Imperial Edict on the Strict Dismissal of Inferior Students and Promotion of the Worthy
The imperial examination system of the Qing dynasty basically followed that of the Ming, namely that “the imperial examinations are to be carried out through schools.” All exam candidates were first required to pass the apprentice exam, and after doing so, would enter government-sponsored schools. After further testing, such as the assessment and qualifying exams, they then earned the eligibility to take the provincial exam. Various shortcomings, however, had already begun to appear in the Ming, and in an effort to address the matter, this edict reprimanded those schools deemed at fault. Some schools at all levels of government, for example, were found guilty of accepting bribes; in addition, scholars were said to have abused their status as xiucai to grow close to certain officials and evade corvée. The imperial edict then concludes by demanding stricter supervision, clear distinctions in grading, and dismissal of those who could not pass.
- Item No.
- 103937
- Period
- Sept. 22, 1653
