Routine Memorial from Ministry of Rites Review of an Examination Paper
After the results of the provincial and metropolitan examinations were released, the black ink and vermillion versions of the exam papers were sent to the Ministry of Rites to be scrutinized for inconsistencies in transcription or violation of regulations between the lines. If any were discovered, both the successful candidate and the examination official would be punished. In one such case of a provincial exam paper from 1798, exam questions were copied incorrectly, poetic verse had inconsistencies, and purple ink was used during the evaluation, resulting in the officials’ loss of salary for three to twelve months and in successful candidates being forced to miss the next metropolitan exam.
- Item No.
- 001640
- Period
- Mar. 21, 1799