Book XV 871not exceed rank 3, and they should not be allowed to become officials in the
court. If they have made special contributions, they should be rewarded
with gold and silk. The office of junior eunuchs should not surpass rank 5,
and they should not be allowed to become officials, either.
“1. Since historians are responsible for recording current affairs, we
request that hereafter they be allowed to attend you on your left and right.
“1. The reason the law unexceptionally requires officials to pass through
the Censorate for their confirmation is to examine their talent and virtue
and to make sure that their status and identity fit the standard for their public
employment. However, the officials above rank 4 are now chosen directly
without confirmation process. Consequently, it happens that incompetent
people are confusingly mixed with men of talent, and even men of base
social status can join the rank of officials. We request that the officials above
rank 2 be appointed as before, but that the officials whose rank is lower than
grand master for supporting probity [rank 2b] should be appointed after
passing through the confirmation of the Censorate.
“1. In ancient times [in China], the people with the surnames of Xi and He
inherited the office of their forefathers, generation after generation, and
people did not buy medicine unless the house of the doctor had practiced
medicine for no less than three generations. We request that hereafter the
profession of the doctors attached to the Astronomical and Meteorological
Observatory and the Palace Medical Office be made hereditary so that their
art of medicine can be perfected.
“1. Those who are unable to speak Chinese should not be appointed to the
Court of Interpreters, and those who failed to master the books on the art of
war should not be employed as instructors of the Military Training Agency.
“1. The provincial hallyang officials who were recommended for their
exemplary conduct and talent came up to the capital but still remain unem-
ployed indefinitely, which is no small problem. We request that those who
are worthy to be employed be employed, and those who are not be allowed
to return to their homes.”
The king said, “The officials above rank 4 shall be appointed as they used
to for the time being.”
21st Day (Kyesa)
A meteor emerged from Vega and entered the lodge of Altair.