Enrollment Record Correction

Author: Xu Song, Meng Erdong
Author Country: China
Publisher:
Publishing Time: 2003-07-01
Features: The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty (), compiled by the renowned Qing Dynasty scholar Xu Song. Since its completion in 1838 (the 18th year of the Daoguang era), it has been an important work for studying Tang and Five Dynasties figures, historical events, the imperial examination system, and literature. It records 2,087 imperial examination candidates, 48 from other examinations, 303 candidates, and 562 from the special examinations ( and /). The total is approximately 3,000, accounting for about one-tenth of the imperial examination candidates in the Tang Dynasty. It is rich in sources and a meticulously compiled chronological history of Tang and Five Dynasties imperial examination records.
Author's Self-Introduction: Preface to Supplementary Corrections to The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty by Meng Erdong. My book Supplementary Corrections to The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty, recently published by Yan Shan Press in Beijing, has been commissioned by the publisher to introduce my methodology for the readers' better understanding. In truth, the academic value of a work is best understood by the readers themselves, and it is unnecessary for the author to elaborate. However, considering that this book differs in nature and format from general works and is quite voluminous, few readers will read it cover to cover but will often consult it only when needed. Therefore, a brief overview by the author may be of help and inspiration to the readers.
1. On Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty inherited the imperial examination system from the Sui Dynasty, which held a significant position in Tang political institutions. It also played a positive role in the development and prosperity of Tang culture. Thus, studying the imperial examination system and related issues has always been a key focus for Tang historians and literary scholars.
The Tang people's emphasis on the imperial examinations can be illustrated with two examples. In the Records of the Tang Dynasty (, ), Feng Yan wrote: "Contemporary scholars regard passing the imperial examinations as 'climbing the Dragon Gate,' and those who pass are often appointed to high-ranking positions, with many entering the court within a decade. The frivolous say, 'A successful candidate looks down upon the Yellow River officials; an unsuccessful candidate bows to the horse's tail.' They also say, 'When a candidate first passes, a seven-foot halo of light shines above his head.' Enthusiasts record their names, from the Shenlong era to the present day, calling it The Records of Candidates Who Passed the Imperial Examinations, which serves to honor the virtuous of the past and inspire the future. When I first passed, the scholars of the Imperial Academy recorded my name at the end of the old records. Zhang Zhi, the great-grandson of Wang Jiong of Hanyang, was then newly unsuccessful. He held the Records of Candidates Who Passed the Imperial Examinations on his head and said, 'This is a Buddhist scripture of a thousand names.' His admiration was so great."
Another example is found in the Taiping Guangji (, Emperor Xuanzong), which quotes The Miscellaneous Sayings of Lu Shi: "Emperor Xuanzong was extremely fond of candidates who passed the imperial examinations. Whenever he asked his courtiers about passing (or failing), he would be greatly pleased if someone with a degree name responded, inquiring about the poetry and prose topics and the names of the examiners. If someone with a slightly better reputation failed, he would lament for a long time. He often wrote 'Local Candidate Li Daolong' in his inner chambers."
Because the imperial examinations attracted widespread social attention, records like The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty emerged. Their role was, as Feng Yan said, "to honor the virtuous of the past and inspire the future." Initially compiled privately, these records were later standardized by the government. For example, the Tang Records of Sayings () states: "Emperor Xuanzong valued literature and especially the imperial examinations. In the 10th year of the Dazhong era, Zheng Hao was in charge of the examinations. Emperor Xuanzong requested The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty, and Zheng Hao submitted: 'Since the Wude era, there have been records of candidates from various examinations, all compiled privately. I have commissioned the Zhao [B26D] to collect these records and compile them into 13 volumes, covering from the Wude era to the present. From now on, the Hanlin Academy should record the names of candidates and the topics of their poetry and prose, and the relevant departments should compile them annually.'"
In the Tang Dynasty, such records, both private and official, numbered no fewer than a dozen, but most were gradually lost. This is a great regret for Tang historians.
The renowned Qing scholar Xu Song (1781–1848), who served as the chief compiler and editor-in-chief of The Complete Tang Anthology and wrote works like The Urban and Rural Divisions of the Tang Dynasty, had profound expertise in Tang historical records. The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty was one of his major works. Through extensive collection of historical materials and meticulous research, he presented a systematic and relatively comprehensive picture of the Tang imperial examination system. Since its completion in 1838, it has been highly valued and widely praised by academia, and its contributions to scholarship and opening new avenues are undeniable.
Mr. Fu Xuancong once wrote in Research on the Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty: "When we study the Tang imperial examination system today, we must thank Xu Song of the Daoguang era over a century ago. In the absence of the important historical records of the Tang imperial examinations, Xu Song collected, organized, and compiled a vast amount of material to write The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty. As a richly detailed chronological history of the Tang imperial examination system, it provides insights into the development and evolution of the examinations and the specific activities of related figures. Xu Song did not content himself with selecting a few dry entries from the official histories. Instead, he turned to the numerous unofficial histories, notes, poems, and novels of the Tang and Song dynasties, striving to reconstruct the historical background of several key aspects of the imperial examinations that significantly influenced the lives of scholars and literary arts over three centuries. This was pioneering work and should be seen as an active attempt to apply the rigorous textual research methods of the Qing era to the history of scholarship."
The late renowned scholar Zhao Shouyan, in the Preface to the Edition of The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty (published by Zhonghua Book Company in August 1984), gave a detailed and thorough evaluation of the book's academic value and main features, noting: "The role of this book extends far beyond the scope of the Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty. In reality, it is a relatively comprehensive and meticulously researched chronological history of Tang and Five Dynasties imperial examination records, an important reference for the study of Tang history and literature." However, Zhao Shouyan also pointed out: "Yet no work in antiquity or modern times is perfect. While this book has many strengths, it also has flaws and omissions. Therefore, it is necessary to verify its content when using it. In 1941, Cen Zhongmian wrote Corrections and Supplements to the Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty (Journal of the Institute of History and Philology, Volume 11), pointing out numerous repetitions, errors, and omissions in the book. These corrections are included at the end of this edition for reference. In recent decades, a large number of Tang tomb inscriptions have been unearthed, which Xu Song could not have seen. If these materials are used to supplement and correct this book, the results would be remarkable."
In fact, Zhao Shouyan also cited the findings of Shi Ziyu's Supplementary Corrections to the Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty (Journal of Documents, Issue 15) in his edition, which he had already noted. Zhao Shouyan himself also pointed out many errors and made corrections in the edition. Later, in works like The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty and Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty and On the Format of Ancient Textual Collation from the Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty, he made new discoveries and additions. (All included in Collected Works of Zhao Shouyan, Zhonghua Book Company, First Edition, August 1998).
Since the 1940s, many scholars have published specialized articles to correct and supplement Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty. In addition to these articles, works like Fu Xuancong's Studies on Tang Poets (Zhonghua Book Company, January 1980), The Collected Biographies of Tang Poets (edited by Fu Xuancong, 1–5 volumes, Zhonghua Book Company, May 1987–November 1995), Yan Gengwang's List of Tang Officials (Zhonghua Book Company, October 1986), Tao Min's Comprehensive Examination of Tang Poets' Names (Shaanxi People's Education Press, August 1996), and the recently published annotated editions of Tang poets' collections, as well as Tang chronologies, have also corrected errors in Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty. These new research findings reflect the new level of study on Tang imperial examination materials in recent decades. However, these papers are scattered and difficult to access, and many contain obvious errors. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly verify and select them.
In addition, Fu Xuancong's Tang Imperial Examinations and Literature (Shaanxi People's Publishing House, October 1986) and Wu Zongguo's Studies on the Tang Imperial Examination System (Liaoning University Press, March 1997) are representative works of modern research on the Tang imperial examination system, which provide guidance for reevaluating Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty.
Xu Song was very cautious and somewhat biased in his selection of historical materials. Works like The Old Book of the Tang Dynasty, The Old Book of the Five Dynasties, The Sayings of the Tang Dynasty, The Records of Tang Poems, The Biographies of Tang Poets, and The Discussions of the Jade Orchid Hall were highly valued by him, and he often supported their views. However, works like The New Book of the Tang Dynasty and The New Book of the Five Dynasties were often overlooked. Moreover, due to differences in versions of works like The Records of Tang Poems and The Biographies of Tang Poets, many errors occurred. For example, regarding the use of maps and family histories, Xu Song was extremely strict, stating: "They all follow errors and inherit mistakes, so I generally omitted them. Only those cited in the Yongle Encyclopedia, which are old books from the Song and Yuan dynasties, are reliably recorded." (). This was perhaps too arbitrary. Chen Shangjun once believed that Xu Song's approach was cautious but not scientific. Errors in the transmission of documents are common, even in Tang inscriptions and epitaphs, and it is essential to carefully examine and distinguish truth from falsehood. local gazetteers contain many errors, but they also preserve much of the old text from Song and Yuan gazetteers that is now lost, offering valuable material for comparison with historical records. (From Supplementary Corrections to the Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty).
Xu Song also paid full attention to newly discovered Tang inscriptions and stone rubbings, which are frequently cited in The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty. However, a vast amount of material discovered later was beyond his reach. In recent decades, formally published works like The Collection of Tang Inscriptions from the Qiantang Studio (Wenwu Press, January 1984), The Collection of Stone Rubbings from the Beijing Library (Zhongzhou Ancient Books Press, 1991), The Collection of Tang and Five Dynasties Tomb Inscriptions (Tianjin Ancient Books Press, 1991–1992), The Collection of Tang Tomb Inscriptions (edited by Zhou Shaoliang, Shanghai Ancient Books Press, November 1992), and The Supplementary Edition of the Complete Tang Anthology (edited by Wu Gang, Sanqin Press, May 1994–May 2000) preserve many historical materials related to the Tang and Five Dynasties imperial examinations, providing rich new sources for supplementing and correcting Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty.
A careful reading of Xu Song's The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty (hereinafter referred to as The Records) leaves one impressed by his meticulous scholarship. For example, in such a large work as the Yongle Encyclopedia, every entry of Tang candidates is meticulously cited by Xu Song, yielding significant results. Upon a thorough rereading and verification, it is found that all his citations are accurate, and the only omissions are 14 candidates. Truly admirable. However, in such a monumental work as The Records, covering over 340 years of Tang and Five Dynasties imperial examinations and thousands of figures, errors due to the author's carelessness are inevitable. Here are a few examples:
[Example 1] The Records, Volume 27, Appendix·Special Examinations, cites "Yan Shuoshun" based on Yan Zhenqing's Yan Wei Zhen Stele. Examining Yan Zhenqing's Tang Tongyi Dafu Xuezhen Stele (○), it reads: "Kangcheng, Qiangxue, Xizhuang, Risi, Yinchao, Lijin, Zhwei, Shu, Shuo, Shun, Sheng, Shixuan, Shao, all passed the imperial examinations and special examinations." This is the source used by Xu Song. However, should it be "Shuo Shun" or "Shuo and Shun"? It is difficult to determine immediately. Examining the same book, Volume 339, Yan Zhenqing's Stele for the Grand Tutor of the Imperial Academy Yan (Hai), it reads: "Shu, talented, special examination, Chang'an County. Shuo,, talented, Weinan County. Shun, filial and fraternal, imperial examination, administrative officer. Sheng, imperial examination, left vice-censor." Thus, Xu Song mistakenly combined Yan Shuo and Yan Shun as one person.
[Example 2] The Records, the same volume, Appendix·Imperial Examination Candidates, cites "Zu Yong," with Xu Song noting: "Passed the imperial examinations, see The New Book." According to Meng: The source used by Xu was The Middle Volume of the Literary Records of the New Book of the Tang Dynasty on Song Zhiwen: "Zu Yong, the nephew of Wang Daozong of Jiangxia, passed the imperial examinations and was famous in his time." However, "Zu Yong" here is an abbreviation of the previous text, which reads: "When Wu Sansi regained power, Zhongzhi and Wang Tongjiao conspired to murder him to restore the royal family. Zhiwen learned of the truth and ordered his brother-in-law Zan and Ran Zu Yong to send urgent messages, seeking redemption, and was thus promoted to the Secretary of the Ministry of Rituals. The world criticized his actions." Examining The Genealogy of the Yuan and Han Dynasties, Volume 7, "Yun'an Ran Clan," it is recorded: "Anchang Sunshi, governor of Hezhou, married the daughter of Wang Zong of Jiangxia; they had a son, Zu Yong, who became the Minister of Justice." Thus, "Zu Yong" is a mistranscription of "Ran Zu Yong."
[Example 3] The Records, Volume 4, records "Cui [C432], Cui Jing[BF40]" for the candidates of the year 701 (the first year of the Dali era). Xu Song notes: "Li Hua's Stele for Cui Jing[BF40]: 'Jing[BF40], a native of Qinghe, Dongwu. At the age of 17, he passed the examination with his elder brother [C432] and was promoted the same year.' Based on his death in the 12th year of the Tianbao era at the age of 69, he was 17 years old that year." Examining Li Hua's Stele for the Late Grand Tutor Cui (Jing[BF40]) (), the original text reads: "Jing[BF40] died in the official residence in the third year of the Kaiyuan era, at the age of 40. His wife, Zheng of Xingyang, died in the 12th year of the Tianbao era at the age of 69 and was buried in Chongxian Village." The same book, Volume 321, Epitaph for the Grand Tutor Cui (Jing[BF40]): "Jing[BF40] died in the official residence, at the age of 40." Xu Song incorrectly interpreted the wife's death year and lifespan to deduce Jing[BF40]'s passing year, which was also a misreading. Based on Jing[BF40]'s death in the third year of the Kaiyuan era (715) at the age of 40, he was 17 years old in the third year of the Yanta era (692). The Cui brothers likely passed the examination that year, but Xu Song mistakenly dated it nine years later.
[Example 4] The Records, Volume 2, for the year 674 (the eighth month was changed to the first year of the Shangyuan era), cites The Compendium of Customs and Rites to note: "In that year, Liu [F9A9] submitted a memorial saying: 'The Ministry of Rites is the gateway to filial piety and talent, where literary skills are tested. Thus, the world responds, and people rush to showcase their talents, neglecting virtue. Virtue is what transforms people and shapes customs; talent is what establishes laws and names. Thus, some may rise to the highest rank in the morning but fall into criminal punishment by evening. Laws and regulations are observed, leading to this. How can the Emperor not change and reform this? As for reciting ten thousand words daily, what does it have to do with the principles of governance? As for composing poetry in seven steps, it is not enough to transform people. In the past, Zan studied for official posts, and Confucius said, 'Speak little and make few mistakes, act with few regrets, and you will find a position.' He also said, 'With surplus strength, learn literature.' Now we abandon the root for the branches. Moreover, ancient writing must harmonize with the Wind and; modern scholars do not approach the classics and precepts. Toiling over grass and trees, and writing to the ends of the clouds, to create such customs is a great mistake. In the past, poetry was collected to observe customs. Singing Volcano Ears made loyal ministers happy, and reciting The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty Supplementary Corrections is a key project of the National Ancient Books Organization's "Fifteen" Plan. The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty (), compiled by the renowned Qing scholar Xu Song. Since its completion in 1838 (the 18th year of the Daoguang era), it has been an important work for studying Tang and Five Dynasties figures, historical events, the imperial examination system, and literature. It records 2,087 imperial examination candidates, 48 from other examinations, 303 candidates, 562 from the special examinations ( and /), totaling approximately 3,000, accounting for about one-tenth of the imperial examination candidates in the Tang Dynasty. It is rich in sources and a meticulously compiled chronological history of Tang and Five Dynasties imperial examination records. However, due to the limitations of the era and other factors, it contains many omissions, and the vast amount of material discovered later was beyond Xu Song's reach.
Professor Meng Erdong of the Chinese Department at Peking University, using the 1984 August edition of The Examination Records of the Tang Dynasty point-checked and annotated by Zhao Shouyan as the base text, has thoroughly absorbed the research findings of recent and contemporary scholars, carefully verified and meticulously distinguished, and, based on a large number of new and old materials, conducted new research and supplements for Xu Song's missing or incorrect records. He has also corrected Xu Song's errors, adding 640 imperial examination candidates, 369 candidates, 127 from other examinations, and 295 from the special examinations, totaling approximately 1,460 people. This provides a richer and more reliable text for Tang and Five Dynasties studies, offering an important reference for scholars at home and abroad. It is expected to replace the Zhonghua edition and become the new standard version.