Abstract
Focusing on Gong ling 功令 (Ordinances on Merit) unearthed from Tomb 336 at Zhangjiashan, the present article explores the changes in the nature of “ling shi” 令史, a kind of low-ranking bureaucrat, in the Qin and early Han dynasties, as well as the significance of its underlying systemic development. This article first summarizes related historical materials, namely bamboo slips, from the Qin and early Han as well as previous scholarship, indicating that “shi” 史 in the Qin was hereditary and that they were distinguished from “zuo” 佐, who originated as commoners, in terms of training and channels for promotion. At that time, “ling shi” was one of the most important duties within the official career of “shi.” But after the rapid expansion of the Qin state, the old system of centralized training and transferring “shi” to different parts of the state was unable to supply the new demand for officials. Moreover, there was a trend of “shi” students deliberately not passing their exams to avoid being transferred to distant posts. Gong ling shows that the Han dynasty in response frequently adjusted the system of appointing and transferring officials, gradually decentralizing the power of appointment to local officials. The hereditary nature of “ling shi” was also slowly reduced, with the title being transformed into that of an ordinary local official. This institutional evolution ultimately laid the foundation for a system centered on the local magistrate.
Keywords
Qin and Han bamboo slips; Gong ling (Ordinances on Merit); “ling shi”; hereditary office; “zuo” (low-ranking officials)
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