Imperial Examination - related
Examination Content
During the ancient imperial examination system, scholars mainly studied three aspects. First, Tie Jing, which was the research on classical texts. Second, they studied miscellaneous essays. Third, they delved into policy - theory articles. Notably, the content of these imperial examinations had no direct connection with practical administrative management capabilities.
Appointment of Officials
Officials who passed the imperial examinations were appointed to local positions.
Formation of Local Yamen Administrative System
Six - department Structure 六房（吏、户、礼、兵、刑、工）
Local yamens established six departments, namely the personnel department, finance department, rituals department, military department, justice department, and public works department. These were similar to the six ministries in the imperial court.
Personnel in the Yamen 衙门
Clerks: They were responsible for handling paperwork.
Yamen Runners: They undertook physical labor tasks, such as tax collection, grain requisition, and arresting criminals. Although the status of clerks and yamen runners was relatively fixed and specialized, they were prone to engage in fraud and extortion.
Officials' Initial Tenure and the Rise of Advisors and Attendants
New Officials' Situation 新官需要花费钱财雇佣幕僚（师爷）和亲随
Newly - appointed officials usually lacked administrative management experience. Thus, they needed to spend money to hire advisors (private secretaries) and personal attendants.
The Emergence of Advisors (Private Secretaries)
Those who failed the imperial examinations turned their attention to practical administrative affairs, such as tax collection and case - handling. They then became private advisors to officials, assisting in handling local government affairs. The relationship between advisors and officials was both that of a teacher and a friend, with mutual respect.
The Emergence of Personal Attendants
Personal attendants were often urban residents, especially those from the capital city, who were familiar with the rules of the officialdom. They were proficient in using "unwritten rules" (corrupt practices) to handle affairs. They established connections with officials through various channels and followed the officials to their posts.
Local Administrative Operation Model
Local administrative affairs were mainly carried out by advisors and personal attendants, while officials with official positions were in an assisting or passive - cooperation state.
Descriptions in A Dream of Red Mansions
Jia Zheng, when taking up a local official position, attempted to ban the unwritten rules. This led to the paralysis of the administrative system. Later, by adopting a "mediating and compromising" strategy, the administrative system resumed normal operation.
Local Administrative System in the Qing Dynasty
Quota of Clerks and Yamen Runners
On average, the number of clerks in a county - level yamen in the Qing Dynasty was less than 11, and the number of yamen runners was generally from dozens to hundreds.
Actual Workers
The actual work was shouldered by clerks and yamen runners without official quotas.
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