transferred from the interior to Gansu were proposed for a two-grade promotion, and to Zhongxing Prefecture for one grade." In the twenty-second year, an edict: "Civilian-administering officials transferred from the interior to Sichuan — one grade promotion; to adjacent stream-cave regions — two grades. Incumbent Sichuan officials moved to adjacent stream-cave districts received one grade; transfers into the stream-cave lands of various Man and Yi peoples were decided separately. Darughachi were chosen from Mongol military officers stationed where no regular army was posted — an exceptional practice, not a standing rule." In that same year, Jiang-Huai officials transferred to Longnan and Anyuan counties were proposed for a three-grade promotion, with thirty months still counted as a full term for promotion and transfer. In the twenty-eighth year, an edict: "Officials from the interior transferred to near interior towns of Yunnan are proposed for two-grade promotion; if to extremely border strategic regions, one additional grade. Candidates recommended by the Branch Secretariat were judged by comparison with these rules. Mongols, local peoples, and meritorious persons among recruited and pacified commoners were not bound by these rules." Provincial ministers obtained approval to note that Fujian and the Two Guangs had many unfilled posts. The central secretariat would send representatives to work with the local Branch Secretariat and Branch Censorate in appointing suitable men drawn from the surrounding native population." The ministry deliberated: "For Yunnan officials of sixth rank and below whose terms are complete, according to the censorate's proposal, select persons of matching qualifications, designate named vacancies, submit service records, consult the province for memorial approval; when the imperial commission arrives, they are permitted to take office. If a vacancy was urgent, the same selection procedure applied and the appointee could take office provisionally; elapsed time would be credited according to the rules above." In the twenty-ninth year, an edict allowed Fujian and Two Guangs officials who had completed two full terms in those regions, then one term in an adjacent area, and then one term in Jiangnan, to transfer freely into the interior; those who preferred to remain in the Two Guangs or Fujian might do so, with promotion by rule." In the first year of the Zhizhi era, provincial ministers reported that officials in remote districts under the Jiang-Zhe, Jiangxi, Huguang, Sichuan, and Yunnan Branch Secretariats should be transferred jointly every three years by envoys working with the Branch Secretariat and Branch Censorate." In the fourth year of Taiding, the ministry proposed: "For all office-holding officials' descendants inheriting privilege, there are already Yuan-determined general rules on places of privilege appointment — separately difficult to deliberate further. If they wish privilege appointment in the Guang-Hai region, grant their request with grade promotion and transfer per rule. Those whose privilege cases had already reached the central secretariat but who had not yet received appointment within their home province were, by rule, referred to the Branch Secretariat so that the dispatched transfer officer could examine and appoint them locally. For vacancies in Guang-Hai, professors, Rectors, or Mountain Chiefs of route, prefecture, district, or county Confucian schools who had completed their terms and wished to fill them could be provisionally registered in named posts below regular ninth rank; on return, only service at their original grade would be credited. Needed patrol inspector posts in Guang-Hai were to be filled provisionally from eligible upper-grade revenue and grain officials of the province, with service credited at the official's original grade. The Branch Secretariat was forbidden to appoint its own favorites or unqualified men. When an imperially commissioned patrol inspector arrived, he was to be installed at once."

凡遷調循行：各省所轄路府州縣諸司，應合遷調官員，先盡急闕，次及滿任。急闕須憑各官在任解由、依驗月日、應得資品、及解由到行省月日，依次就便遷調。若有急闕，委無相應之人，或員闕不能相就者，於應敘職官內選用，驗合得資品上，雖有超越，不過一等。本管地面，若有遐荒煙瘴險惡重地，除土官外，依例公選銓註，其有超用人員，多者不過二等。軍官、匠官、醫官、站官、各投下人等，例不轉入流品者，雖資品相應，不許銓註。都省已除人員，例應到任，若有違限一年者，聽別行補註。應有合就彼遷敘人員，如在前給由已咨都省聽除，未經遷註照會，不曾咨到本省者，即聽就便開咨。無解由人員，不許銓註。諸犯贓經斷應敘人員，照例銓註。令譯史、奏差人等，須驗實歷月日已滿，方許銓註。邊遠重難去處，如委不可闕官，從差去官與本省官公同選註能幹人員，開具歷仕元由，並所註職名，擬咨都省，候回準明文，方許之任。應遷調官員，三品、四品擬定咨呈，五品以下先行照會之任。

The order of transfer and reassignment within each province's routes, prefectures, districts, counties, and subordinate offices was: urgent vacancies first, then officials whose terms had expired. Urgent vacancies were filled according to each official's release certificate from his current post, verified months of service, due qualifications, and the date that certificate reached the Branch Secretariat — in that order, and as locally convenient. If an urgent vacancy had no suitable candidate, or posts could not be matched, an eligible official might be chosen even if he exceeded his due qualification by no more than one grade. In remote, malarial, or otherwise hazardous strategic districts — except for native officials — appointments were made by public selection and examination according to rule; over-appointment could not exceed two grades. Military officials, crafts officials, medical officials, postal station officials, and persons attached to various fiefs were by precedent barred from entering the regular ranks; even when qualifications matched, they could not be examined and appointed. Officials appointed by the central secretariat were expected to take office promptly; if they failed to do so within one year beyond the deadline, another candidate could be appointed in their place. Officials due for local transfer and appointment who had already received release certificates and whose cases were pending at the central secretariat, but whose transfer notices had not yet reached the province, might immediately open consultation locally. No one lacking a release certificate could be examined and appointed. Officials convicted of embezzlement who remained eligible for appointment after judgment were examined and appointed according to precedent. Clerks, interpreters, memorial envoys, and the like could be examined and appointed only after their full term of actual service had been verified. At remote and critically understaffed posts that could not safely be left empty, the dispatched officer and provincial officials jointly selected capable men, submitted their service records and proposed titles, and consulted the central secretariat; they could take office only after approval returned. Officials due for transfer of third or fourth rank required prior consultation and memorial; those of fifth rank and below might receive provisional notice to take office first.

凡文武散官：多采用金制，建官之初，散官例降職事二等。至元二十年，始升官職對品，九品無散官，謂之平頭敕。蒙古、色目，初授散官或降職事，再授職，雖不降，必俟官資合轉，然後升職。漢人初授官，不及職，再授則降職授官。惟封贈蔭敘官職，各從一高，必歷官至二品，則官必從職，不復用理算法矣。至治初，稍改之，尋復其舊。此外月日不及者，惟歷繁劇得優，獲功賞則優，由內地入邊遠則優，憲臺舉廉能政跡則優，以選出使絕域則優，然亦各有其格也。

Civil and military honorific ranks largely followed Jin practice. When the Yuan first established its bureaucracy, honorific ranks were routinely set two grades below the actual post. In the twentieth year of Zhiyuan, posts and honorific ranks were first matched grade for grade. Ninth-rank appointments carried no separate honorific rank and were known as "flat-headed edicts." For Mongols and Semu, the first appointment was either an honorific rank or a grade below the post; on the second appointment, even without reduction, promotion waited until their qualifications permitted transfer. Han Chinese on first appointment received a grade below the post; on the second they were appointed at a reduced post rank. Only for offices obtained through ennoblement, posthumous conferral, or privilege appointment did rank follow whichever was higher. Once an official reached second rank, rank and post had to align, and the calculation method no longer applied. At the beginning of the Zhizhi era this rule was briefly modified, but the old practice was soon restored. Where service time fell short, preference could be earned only in specific cases: arduous posts, meritorious rewards, transfer from the interior to the borderlands, censorate recommendation for integrity and effective governance, or selection for missions to distant realms — each governed by its own regulations.

凡保舉職官：大德二年制：「各廉訪司所按治城邑內，有廉慎幹濟者，歲舉二人。」九年，詔：「臺、院、部五品以上官，各舉廉能識治體者三人，行省臺、宣慰司、廉訪司各舉五人。」

On the recommendation of office-holders: under the Dade second-year regulation, each surveillance commission was to recommend annually two incorrupt, careful, and effective officials from the cities and towns under its jurisdiction." In the ninth year, an edict required censorate, academy, and ministry officials of fifth rank and above each to recommend three incorrupt and capable men who understood governance, and Branch Censorates, Pacification Commissions, and Surveillance Commissions each to recommend five."

凡翰林院、國子學官：大德七年議：「文翰師儒難同常調，翰林院宜選通經史、能文辭者，國子學宜選年高德邵、能文辭者，須求資格相應之人，不得預保布衣之士。若果才德素著，必合不次超擢者，別行具聞。」

As for Hanlin Academy and National University officials: In the seventh year of Dade deliberation: "Literary scholars and Confucian teachers differ from regular transfer. The Hanlin Academy should select those versed in Classics and Histories who can compose literary prose. The National University should select those advanced in years and virtue who can compose literary prose. Qualifications must match — commoners in plain cloth may not be preemptively recommended. If a man's talent and virtue were truly exceptional and warranted extraordinary promotion, a separate full report was required."

凡遷官之法：從七以下屬吏部，正七以上屬中書，三品以上非有司所與奪，由中書取進止。自六品至九品為敕授，則中書牒署之。自一品至五品為宣授，則以制命之。三品以下用金寶，二品以上用玉寶，有特旨者，則有告詞。其理算論月日，遷轉憑散官，內任以三十月為滿，外任以三歲為滿，錢谷典守以二歲為滿。而理考通以三十月為則。內任官率一考升一等，十五月進一階。京官率一考，視外任減一資。外任官或一考進一階，或兩考升一等，或三考升二等。四品則內外考通理。此秋毫不可越。然前任少，則後任足之，或前任多，則後任累之。一考者及二十七月，兩考者及五十七月，三考者及八十一月以上，遇升則借升，而補以後任。此又其權衡也。

The rules of transfer were these: subordinate seventh rank and below fell under the Ministry of Personnel; regular seventh rank and above under the Central Secretariat; third rank and above were not for ordinary offices to grant or deny — the Central Secretariat decided. Appointments from sixth through ninth rank were edict appointments, issued and countersigned by the Central Secretariat. Appointments from first through fifth rank were proclamation appointments, governed by imperial ordinance. Appointments below third rank used gold seals; second rank and above used jade seals. Special imperial orders were accompanied by formal announcement texts. In calculating service time, transfer depended on honorific rank: interior posts required thirty months, exterior posts three years, and revenue and grain posts two years. For comprehensive performance review, thirty months was the standard term. Interior officials generally advanced one grade per review and one step every fifteen months. Capital officials, by contrast, advanced one qualification less per review than their counterparts in exterior posts. Officials in exterior posts might advance one step per review, rise one full grade in two reviews, or rise two grades in three reviews. For fourth-rank officials, interior and exterior service reviews were calculated together. Not even the slightest deviation from these rules was permitted. If a prior term fell short, the next term made up the deficit; if a prior term exceeded the requirement, the surplus carried forward into the next term. One review required twenty-seven months, two reviews fifty-seven months, and three reviews eighty-one months or more. When promotion came due, an official could borrow advancement ahead of time and make it up in subsequent terms. This was another balancing mechanism in the system.

凡選用不拘常格：省參議、都司郎中、員外高第者，拜參預政事、六曹尚書、侍郎，及臺幕官、監察御史出為憲司官。外補官已制授，入朝或用敕除，朝跡秩視六品，外任或為長伯。在朝諸院由判官至使，寺監由丞至卿，館閣由屬官至學士，有遞升之法，用人重於用法如此。又覃官，或準實授，或普減資升等，或內升等，或外減資，或外減內不減，斯則恩數之不常有者，惟四品以下者有之。三品則遞進一階，至正議大夫而止。若夫勛臣世胄、侍中貴人，上命超遷，則不可以選格論。亦有傳敕中書，送部覆奏，或致繳奏者，斯則歷代以來封駁之良法也。

Selection outside normal regulations allowed provincial counsellors and bureau directors and vice-directors of the highest standing to be appointed Counsellors Participating in State Affairs or ministers and vice-ministers of the Six Departments, while censorate and secretariat staff and investigating censors could be dispatched as judicial circuit officials. Exterior appointees already held ordinance appointments; upon entering court they might receive edict appointments instead. Court career rank was treated as sixth rank, while in exterior posts they might serve as chief or senior officials. Within court, various bureaus had stepwise promotion from vice-director to commissioner, temples and directorates from assistant to director, and academies and libraries from clerk to academician — each with its own ladder of advancement. In such cases, selecting the right person mattered more than rigidly applying the regulations. There were also grace promotions: sometimes counted as substantive appointments, sometimes universal reductions in qualification requirements, sometimes interior advancement by grade, sometimes exterior qualification reductions, and sometimes exterior reductions without corresponding interior reductions. These irregular beneficent measures applied only to officials of fourth rank and below. Third-rank officials advanced one step in succession, up to the rank of Righteous Counsellor. As for meritorious ministers, noble descendants, and favorites at court, when the throne ordered extraordinary promotion, normal selection regulations did not apply. Sometimes edicts were transmitted to the Secretariat, forwarded to the ministry for review and memorial, or returned with objections — the excellent method of review and rejection inherited from earlier dynasties.

凡吏部月選：至元十九年議：「到部解由即行照勘，合得七品者呈省，從七以下本部註擬，其餘流外人員，不拘多寡，並以一月一次銓註。」

On monthly selection by the Ministry of Personnel: In the nineteenth year of Zhiyuan, deliberation: "Upon arrival at the ministry, discharge certificates are immediately verified. Those qualified for seventh rank are submitted to the province; subordinate seventh rank and below are registered by this ministry. All other outsiders, regardless of number, are examined and registered once per month."

凡官吏遷敘：至元十年，議：「舊以三十月遷轉太速，以六十月遷轉太遲。」二十八年，定隨朝以三十月為滿，在外以三周歲為滿，錢谷官以得代為滿，吏員以九十月日出職，職官轉補，與職官同。

On official transfer and promotion: In the tenth year of Zhiyuan, deliberation: "The old thirty-month transfer cycle is too fast; sixty months is too slow." In the twenty-eighth year, court-attendant service was fixed at thirty months, exterior service at three full years, revenue and grain officials at completion of handover, and clerks at ninety months for entry into ranked office. Officials transferring between clerk posts were treated the same as regular officials.

凡覃官：至大二年，詔：「內外官四品以下，普覃散官一等，服色、班次、封蔭皆憑散官。三品者遞進一階，至正三品上階而止。其應入流品者，有出身吏員譯史等，考滿加散官一等。」三年，蒙古儒學教授，一體普覃。四年，詔在任官員，普覃散官一等。泰定元年，詔：「內外流官已帶覃官，準理實授。所有軍官及其餘未覃人員，四品以下並覃散官一等，三品遞進一階，至三品上階止，服色、班次、封蔭，悉從一高。其有出身應入流品人等，如在恩例之前入役支俸者，考滿亦依上例覃授。」二年，省議：「應覃人員，依例先理月日，後準實授，其正五品任回已歷一百三十五月者，九十月該升從四，余有四十五月，既循行舊例，覃官三品，擬合準理實授，月日未及者，依驗散官，止於四品內遷用，所有月日，任回，四品內通行理算。」

On grace promotion: In the second year of Zhida, an edict: "Interior and exterior officials of fourth rank and below universally receive one grade of honorific rank; rank insignia, court precedence, and privilege appointment all depend on honorific rank. Third-rank officials advanced one step in succession, up to the upper step of regular third rank. Those who should enter the ranked service stream — clerks with formal credentials, translators, and the like — upon completing their term receive one grade of honorific rank." In the third year, Mongol Confucian instructors were uniformly included in the grace promotion. In the fourth year, an edict granted all incumbent officials one grade of honorific rank. In the first year of Taiding, an edict: "Interior and exterior ranked officials who already carry grace promotions shall have them counted as substantive appointments. All military officers and others not yet granted grace promotion received one grade of honorific rank if fourth rank or below; third-rank officials advanced one step, up to upper third rank. Rank insignia, court precedence, and privilege appointment all followed whichever rank was higher. Those with formal credentials eligible for ranked service who entered duty and received salary before the grace measure, upon completing their term also receive grace promotion per the above rule." In the second year, provincial deliberation: "For those eligible for grace promotion, months and days are calculated first according to rule, then counted as substantive appointment. One of regular fifth rank returning from a term who has served one hundred thirty-five months: at ninety months he should rise to subordinate fourth rank, with forty-five months remaining. Having followed the old rule, grace promotion to third rank is proposed to count as substantive appointment. Where months and days fall short, verify honorific rank and employ only within fourth rank; all months and days, upon return from term, are calculated comprehensively within fourth rank."

凡減資升等：大德九年，詔：「外任流官，升轉甚遲，但歷在外兩任，五品以下並減一資。」部議：「外任五品以下職官，若歷過隨朝及在京倉庫官鹽鐵等職，曾經升等減資外，以後至大德九年格前，歷及在外兩任或一任、六十月之上者，並與優減，未及者不拘此格。」至治二年，太常禮儀院臣奏：「皇帝親祭太廟，恩澤未加。」詔四品以下諸職官，不分內外，普減一資，有出身應入流品者，考滿任回，依上優減。天歷元年，詔：「以兵興，內外官吏供給繁勞，在京者升一等，至三品止，在外者減一資。」

On reduced-qualification promotion: In the ninth year of Dade, an edict: "Exterior ranked officials are promoted very slowly; but after serving two exterior terms, fifth rank and below all receive one qualification reduction." The ministry deliberated: "Exterior officials of fifth rank and below who have previously served court-attendant posts and capital warehouse, salt, and iron posts, apart from cases already receiving promotion-grade qualification reduction, thereafter up to the regulations before the ninth year of Dade — if they have served two exterior terms or one term of sixty months or more, all receive preferential reduction; those who have not reached this are not bound by this regulation." In the second year of Zhizhi, officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices memorialized: "The Emperor personally sacrificed at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, yet grace benefits have not been granted." An edict granted all officials of fourth rank and below, regardless of interior or exterior service, a universal one-step qualification reduction. Those with formal credentials eligible for ranked service, upon completing their term and returning, received preferential reduction according to the same rule. In the first year of Tianli, an edict: "Because of military campaigns, interior and exterior officials have borne heavy supply burdens. Those in the capital advance one grade, up to third rank; those outside receive one qualification reduction."

凡註官守闕：至元八年，議：「已除官員，無問月日遠近，許準守闕外，未奏未註者，許註六月滿闕，六月以上不得預註。」二十二年，詔：「員多闕少，守闕一年，年月滿者照闕註授，余無闕者令候一年。」大德元年，以員多闕少，宜註二年。

On registration and waiting for vacancies: In the eighth year of Zhiyuan, deliberation: "For already appointed officials, regardless of how near or far the date, waiting for vacancy is permitted. For those not yet memorialized or registered, registration for a six-month full vacancy is permitted; beyond six months, advance registration is not permitted." In the twenty-second year, an edict: "When candidates outnumber vacancies, waiting for vacancy is one year. When the year and month are complete, register according to the vacancy. If no vacancy remains, order them to wait one year." In the first year of the Dade era, because candidates outnumbered vacancies, the registration period was set at two years.

凡註官避籍：至元五年，議：「各路地裏闊遠，若更避路，恐員闕有所礙，止宜斟酌避籍銓選。」

On registration and avoidance of native place: In the fifth year of Zhiyuan, deliberation: "The circuits are vast in territory; if route avoidance is added, vacancies may be obstructed. It is appropriate only to weigh avoidance of native registration in selection."

凡除官照會：至元十年，議：「受除民官，若有守闕人員，當前官任滿，預期一月檢舉照會。錢谷官候見界官任滿，至日行下合屬照會。」二十四年，議：「受除官員省劄到部照勘，急闕任滿者，比之滿期，預先一月照會。」

On notification for appointment: In the tenth year of Zhiyuan, deliberation: "For civil officials receiving appointment, if there are persons waiting for vacancy, one month before the incumbent's term ends, report and notify. Revenue and grain officials wait until the incumbent in the jurisdiction completes his term; on that day notification is sent down to the relevant office." In the twenty-fourth year, deliberation: "For appointed officials, when provincial documents arrive at the ministry for verification, for urgent vacancies where the incumbent's term ends, compared to the full term, notify one month in advance."

凡赴任程限：大德八年，定赴任官在家裝束假限，二千里內三十日，三千里內四十日，遠不過五十日。馬日行七十里，車日行四十里。乘驛者日兩驛，百里以上止一驛。舟行，上水日八十里，下水百二十里。職當急赴者，不拘此例。違限百日外，依例作闕。

On travel deadlines for taking office: In the eighth year of the Dade era, the leave granted at home for packing was fixed at thirty days for posts within two thousand li, forty days within three thousand li, and no more than fifty days for distant posts. By horse, seventy li per day; by cart, forty li per day. Those using post stations traveled two stations per day; for distances beyond one hundred li, only one station per day was counted. By boat, upstream travel was calculated at eighty li per day and downstream at one hundred twenty li per day. Officials whose duties required urgent arrival were not bound by this rule. Beyond one hundred days in violation of the deadline, the appointment was treated as a vacancy according to regulation.

凡赴任公參：至元二年，定散府州縣赴任官，去上司百里之內者公參，百里之外者申到任月日，上司官不得非理勾擾，失誤公事。

On formal attendance upon taking office: In the second year of the Zhiyuan era, it was fixed that officials of subordinate prefectures, departments, and counties proceeding to post within one hundred li of their superior paid formal attendance; beyond one hundred li they reported the month and day of arrival. Superior officials were forbidden to summon and harass them unreasonably, causing neglect of official business.

凡官員給假：中統三年，省議：「職官在任病假及緣親病假滿百日，所在官司勘當申部作闕，仍就任所給據，期年後給由求敘，自願休閑者聽。」至元八年，省準：「在任因病求醫並告假侍親者，擬自離職住俸日為始，限一十二月後聽仕。其之任官果因病患事故，不能赴任，自受除日為始，限一十二月後聽仕。」部擬：「凡外任官日久不行赴任，除行程並裝束假限外，違者計日斷罪。」二十七年，議：「祖父母、父母喪亡並遷葬者，許給假限，其限內俸鈔，擬合支給，違例不到，停俸定罪。」二十八年，部議：「官吏遠離鄉土，不幸患病，難議截日住俸，果有患病官吏，百日內給俸，百日外停俸作闕。」大德元年，議：「雲南官員，如遇祖父母、父母喪葬，其家在中原者，並聽解任奔赴。」二年，詔：「凡值喪，除蒙古、色目人員各從本俗外，管軍官並朝廷職不可曠者，不拘此例。」五年，樞密院臣議：「軍官宜限以六月，越限日以他人代之，期年後，授以他職。」七年，議：「已除官員，若有病故及因事不能赴任者，即牒所在官司，否則親鄰主首，呈報上司，別行銓註。」八年，吏部言：「赴任官即將署事月日飛申，以憑標附，有犯贓事故，並仰申聞。」天歷二年，詔：「官吏丁憂，各依本俗，蒙古、色目仿效漢人者，不用。」部議：「蒙古、色目人願丁父母憂者聽。」

On leave for officials: In the third year of Zhongtong, provincial deliberation: "Officials on sick leave while in office and leave to care for sick relatives, when leave reaches one hundred days, the local office verifies and reports to the ministry to treat as vacancy, still issuing certification at the post. After one year, issue discharge certificate to seek reappointment; those who voluntarily retire are permitted." In the eighth year of Zhiyuan, provincial approval: "For those in office who seek medical treatment due to illness and request leave to attend relatives, calculate from the day of leaving post and stopping salary; after twelve months they may resume office. For officials proceeding to post who truly cannot take office due to illness or accident, calculate from the day of receiving appointment; after twelve months they may resume office." The ministry proposed: "For all exterior officials who long fail to proceed to post, apart from travel and packing leave limits, violators are punished day by day." In the twenty-seventh year, deliberation: "For death of grandparents or parents and relocation of burial, leave is permitted. Salary within the leave period should be paid; those who fail to return in violation of rule have salary stopped and are punished." In the twenty-eighth year, ministry deliberation: "Officials far from home who fall ill — it is difficult to fix a cutoff day for stopping salary. For officials who truly fall ill, salary is paid within one hundred days; beyond one hundred days salary is stopped and the post treated as vacant." In the first year of Dade, deliberation: "Yunnan officials who encounter funeral rites for grandparents or parents, if their families are in the Central Plains, are all permitted to resign and rush home." In the second year, an edict: "For all mourning observances, apart from Mongols and persons of various colors each following their own customs, military commanders and court posts that cannot be left vacant are not bound by this rule." In the fifth year, officials of the Bureau of Military Affairs deliberated: "Military officers should be limited to six months; days beyond the limit are replaced by others. After one year, appoint them to other posts." In the seventh year, deliberation: "For already appointed officials who die of illness or cannot take office due to circumstances, immediately notify the local office; otherwise neighbors and community heads report to the superior, and a separate selection and registration is made." In the eighth year, the Ministry of Personnel stated: "Officials taking office immediately report by express the month and day of assuming duties, for attachment to records. Cases of corruption or misconduct are also to be reported." In the second year of Tianli, an edict: "Officials observing mourning each follow their own customs. Mongols and persons of various colors who imitate Han Chinese customs are not permitted." The ministry deliberated: "Mongols and persons of various colors who wish to observe mourning for parents are permitted."

凡官員便養：至大三年，詔：「銓選官員，父母衰老氣力單寒者，得就近遷除，尤為便益。果有親年七十以上，別無以次侍丁，合從元籍官司保勘明白，斟酌定奪。」凡遠年求敍：元貞元年，部擬：「自至元二十八年三月為限，於本處官司明具實跡保勘，申覆上司遷敍。」大德七年，議：「求敍人員，具由陳告，州縣體覆相同，明白定奪，依例敍用。」

On convenient care for parents by officials: In the third year of Zhida, an edict: "For officials under selection, if parents are aged and frail with no one to support them, they may be transferred nearby — this is especially beneficial. If there truly are relatives aged seventy or above with no other attendant in succession, the original registration office should verify clearly by guarantee, and decide after weighing the circumstances." On requests for appointment after many years: In Yuanzhen 1, the ministry proposed, "Taking the third month of Zhiyuan 28 as the cutoff, the local office shall clearly state the actual record, verify it by guarantee, and report through the superior office for transfer and appointment." In Dade 7, it was deliberated, "Persons seeking appointment shall set out the reasons in a petition; if the prefecture and county investigation agrees, the case shall be decided clearly and the person appointed according to precedent."

○銓法下

On the Laws Governing Examination and Appointment, Part Two

凡省部令史、譯史、通事等：至元六年，省議：「舊例一百二十月出職，今案牘繁冗，難同舊日，會量作九十月為滿。其通事、譯史繁劇，合與令史一體。近都省未及兩考省令史譯史授宣，註六品職事，部令史已授省劄，註從七品職事。今擬省令譯史、通事，由六部轉充者，中統四年正月已前，合與直補人員一體，擬九十月考滿，註六品職事，回降正七一任，還入六品。中統四年正月已後，將本司歷過月日，三折二，驗省府月日考滿通理，九十月出職，與正七職事，並免回降。職官充省令譯史，舊例文資右職參註，一考滿，合得從七品，註從六品，未合得從七品，註正七品，如更勒留一考，合同隨朝升一等。一考滿，未得從七註正七品者，回降從七，還入正七。一考滿，合得從七註從六品，合得正七註正六品者，免回降。正從六品人員不合收補省令史、譯史，如有已補人員，合同隨朝一考升一等註授。中統四年正月已前，收補部令史、譯史、通事，擬九十月為考滿，照依已除部令史例，註從七品，回降正八一任，還入從七。中統四年正月已後，充部令譯史、通事人員，亦擬九十月為考滿，依舊例正八品職事，仍免回降。省宣使，舊例無此職名，中統以來，初立中書省，曾受宣命充宣使者，擬出職正七品職，外有非宣授人員，擬九十月為考滿，與正八品。」至元二十年，吏部言：「準內外諸衙門令譯史、通事、知印、宣使、奏差等，病故作闕，未及九十月，並令貼補，值例革者，比至元九年例定奪。」省準：「宣使、各部令史出職同，三考從七。一考之上，驗月日定奪。一考之下，二十月以上者正九，十五月以上者從九，十五月以下擬充巡檢。臺院、大司農司譯史、令史出身同，三考正七。一考之上，驗月日定奪。一考之下，二十月以上從八，十五月以上正九，十五月以下、十月之上從九，添一資，十月以下巡檢。宣使三考正八品。一考之上，驗月日定奪。一考之下，二十月以上從九，十五月以上巡檢，十五月以下酒稅醋使。部令史、譯史、通事三考從七。一考之上，驗月日定奪。一考之下，二十月以上者正九，十五月以上從九，十五月以下令史提控案牘，通事、譯史巡檢。奏差三考從八品。一考之上，驗月日定奪。一考之下，二十月以上巡檢，十五月之上酒稅醋使，十五月之下酒稅醋都監。」大德四年，中書省準：「吏部擬腹裏、江南都吏目、提控案牘升轉通例，凡腹裏提控案牘、都吏目：京畿漕運司令史，元擬六十月考滿，今準九十月考滿，都漕運司令史九十月。諸路寶鈔提舉司司吏，元擬六十月考滿，今準九十月考滿。萬億四庫司吏，元擬六十月考滿，今準九十月考滿。大都路令史，元擬六十月考滿，任回減資升轉，今準六十月考滿，不須減資。大都運司令史，九十月考滿都目。寶鈔總庫司吏，元擬六十月都目，九十月提控案牘，今準九十月都目。富寧庫司吏，元擬六十月提控案牘，今準九十月都目。左右八作司司吏，元擬六十月，今準九十月都目。」又議：「已經改擬出職人員，各路司吏轉充提控案牘、都目，比同升用，其餘直補人數，並循至元二十一年之例遷用。江南提控案牘、都目：至元二十五年呈準，各路司吏六十月吏目，兩考升都目，一考升提控案牘，兩考正九。路司吏九十月吏目，一考轉都目，餘皆依上升轉。江南提控案牘除各路司吏，比腹裏路司吏至元二十五年呈準例遷除，其餘已行直補，並自行保舉，自呈準月日立格，實歷案牘兩考者，止依至元二十一年定例，九十月入流。未及兩考者，再添一資遷除。例後違越創補者，雖歷月日不準。」大德十一年，省臣奏：「凡內外諸司令史、譯史、通事、知印、宣使有出身者，一半於職官內選用，依舊一百二十月為滿，外任減一資。」又議：「選補吏員，除都省自行選用外，各部依元設額數，遇闕職官，與籍記內相參發補，合用一半職官，從各部自行選用。通事、知印從長官選用。譯史則從翰林院試發都省書寫典吏考滿人內，挨次上名補用，其有不敷，從翰林發補。奏差亦於職官內選一半，余於籍記應例人內發補。歲貢人吏，依已擬在役聽候。」省議：「六部令史如正從九品不敷，從八品內亦聽選取。省掾，正從七品得代有解由並見任未滿、已除未任文資流官內選取，考滿於應得資品上升一等，除元任地方，雜職不預。院臺令史如元系七品之人，亦在選補之例。譯史、通事選識蒙古、回回文字，通譯語正從七品流官，考滿驗元資升一等，註元任地方，雜職不預。知印於正從七品流官內選取，考滿並依上例註授，雜職不預。宣使於正從八品流官內選取，仍須色目、漢人相參，歷一考，於應得資品上升一等，除元任地方，雜職不預。」

On provincial and ministry clerks, translators, and interpreters: In the sixth year of Zhiyuan, provincial deliberation: "The old rule was one hundred twenty months for office entry; now documents are numerous and complex, difficult to match old times — jointly measure ninety months as completion. Interpreters and translators, whose duties were especially demanding, were treated the same as clerks. Recently, provincial clerks and translators of the capital secretariat who had not yet completed two examinations received proclamation appointments and were registered for sixth-rank posts, while ministry clerks already holding provincial documents were registered for subordinate seventh-rank posts. It was now proposed that provincial clerks, translators, and interpreters transferred from the Six Departments — before the first month of the fourth year of Zhongtong — be treated the same as directly appointed personnel: ninety months for completion of examination, registration for sixth-rank posts, one term of demotion to regular seventh rank, then return to sixth rank. After the first month of the fourth year of Zhongtong, months served in the original bureau were counted at two-thirds, verified together with provincial and ministry months for comprehensive completion of examination; after ninety months they entered ranked office at regular seventh rank and were exempt from demotion. Regular officials serving as provincial clerks or translators: under the old rule, civil qualification took precedence in joint registration. Upon one examination completion, if qualified for subordinate seventh rank, they were registered for subordinate sixth rank; if not yet qualified for subordinate seventh rank, for regular seventh rank. If retained for one more examination, they were treated the same as court-attendant promotion by one grade. Upon one examination completion, those registered for regular seventh rank without yet qualifying for subordinate seventh rank were demoted to subordinate seventh rank, then returned to regular seventh rank. Upon one examination completion, those qualified for subordinate seventh rank were registered for subordinate sixth rank, and those qualified for regular seventh rank for regular sixth rank — both exempt from demotion. Regular and subordinate sixth-rank personnel were not eligible for recruitment as provincial clerks or translators. If any had already been recruited, they were treated the same as court-attendant promotion by one grade upon one examination. Before the first month of the fourth year of Zhongtong, recruited ministry clerks, translators, and interpreters were proposed ninety months for completion of examination, following the example of already appointed ministry clerks: registration for subordinate seventh rank, one term of demotion to regular eighth rank, then return to subordinate seventh rank. After the first month of the fourth year of Zhongtong, those serving as ministry clerks, translators, and interpreters were also proposed ninety months for completion of examination, following the old rule for regular eighth-rank posts, and were still exempt from demotion. Provincial edict bearers: the old rule had no such title. Since Zhongtong, when the Secretariat was first established, those who received proclamation appointment as edict bearers are proposed office entry at regular seventh rank. Others not proclamation-appointed are proposed ninety months for completion of examination, granted regular eighth rank." In the twentieth year of Zhiyuan, the Ministry of Personnel stated: "For clerks, translators, interpreters, seal keepers, edict bearers, memorial couriers, and the like in all interior and exterior offices — when they die of illness creating vacancies before ninety months, all are to be filled by succession; where regulations have been revised, decide according to the ninth year of Zhiyuan precedent." Provincial approval: "Edict bearers and ministry clerks of all departments have the same office entry: three examinations, subordinate seventh rank. Above one examination, appointment was decided according to verified months and days. Below one examination: twenty months or more earned regular ninth rank; fifteen months or more earned subordinate ninth rank; below fifteen months, appointment as patrol inspector was proposed. Translators and clerks of the Censorate, academies, and the Grand Secretariat of Agriculture had the same credentials: three examinations, regular seventh rank. Above one examination, appointment was decided according to verified months and days. Below one examination: twenty months or more earned subordinate eighth rank; fifteen months or more earned regular ninth rank; below fifteen months but above ten months earned subordinate ninth rank with one qualification added; below ten months, appointment as patrol inspector. Edict bearers: three examinations, regular eighth rank. Above one examination, appointment was decided according to verified months and days. Below one examination: twenty months or more earned subordinate ninth rank; fifteen months or more earned appointment as patrol inspector; below fifteen months, appointment as wine and vinegar tax commissioner. Ministry clerks, translators, and interpreters: three examinations, subordinate seventh rank. Above one examination, appointment was decided according to verified months and days. Below one examination: twenty months or more earned regular ninth rank; fifteen months or more earned subordinate ninth rank; below fifteen months, clerks became document controllers and interpreters and translators became patrol inspectors. Memorial couriers: three examinations, subordinate eighth rank. Above one examination, appointment was decided according to verified months and days. Below one examination: twenty months or more, patrol inspector; above fifteen months, wine and vinegar tax commissioner; below fifteen months, wine and vinegar tax supervisor." In the fourth year of Dade, the Secretariat approved: "The Ministry of Personnel proposed general rules for promotion of chief clerks and document controllers in the metropolitan region and Jiangnan. For all metropolitan document controllers and chief clerks: capital grain transport command clerks, originally proposed sixty months for completion of examination, now fixed at ninety months; capital transport command chief clerks, ninety months. Clerks of the various circuits' Paper Currency Intendant offices, originally set at sixty months for completion of examination, were now fixed at ninety months. Clerks of the Myriad Treasury Four Storehouses, originally set at sixty months for completion of examination, were now fixed at ninety months. Clerks of the Dadu Circuit, originally set at sixty months for completion of examination with qualification reduction upon return from term, were now fixed at sixty months without qualification reduction. Clerks of the Dadu Transport Command: ninety months for completion of examination, chief clerk. Clerks of the Paper Currency General Treasury, originally set at sixty months for chief clerk and ninety months for document controller, were now fixed at ninety months for chief clerk. Clerks of the Funing Treasury, originally set at sixty months for document controller, were now fixed at ninety months for chief clerk. Clerks of the Left and Right Eight Workshops Directorates, originally proposed sixty months; now fixed at ninety months for chief clerk." Further deliberation: "For personnel already revised for office entry, circuit clerks transferred to document controller or chief clerk posts are promoted on the same basis. All other directly appointed personnel follow the twenty-first year of Zhiyuan precedent for transfer. Jiangnan document controllers and chief clerks: In the twenty-fifth year of the Zhiyuan era, submitted and approved — circuit clerks at sixty months became clerical directors; two examinations promoted to chief clerk; one examination promoted to document controller; two examinations earned regular ninth rank. Circuit clerks at ninety months became clerical directors; one examination transferred to chief clerk; all else followed the above promotions. Jiangnan document controllers apart from circuit clerks were transferred and appointed according to the twenty-fifth year of Zhiyuan submitted-and-approved precedent for metropolitan circuit clerks. The rest, already directly appointed and self-nominated, had regulations established from the month and day of approval; those who had truly served two examinations as document controllers followed only the twenty-first year of Zhiyuan fixed rule — ninety months for entry into ranked service. Those who had not yet completed two examinations received one additional qualification step before transfer and appointment. Those who violate the precedent and are newly recruited afterward, even if they have served months and days, are not approved." In the eleventh year of Dade, provincial officials memorialized: "For all clerks, translators, interpreters, seal keepers, and edict bearers with formal credentials in interior and exterior offices, half are selected from regular officials, still one hundred twenty months for completion, with one qualification reduction for exterior service." Further deliberation: "For selecting and filling clerk posts, apart from the capital secretariat selecting on its own, each department follows originally established quotas. When vacancies occur, regular officials and registered personnel are jointly considered for filling. Half should be regular officials, selected by each department on its own. Interpreters and seal keepers were selected by the chief official. Translators were drawn from secretariat scribes and archive clerks who had completed their examinations, tested and dispatched by the Hanlin Academy and filled in order by name; if insufficient, additional candidates were dispatched from the Hanlin Academy. Memorial couriers were also half selected from regular officials, with the rest dispatched from registered eligible personnel. Annual tribute clerks follow the already proposed rule of waiting in active service." Provincial deliberation: "If ministry clerks of regular and subordinate ninth rank are insufficient, selection from eighth rank is also permitted. Secretariat clerks were selected from regular and subordinate seventh-rank officials who had completed their terms with discharge certificates, incumbents not yet completing terms, and civil ranked officials already appointed but not yet taking office. Upon completion of examination, they advanced one grade above the qualification earned and were appointed to their original locality; miscellaneous posts were excluded. Academy and censorate clerks who were originally seventh rank were also subject to the selection and filling regulations. Translators and interpreters were selected from regular and subordinate seventh-rank ranked officials who knew Mongol and Huihui script and could interpret languages. Upon completion of examination, their original qualification was verified and they advanced one grade, registered to their original locality; miscellaneous posts were excluded. Seal keepers were selected from regular and subordinate seventh-rank ranked officials and, upon completion of examination, registered and appointed according to the same rule; miscellaneous posts were excluded. Edict bearers are selected from regular and subordinate eighth-rank ranked officials, still requiring a mix of persons of various colors and Han Chinese. After one examination, advance one grade above the qualification earned, appointed to original locality; miscellaneous posts excluded."

凡歲貢吏員：至元十九年，省議：「中書省掾於樞密院、御史臺令史內取，臺、院令史於六部令史內取，六部令史以諸路歲貢人吏補充，內外職官材堪省掾及院、臺、部令史者，亦許擢用。省掾考滿，資品既高，責任亦重，皆自歲貢中出，若不教養銓試，必致人材失真，今擬定例於後：諸州府隸省部者，儒學教授選本管免差儒戶子弟入學讀書習業，非儒戶而願學者聽。遇按察司、本路總管府歲貢之時，於學生內選行義修明、文學優贍、通經史、達時務者，保申解貢。各路司吏有闕，於所屬衙門人吏內選取。委本路長官參佐，同儒學教授考試，習行移算術，字畫謹嚴，語言辯利，《詩》、《書》、《論》《孟》內通一經者為中式，然後補充。按察司書吏有闕，府州司吏內勾補，至歲貢時，本州本路以上，再試貢解。諸歲貢吏，當該官司於見役人內公選，以性行純謹、儒吏兼通者為上，才識明敏、吏事熟閑者次之，月日雖多、才能無取者不許呈貢。」二十二年，省擬：「呈試吏員，先有定立貢法，各道按察司上路總管府凡三年一貢，儒、吏各一人，下路二年貢一人，以次籍記，遇各部令史有闕補用。若隨路司吏及歲貢儒人，先補按察書吏，然後貢之於部，按察書吏依先例選取考試，唯以經史吏業不失章指者為中選。隨路貢舉元額，自至元二十三年為始，各道按察司每歲於書吏內，以次貢二名，儒人一名必諳吏事，吏人一名必知經史者，遇各部令史有闕，以次勾補。」元貞元年，詔：「諸路有儒通吏事、吏通經術、性行修謹者，各路薦舉，廉訪司試選。每道歲貢二人，省臺委官立法考試，必中程式，方許錄用。」大德二年，貢部人吏，擬宣慰司、廉訪司每道歲貢二人儒吏兼通者，自大德三年為始，依例歲貢，應合轉補各部寺監令史，依《至元新格》發遣，到部之日，公座試驗收補。九年，省判：「凡選府州教授，年四十已下，願試吏員程式，許補各部令史。除南人已試者，別無定奪到部，未試之人，依例考試。」至治二年，省準：「各道廉訪司書吏，先盡儒人，不敷者吏員內充貢，各歷一考，依例試貢。」

On annual tribute clerks: In the nineteenth year of Zhiyuan, provincial deliberation: "Secretariat clerks are drawn from Bureau of Military Affairs and Censorate clerks; academy and censorate clerks from ministry clerks; ministry clerks filled by annual tribute clerks from various circuits. Interior and exterior officials whose talent qualifies them for secretariat clerk or academy, censorate, and ministry clerk posts are also permitted to be promoted. Secretariat clerks, upon completing their examinations, held high qualifications and heavy responsibilities and all came from the annual tribute pool. Without proper cultivation and examination, talent would surely be lost. Fixed regulations were now proposed: for prefectures and districts subordinate to provincial ministries, Confucian instructors selected sons and younger brothers of tax-exempt Confucian households under their jurisdiction to enter school and study; non-Confucian households who wished to study were also permitted. When the surveillance commission and circuit chief's office conducted annual tribute, they selected from among students those of upright conduct, excellent literary accomplishment, mastery of the classics and history, and understanding of current affairs — guaranteed, reported, and sent as tribute. When circuit clerk posts had vacancies, candidates were selected from clerks of subordinate offices. The circuit chief and his assistants, together with the Confucian instructor, conducted examinations testing proficiency in official correspondence and arithmetic, careful handwriting, and eloquent speech. Mastery of one classic among the Odes, Documents, Analects, and Mencius qualified as passing, after which the post was filled. When surveillance commission scribe posts had vacancies, they were filled from prefecture and district clerks; at annual tribute time, at prefecture and circuit level and above, candidates were re-examined and sent as tribute. For all annual tribute clerks, the responsible office publicly selects from active personnel: those of pure and careful character who combine Confucian and clerk learning rank first; those of clear talent and skilled clerk work rank second. Those with many months and days but no merit in ability are not permitted to be presented as tribute." In the twenty-second year, provincial proposal: "For presented and examined clerks, there is first an established tribute law: each circuit surveillance commission and upper-route chief's office presents tribute once every three years — one Confucian and one clerk each; lower routes present one person every two years. Register in order; when ministry clerk vacancies occur, fill from these. Circuit clerks and annual tribute Confucian scholars first filled surveillance scribe posts, then were presented as tribute to the ministry. Surveillance scribes were selected and examined per precedent; only those whose knowledge of classics, history, and clerk work did not miss the main points qualified. The original quota for circuit tribute, beginning from the twenty-third year of Zhiyuan: each circuit surveillance commission annually presents two names from among scribes in order — one Confucian scholar must know clerk work, one clerk must know classics and history. When ministry clerk vacancies occur, fill in order." In the first year of Yuanzhen, an edict: "In various circuits, those who combine Confucian learning with clerk work, or clerk work with classical learning, and are of careful character — each circuit recommends them; the surveillance commission examines and selects. Each circuit presents two persons annually. The province and censorate commission officials to establish law and conduct examinations; only those who meet the formal requirements are permitted to be employed." In the second year of the Dade era, tribute ministry clerks were proposed: each circuit's pacification commission and surveillance commission would present two persons annually who combined Confucian and clerk learning. Beginning from the third year of Dade, tribute was presented annually according to rule. Those eligible for transfer to ministry and directorate clerk posts were dispatched per the New Regulations of Zhiyuan and, upon arrival at the ministry, publicly examined and accepted. In the ninth year, provincial decision: "For all selection of prefecture and district instructors under forty years of age who wish to take the clerk examination format, permit filling ministry clerk posts. Apart from southerners already examined, there is no separate decision upon arrival at the ministry; those not yet examined are examined according to rule." In the second year of Zhizhi, provincial approval: "Surveillance commission scribes of each circuit: first exhaust Confucian scholars; if insufficient, fill tribute from among clerks. Each serves one examination, then presented as tribute according to rule."

凡補用吏員：至元十一年，省議：「有出身人員，遇省掾有闕，擬合於正從七品文資職官並臺、院、六部令史內，從上名轉補。翰林兩院擬同六部令史，有闕於隨路儒學教授通吏事人內選補。樞密院、御史臺令史、省掾有闕，從上轉補，考滿依例除授，又於正從八品文資官及六部令史內轉補。省斷事官令史與六部令史一體三考出身，於部令史內發補。少府監令史，擬於六部並諸衙門考滿典吏內補用。」十三年，省議：「行工部令史與六部令史一體，於應補人內挨次填補。」十四年，詔：「諸站都統領使司令史擬同各部令史，今既改通政院，與臺院令史一體出身，於各部令史內選補。」十五年，部擬：「翰林兼國史院令史同臺令史一體出身，於各部令史內選取。」二十一年，省議：「江淮、江西、荊湖等處行省令史，擬捋至元十九年咨發各省貼補人員先行收補，不許自行踏逐，移咨都省，於六部見役令史內補充。或參用職官，則從行省新除正從八品職官內選取，雜職官不預。」二十二年，宣徽院令史，考滿正七品遷敘，於六部請俸令史內選取。總制院與御史臺同品，令譯史、通事一體如之。二十四年，省準：「大都留守司兼少府監令史，依宣徽院、大司農司例遷。」二十八年，省議：「陜西行省令史，於各部及考令史並正從八品流官內選補。」二十九年，大司農司令史，於各部一考之上令史及正從八品職官內選取。省掾有闕，於正七品文資出身人員內選。吏員於樞密院、御史臺令史元系六部令史內發充，歷二十月以上者選，如無，於上名內選。三十一年，省準：「內史府令史，於各部下名令史內選。」大德三年，省準：「遼陽省令史宜從本省選正從八品文資職官補用。復令各部見役令史內，不限歲月，或願充、或籍貫附近、或選到職官，逐旋選解。國子監令譯史，於籍記寺監令史內發補。上都留守司令史，於籍記各部令史內，或於正八品職官內選用，考滿從七品遷用。宣徽院闌遺監令史，準本院依驗元準月日挨補，考滿同，自行踏逐者降等。遇闕如系籍記令史並常調提控案牘內及本院兩考之上典吏內補充者，考滿依例遷敘，自行選用者，止於本衙門就給付身，不入常調。」四年，部擬：「上都留守司令史，仍聽本司於正從八品流官內，或於上都見役寺監令史、河東、山北二道廉訪司上名書吏內，就便選用。上都兵馬司司吏，發補附近隆興、大同、大寧路司吏相應。」部擬：「各處行省令史，除雲南、甘肅、征東外，其餘合依至元二十一年定例，於六部見役上名令史、或正從八品流官參補。不敷，聽於各道宣慰司元系廉訪按察司轉補見役兩考之上令史內選充，以宣慰司役過月日，折半準算，通理一百二十月，方許出職。」大德五年，擬：「檀景等處采金鐵冶都提舉司人吏，於附近州縣司吏內遴選。」六年，省擬：「太醫院令史，於各部令史並相應職官內選取。長信寺令史，於元保內選補，考滿降等敘用，有闕於籍記令史內發補。」七年，擬：「刑部人吏，於籍記令史內公選，不許別行差補，考滿離役，依例選取，余者依次發補。禮部省判，許於籍記部令史內選取儒吏一名，續準一名，於籍記部令史內從上選補。戶部令史，於籍記部令史內從上以通曉書算、練達錢谷者發遣，從本部試驗收補。」八年，省準：「隨路補用吏員，令各路先以州吏入役月日籍為一簿。府吏有闕，從上勾補；州吏有闕，則於本州籍記司縣人吏內從上勾補。各道宣慰司令史，遇闕以籍記部令史下名發補，新除正從九品流官內選取。」九年，省準：「都城所系在京五品衙門司吏，歷兩考轉補京畿都漕運兩司令史。遇闕以倉庫攢典歷一考者選充，及兩考則京畿都漕運兩司籍名，遇闕依次收補。上都寺監令史有闕，先盡省部籍記常調人員發補，仍於正從九品流官內、並應得提控案牘內選取。不敷，就取元由路吏考滿升充都吏目典史準吏目月日及大同、大寧、隆興三路司吏歷兩考之上者參用。」十年，省準：「司縣司吏有闕，於巡尉司吏內依次勾補。巡尉司吏有闕，從本處耆老上戶循眾推舉，仍將祗應月日均以歲為滿。州吏有闕，縣吏內勾補。路吏有闕，州吏內勾補。若無所轄府州，於附近府州吏內勾補，縣吏發補附近府州司吏。戶、刑、禮部合選令史有闕，於籍記令史上十名內、並職官到選正從九品文資流官內試選。」十一年，省準：「縣吏如歷一考，取充庫子一界，再發縣吏，準理州吏月日，路吏有闕，依次勾補。」至大元年，省準：「典寶監令史，就用前典寶署典書蒙古必阇赤一名，例從翰林院試補，知印、通事各一名，從長官選保。」二年，立資國院二品，及司屬衙門令史一十名，半用職官，從本院選，半於上名部令史內發補。譯史二名，內職官一名，從本院選，外一名翰林院發。通事、知印各一名，從本院長官選。宣使八名，半參用職官，余許本院自用一名，外三名常選相應人內發。典吏六名，從本院選。所轄庫二處，每處司庫六名，本把四名，於常選人內發。泉貨監六處，各設令史八名，於各路上名司吏內選；譯史一名，從翰林院發；通事二名，從本監長官選；奏差六名，各州司吏內選；典吏二名，本監選。以上考滿，同都漕運司吏出身，所轄一十九處，兩提舉司設吏目一人，常選內選，司吏五名，縣司吏內選。三年，省準：「泉貨監令史，於各處行省應得提控案牘人內選，參用正從九品流官。山東、河東二監，從本部於相應人內發補，考滿依例遷用，見役自用之人，考滿降等敘，有闕以相應人補。」四年，省準：「江西等處儒學提舉司司吏，舊從本司公選，事從國子監發補，宜從本司選補。典瑞監首領官、令譯史等，依典寶監例選用，考滿遷敘。」部議：「長信寺通事一名，例從所保。譯史、知印、令史、奏差，從本衙門選一半職官，余相應人內選，考滿同自用遷敘。典吏二名，就便定奪，其自用者降等敘。」皇慶元年，省準：「群牧監令譯史、知印、怯裏馬赤、奏差人等，據諸色譯史例，從翰林院發補。知印、通事，長官選。令史、奏差、典吏俱有發補定例。其已選人，考滿降等敘，有闕於相應人內選發。大都路令史，歷六十月，依至元二十九年例升提控案牘，減一資升轉。有過者，雖貼滿月日，不減資。遇闕於所轄南北兩兵馬司並各州見役上名司吏內勾補，有闕從本路於左右巡院、大興、宛平與其餘縣吏通籍從上挨補，月日雖多，不得無故替罷，違例補用者不準，除已籍記外，有闕依上勾補。覆實司司吏，於諸州見役司吏內選，不敷則以在都倉庫見役上名攢典發充，歷九十月除都目，年四十五之下歷一考之上，亦許轉補京畿都漕運司令史，違例收補，別無定奪。」二年，省準：「中瑞司譯史，從翰林院發，知印長官選保，令史、奏差參取職官一半所選相應，考滿依例遷敘，奉懿旨委用者，考滿本司區用，有闕以相應人補。征東行省令譯史、宣使人等，舊考滿從本省區用，若經省部擬發，相應之人依例遷用，如不應者，雖省發亦從本省區用。」延祐二年，省準：「河間等路都轉運鹽使司所轄場，分二十九處，二處改升從七品，司吏有闕，依各縣人吏，一體於附近各處巡尉捕盜司吏依次以上名勾補，再歷一考，與各場鄰縣吏互相遷調。和林路總管府司吏，以本處兵馬司吏歷一考者轉補，再歷一考，轉稱海宣慰令史，考滿除正八品。補不盡者，六十月受部劄充提控案牘。沙、瓜二州屯儲總管萬戶府邊遠比例，一體出身相應。會福院令譯史、通事、宣使人等，若省部發去者依例遷敘，自用者考滿同二品衙門出身例，降一等添一資升轉。於常選教授儒人職官並見役各部令史內取補，宣使於常選職官內參補，通事、知印從長官選用，仍須參用職官，典吏從本衙門補用。」五年，省準：「詹事院立家令司、府正司，知印、怯裏馬赤俱令長官選用。令史六名，內取教授二名，職官二名，廉訪司書吏二名。譯史一名，於蒙古字教授及都省見役蒙古書寫內選補。奏差二名，以相應人補。」

On filling clerk posts: In the eleventh year of Zhiyuan, provincial deliberation: "Personnel with formal credentials — when secretariat clerk vacancies occur, proposed to transfer and fill from regular and subordinate seventh-rank civil officials and academy, censorate, and Six Department clerks, from the top of the name list. The two Hanlin academies were proposed to follow ministry clerk rules; vacancies were filled by selection from circuit Confucian instructors who knew clerk work. Bureau of Military Affairs and Censorate clerk and secretariat clerk vacancies were filled by transfer from the top of the list; upon completion of examination, officials were appointed according to rule. Vacancies were also filled by transfer from regular and subordinate eighth-rank civil officials and ministry clerks. Secretariat judicial officer clerks followed ministry clerks — three examinations for credentials — and were dispatched and filled from ministry clerks. Palace Storehouse Directorate clerks: proposed to fill from ministry and various office archive clerks who have completed examinations." In the thirteenth year, provincial deliberation: "Traveling Works Department clerks follow ministry clerks; fill in order from eligible personnel." In the fourteenth year, an edict: "Postal station chief commander clerks are proposed to follow ministry clerks. Now that it has been changed to the Bureau of Transmission, credentials follow academy and censorate clerks; select and fill from ministry clerks." In the fifteenth year, ministry proposal: "Hanlin and National History Academy clerks follow censorate clerk credentials; select from ministry clerks." In the twenty-first year, provincial deliberation: "Traveling secretariat clerks of Jianghuai, Jiangxi, Jinghu, and other regions: proposed to first accept the dispatched succession personnel from the nineteenth year of Zhiyuan consultation; self-selection is not permitted. Consult the capital secretariat; fill from active ministry clerks. If regular officials are jointly employed, select from newly appointed regular and subordinate eighth-rank officials of the traveling secretariat; miscellaneous officials are excluded." In the twenty-second year, Palace Provision Directorate clerks, upon completion of examination, were transferred and promoted at regular seventh rank, selected from ministry clerks receiving salary. The General Regulation Bureau was the same rank as the Censorate; clerks, translators, and interpreters followed the same rule. In the twenty-fourth year, provincial approval: "Dadu Garrison Command and Palace Storehouse Directorate clerks follow the Palace Provision Directorate and Grand Secretariat of Agriculture precedent for transfer." In the twenty-eighth year, provincial deliberation: "Shaanxi traveling secretariat clerks: select and fill from ministries, examined clerks, and regular and subordinate eighth-rank ranked officials." In the twenty-ninth year, Grand Secretariat of Agriculture clerks were selected from ministry clerks above one examination and regular and subordinate eighth-rank officials. When secretariat clerk vacancies occurred, candidates were selected from regular seventh-rank civil personnel with formal credentials. Clerks for the Bureau of Military Affairs and Censorate were originally dispatched from ministry clerks; those with twenty months or more of service were selected, or if none, from the top of the name list. In the thirty-first year, provincial approval: "Imperial Household Directorate clerks: select from lower-ranked ministry clerks." In the third year of Dade, provincial approval: "Liaoyang traveling secretariat clerks should be filled from regular and subordinate eighth-rank civil officials selected within the province. It was also ordered that from active ministry clerks, regardless of months served — whether willing to serve, native place nearby, or selected officials — candidates would be chosen and dispatched in rotation. National University clerks and translators were dispatched and filled from registered directorate clerks. Shangdu Garrison Command clerks were drawn from registered ministry clerks or selected from regular eighth-rank officials; upon completion of examination, they were transferred at subordinate seventh rank. Palace Provision Directorate Orphanage Supervisor clerks, per this directorate, had original approved months and days verified and were filled in order; upon completion of examination, the same rule applied. Self-selected personnel received demoted rank. When vacancies occur: if filled from registered clerks, regular document controllers, and archive clerks of this directorate above two examinations, upon completion of examination, transfer and promote according to rule. Self-selected personnel receive appointment papers only within this office, not entering regular transfer." In the fourth year, ministry proposal: "Shangdu Garrison Command clerks: still permit this office to select from regular and subordinate eighth-rank ranked officials, or from active Shangdu directorate clerks and upper-ranked scribes of Hedong and Shanbei surveillance circuits, selecting conveniently. Shangdu Military Horse Directorate clerks: dispatched and filled from corresponding clerks of nearby Longxing, Datong, and Daining circuits." Ministry proposal: "Traveling secretariat clerks of various regions, apart from Yunnan, Gansu, and Eastern Campaign — the rest should follow the twenty-first year of Zhiyuan fixed rule: fill from active upper-ranked ministry clerks or jointly from regular and subordinate eighth-rank ranked officials. If insufficient, permit selection from active clerks above two examinations originally transferred from surveillance commissions of each circuit's pacification commission. Count pacification commission service months at half value, calculate comprehensively one hundred twenty months, then permit office entry." In the fifth year of Dade, proposal: "Personnel of the Gold Mining and Iron Smelting Intendant of Tanjing and other places: select from nearby prefecture and district clerks." In the sixth year, provincial proposal: "Imperial Medical Academy clerks: select from ministry clerks and corresponding officials. Changxin Temple clerks: select and fill from original guarantors; upon completion of examination, employ at demoted rank. When vacancies occur, dispatch and fill from registered clerks." In the seventh year, proposal: "Ministry of Justice personnel: publicly select from registered clerks; separate dispatch filling is not permitted. Upon completion of examination and leaving service, select according to rule; the rest dispatched and filled in order. The Ministry of Rites provincial decision permitted selection of one Confucian-clerk from registered ministry clerks; subsequently one more was approved, selected and filled from registered ministry clerks from the top. Ministry of Revenue clerks: from registered ministry clerks, from the top dispatch those proficient in writing and calculation and skilled in revenue and grain; examined and accepted by this ministry." In the eighth year, provincial approval: "For filling clerk posts along circuits, order each circuit first to register district clerk entry months and days in one ledger. When prefecture clerk vacancies occurred, they were filled from the top of the list; when district clerk vacancies occurred, they were filled from the top among registered prefecture and county personnel of that district. Pacification commission clerks of each circuit: when vacancies occur, dispatch and fill from lower-ranked registered ministry clerks; select from newly appointed regular and subordinate ninth-rank ranked officials." In the ninth year, provincial approval: "Clerks of fifth-rank offices in the capital under the Metropolitan Administration, after two examinations, transfer to fill the two chief clerks of the Metropolitan Grain Transport Command. When vacancies occurred, warehouse archive clerks who had served one examination term were selected; after two examinations, names were registered with the two Metropolitan Grain Transport commands and vacancies filled in order. When Shangdu directorate clerk vacancies occurred, registered regular personnel of the provincial ministries were first exhausted for dispatch and filling; selection was still made from regular and subordinate ninth-rank ranked officials and eligible document controllers. If insufficient, take originally circuit clerks who completed examinations and rose to chief clerk or archive clerk, counting chief clerk months and days, and jointly employ circuit clerks of Datong, Daning, and Longxing who have served above two examinations." In the tenth year, provincial approval: "When prefecture and county clerk vacancies occur, fill in order from patrol and guard clerks. When patrol and guard clerk vacancies occurred, elders and leading households of the locality recommended candidates by public consensus; service months were still calculated with one year as completion. When district clerk vacancies occurred, they were filled from county clerks. When circuit clerk vacancies occurred, they were filled from district clerks. If there was no subordinate prefecture or district, vacancies were filled from nearby prefecture and district clerks; county clerks were dispatched to fill nearby prefecture and district clerk posts. When jointly selected ministry clerks of Revenue, Justice, and Rites have vacancies, trial selection from the top ten registered clerks and from regular and subordinate ninth-rank civil ranked officials arriving for selection." In the eleventh year, provincial approval: "County clerks who have served one examination term are taken to serve one term as warehouse keepers; then re-dispatched as county clerks, calculating district clerk months and days comprehensively. When circuit clerk vacancies occur, fill in order." In the first year of Zhida, provincial approval: "Treasury Directorate clerks: use one former Treasury Office Mongol scribe, tested and filled per Hanlin Academy precedent; one seal keeper and one interpreter each, selected and guaranteed by the chief official." In the second year, the State Revenue Bureau was established at second rank, with ten clerk posts in subordinate offices — half regular officials selected by this bureau and half dispatched and filled from upper-ranked ministry clerks. Two translators: one regular official selected by this bureau from within, and one dispatched from the Hanlin Academy. One interpreter and one seal keeper each, selected by this bureau's chief official. Eight edict bearers: half jointly employed regular officials; the bureau was permitted one self-use post; three were dispatched from regular corresponding personnel. Six archive clerks, selected by this bureau. Two subordinate treasuries: each had six treasury keepers and four chief custodians, dispatched from regular selected personnel. Six Currency Supervision offices: each established eight clerks, selected from upper-ranked circuit clerks; one translator, dispatched from the Hanlin Academy; two interpreters, selected by this supervisorate's chief official; six memorial couriers, selected from district clerks of each prefecture; two archive clerks, selected by this supervisorate. Upon completion of examination, the above had the same credentials as Metropolitan Grain Transport clerks. Among nineteen subordinate offices, two intendant offices each established one chief clerk selected from regular selection and five clerks selected from county clerks. In the third year, provincial approval: "Currency Supervision clerks: select from eligible document controllers of traveling secretariats in various regions; jointly employ regular and subordinate ninth-rank ranked officials. Shandong and Hedong two supervisorates: this ministry dispatches and fills from corresponding personnel; upon completion of examination, transfer according to rule. Active self-use personnel, upon completion of examination, employ at demoted rank; when vacancies occur, fill with corresponding personnel." In the fourth year, provincial approval: "Confucian Intendant clerks of Jiangxi and other regions: formerly publicly selected by this office, then dispatched from the National University — should be selected and filled by this office. Treasury Seal Supervisorate chief officials, clerks, translators, and the like: selected per Treasury Directorate precedent; upon completion of examination, transfer and promote." Ministry deliberation: "Changxin Temple one interpreter, per precedent from guarantor. Translators, seal keepers, clerks, and memorial couriers: half were regular officials selected by this office and the rest selected from corresponding personnel. Upon completion of examination, the same self-use transfer and promotion applied. Two archive clerks, decided conveniently; self-use personnel employ at demoted rank." In the first year of Huangqing, provincial approval: "Pasturage Supervisorate clerks, translators, seal keepers, keshig guards, memorial couriers, and the like — per the precedent for translators of various categories, dispatched and filled from the Hanlin Academy. Seal keepers and interpreters were selected by the chief official. Clerks, memorial couriers, and archive clerks all had fixed regulations for dispatch and filling. Those already selected were, upon completion of examination, employed at demoted rank; when vacancies occurred, candidates were selected and dispatched from corresponding personnel. Dadu Circuit clerks, after sixty months, rose to document controller per the twenty-ninth year of Zhiyuan precedent, with one qualification reduction for promotion. Those with offenses received no qualification reduction, even if months and days were made up. When vacancies occurred, they were filled from active upper-ranked clerks of the two north and south military horse directorates under jurisdiction and various prefectures. When vacancies occurred, this circuit filled them in order from the combined registry of left and right patrol offices, Daxing, Wanping, and other county clerks; even with long service, clerks could not be replaced without cause. Those filled in violation of the rule were not approved. Apart from those already registered, vacancies were filled according to the same rule. Verification Office clerks: select from active prefecture clerks; if insufficient, dispatch active upper-ranked warehouse archive clerks in the capital. After ninety months, appointed chief clerk; under forty-five years of age with above one examination, also permitted to transfer to Metropolitan Grain Transport chief clerk. Recruited in violation of rule — no separate decision." In the second year, provincial approval: "Central Auspice Directorate translators, dispatched from the Hanlin Academy; seal keepers selected and guaranteed by the chief official; clerks and memorial couriers jointly take half regular officials and half corresponding selections. Upon completion of examination, transfer and promote according to rule. Those appointed by imperial edict, upon completion of examination, employed within this directorate; when vacancies occur, fill with corresponding personnel. Eastern Campaign traveling secretariat clerks, translators, edict bearers, and the like: formerly upon completion of examination employed within the province. If dispatched by provincial and ministry proposal, corresponding personnel transfer according to rule; if not corresponding, even if provincially dispatched, still employed within the province." In the second year of Yanyou, provincial approval: "The Hejian and other circuits' Chief Salt Transport Intendant supervises twenty-nine station divisions; two were promoted to subordinate seventh rank. When clerk vacancies occur, follow each county's personnel — uniformly fill in order from upper-ranked patrol, guard, and bandit-capture clerks of nearby places. After one more examination, mutually transfer with neighboring county clerks of each station. Karakorum Circuit chief's office clerks were transferred and filled from local military horse clerks who had served one examination; after one more examination, they transferred to Chinghai Pacification Commission clerk; upon completion of examination, they were appointed regular eighth rank. Those not fully filled, after sixty months received ministry documents and served as document controllers. The Shazhou and Guazhou Garrison Storage Chief Commander Myriarchy followed a frontier proportional rule with corresponding credentials. Huifu Temple clerks, translators, interpreters, edict bearers, and the like: if dispatched by province and ministry, they transferred and promoted according to rule. Self-use personnel, upon completion of examination, followed second-rank office credential precedent — demoted one grade with one qualification added for promotion. Fill from regularly selected instructor Confucian scholars, officials, and active ministry clerks; edict bearers jointly filled from regularly selected officials; interpreters and seal keepers selected by the chief official, still requiring joint employment of regular officials; archive clerks filled from this office." In the fifth year, provincial approval: "The Household of the Heir Apparent establishes the Household Steward Directorate and Palace Rectifier Directorate; seal keepers and keshig guards are both selected by the chief official. Six clerks: two instructors, two regular officials, and two surveillance commission scribes from within. One translator was selected and filled from Mongol script instructors and active Mongol scribes of the capital secretariat. Two memorial couriers, filled with corresponding personnel."

凡宣使、奏差、委差、巡鹽官出身：中書省宣使，至元九年，曾受宣命補充者，九十月考滿正七品。省劄宣使，九十月考滿比依部令史例從七品。其臺院宣使、各部奏差，比例定擬。二十三年，省準：「省部臺院令譯史、通事、宣使、奏差人等，未滿九十月，不許預告遷轉。都省元定六部奏差遷轉格例，應入吏目選充者，三考從八品。應入提控案牘人員選充者，三考從八品，任回減一資升轉。巡檢提控案牘選充者，一考正九品。」二十四年，省準：「大都留守司兼少府監奏差改充宣使，合於各部奏差內選取，改升宣使月日為始，考滿比依宣徽院、大司農司一體出身，自行踏逐者降等遷敘。大司農司所轄各道勸農營田內書吏，於各路司吏內選取，考滿提控案牘內任用。奏差就令本司選委。」二十九年，省準：「各道廉訪司通事、譯史出身，比依書吏一體，考滿正九。奏差考滿，依通事、譯史降二等量擬，於錢谷官並巡檢內任用。」三十年，省準：「延慶司奏差，比依家令司奏差一體，考滿正九品，自行踏逐者降一等。」大德四年，省準：「諸路寶鈔提舉司奏差，改稱委差，九十月為滿，於酌中錢谷官內任用。」五年，部議：「山東運司奏差，九十月近下錢谷官內任用。大都運司，一體定奪。」六年，部擬：「河間運司巡鹽官，依奏差出身，九十月近下錢谷官內任用。」七年，部擬：「凡奏差自改立廉訪司為始，九十月歷巡檢三考，轉從九。」皇慶元年，各道廉訪司奏差出身，於本道所轄上名州司吏內選取，九十月都目內任用。若有路吏並典吏內取充者，歷兩考，比依上例，都目內升轉。

On credentials of edict bearers, memorial couriers, delegated couriers, and salt patrol officials: Secretariat edict bearers — in the ninth year of Zhiyuan, those who received proclamation appointment completed examination at ninety months for regular seventh rank. Secretariat document edict bearers completed examination at ninety months and, compared to ministry clerk precedent, earned subordinate seventh rank. Academy and censorate edict bearers and ministry memorial couriers were proportionally fixed. In the twenty-third year, provincial approval was granted: "secretariat, ministry, academy, and censorate clerks, translators, interpreters, edict bearers, memorial couriers, and the like — before ninety months were complete, advance notice of transfer was not permitted. The capital secretariat's originally fixed Six Department memorial courier transfer regulations: those eligible for chief clerk selection earned subordinate eighth rank after three examinations. Those eligible for document controller selection earned subordinate eighth rank after three examinations, with one qualification reduction for promotion upon return from term. Those selected from patrol inspector or document controller posts earned regular ninth rank after one examination." In the twenty-fourth year, provincial approval was granted: "Dadu Garrison Command and Palace Storehouse Directorate memorial couriers changed to edict bearers were to be selected from ministry memorial couriers. Service was counted from the month and day of change to edict bearer; upon completion of examination, credentials followed the Palace Provision Directorate and Grand Secretariat of Agriculture as one rule. Self-selected personnel received demoted rank transfer. Grand Secretariat of Agriculture scribes in various circuits' agricultural encouragement and military colony offices were selected from circuit clerks; upon completion of examination, they were employed among document controllers. Memorial couriers were selected and appointed by this directorate." In the twenty-ninth year, provincial approval was granted: "each circuit surveillance commission interpreter and translator credentials followed scribes as one rule; upon completion of examination, they earned regular ninth rank. Memorial couriers, upon completion of examination, were measured per interpreters and translators with a two-grade demotion and employed among revenue and grain officials and patrol inspectors." In the thirtieth year, provincial approval was granted: "Yanqing Directorate memorial couriers followed Household Steward Directorate memorial couriers as one rule; upon completion of examination, they earned regular ninth rank. Self-selected personnel were demoted one grade." In the fourth year of the Dade era, provincial approval was granted: "various circuits' Paper Currency Intendant memorial couriers were renamed delegated couriers; ninety months constituted completion; they were employed among moderate-grade revenue and grain officials." In the fifth year, ministry deliberation: "Shandong Transport Commission memorial couriers: ninety months, employ among lower-grade revenue and grain officials. The Dadu Transport Commission was decided by the same rule." In the sixth year, ministry proposal: "Hejian Transport Commission salt patrol officials follow memorial courier credentials; ninety months, employ among lower-grade revenue and grain officials." In the seventh year, ministry proposal: "For all memorial couriers, beginning from the establishment of the surveillance commission, ninety months serving three examinations as patrol inspector, transfer to subordinate ninth rank." In the first year of the Huangqing era, each circuit surveillance commission memorial courier credentials required selection from upper-ranked district clerks under that circuit's jurisdiction; after ninety months, they were employed among chief clerks. If filled from circuit clerks and archive clerks, after two examinations, compared to the above example, they were promoted within chief clerk ranks.

凡庫藏司吏庫子等出身：至元二十六年，省準：「上都資乘庫庫子、本把，九十月近上錢谷官內任用。衛尉院利器庫、壽武庫庫子，踏逐者九十月近上錢谷官內任用。」二十八年，省擬：「泉府司富藏庫本把、庫子，六十月近下錢谷官內任用。大府監行內藏庫子，三周年為滿，省劄錢谷官內遷敘。備用庫提控三十月，庫子、本把三周歲，近上錢谷官內任用。」三十年，省準：「大都留守司兼少府監器備庫庫子、本把，六十月近下錢谷官內任用。」三十年，省準：「宣徽院生料庫庫子、本把並太醫院所轄禦藥局院本把出身，例六十月，近上錢谷官一體遷敘。」大德元年，部擬：「中禦府奉宸庫庫子，以三周歲為滿，擬受省劄錢谷官。本把六十月，近上錢谷官內任用。」三年，省擬：「萬億四庫、左右八作司、富寧、寶源等庫，各設色目司庫二名，俱於樞密院各衛色目軍內選差，考滿巡檢內任用，自行踏逐者一考並同，循行如此。又漢人司庫，於院務提領、大使、都監內發補，二周歲滿日，減一界升轉；其色目司庫於到選錢谷官內選發，考滿優減兩界。都提舉萬億庫提控案牘，比常選人員，任回減一資升用。司吏三十五人，除色目四人外，漢人有闕，於大都總管府、轉運司、漕運司下名司吏內選取，三十月擬充吏目，四十五月之上、六十月之下都目，六十月以上轉提控案牘。省擬六十月以上、四十五月以下，願充寺監令史者聽。司庫五十人，除色目一十四人另行定奪外，漢人於大都路人戶內選用，二周歲為滿，院務提領內任用；都監內充司庫，二年為滿，於受省劄錢谷官內任用；務使充司庫，二年為滿，於從九品雜職內任用。秤子五人，於大都人戶內選充，二年為滿，於近下錢谷官內任用。太醫院禦藥局本把，六十月近上錢谷官內任用。」四年，受給庫依油磨坊設攢典、庫子，從工部選。會同館收支庫攢典，與長秋庫同。上都廣積、萬盈二倉系正六品，永豐系正七品，比之大都平準庫品級尤高，擬各倉攢典轉寺監本把，並萬億庫司吏相應。提舉廣惠司庫子，考滿近下錢谷官內任用。侍儀司法物庫所設攢典、庫子，依平準行用庫例補用。五年，大都尚食局本把，擬於錢谷官內遷敘，本院自行踏逐者，就給付身，考滿不入常調。都提舉萬億寶源庫色目司庫，擬於巡檢內任用，添一資升轉。京畿都漕運司司倉，於到選錢谷官內選發。六年，部呈：「凡路府諸州提控案牘、都吏目等，諸衙門吏員出身，應得案牘、都吏目，如系路府司吏轉充之人，依舊遷除。其由倉庫攢典雜進者，得提控案牘改省劄錢谷官，都目近上錢谷官，吏目改酌中錢谷官。提控案牘，都吏目月日考滿，於流官內遷用。廣勝庫子，合從武備寺給付身，考滿本衙門定奪。大積等倉典吏，與四庫案牘所掌事同，任回減一資升用。」七年，各路攢典、庫子，部議：「江北及行省所轄路分庫子，依已擬於司縣司吏內差補，周歲發充縣司吏，遇州司吏有闕，挨次勾補。諸倉庫攢典有闕，於各部籍記典吏內發補。左右八作司等五品衙門內司吏有闕，卻於各倉庫上名攢典內發補。若萬億庫四品衙門司吏有闕，亦於上項司吏內從上轉補，將役過五品衙門月日，五折四準算，通理九十月考滿，提控案牘內遷用。如轉補不盡，五品衙門司吏考滿，止於都吏內任用。油磨坊、抄紙坊攢典有闕，並依上例。回回藥物院本把，六十月酌中錢谷內定奪。」九年，省準：「提舉利林倉、昔寶赤八剌哈孫倉、孔古列倉司吏，六十月酌中錢谷官內委用。資成庫庫子出身，部議比依太府、利用、章佩、中尚等監。武備寺庫有闕，如系本衙門典吏請俸一考轉補者，六十月為近上錢谷官，其餘補充之人，九十月依上遷用。和林等處宣慰司都元帥府所轄廣濟庫庫子、攢典，自行踏逐者比依三倉例，六十月於近下錢谷官內定奪。」至大二年，省準：「廣禧庫庫子，依奉宸庫例出身，如系本把一考之上轉充者，四十五月受省劄錢谷官，其餘補充之人，六十月依上例遷用。本把元系本衙門請俸一考典吏轉補者，六十月近上錢谷官，其餘補充者，九十月亦依上例遷用。上都東西萬盈、廣積二倉司倉，與倉官一體，二周歲為滿。」三年，省準：「各路庫子於各處錢谷官內發補，擬不減界，考滿從優定奪。江北庫子，止依舊例。和林設立平準行用庫庫子，宜從本省相應人內量選二名，二周歲為滿，近下錢谷官內定奪。」皇慶元年，部議：「文成、供須、藏珍三庫本把、庫子，依太府監庫子例，常選內委用，考滿比例遷除，有闕於常調人內發補，自行選用者，考滿從本院定奪，若系常選任用者，考滿依例遷敘。」二年，殊祥院所轄萬聖庫庫子、攢典，依崇祥院諸物庫例出身。部議：「如比上例，三十月轉補五品衙門司吏，再歷三十月，於四品衙門司吏內補用，其庫子合於常調籍記倉庫攢典人內發補，六十月為滿，於務都監內任用，自行委用者，考滿本衙門定奪。」延祐元年，省議：「腹裏路分司倉庫子，於州縣司吏內勾補，滿日同舊例升轉。」

On credentials of treasury clerks and warehouse keepers: In the twenty-sixth year of the Zhiyuan era, provincial approval was granted: "Shangdu Transport Equipment Treasury warehouse keepers and chief custodians, after ninety months, were employed among upper-grade revenue and grain officials. Court of Imperial Regalia Sharp Weapons Treasury and Longevity Military Treasury warehouse keepers who were self-selected, after ninety months, were employed among upper-grade revenue and grain officials." In the twenty-eighth year, provincial proposal: "Currency Bureau Rich Storehouse chief custodians and warehouse keepers: sixty months, employ among lower-grade revenue and grain officials. Grand Storehouse Directorate traveling Inner Treasury warehouse keepers completed service in three full years and were transferred and promoted among provincial-document revenue and grain officials. Reserve Treasury document controllers served thirty months; warehouse keepers and chief custodians three full years; all were employed among upper-grade revenue and grain officials." In the thirtieth year, provincial approval was granted: "Dadu Garrison Command and Palace Storehouse Directorate Equipment Reserve Treasury warehouse keepers and chief custodians, after sixty months, were employed among lower-grade revenue and grain officials." In the thirtieth year, provincial approval was granted: "Palace Provision Directorate Raw Materials Treasury warehouse keepers and chief custodians and Imperial Medical Academy Imperial Pharmacy chief custodian credentials followed a sixty-month precedent; upper-grade revenue and grain officials received unified transfer and promotion." In the first year of Dade, ministry proposal: "Central Imperial Household Palace Attendant Treasury warehouse keepers: three full years for completion; proposed to receive provincial-document revenue and grain official appointment. Chief custodians, after sixty months, were employed among upper-grade revenue and grain officials." In the third year, provincial proposal: "Myriad Treasury Four Storehouses, Left and Right Eight Workshops Directorates, Funing, Baoyuan, and other treasuries: each establishes two persons-of-various-colors treasury keepers, all selected from Bureau of Military Affairs guard units of persons of various colors; upon completion of examination, employ among patrol inspectors. Self-selected personnel — one examination, same rule. Continue thus. Han Chinese treasury keepers were dispatched and filled from bureau superintendents, commissioners, and chief supervisors; upon completion of two full years, they received a one-term reduction for promotion; persons-of-various-colors treasury keepers were selected and dispatched from arriving revenue and grain officials; upon completion of examination, they received a preferential reduction of two terms. Chief Intendant Myriad Treasury document controllers, compared to regularly selected personnel, received one qualification reduction for promotion upon return from term. Thirty-five clerks: apart from four persons of various colors, when Han Chinese vacancies occurred, candidates were selected from lower-ranked clerks of the Dadu chief's office, transport commission, and grain transport commission. At thirty months they were proposed as clerical director; above forty-five and below sixty months, chief clerk; above sixty months, transfer to document controller. The provincial office proposed that those above sixty months and below forty-five months who were willing to serve as directorate clerks were permitted to do so. Fifty treasury keepers: apart from fourteen persons of various colors decided separately, Han Chinese were selected from Dadu Circuit households; two full years constituted completion, with employment among bureau superintendents; serving as treasury keeper among chief supervisors, two years constituted completion, with employment among provincial-document revenue and grain officials; serving as treasury keeper among bureau commissioners, two years constituted completion, with employment among subordinate ninth-rank miscellaneous posts. Five weighers were selected from Dadu households; two years constituted completion; they were employed among lower-grade revenue and grain officials. Imperial Medical Academy Imperial Pharmacy chief custodians, after sixty months, were employed among upper-grade revenue and grain officials." In the fourth year, the Supply Receipt Treasury followed oil mill precedent in establishing archive clerks and warehouse keepers, selected from the Works Department. Reception Hall Receipt and Disbursement Treasury archive clerks followed the Long Autumn Treasury precedent. Shangdu Broad Accumulation and Myriad Fullness granaries were regular sixth rank; Ever Abundant was regular seventh rank — higher even than the Dadu Standard Treasury rank. It was proposed that each granary's archive clerks transfer to directorate chief custodians, corresponding to Myriad Treasury clerks. Broad Benevolence Intendant warehouse keepers, upon completion of examination, were employed among lower-grade revenue and grain officials. Ceremonial Directorate ritual objects treasury archive clerks and warehouse keepers were filled per Standard Circulation Treasury precedent. In the fifth year, Dadu Imperial Food Bureau chief custodians were proposed for transfer and promotion among revenue and grain officials. Those self-selected by this bureau received appointment papers on the spot and, upon completion of examination, did not enter regular transfer. Chief Intendant Myriad Treasury Baoyuan persons-of-various-colors treasury keepers were proposed for employment among patrol inspectors, with one qualification added for promotion. Metropolitan Grain Transport granary supervisors were selected and dispatched from arriving revenue and grain officials. In the sixth year, ministry submission: "For all circuit, prefecture, and district document controllers, chief clerks, and the like — clerk credentials of various offices eligible for document controller or chief clerk posts: if transferred from circuit or prefecture clerks, transfer and appoint according to the old rule. Those who entered through warehouse archive clerks: document controllers became provincial-document revenue and grain officials; chief clerks became upper-grade revenue and grain officials; clerical directors became moderate-grade revenue and grain officials. Document controllers and chief clerks, upon completion of examination of months and days, were transferred among ranked officials. Guangsheng warehouse keepers were to receive appointment papers from the Armory Directorate; upon completion of examination, disposition was decided within that office. Great Accumulation and other granary archive clerks had the same duties as Four Storehouses document controllers; upon return from term, they received one qualification reduction for promotion." In the seventh year, circuit archive clerks and warehouse keepers, ministry deliberation: "North of the Yangtze and traveling secretariat circuits' warehouse keepers: per already proposed, dispatch and fill from prefecture and county clerks; after one year, dispatch as county clerks. When district clerk vacancies occur, fill in order. When warehouse archive clerk vacancies occurred, they were dispatched and filled from registered archive clerks of various departments. When clerk vacancies occurred in fifth-rank offices such as the Left and Right Eight Workshops Directorates, they were dispatched and filled from upper-ranked warehouse archive clerks. If Myriad Treasury fourth-rank office clerk vacancies occurred, they were also transferred and filled from the above clerks from the top. Fifth-rank office service months were counted at four-fifths value, calculated comprehensively to ninety months for completion of examination, then transferred among document controllers. If transfer and filling was incomplete, fifth-rank office clerks upon completion of examination were employed only among chief clerks. When oil mill and paper mill archive clerk vacancies occurred, all followed the above example. Huihui Pharmacy chief custodians, after sixty months, were decided among moderate-grade revenue and grain officials." In the ninth year, provincial approval was granted: "Lilin Granary, Xibaochi Balqash Granary, and Konggulie Granary clerks, after sixty months, were appointed among moderate-grade revenue and grain officials. Zicheng Treasury warehouse keeper credentials were, by ministry deliberation, compared to the Grand Storehouse, Utility, Insignia, and Central Attendant directorates. When Armory Directorate treasury vacancies occurred: if this office's archive clerk receiving salary transferred after one examination, sixty months earned upper-grade revenue and grain official; other filled personnel transferred at ninety months per the above rule. Karakorum and other places' Pacification Commission Chief Commander Myriarchy's Broad Relief Treasury warehouse keepers and archive clerks who were self-selected were compared to the three-granary precedent; after sixty months, they were decided among lower-grade revenue and grain officials." In the second year of the Zhida era, provincial approval was granted: "Broad Felicity Treasury warehouse keepers followed Palace Attendant Treasury credential precedent. If transferred from chief custodians above one examination, forty-five months earned provincial-document revenue and grain official; other filled personnel transferred at sixty months per the above rule. Chief custodians originally this office's archive clerks receiving salary who transferred after one examination earned upper-grade revenue and grain official at sixty months; other filled personnel also transferred at ninety months per the above rule. Shangdu East and West Myriad Fullness and Broad Accumulation granaries' granary supervisors followed granary officials as one rule; two full years constituted completion." In the third year, provincial approval was granted: "circuit warehouse keepers were dispatched and filled from revenue and grain officials in various places; no term reduction was proposed; upon completion of examination, disposition was decided favorably. North of the Yangtze warehouse keepers followed only the old rule. Karakorum Standard Circulation Treasury warehouse keepers should be two persons selected from corresponding personnel within the province; two full years constituted completion; disposition was decided among lower-grade revenue and grain officials." In the first year of Huangqing, ministry deliberation: "Wencheng, Supply, and Treasure Store three treasuries' chief custodians and warehouse keepers follow Grand Storehouse Directorate warehouse keeper precedent; appoint from regular selection; upon completion of examination, proportional transfer and appointment. When vacancies occur, dispatch and fill from regular transfer personnel. Self-selected personnel, upon completion of examination, decided by this directorate. If regularly selected appointees, upon completion of examination, transfer and promote according to rule." In the second year, Auspicious Omen Court's Myriad Sage Treasury warehouse keepers and archive clerks followed Chongxiang Court Various Objects Treasury credential precedent. The ministry deliberated that compared to the above example: "at thirty months, transfer to fifth-rank office clerk; after thirty more months, fill among fourth-rank office clerks. Warehouse keepers should be dispatched and filled from registered regular warehouse archive clerks; sixty months constituted completion; employment was among bureau chief supervisors. Self-appointed personnel, upon completion of examination, were decided within that office." In the first year of Yanyou, provincial deliberation: "Metropolitan region circuit granary warehouse keepers: fill from prefecture and county clerks; upon completion, promote per old rule."

凡書寫、銓寫、書吏、典吏轉補：至元二十五年，省準：「通政等二品衙門典吏，九十月補本院宣使。各寺監典吏，比依上例，考滿轉補本衙門奏差。戶部填寫勘合典吏，與管勘合令史一體，考滿從優定奪。參議府、左右司、客省使令史、書寫，四十五月轉補，如補不盡，於提控案牘內任用，於各部銓寫及典吏內收補。會總房、承發司、照磨所、架閣庫典吏，各部銓寫，六十月轉補，已上，都吏內任用。各部典吏並左右部照磨所、架閣庫典吏，於都省參議府、左右司、客省使令史、書寫內以次轉補，如補不盡，六十月轉補各監令史，已上，吏目內任用。樞密院典吏、銓寫，依御史臺典吏一體，六十月轉部，轉補不盡，六十月已上，於都目內任用。御史臺典吏，遇察院書吏有闕，從上挨次轉補，通理六十月，補各道按察司書吏，部令史有闕，亦行收補。」二十六年，省準：「上都留守司兼本路都總管府典吏，九十月補本司宣使，考滿依例定奪。」二十七年，省準：「漕運使司令史，九十月提控案牘內任用，如年四十五以下，願充寺監令史者聽。省院臺部書寫、銓寫、典吏人等出身，與各道宣慰司、按察司、隨路總管府歲貢吏員一體轉部，書寫人等止令轉寺監等衙門令史。」二十八年，省準：「參議府、左右司、客省使令史，各房書寫有闕，擬於都省典吏內選補，五折四令史、書寫月日，通折四十月轉部。及六部銓寫、典吏一考之上選充，三折二令史、書寫月日，通折四十五月轉補各部令史。如已行選用者，四十五月補寺監令史。參議府、左右司、客省使令史，各房書寫有闕，擬於都省典吏內選補，五折四令史、書寫月日，通折四十五月轉部。及六部銓寫、典吏一考之上選充，三折二令史、書寫月日，通折四十五月轉補各部令史。如自行選用者，四十五月補寺監令史。」部議：「執總會總房、照磨所、承發司、架閣庫典吏，一考之上轉補參議府、左右司、客省使令史，補不盡者，四十五月補寺監令史。有闕，於六部銓寫、典吏一考之上選充，三折二省典吏月日，通折六十月轉補各部令史。若轉充參議府、左右司、客省使令史、都省書寫，五折四令史、書寫月日，通折四十五月轉部。如自行選用者，六十月補寺監令史。六部銓寫、典吏並左右部照磨所、架閣庫典吏，一考之上，遇省書寫、典吏月日補不盡者，六十月轉補寺監令史。」省議：「除見役外，後有闕，擬於都省各房寫發人內公舉發補，除轉充參議府、左右司、客省使令史、都省書寫、典吏者，依前例轉補，不盡者六十月充都目。」二十九年，部擬：「御史臺典吏三十月，依廉訪司書吏轉補察院，三十月轉部，補不盡者，考滿從八品遷用外，行臺典吏三十月轉補行臺察院書吏，再歷三十月發補各道宣慰司令史。參議府令史，四十五月轉部令史。光祿寺典吏，考滿轉補本衙門奏差。」元貞元年，省準：「省部見役典吏實歷俸月，名排籍記，遇都省書寫、典吏有闕，從上挨次發補。樞密院銓寫，一考之上補都省書寫，通折月日升轉外，本院銓寫有闕，補請俸上名典吏。」大德元年，省準：「兩淮本道書吏，轉補行臺察院書吏、江南宣慰司令史。雲南、四川、河西三道書吏，在邊遠者三十月為格，依上遷補。江浙行省檢校書吏，於行省請俸典吏內選補，以典吏月日五折四，通折書吏六十月轉各道宣慰司。」四年，省準：「徽政院掌儀、掌膳、掌醫署書吏宜從本院通定名排，若本院典吏有闕，以次轉補。」八年，省議：「院臺以下諸司吏員，俱從吏部發補，據曾經省發並省判籍定典吏、令史，從吏部依次試補，元籍記典吏，見在寫發者，遇各庫攢典試補。省掾每名，設貼書二名，就用已籍記者，呈左右司關吏部籍定，遇部典吏闕收補，歷兩考從上名轉省典吏，除一考外，余者折省典吏月日，兩考升補參議府、左右司、客省使令史、書寫、檢校、書吏，通折四十五月。補不盡省典吏，六十月，遇寺監令史、宣慰司令史有闕，依次發補。除宣慰司令史，已有貢部定例，寺監令史歷一考，與籍記部令史通籍發補各部令史。寺監見役人等，雖經準設，未曾補闕，不許轉部，考滿依舊例遷敘，其省部典吏、書寫人等轉入寺監、宣慰司，願守考滿者聽。御史臺令史一名，選貼書二名，依次選試相應充架閣庫子，轉補典吏，三十月發充各道廉訪司書吏，再歷一考，依例歲貢。三品衙門典吏，歷三考升宣使，補不盡，本衙門於相應闕內委用。部典吏一考之上，轉省典吏，補不盡者，三考補本衙門奏差，兩考之上發寺監宣慰司奏差外，據六部系名貼書合與都省寫發人相參轉補各部典吏，補不盡者，發各庫攢典。都省寫發人有闕，於六部系名貼書內參選，不盡者依舊發各庫攢典。」九年，省準：「獄典歷一考之上，轉各部典吏。翰林國史院書寫考滿，除從七品，有闕從本院於籍記教授試準應補部令史內指名選用。太常寺典吏，歷九十月註吏目。工部符牌局典吏，三十月轉各部典吏。翰林國史院蒙古書寫，四十五月轉補寺監蒙古必阇赤。宣徽院所轄寺監令史有闕，於到部籍記寺監令史與本院考滿典吏挨次發補。」十年，省準：「陜西諸道行御史臺察院書吏，若系腹裏歲貢廉訪司見役書吏選取人數，須歷一考，以上名貢部，下名轉補察院。總管府獄典轉州司吏，府州者補縣吏，須歷一考，方許轉補。江浙行省運司書吏，九十月升都目，添一資升轉，如非各路散府上州司吏補充，役過月日，別無定奪。」十一年，省準：「左司言照磨所典吏遇闕，宜於左右部照磨所典吏內從上發補。各路府州獄典遇闕，於廉訪司寫發人及各路通曉刑名貼書內參補。」至大元年，省準：「各部蒙古必阇赤，如系翰林院選發之人，四十五月遇各衙門譯史有闕，依次與職官相參補用，不敷從翰林院發補。」三年，省準：「詹事院蒙古書寫，如系翰林院選發之人，四十五月遇典用等監衙門譯史有闕，依次與職官相參補用，不敷從翰林院選發。和林行省典吏，轉理問所令史，四十五月發補稱海宣慰司令史，轉補不盡典吏，須歷六十月依上發補。中瑞司、掌謁司典書，九十月與寺監令史一體除正八品。行臺察院書吏，俱歷九十月依舊出身敘，任回添一資升轉。內臺察院轉部、行臺察院轉江南宣慰司令史，北人貢內臺察院各道廉訪司書吏，先役書吏歷九十月，擬正九品，任回添一資升轉。」省議：「廉訪司書吏，上名貢部，下名轉察院，不盡者通九十月，除正九品。察院書吏三十月轉部，不盡者九十月除從八品，非廉訪司取充則四十五月轉部，不盡者考滿除正九品。」二年，議：「廉訪司書吏、貢察院書吏不盡者九十月除正九品，行臺察院書吏轉補不盡者如之。內臺察院書吏轉部，年高不願轉部者，九十月除從八品。」皇慶元年，部議：「廉訪司職官書吏，合依通例選取，不許遷敘，候書吏考滿，通理敘用。職官先嘗為廉訪司書吏者，避元役道分，並其餘相應職官，歷三十月，減一資。又教授、學正、學錄並府州提控案牘、都吏目內委充職官，各理本等月日，其餘歲貢儒吏，依例選用。又廉訪司奏差、內臺行臺典吏有能者，歷一考之上選充書吏，通儒書者充儒人數，通吏業者充吏員數。參議府、左右司、客省使令史、書寫、檢校書吏，依至元二十八年例，以省典吏選充，五折四令史、書寫、書吏月日，通折五十五月轉部。省典吏系六部銓寫、典吏轉充，三折二省典吏月日，通折六十月轉各部令史。自用之人並轉補不盡省典吏，考滿發補寺監、各道宣慰司令史。」二年，省準：「河東宣慰司選河東山西道廉訪司書吏充令史，合回避按治道分選取，其餘亦合一體。」延祐三年，部擬：「行臺察院書吏、各道廉訪司掌書，元系吏員出身者，並依舊例，以九十月為滿，依漢人吏員降等於散府諸州案牘內選用，任回依例升轉。大宗正府蒙古書寫，四十五月依樞密院轉各衛譯史除正八品例，籍定發補諸寺監譯史。察院書吏與宣慰司令史，皆系八品出身轉部者，宜以五折四理算，宣慰司令史出身正八品，察院從八品，其轉補到部者以五折四準算太優，今三折二。其廉訪司徑發貢部及已除者，難議理算。」天歷元年，臺議：「各道書吏，額設一十六人，有闕宜用終場下第舉子四人，教授四人，各路司吏四人，通吏職官四人，委文資正官試驗相應，方許入部。」

On transfer and filling of scribes, copyists, clerks, and archive clerks: In the twenty-fifth year of the Zhiyuan era, provincial approval was granted: "Bureau of Transmission and other second-rank office archive clerks, after ninety months, filled as that bureau's edict bearer. Various directorate archive clerks, compared to the above example, upon completion of examination, transferred and filled as that office's memorial courier. Ministry of Revenue verification-form-filling archive clerks followed verification-form-managing clerks as one rule; upon completion of examination, disposition was decided favorably. Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, and Reception Commissioner clerks and scribes transferred and filled at forty-five months. If not fully filled, they were employed among document controllers; recruitment and filling came from ministry copyists and archive clerks. General Registry, Dispatch Office, Verification Office, and Archive Treasury archive clerks and ministry copyists transferred and filled at sixty months; above that, they were employed among chief clerks. Ministry archive clerks and Left and Right Bureau Verification Office and Archive Treasury archive clerks transferred and filled in order from capital secretariat Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, and Reception Commissioner clerks and scribes. If not fully filled, at sixty months they transferred to directorate clerks; above that, they were employed among clerical directors. Bureau of Military Affairs archive clerks and copyists followed Censorate archive clerks as one rule; at sixty months they transferred to the ministry. If transfer and filling was incomplete, above sixty months they were employed among chief clerks. Censorate archive clerks: when Investigation Bureau scribe vacancies occurred, they were transferred and filled in order from the top; after sixty months counted comprehensively, they filled circuit surveillance commission scribe posts. When ministry clerk vacancies occurred, they were also accepted and filled." In the twenty-sixth year, provincial approval was granted: "Shangdu Garrison Command and this circuit chief's office archive clerks, after ninety months, filled as that directorate's edict bearer; upon completion of examination, disposition was decided according to rule." In the twenty-seventh year, provincial approval was granted: "Grain Transport Commissioner clerks, after ninety months, were employed among document controllers. Those under forty-five years of age who were willing to serve as directorate clerks were permitted to do so. Secretariat, academy, censorate, and ministry scribes, copyists, archive clerks, and the like had credentials that followed each circuit pacification commission, surveillance commission, and circuit chief's office annual tribute clerks in unified transfer to the ministry. Scribes and the like were permitted to transfer only to directorate and other office clerks." In the twenty-eighth year, provincial approval was granted: "when Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, and Reception Commissioner bureau scribe vacancies occurred, it was proposed to select and fill from capital secretariat archive clerks; clerk and scribe months were counted at four-fifths value, calculated comprehensively to forty months for ministry transfer. Ministry copyists and archive clerks above one examination selected to fill had clerk and scribe months counted at two-thirds value, calculated comprehensively to forty-five months to transfer and fill ministry clerk posts. If already selected and employed, at forty-five months they filled directorate clerk posts. When Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, and Reception Commissioner bureau scribe vacancies occurred, it was proposed to select and fill from capital secretariat archive clerks; clerk and scribe months were counted at four-fifths value, calculated comprehensively to forty-five months for ministry transfer. Ministry copyists and archive clerks above one examination selected to fill had clerk and scribe months counted at two-thirds value, calculated comprehensively to forty-five months to transfer and fill ministry clerk posts. If self-selected, at forty-five months they filled directorate clerk posts." Ministry deliberation: "General Registry, Verification Office, Dispatch Office, and Archive Treasury archive clerks above one examination transfer and fill Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, and Reception Commissioner clerk posts. If not fully filled, forty-five months fill directorate clerk posts. When vacancies occurred, candidates were selected and filled from ministry copyists and archive clerks above one examination; secretariat archive clerk months were counted at two-thirds value, calculated comprehensively to sixty months to transfer and fill ministry clerk posts. If transferred to Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, Reception Commissioner clerks, or capital secretariat scribes, clerk and scribe months were counted at four-fifths value, calculated comprehensively to forty-five months for ministry transfer. If self-selected, at sixty months they filled directorate clerk posts. Ministry copyists and archive clerks and Left and Right Bureau Verification Office and Archive Treasury archive clerks above one examination: when secretariat scribe and archive clerk months could not fully fill vacancies, at sixty months they transferred to directorate clerk posts." Provincial deliberation: "Apart from active personnel, when future vacancies occur, proposed to publicly recommend and dispatch from capital secretariat bureau dispatch scribes. Apart from those transferred to Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, Reception Commissioner clerks, capital secretariat scribes, and archive clerks — transfer and fill per previous example; those not fully filled, sixty months serve as chief clerk." In the twenty-ninth year, ministry proposal: "Censorate archive clerks thirty months, per surveillance commission scribes transfer and fill Investigation Bureau; thirty months transfer to ministry. If not fully filled, apart from subordinate eighth-rank transfer upon completion of examination — traveling censorate archive clerks thirty months transfer and fill traveling censorate Investigation Bureau scribes; after thirty more months, dispatch and fill each circuit pacification commission clerks. Counsellor's Office clerks transferred to ministry clerks at forty-five months. Court of Imperial Sacrifices archive clerks, upon completion of examination, transferred and filled as that office's memorial courier." In the first year of the Yuanzhen era, provincial approval was granted: "active secretariat and ministry archive clerks' actual salary months were registered by name in order. When capital secretariat scribe and archive clerk vacancies occurred, they were dispatched and filled in order from the top. Bureau of Military Affairs copyists above one examination filled capital secretariat scribes; apart from comprehensive month calculation for promotion — when this bureau's copyist vacancies occurred, they were filled from upper-ranked archive clerks receiving salary." In the first year of the Dade era, provincial approval was granted: "Two Huai circuits' local scribes transferred and filled traveling censorate Investigation Bureau scribes and Jiangnan Pacification Commission clerk posts. Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hexi circuits' scribes in frontier regions had thirty months as the standard and transferred and filled per the above rule. Jiangzhe traveling secretariat verification scribes were selected and filled from traveling secretariat archive clerks receiving salary; archive clerk months were counted at four-fifths value, calculated comprehensively to scribe sixty months to transfer to each circuit pacification commission." In the fourth year, provincial approval was granted: "Palace Administration Directorate Ritual, Food, and Medical Office scribes should have names fixed in order by this directorate. When this directorate's archive clerk vacancies occurred, they were transferred and filled in order." In the eighth year, provincial deliberation: "All clerk personnel of academy, censorate, and below are dispatched and filled from the Ministry of Personnel. Based on archive clerks and clerks previously provincially dispatched and provincially registered — trial filling in order from the Ministry of Personnel. Originally registered archive clerks currently serving as dispatch scribes: when warehouse archive clerk vacancies occur, trial filling. For each secretariat clerk, two attached scribes were established from already registered personnel; the Left and Right Bureaus were notified to register with the Ministry of Personnel. When ministry archive clerk vacancies occurred, candidates were accepted and filled. After two examinations, they transferred from upper names to secretariat archive clerks. Apart from one examination, the rest counted secretariat archive clerk months; after two examinations, they were promoted and filled Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, Reception Commissioner clerk, scribe, verification scribe, and clerk posts — calculated comprehensively to forty-five months. Secretariat archive clerks not fully filled, at sixty months, when directorate clerk and pacification commission clerk vacancies occurred, were dispatched and filled in order. Apart from pacification commission clerks, which already had tribute ministry fixed regulations — directorate clerks after one examination, jointly registered with registered ministry clerks, were dispatched to fill ministry clerk posts. Directorate active personnel, though approved for establishment, if vacancies had not been filled, were not permitted to transfer to the ministry. Upon completion of examination, they transferred and promoted per the old rule. Secretariat and ministry archive clerks and scribes who transferred into directorates and pacification commissions — those willing to complete their examination term were permitted to do so. Censorate one clerk: two attached scribes were selected; in order corresponding personnel were selected and trialed to serve as Archive Treasury keepers; they transferred and filled archive clerk posts; after thirty months they were dispatched as each circuit surveillance commission scribes; after one more examination, they were presented as annual tribute according to rule. Third-rank office archive clerks, after three examinations, were promoted to edict bearer. If not fully filled, the office appointed within corresponding vacancies. Ministry archive clerks above one examination transferred to secretariat archive clerks. If not fully filled, three examinations filled that office's memorial courier. Apart from dispatching memorial couriers to directorates and pacification commissions above two examinations — based on Six Department named attached scribes jointly with capital secretariat dispatch scribes, ministry archive clerks were transferred and filled. If not fully filled, candidates were dispatched to warehouse archive clerk posts. When capital secretariat dispatch scribe vacancies occurred, candidates were jointly selected from Six Department named attached scribes. If insufficient, they were dispatched to warehouse archive clerk posts per the old rule." In the ninth year, provincial approval was granted: "prison archive clerks above one examination term transferred to ministry archive clerks. Hanlin and National History Academy scribes, upon completion of examination, were appointed subordinate seventh rank. When vacancies occurred, the academy nominated from registered instructors who passed trial for ministry clerk filling. Court of Imperial Sacrifices archive clerks, after ninety months, were registered as clerical director. Works Department tally office archive clerks transferred to ministry archive clerks at thirty months. Hanlin and National History Academy Mongol scribes, after forty-five months, transferred and filled directorate Mongol scribe posts. When Palace Provision Directorate subordinate directorate clerk vacancies occurred, they were dispatched and filled in order from registered directorate clerks arriving at the ministry and that directorate's archive clerks who had completed examination." In the tenth year, provincial approval was granted: "Shaanxi various circuits' traveling censorate Investigation Bureau scribes — if selected from metropolitan region annual tribute surveillance commission active scribes, they must serve one examination; upper names presented tribute to the ministry, lower names transferred and filled the Investigation Bureau. Chief's office prison archive clerks transferred to district clerks; prefecture and district personnel filled county clerk posts — one examination was required before transfer and filling was permitted. Jiangzhe traveling secretariat transport commission scribes, after ninety months, were promoted to chief clerk with one qualification added for promotion. If not filled from various circuits' subordinate prefecture upper district clerks, service months received no separate decision." In the eleventh year, provincial approval was granted: "the Left Bureau stated that when Verification Office archive clerk vacancies occurred, they should be dispatched and filled from the top among Left and Right Bureau Verification Office archive clerks. When circuit, prefecture, and district prison archive clerk vacancies occurred, they were jointly filled from surveillance commission dispatch scribes and circuit attached scribes proficient in penal law." In the first year of the Zhida era, provincial approval was granted: "ministry Mongol scribes — if dispatched by the Hanlin Academy — after forty-five months, when various office translator vacancies occurred, they were filled in order jointly with regular officials. If insufficient, additional candidates were dispatched from the Hanlin Academy." In the third year, provincial approval was granted: "Household of the Heir Apparent Mongol scribes — if dispatched by the Hanlin Academy — after forty-five months, when Treasury Use and other directorate translator vacancies occurred, they were filled in order jointly with regular officials. If insufficient, candidates were selected and dispatched from the Hanlin Academy. Karakorum traveling secretariat archive clerks transferred to judicial inquiry office clerks; after forty-five months they were dispatched to fill Chinghai Pacification Commission clerk posts. Archive clerks not fully transferred had to serve sixty months before dispatch and filling per the above rule. Central Auspice Directorate and Reception Office archive scribes, after ninety months, same as directorate clerks, were appointed regular eighth rank. Traveling censorate Investigation Bureau scribes, all after ninety months, followed old credential appointment; upon return from term, they received one qualification added for promotion. Capital censorate Investigation Bureau transferred to the ministry; traveling censorate Investigation Bureau transferred to Jiangnan Pacification Commission clerk. Northerners presenting tribute: capital censorate Investigation Bureau and each circuit surveillance commission scribes — prior service scribes after ninety months were proposed for regular ninth rank; upon return from term, they received one qualification added for promotion." The provincial office deliberated that surveillance commission scribes: "upper names presented tribute to the ministry, lower names transferred to the Investigation Bureau. Those not fully filled, after comprehensively ninety months, were appointed regular ninth rank. Investigation Bureau scribes transferred to the ministry at thirty months. Those not fully filled, after ninety months, were appointed subordinate eighth rank. If not filled from the surveillance commission, they transferred to the ministry at forty-five months; those not fully filled, upon completion of examination, were appointed regular ninth rank." In the second year, deliberation: "Surveillance commission scribes and tribute Investigation Bureau scribes not fully filled — ninety months appointed regular ninth rank. Traveling censorate Investigation Bureau scribes not fully transferred — same rule. Capital censorate Investigation Bureau scribes transferring to the ministry — those advanced in age and unwilling to transfer were, after ninety months, appointed subordinate eighth rank." In the first year of Huangqing, ministry deliberation: "Surveillance commission regular official scribes should be selected per general regulations; transfer and promotion not permitted. Wait until scribe examination completion, then calculate comprehensively for appointment. Regular officials who previously served as surveillance commission scribes avoided their original service circuit; and other corresponding officials — after thirty months, received one qualification reduction. Also instructors, rectifiers, and registrars and prefecture and district document controllers and chief clerks appointed as regular officials each calculated months and days at their own grade. The rest of annual tribute Confucian scholars and clerks were selected and employed according to rule. Also capable surveillance commission memorial couriers and capital and traveling censorate archive clerks above one examination were selected to fill scribe posts — those proficient in Confucian learning filled the Confucian quota; those proficient in clerk work filled the clerk quota. Counsellor's Office, Left and Right Bureaus, Reception Commissioner clerks, scribes, and verification scribes, per the twenty-eighth year of Zhiyuan example, were selected and filled from secretariat archive clerks; clerk, scribe, and clerk months were counted at four-fifths value, calculated comprehensively to fifty-five months for ministry transfer. Secretariat archive clerks transferred from ministry copyists and archive clerks had secretariat archive clerk months counted at two-thirds value, calculated comprehensively to sixty months to transfer to ministry clerk posts. Self-use personnel and secretariat archive clerks not fully transferred, upon completion of examination, were dispatched to fill directorate and each circuit pacification commission clerk posts." In the second year, provincial approval was granted: "the Hedong Pacification Commission selecting Hedong-Shanxi Circuit surveillance commission scribes to fill clerk posts should avoid the supervised circuit in selection. The rest should also follow as one rule." In the third year of Yanyou, ministry proposal: "Traveling censorate Investigation Bureau scribes and each circuit surveillance commission chief scribes originally of clerk credentials — all follow old rule, ninety months for completion. Per Han Chinese clerk demotion, select and employ among subordinate prefecture and district document controllers; upon return from term, promote according to rule. Grand Imperial Clan Court Mongol scribes, after forty-five months, per Bureau of Military Affairs precedent for guard translators appointed regular eighth rank, were registered and dispatched to fill various directorate translator posts. Investigation Bureau scribes and pacification commission clerks — both eighth-rank credentials transferring to the ministry — should be calculated at four-fifths value. Pacification commission clerk credentials were regular eighth rank; Investigation Bureau subordinate eighth rank. Those transferred to the ministry calculated at four-fifths was too favorable; now two-thirds. Those directly dispatched by the surveillance commission as tribute to the ministry and already appointed were difficult to subject to calculation." In the first year of Tianli, censorate deliberation: "Each circuit scribes — established quota sixteen persons. When vacancies occur, should use four examination failures from final session, four instructors, four circuit clerks, four officials proficient in clerk work — entrust civil regular officials to examine and verify qualification before permitting entry to the ministry."

凡衛翼吏員升轉：皇慶元年，樞密院議：「各處都府並總管高麗、女直、漢軍萬戶府及臨清萬戶府秩三品，本府令史有闕，於一考都目、兩考吏目並各衛三考典吏內，呈院發補，九十月歷提控案牘一任，於各萬戶府知事內選用。」延祐六年，樞密院議：「各衛翼都目得代兩考者，擬受院劄提控案牘內銓註，三考升千戶所知事，月日不及者，各衛翼挨次前後得代日期，於都目內貼補。各衛提控案牘，年過五旬已歷四考者，升千戶所知事。及兩考年四十五以下，發補各衛令史。不及兩考者，止於案牘內銓註，受院劄，通理一百二十月，於千戶所知事內選用。各處蒙古都元帥府額設令史有闕，於本府所轄萬戶府並奧魯府上名司吏年四十以下者選取，呈院準設，歷一百二十月，再歷提控案牘一任，於萬戶府知事內遷用。」泰定三年，樞密院議：「行省所轄萬戶府司吏有闕，於本翼上千戶所上名司吏內取補，須行省準設，九十月充吏目，一考轉都目，一考除千戶所提領案牘，一考升萬戶府提控案牘，歷兩考，通歷省除一百五十月，行省照勘相同，咨院於萬戶府知事內區用。」

On guard wing clerk promotion: "In the first year of the Huangqing era, the Bureau of Military Affairs deliberated that various regional command offices and chief Korean, Jurchen, and Han Army myriarchies and the Linqing Myriarchy were third rank. When clerk vacancies occurred, candidates came from one-examination chief clerks, two-examination clerical directors, and three-examination guard archive clerks — submitted to the bureau for dispatch and filling. After ninety months serving one term as document controller, they were selected and employed among myriarchy administrative officers." In the sixth year of Yanyou, Bureau of Military Affairs deliberation: "Guard wing chief clerks who completed two examination terms: proposed to receive bureau document registration among document controllers. Three examinations promote to thousand-household administrative officer. Where months and days fall short, each guard wing in order by completion dates fills by succession among chief clerks. Guard document controllers over fifty years of age who had served four examinations were promoted to thousand-household administrative officer. And after two examinations, those under forty-five years of age were dispatched to fill guard clerk posts. Those not reaching two examinations were registered only among document controllers, received bureau documents, had service calculated comprehensively to one hundred twenty months, and were selected among thousand-household administrative officers. When various Mongol Chief Commander Myriarchy established clerk vacancies occurred, candidates were selected from upper-ranked clerks of myriarchies and household registers under that office's jurisdiction who were under forty years of age; submitted to the bureau for approval; after one hundred twenty months and one more term as document controller, they were transferred among myriarchy administrative officers." In the third year of Taiding, Bureau of Military Affairs deliberation: "Traveling secretariat subordinate myriarchy clerk vacancies: fill from upper-ranked thousand-household clerks of this wing; requires traveling secretariat approval. Ninety months serve as clerical director; one examination transfer to chief clerk; one examination appointed thousand-household document controller; one examination promote to myriarchy document controller. After two examinations, comprehensively one hundred fifty months provincial appointment; traveling secretariat verifies identically, consult bureau for employment among myriarchy administrative officers."

凡各萬戶府司吏：蒙古都萬戶府司吏有闕，於千戶所司吏內選補，歷一百二十月，升千戶所提領案牘，一考萬戶府案牘，通理九十月，轉萬戶府知事。漢軍萬戶府並所轄萬戶府及奧魯府司吏，於千戶所司吏內補用，呈院準設，九十月充吏目，一考都目，一考升千戶所或都千戶所、奧魯府提控案牘，再歷萬戶府或都府、奧魯府提控案牘兩任，於萬戶府知事內用。各處都府令史，於一考都目、兩考吏目並各衛請俸三考典吏內，呈院發補，九十月為滿，再歷提控案牘一任，於各萬戶府知事內選用。各處蒙古軍元帥府令史，大德十年擬於本府所轄萬戶府並奧魯府上名司吏內，年四十以下者選補，呈院準設，歷一百二十月，再歷提控案牘一任，於萬戶府知事內遷用。各省鎮撫司令史，於各萬戶府上名六十月司吏內選取，受行省劄，三十月為滿，再於各萬戶府提控案牘內，歷一百二十月知事內定奪。各衛翼令史，有出身轉補者，九十月正八，無出身者從八內定奪。

On each myriarchy clerk: when Mongol Chief Myriarchy clerk vacancies occurred, candidates were selected and filled from thousand-household clerks; after one hundred twenty months they were promoted to thousand-household document controller; one examination as myriarchy document controller; service calculated comprehensively to ninety months, then transfer to myriarchy administrative officer. Han Army Myriarchy and subordinate myriarchies and household register clerks were filled from thousand-household clerks and submitted to the bureau for approval. At ninety months they served as clerical director; one examination as chief clerk; one examination promoted to thousand-household, chief thousand-household, or household register document controller; after two more terms as myriarchy, command, or household register document controller, they were employed among myriarchy administrative officers. Various regional command office clerks came from one-examination chief clerks, two-examination clerical directors, and three-examination guard archive clerks receiving salary — submitted to the bureau for dispatch and filling. Ninety months constituted completion; after one more term as document controller, they were selected and employed among myriarchy administrative officers. Various Mongol Military Commander Myriarchy clerks: in the tenth year of Dade it was proposed to select and fill from upper-ranked clerks of myriarchies and household registers under that office's jurisdiction who were under forty years of age; submitted to the bureau for approval; after one hundred twenty months and one more term as document controller, they were transferred among myriarchy administrative officers. Each province's Pacification Command clerks were selected from upper-ranked sixty-month clerks of various myriarchies and received traveling secretariat documents. Thirty months constituted completion; then among various myriarchy document controllers, after one hundred twenty months disposition was decided among administrative officers. Guard wing clerks: those with credentials transferred and filled earned regular eighth rank at ninety months; those without credentials were decided within subordinate eighth rank.

凡提控案牘、都目：至元二十一年三月已後受院劄，九十月為滿，行省、行院劄一百二十月為滿，於萬戶府知事內用。大德四年，案牘年過五旬，已歷四考者，於千戶所知事內定奪外，及兩考四十五以下發補各衛令史，若不及考者，止於案牘內銓註，受院劄，通理一百二十月，於千戶所知事內用。各衛翼都目，延祐六年，請俸兩考者，院劄提控案牘內銓註，歷三考，升千戶所知事，月日不及者，各衛翼都目內貼補。如各衛典吏轉充者，六十月直隸本院萬戶府提控案牘、弩軍屯田千戶所、鎮撫司提控案牘內銓註。無俸人轉充者，二十月依上升轉。鎮撫司、屯田弩軍千戶所都目，依中州例，改設案牘，止請都目俸，三十月為滿，依例註代。

On document controllers and chief clerks: after the third month of the twenty-first year of Zhiyuan, receiving bureau documents, ninety months constituted completion; traveling secretariat and traveling censorate documents required one hundred twenty months; all were employed among myriarchy administrative officers. In the fourth year of Dade, document controllers over fifty years of age who had served four examinations — apart from disposition among thousand-household administrative officers — and after two examinations those under forty-five were dispatched to fill guard clerk posts. If not reaching examination standard, they were registered only among document controllers, received bureau documents, had service calculated comprehensively to one hundred twenty months, and were employed among thousand-household administrative officers. Guard wing chief clerks: in the sixth year of Yanyou, those receiving salary for two examinations received bureau document registration among document controllers; after three examinations, they were promoted to thousand-household administrative officer. Where months and days fell short, vacancies were filled by succession among guard wing chief clerks. If transferred from guard archive clerks, at sixty months they were registered directly under this bureau among myriarchy document controllers, crossbow army colony thousand-household, and pacification command document controllers. Those transferred without salary were promoted per the above rule at twenty months. Pacification Command and colony crossbow army thousand-household chief clerks, per Central Region precedent, were changed to establish document controllers, receiving only chief clerk salary; thirty months constituted completion; replacement was registered according to rule.

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