Chapter 169: The Standard for Evaluating Essays

Firstly, the basic format.

In the seventeenth year of the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang standardized the regulations for the imperial examination essays. For instance, the interpretation of the “Four Books” should not be fewer than two hundred characters, and the interpretation of the “Classics” should not be fewer than three hundred characters. The character count was a fundamental requirement.

After completing your exam paper, make sure to count on your fingers. If it falls below the specified character count, you might as well ride a small donkey back home after leaving the examination hall. There’s no need to look at the results; try again next year.

Even if you have a flourishing writing style and meet the character count, if you accidentally write the founder of the dynasty as Zhu Yuanzhang instead of the actual emperor, you’re finished. It’s best to run away quickly; perhaps the authorities won’t catch you, and it might be forgotten.

Respecting the emperor’s taboo names is a serious matter. Can you write about Zhu Yuanzhang?

If you don’t understand the rules and don’t respect the taboos, how can you become an official? You’d better go home and farm the land.

Secondly, writing style and ideas.

The format is a basic issue; as long as you aren’t careless and show respect to the emperor’s family, there should be no major problems. The real determinant of the quality of an essay is the writing style and ideas.

The examination hall has five points for writing style:

Logical Interest: Best when demonstrating deep understanding of the subject.

Dignified Expression: Best when it has an official and grand style.

Literary Style: Best when it is clear, fresh, and beautiful.

Elegance: Best when it is elegant and varied.

Rhythm: Best when it has a rhythmic and sonorous quality.

To achieve these effects, the eight-legged essays were often written with exceptionally ornate language, making them beautiful to read. However, upon closer examination, it’s just a kind of fast food.

This issue of piling up ornate language persisted until the mid-Ming Dynasty when the emphasis shifted towards a more practical writing style.

As for ideas, that is easier to understand. When representing the words of the sages, these essays should not deviate from the teachings of the Cheng-Zhu school of philosophy. You cannot liberally interpret them; you need to express your stance and viewpoints in line with the Cheng-Zhu school of thought.

If Zhu Xi said it’s a bamboo root, then you can only say it’s a bamboo root. If you describe it as a slender, green bamboo root, that’s incorrect. Zhu Xi didn’t specify whether it’s dead or alive, thick or thin, black or white. How can you add your own viewpoints?

Thirdly, moral character.

Ancient people admired both writing and moral character. If your essay is well-written, the judgment of your character is postponed for observation. If your essay is poorly written, your character won’t be viewed favorably.

If you look at yourself, how can you not feel like using a brick to knock those examiners dead? How can the quality of an essay represent my noble character?

“Great essay! Wonderful essay!” One of the assistant examiners shook his head in ecstasy, completely immersed in it. After the dizziness, he wrote a comment: “This work is clear and profound; it should be included.”

Then he placed the paper aside, and someone might present it to the main examiner.

“What kind of essay is this? It’s like reading the classics in vain!” Another assistant examiner furiously wrote: “Unclear in reasoning, lacking precision in meaning, reject it!”

This paper basically had no hope.

Of course, one exam paper usually needs to be reviewed by two assistant examiners. If they agree, the candidate is out of luck. If there’s a difference of opinion, another assistant examiner can be added, or it can be directly handed over to the main examiner for a decision.

Yang Shiqi bent down, picked up this exam paper, carefully read it, and couldn’t help but frown. He looked at Zhang Yue and asked, “Why was this essay rejected?”

Zhang Yue bowed to Yang Shiqi and spoke frankly, “This interpretation of the classics is about rectifying the world. Confucius said, ‘Guan Zhong served Duke Huan, pacifying the feudal lords, rectifying the world, and the people now receive the benefits. Although Guan Zhong may be uncouth, I should be honored to serve under him.’ Zhu Xi’s commentary is ‘Rectifying’ means correcting. Honoring the Zhou dynasty, repelling the barbarians, all of these are to rectify the world. ‘微’ means none. ‘衽’ means the collar of a robe. ‘被发左衽’ is the custom of the barbarians.”

“Whether it’s the words of Confucius or Zhu Xi, both believe that Guan Zhong has merit without guilt. However, this candidate’s essay states that Guan Zhong had both merits and faults, with merits outweighing faults. Such a lack of clarity on right and wrong, going against the teachings of the sage, how can it be accepted?”

Yang Shiqi frowned.

The issue of Guan Zhong’s merits and faults is a tricky cognitive problem.

During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xiang of Qi had two brothers, one being the son of Duke Huan whom Guan Zhong assisted, and the other being the son of Duke Xiao whom Bao Shuya assisted. After Duke Xiang was killed, both sons wanted to become the ruler. In order to help the son of Duke Huan ascend to power, Guan Zhong took the initiative to intercept and kill the son of Duke Xiao, shooting him with an arrow.

It’s worth mentioning that Guan Zhong either had bad eyesight or had never engaged in activities like killing people. After shooting the arrow, he didn’t even bother to check if the person was still breathing. At least, he could have approached and checked, or if necessary, shot a few more arrows and cut off the head. But no, after shooting the arrow from a distance, he saw the opponent fall and just went back.

This was simply a disgrace to the assassination world…

The son of Duke Xiao didn’t die; he returned to the Qi state ahead of time and became Duke Huan of Qi.

Duke Huan killed Guan Zhong’s main supporter, the son of Duke Huan. With no boss and no salary, Guan Zhong, recommended by Bao Shuya, became the prime minister for Duke Huan.

According to ancient logic, if your boss dies, you should be loyal. Even if you don’t join your boss in drinking the Forgetfulness Soup, at least, you should make a blood oath to kill Duke Huan and avenge your boss.

However, Guan Zhong not only failed to take revenge but also worked for the new boss who killed the old one. This was a typical case of working for two masters, forgetting favors, and being ungrateful.

Although this was the case, Guan Zhong’s contributions to the Qi state were undeniable.

Confucius used the four words “一匡天下” (rectifying the world) to evaluate Guan Zhong, showing the high regard he had for him.

However, Yang Shiqi also understood that the views of Confucius and Zhu Xi, while perhaps correct, should not prohibit others from questioning. Moreover, this candidate did not deny Guan Zhong; he only stated that he had made mistakes, but his merits outweighed his mistakes.

Was questioning against the will of the sage considered trash?

Yang Shiqi sneered, “Merit is merit, and fault is fault. The two are distinct, and a reasonable judgment is the mark of excellence! In my opinion, this should be within the top three.”

“Heh, with an essay that questions the intentions of the sage, how can it be included? It should be rejected.”

Zhang Yue insisted on his point, looking at Yang Shiqi with some disdain.

Yang Shiqi looked at Yao Guangxiao, his expression unchanged.

Yao Guangxiao walked over, took the exam paper, glanced at it, nodded slightly, and said, “Top three of the second class? Hehe, Minister Yang, you’re wrong.”

Zhang Yue was extremely puzzled, looking at Yao Guangxiao in astonishment.

Only the top three of the first class, including the top scholar, second scholar, and third scholar, were given the opportunity to become officials. Including the top three of the second class meant a total of six spots!

Yao Guangxiao actually said that this exam paper should be among the top six in this imperial examination?

Zhang Yue shook his head. This obviously mediocre essay was even ranked in the top six. Even if it was six hundred, it wouldn’t be his. Was this monk trying to cause trouble?

Author PS:

Firstly, Startled Snow, along with Daming, wishes everyone a Happy New Year.

Sincerely wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous new year. Thank you all for sticking around and accompanying Startled Snow on this journey.

For Startled Snow, 2021 has been a year of reflection and contemplation. Transitioning from the imaginative and fantastical world of cultivation to the heavy and solemn depths of history, Startled Snow sees not only hardships but also the flowers that bloom amidst adversity — civilization.

Daming is a dynasty both great and regretful. Startled Snow chose Daming not just to tell a simple story of reform but also to present the life of Daming to everyone.

May every reader gain something from the journey and leave with dreams. For Startled Snow, this is sufficient.

Some seemingly narrative existences are, in fact, depictions and analyses of history itself. Without these descriptions, just stacking stories would always pale in comparison.

In 2022, Startled Snow will do its best, and I hope for more support from everyone. Please do not let down your expectations. From January 1, Startled Snow will strive to increase the daily word count from six thousand to ten thousand. Please continue to support Startled Snow, shaping the world of Daming, a new world for us!

A loud shout out, starting from January 2022, please give your monthly votes, recommendations, and reminders to Startled Snow. Your support is the greatest motivation for Startled Snow to write.

Startled Snow bows.