Suspension of the Imperial Examination under Hongwu

Timeline

1. 1373Yingtian Prefecture (Nanjing) · Yingtian PrefectureIn February of Hongwu 6, Zhu Yuanzhang told the ministers of the Secretariat: the officials mostly select young men whose literary compositions are presentable but who are rarely capable in action; the realm answers me with empty words, contrary to my intention of seeking worthies through practical results, so the examinations everywhere should be suspended.
2. 1373Ming realm · ChinaAfter the suspension, the court ordered officials to recommend talented men in categories such as intelligent and upright, filial and fraternal and diligent in farming, Confucian scholars, filial and incorrupt, xiucai, men of talent, and elders, who were sent by local heads to the capital for exceptional appointment, forming the main path of official selection during the ten-year suspension.