The Imperial Examinations, (かきょ , kakyo) also known as the Kakyo, are civil-service exams used to appoint high-ranking officials. They are mentioned in Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play and featured in the light novel, Yuuai Den.
Background[]
In the Universe of the Four Gods, the imperial palaces hold examinations to select their governing officials. Those who pass these rigorous exams are considered for higher offices, a much-coveted honor among intellectuals all around the Four Empires. They are open to all social classes.
Konan’s Kakyo[]
In Konan, which is based on the Song Dynasty, the exams are taken to receive the jinshi (進士, advanced scholar) degree, a prerequisite to becoming a government official. The notoriously difficult, three-part examinations are held every three years; and many choose to study for them in Jouzen, Konan's "city of scholars." On the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the first exam is held at the local/provincial level. Scholars who pass are sent to the capital, Eiyou, for their second exam in the spring. In the anime, this secondary exam is known as the "shoushi."[1] The final exam is then held at the Konan Imperial Palace, supervised by the Emperor himself. Successful candidates are rewarded with a jinshi degree and considered for an official position.[2]
Kutou’s Examinations[]
Although not much is known about the imperial exams in the other countries, one can infer their practices from the dynasties that inspired them. Kutou is based on the Tang Dynasty, during which six categories of examinations were introduced. The Tang searched for classicists, scholars, and individuals with cultivated talents. Exams also appointed legal, record-keeping, and mathematical experts. Later on, the jinshi exams gained prominence and became the preferred method of selecting government officials.[2] Thus, one can assume Kutou and Konan share similar exam practices.
Hokkan & Sairou[]
In Hokkan, which is based on the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty, the status of the exams is more difficult to discern. Under Kublai Khan, the imperial examinations were abolished in favor of cultivating new ideas rather than focusing on traditional education. However, the exams were later reinstated and candidates were grouped into regional ethnic categories. There was also a fixed quota for provincial and metropolitan/capital examinations.[2] Given Hokkan's large population and its nomadic tribes, collecting exam candidates from all over the country could prove to be an arduous task.
Finally, although Sairou is loosely based on Tibet, it is the least-featured empire out of the four. As a result, the country's time period and its exam practices, if any, have not been confirmed.
Story[]
During the original series, the Suzaku warrior, Chiriko, has passed the first two portions of the exams. But his studies for the third and final part are interrupted by a mysterious vision. While writing calligraphy, his ink spills and spreads across the paper. The black inkblot then transforms into the night sky, where the seven constellations of Suzaku glow red and shift into an ominous formation. Chiriko, alarmed by the vision, temporarily abandons his studies and rushes to the capital.[1]
After saving Miaka and the Suzaku Seven from Amiboshi's treachery, Hotohori recalls holding an audience of religious pilgrims and hearing of the youngest exam candidate in Konan’s history.[3] Chiriko confirms both his exam candidacy as well as his status as a Celestial Warrior of Suzaku. This impresses Miaka, who is shocked that someone so young is also preparing for an important exam.