One of the major statesmen was usually put in charge of the government
exams, which made up the system of recruitment of officials. It
was presumed that the examination methods would accept all eligible
applicants based on skill, not social status. However, actions did
not follow the presumptions. Limiting obstacles were added in that
some form of investment or recommendation was needed from an official
in order to be admitted to the exams. In fact, the stinginess of
those who did not want other lower classes to mingle with the ranks
of upper scholar-officials at times went as far as to restrain or
inhibit lower classes such as the sons of merchants.
As time progressed, the coordination of the examinations became
more intricate. One who wished to take the examinations had to take
a series of tests that lasted continuously for a set number of years.
Local officials who then sent their men to the capital usually made
the first cut. The second step was to partake in a string of examinations
that evaluated intellect. Those who passed were then given their
'degree' and a covenant to take the next set of exams. The third
set of exams established the salary and the position for which the
examinee had met the criteria. Yet another set of examinations determined
an even higher status and those who succeeded were given highly
prized positions.
The system of examinations was rather effective and competent despite
its few faults. One of those faults involved the newly selected
officials themselves. Before examinations, candidates were informed
of the examination topics and were therefore instructed and educated
in them. They became erudite in matters such as solving basic strategy
problems, decoding classical texts, etc. The tests had usually consisted
of inquiries dealing with poetry (sonnet) problems but later on
it advanced into classics and strategy. The reason for testing poetry
skills was mainly due to the fact that it required little effort
to evaluate and parallel to what we see as a crossword puzzle.
A great number of officials only held broad knowledge in classics
or arts and therefore some did not necessarily hold the skills to
carry out their responsibilities as officials. Even worse, some
newly appointed officials did not bother making any efforts to carry
out their duties or became indolent and sluggish after achieving
their positions. All this led to problems in counties or regions
where newly appointed officials lacked the knowledge and especially
the experience to perform duties such as tax collecting or preserving
justice.
