How many top picks have China produced since the imperial examination?

In the history of China’s imperial examinations, there have been millions of candidates and more than 100,000 Jinshi. However, as the pinnacle of this huge group of intellectuals, there are only a handful of “No. 1 Scholars”. According to research, starting from the first imperial examination champion Sun Fujia in the fifth year of Wude (622), Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, to the last champion Liu Chunlin in the 30th year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1904), during these 1283 years, the number of candidates who could be examined The number of rankings is 745. The Communist Party of China produced 592 number one scholars (some say 504 people). Together with the number one scholars selected by other short-lived regimes and the military number one scholars of various generations, the total number of civil and military number one scholars in Chinese history is 777.

In ancient Chinese society, everyone from common people to officials and dignitaries firmly believed: "Books have their own beauty like jade, books have their own millet, and books have their own houses of gold." Those who read. The direct utilitarian purpose is to become an official. Since Confucius, "to learn well and become an official" has become the eternal struggle of intellectuals. Therefore, he studied hard for decades in order to be named on the gold medal list, to become an official with literature, to become an eunuch, and to honor his ancestors. Receiving the first prize is not only the lifelong pursuit of scholars all over the world, but also has the great honor in the minds of the people that "it is only awarded in heaven, and everyone in the world looks up to see it". Once he ranks first in the palace examination, he will be immediately appointed to an official position by the Ministry of Civil Affairs examination, either as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, as a writer or secretary, as a compiler of national history, or as a lecturer to the emperor. From then on, he will enter a dangerous and unpredictable official career. , began a long life of official ups and downs, honor and disgrace. Quite a few of them have finally reached prominent positions throughout their lives. For example, in the Tang Dynasty, there were 147 champions whose names could be tested and 29 whose deeds could be tested, including 5 prime ministers and 8 officials at the level of minister (including deputy ministers). In the Qing Dynasty, among the 114 champions, as many as 20 had reached the level of first-rank minister. It can be said that those who work hard to get promoted in the officialdom and become the number one scholar have the highest pursuit of realizing the value of life.

In the 20th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1894), there was a large gold medal for the palace examination (19.26 meters long, 0.825 meters high, with Manchu and Chinese characters on the wall, and the year, month, day and year of riding are stamped with the seal of "Emperor's Treasure")

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It is not easy for a scholar to get the top prize. Countless scholars across the country have passed the provincial examination, provincial examination, and finally won the first prize in the palace examination. You can imagine the fierce competition. Su Xun, a great writer in the Song Dynasty, once lamented that "it is as easy as climbing to the sky if you don't know how to succeed." Especially in the Qing Dynasty, there were many people who were still "boys" even though they had gray hair. People do not think he is very old when he is a Jinshi in his forties or fifties. "Emperor Taizong is so clever that he makes heroes grow old" is a vivid portrayal of this historical and cultural phenomenon. For example, the Song Dynasty produced 118 number one scholars. According to the "Complete Biography of China's Number One Scholar", 51 of them were eligible for examination in their birth and death years. Among them, 37 were number one scholars between the ages of 20 and 30, accounting for 72.5 percent. The youngest 18 years old and 2 winners over 50 years old. In the Qing Dynasty, there were 114 number one scholars, and 54 people could take the exam in their birth and death years. Among them, 19 people were between the ages of 20 and 30, accounting for 35%, and the youngest was 21 years old. There are 5 winners over the age of 50, the oldest is 62 years old. The road to No. 1 Scholarship is by no means easy to follow the way of Bashu.

In the Tang Dynasty, there were mainly three Jinshi examinations, which were basically followed in subsequent dynasties. One is to stick to scriptures, which in modern terms means to fill in the blanks. The examiner selects a line from the Confucian Classics, and then covers the three characters in it with stickers, asking the candidates to read out which characters are pasted. The purpose is just to test the candidates' memorization skills and test the candidates' understanding of the scriptures. Proficiency. In the second poetry test, each candidate writes a poem and a poem. This test is extremely important. For example, in the second year of Kaiyuan of the Tang Dynasty (714), the examination question was called "Flag Fu", and it was stipulated that the rhyme must be "windy sun and cloudy fields, military country is pure". Li Ang, the top scholar in the dynasty, wrote a 27-sentence, 327-character Fu. The full text was eloquent, powerful in diction, and accurate in rhyme. He ranked first among the 27 admitted Jinshi. In the third exam, there is a question on current affairs and the candidates are asked to answer their own opinions. The purpose is to see the candidates' unique insights into the strategy of governing the country, so that the country can choose talents who can govern the country and bring peace to the world. These three exams all implement an elimination system, and everyone is determined to go or stay in each exam. If you don't do well in one exam, your dream of becoming the top scholar will be shattered. After Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, the scientific examination was revised again. According to the order of policy, fu, scripture and ink meaning, the candidates were allowed to try four times at the same time, and the final decision was made after a comprehensive balance. After the candidates have finished the exam, the top ten will be ranked by the "recipient minister" and presented to the emperor. The emperor will ultimately determine who is the "first, first, first, first" based on personal judgment. Therefore, most of those who can win the first prize are talented people of the dynasty. They are talented, diligent, studious, have a good cultural atmosphere, or have unique talents. They often have peerless talents that are praised by everyone. For example, Yang Shen, the number one scholar in the Ming Dynasty, was "alert as a child, capable of poetry at the age of eleven, and planned to write "Ancient Battle Essays" and "On the Passage of the Qin Dynasty" at the age of twelve." At the age of thirteen, he was famous for his poems in Beijing, and was accepted as a student by Li Dongyang, the leader of the poetry circle. , passed the imperial examination at the age of nineteen, and won the first prize at the age of twenty-four, becoming the only number one scholar in Sichuan during the Ming Dynasty.

Part of the imperial examination ranking list in the 20th year of Guangxu's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1894)

Among the more than 700 top scholars, there are also mediocre people. There are quite a few people who achieve nothing after becoming the top scorer in high school. They have eccentric personalities, are addicted to drinking, are poor and miserable in their old age. Lu Wenhuan, the number one scholar in the second year of Guanghua reign of Emperor Zhaozong of the Tang Dynasty (899), was so poor that he could not even afford a drink. He was pitiful enough.

There are also many champions who serve as officials for one term but have no political achievements and remain mediocre throughout their lives. What's more, he surrendered to the rebels, framed and flattered him, and was called a "treacherous villain" in history books. For example, Mo Chou, the number one scholar in the Northern Song Dynasty, surrendered to the Jin soldiers and helped Zhou to abuse him. These number one scholars cannot be recorded in history, and it is difficult to leave a clear name. They can be called the unworthy scum among the number one scholars.

In the scientific examination for the number one scholar, sometimes it is not all based on true talent and learning. Some people are the number one scholar in high school because of connections or accidental reasons. In the Tang Dynasty, there were Niu Xishu, the "wishing champion", Yin Shu, the "self-recommended champion", Wang Sizong, the "sumo champion", etc. You can tell from their nicknames. Pei Siqian, the number one scholar, was even worse. In the second year of Emperor Wenzong's reign (837), Gao Kai, the Minister of Rites, learned about the tribute examination and presided over the imperial examination. He flaunts fairness and declares that he will never ask for favors. Based on his relationship with the famous eunuch Zuo Shence Army Lieutenant Qiu Shiliang, Pei Siqian asked Gao Kai to let him be the number one scholar. At that time, Emperor Wenzong was a puppet, and Qiu Shiliang's power was overwhelming. Pei Siqian, carrying Qiu Shiliang's letter, openly said to Gao Kai: "Pei Xiucai will not be let go unless he is the number one scholar." Gao Kai thought for a long time and knew that he was unable to resist, otherwise he would be in great trouble. At the end of the day, he had no choice but to record Pei Siqian as the number one scholar. When the world is in turmoil and the imperial power is on the decline, seemingly fair scientific examinations often find it difficult to escape the constraints of powerful officials and become a puppet of palace politics. This cannot but be said to be the tragedy of the top scholar in the scientific examinations.

Part of the small gold medal list for the palace examination in the 20th year of Guangxu's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1894) (1.05 meters long, 0.34 meters high, with Manchu and Chinese characters on the wall, without sealing)

Most of the number one scholars in the past dynasties were Born into a distinguished family. They have been in a wealthy family environment since they were young. They are not only important ministers, but also celebrities. Some are even the number one scholar of father and son, number one scholar of ancestors and grandsons, sons of prime ministers, and son-in-law of ministers. The glory and brilliant status of their fathers laid a solid foundation for them to reach the top of scientific research. Many people successfully realized their dream of becoming the number one scholar by relying on the recommendation and training of famous ministers. However, there are also quite a few number one scholars who come from poor families. They all rely on their own talents to become the top students in the country. In particular, Song Taizu, in order to get rid of the problem of the Tang Dynasty's powerful people manipulating the imperial examinations and engaging in malpractice, strengthened supervision and restrictions on the children of powerful people in the imperial examinations, and deliberately selected a group of civilian children to pass the imperial examinations. For example, Lu Mengzheng, the number one scholar in the second year of the Taiping Xingguo reign of Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty (977), was kicked out of his home by his father when he was young. He lived with his mother in Longmen Mountain and lived in a mountain cave. "The Story of Lü Mengzheng Breaking the Kiln in the Wind and Snow" by Guan Hanqing, a famous dramatist in the Yuan Dynasty, is a drama based on Lü Mengzheng's poor life. Lü Mengzheng, who was lonely and poor, relied on his talent and hard work to become the most powerful person in the world at the age of 31, and became the prime minister at the age of 42. He became the Prime Minister of the two dynasties and was admired by all. In every dynasty, there have been champions like Lu Mengzheng. They became the lucky ones for the common people to get ahead through the imperial examination.

The imperial examination was an important way for feudal rulers to select officials for the country. When Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, saw the newly admitted candidates filing out of the examination room, he said happily: "All the heroes in the world are in my class!" For more than a thousand years, the imperial examination system has selected a large number of outstanding people with real talents and practical knowledge. Talented people who can govern and secure the country form the backbone of the ruling group from the central to local bureaucracies. But what followed was a historical spectacle: the champions were named after their literature, but there were only a few who had achieved high levels of achievement in literature and art, and very few of them were among the great people. As the number one scholar, they were versed in poetry, poetry, and prose. They often had poems and books handed down from generation to generation, and some even wrote their own books. However, since high school, the vast majority of them have devoted themselves to official careers and have no intention of writing. They are keen on officialdom and focusing on wealth and gains, and have no intention or ability to persistently explore literature and art. Among the more than 700 top scholars, except for Yang Shen, Liu Gongquan and others who achieved relatively high achievements, most of them had mediocre academic achievements and were difficult to pass down for generations. It is difficult for the top pick to be among everyone, and it is difficult for everyone to be the top pick in high school. Among the 265 number one scholars in the Tang and Song dynasties, none of the eight great masters such as Su Shi and great poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu won the number one title. This extremely unique historical and cultural phenomenon is still a mystery of ancient culture that puzzles people.

How many champions were there in China’s imperial examination era (excluding military champions and female champions)? According to historical records, in the Tang Dynasty, there were 139 champions in China; in the Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou Dynasties in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, there were 11 champions; in the Song Dynasty, there were 118 champions, and in the Yuan Dynasty, there were 118 champions. There were 32 champions in the Ming Dynasty; there were 90 champions in the Ming Dynasty; from the Qing Dynasty to the 31st year of Guangxu (1905) when the imperial examination system was abolished, there were 114 champions, and from the beginning of the Tang Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, there were 504 champions in total. people.

There were 18 champions in the Liao Dynasty; 15 champions in the Jin Dynasty; 1 champion in Zhang Xianzhong’s Daxi regime; 14 champions in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. If the above champions can be compared with those of the Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, and If the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties are ranked number one, there will be a total of 552 number one scholars in all Chinese dynasties.

In more than a thousand years, 17 people have won three yuan in a row, such as Xu Guan during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty and Shang Jin during the Zhengtong period.

Attached is the situation of the number one scholar in the past dynasties:

★The first number one scholar in Chinese history was Sun Fuga, the number one scholar in Renwu Branch in the fifth year of Wude (622 years), Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty.

★The last number one scholar in Chinese history was Liu Chunlin, the number one scholar in Jiachenke in the 30th year of Guangxu’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1904). In the following year, the 31st year of Guangxu's reign (1905), the Empress Dowager Cixi issued an edict to stop the imperial examination, and he became the last number one scholar in Chinese history.

★The only female number one scholar in Chinese history was Fu Shanxiang, the number one scholar in female subjects in the third year of Guihao in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (the third year of Guichou in the third year of Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty, 1853).

★Among the top picks in the past dynasties, the most admired national hero by later generations is Wen Tianxiang, the top pick in Bingchenke in the fourth year of Bao in the Southern Song Dynasty (1256). With his lofty patriotism and national integrity, he is known as "the number one among the number one scholars".

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one who had a major influence and role on China's political situation was Weng Tonghe, the number one scholar in Bingchenke in the sixth year of Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty (1856). He served as the emperor's teacher twice in his life, and he was the leader of the imperial party during the struggle between the late Qing emperor and the later two parties. After the Sino-Japanese War, he actively supported Kang Youwei's reform proposals and secretly recommended him to Emperor Guangxu, which ultimately promoted the "1898 Reform" and brought about major changes in the political situation at that time.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the only one who became the emperor from the number one scholar was Li Zunxu, the number one scholar in Guihai Branch in the 10th year of Qing Dynasty in the Western Xia Dynasty (1203). He was the son of Li Yanzong, King of Qi in the Xia clan. He took part in the Xixia imperial examination in the 10th year of Tianqing (1203) and won the first place in the imperial examination and became the number one scholar. He was granted the title of King of Qi and promoted to the Governor of the Palace. Later, in the second year of the Xixia Emperor's reign (1211), a palace coup was launched, Xia Xiangzong was deposed, and he became the emperor on his own, named Xia Shenzong.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the earliest number one scholar to win "three yuan" in the imperial examination according to evidence is Cui Yuanhan, the number one scholar in Xinyou Branch in the second year of Jianzhong of Tang Dynasty (781). He successively passed the examinations of Jingzhaofu Jie Tou (Xie Yuan), Jin Shi Zhuang Tou (Zhuang Yuan), Bo Xue Hong Ci Ke Tuo, and Zhi Ke Tuo Third.

★Among the number one scholar in the past dynasties, the only one who rose to the position of prime minister from the number one scholar in martial arts was Guo Ziyi, a high-ranking scholar in martial arts in the early years of Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty. He served in the four dynasties of Xuanzong, Suzong, Daizong and Dezong throughout his life, and served as prime minister twice. At the same time, he is also the one with the most outstanding military achievements among the top martial arts champions in the past dynasties.

★In the imperial examinations of the past dynasties, the Northern Song Dynasty had the largest number of people who passed the "Three Yuan" exam, including 6 people including Sun He, Wang Zeng, Song Guangyang, Yang Zhencheng, Feng Jing, and Wang Yansou. .

★Among the number one champions in the past dynasties, from official to prime minister (including official positions equivalent to prime minister, such as chief minister of the cabinet, bachelor, etc.), the largest number was in the Ming Dynasty, with 17 people including Hu Guang, Shang Ren, etc. .

★Among the top scholars in the past dynasties, the one with the highest achievements in poetry and painting was Wang Wei, the top scholar of Xinweike in the 19th year of Kaiyuan of Tang Dynasty (731). He is one of the outstanding representatives of the pastoral poetry school in the prosperous Tang Dynasty. His poetry art is considered to be "the first since Li (Bai) and Du (Fu)." His paintings are regarded as the "ancestor of Southern painting", and ancient literati paintings also began with him.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one with the highest achievement in ci writing was Zhang Xiaoxiang, the number one scholar in Jiaxu Branch in the 24th year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song Dynasty (1154). His poems follow the example of Su Shi, with a majestic spirit and profound patriotism. Together with Zhang Yuanqian, he is considered one of the greatest poets in the early Southern Song Dynasty. He is the forerunner of the great patriotic poet Xin Qiji.

★Among the champions in the past dynasties, the one with the highest achievement in calligraphy was Liu Gongquan, the champion of Wuzike in the third year of Tang Yuanhe (808). He is good at regular script and cursive script. He is also known as "Yan Liu" together with Yan Zhenqing, another great calligrapher in the Tang Dynasty. Historically, he, Ouyang Xun, Yan Zhenqing in the Tang Dynasty, and Zhao Mengzhaoye in the Yuan Dynasty are collectively known as the "Four Regular Scripts" in my country. Everyone".

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one with the highest historical achievement was Wang Pu, the number one scholar in the Jiyou branch in the second year of the Han Dynasty (949) during the Five Dynasties. On the basis of the Huiyao style originally created by Su Mian in the Tang Dynasty, he compiled the "Huiyao" of the Nine Dynasties of the Tang Dynasty compiled by Su Mian and the revised books by Yang Shaofu and others, and compiled it into one hundred volumes of "Tang Huiyao". Later, thirty volumes of "Meetings of the Five Dynasties" were compiled based on the actual records of the Five Dynasties. Not only is the historical data rich and detailed, but it also formally established a system and method for classifying and compiling conferences, which was imitated by later generations. This contribution was called "a very great contribution" by "Siku Synopsis".

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one with the most abundant writings was Yang Shen, the number one scholar of Xinweike in the sixth year of Zhengde in the Ming Dynasty (1511). He is not only skilled in poetry, but also capable of writing, lyrics and music. He also attaches great importance to folk literature and is an accomplished litterateur and famous scholar. He wrote more than 400 kinds of works in his life. Although most of them have been lost, more than 100 kinds still exist. There are about 2,300 existing poems. His writings are so rich that he ranked first in the Ming Dynasty.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one with the highest achievement in botany was Wu Qirui, the number one scholar in Dingchou family in the 20th year of Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty (1817). He served as governor of many provinces throughout his life. He paid attention to the relationship between fertility and people's livelihood in various places. Based on what he heard and saw, he drew pictures and compiled descriptions. He also compiled relevant plant literature in ancient books into twenty-two volumes of "Plant Names and Facts Illustrated Examination Changbian". The thirty-eight volumes of "An Illustrated Study of Plant Names and Facts" are an important botanical monograph in my country in the 19th century.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the most famous thinker is Chen Liang, the number one scholar in Guichou Branch in the fourth year of Shaoxi in the Southern Song Dynasty (1193). He advocated the "study of meritorious service" that focused on career utilitarianism and supplemented the national economy and people's livelihood. He put forward the proposition that "what fills the universe is nothing but matter, and what is used in daily life is nothing but things", and had many debates with Zhu Xi on the relationship between justice, interests and kingship. His theory is unique and he is the founder of Yongkang School. He is also a famous litterateur.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one who was most fond of drinking tea and contributed to the study of tea ceremony in my country was Zhang Youxin, the number one scholar of Jiawu Branch in the 9th year of Yuanhe in the Tang Dynasty (814). The volume "Jiancha Shui Ji" written by him, commenting on the advantages and disadvantages of various spring water sencha, is another important tea ceremony research work in my country after Lu Yu's "Tea Classic".

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the only diplomatic envoy who has ever been to Eastern European countries was Hong Jun, the number one scholar in Wuchen Branch in the seventh year of Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty (1868).

In the 13th year of Guangxu's reign (1887), he was ordered to go to Russia, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria and served as diplomatic envoy for three years. He used Western materials to write "The Translation Evidence and Supplement of the History of the Yuan Dynasty", which ushered in a new era of using Western works and materials to study the history of the Yuan Dynasty.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the only one who has been recruited as the consort by the emperor is Zheng Hao, the number one scholar in Renxu Branch in the second year of Huichang of Tang Dynasty (842). Seven years after he won the first prize, that is, in the third year of Dazhong (849), he was recommended by Prime Minister Bai Minzhong as a candidate for his consort to Princess Wanshou, the daughter of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.

★Among the top picks in the past dynasties, the only one who was ordered to be executed by the emperor just after he reached the top was Chen Antuo, the top pick in Dingchou Kenanbang (or Chunbang) in the 30th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1397). Because the subjects admitted in the imperial examination were all southern scholars, they were dissatisfied with the northern scholars. Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, suspected that the admission was private and was so furious that he ordered the examiner, Chen Anhuang and others to be executed.

Shan Yi is a member of the Jurchen tribe. He took the imperial examination in Jurchen script.

★The Tang Dynasty had the largest number of champions in history. From Renwu Ke in the fifth year of Emperor Wude (622) to Dingmao Ke in Ai Emperor (907), during the 285 years, the imperial examination was held almost every year, and about 270 champions were produced. There are more than 139 people named in ancient books such as "Deng Ke Ji Kao" and "Yuzhitang Tan Hui".

★In Chinese history, the province with the largest number of champions in one dynasty was Jiangsu Province in the Qing Dynasty. From the fourth year of Shunzhi (1647), when Dinghai Kewu was admitted as the number one scholar, Lu Gong, to the 20th year of Guangxu (1894), when Jiawu Ke Nantong was admitted as the number one scholar, Zhang Jian, in 247 years, the country produced 49 number one scholars.

★In Chinese history, the prefecture that produced the largest number of champions in one dynasty was Suzhou Prefecture in the Qing Dynasty, with 24 champions.

★In Chinese history, the county that produced the largest number of No. 1 Scholars in a relatively short period of time was Yongfu County (now Yongtai, Fujian) during the Southern Song Dynasty. From Bingxu Ke in the second year of Qiandao (1166) to Chenke in the eighth year of Qiandao (1172), three top scholars, Xiao Guoliang, Zheng Qiao and Huang Ding, were produced in succession in seven years.

★The Tang Dynasty was the dynasty with the largest number of brothers who produced the number one scholar in history. There were 19 brothers including Zhang Shi (brother) and Zhang Zhengfu (brother).

★The dynasty that produced the largest number of father-son champions in history was the Northern Song Dynasty. There were 6 father-son champions including Zhang Quhua (father) and Zhang Shide (son).

★Among the brothers in the past, the shortest time between them was Kong Xunxun (brother) who was the number one scholar in Guisi Branch in the 14th year of Xiantong of the Tang Dynasty (873) and Bing in the third year of Qianfu of the Tang Dynasty (876). Kong Yan, the younger brother of the top scholar in Shenke. The time when the two brothers won the first prize was only three years apart.

★Among the fathers and sons of the past dynasties, the shortest time between them was An Deyu (father) who was already the number one scholar in the second year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty (969) and Ande Yu (father) who was already the number one scholar in the fifth year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty (972). ) An Shouliang (son), the number one scholar in Renshenke. The father and son won the top prize only three years apart.

★Among the number one scholars in the past dynasties, the one who first began to engage in industrial activities and achieved great achievements was Zhang Jian, the number one scholar in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894. He engaged in industrial activities in the year following his death (1895), and successively established dozens of enterprises and a large number of social undertakings. His influence spread throughout the country and he was known as "China's great educator and great industrialist".

★Among the number one scholars in martial arts in the past dynasties, the only one who took the exams in two subjects and passed the examination first and then the number one scholar was Ma Quan, the number one scholar in martial arts in Gengchen in the 25th year of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1760). Ma Quan's first name was Ma Wangquan. In the seventeenth year of Qianlong's reign (1752), he took part in a martial arts Jinshi examination and won the first, first and third place (Tanhua) in the palace examination. Later, he was stripped of his official position due to conflicts with colleagues during his tenure. In order to wash away the shame, he changed his name to Quan and determined to win the title again. Finally, in the 25th year of Qianlong's reign (1760), he won the first prize in the martial arts imperial examination.