Section 21.1
The method of investigating the merit [of an official] is to investigate what he has amassed.
The Way of Heaven accumulates and collects an abundance of quintessence in order to be radiant;
the sage accumulates and collects an abundance of excellence in order to be meritorious.
Therefore
the brilliance of the sun and moon is not [due to] the radiance of a single [ray of] quintessence;
the Great Peace summoned by the sage is not [due to] the merit of a single [act of] excellence.
That from which brilliance is born cannot be [a single] source;
that from which excellence is born cannot be [a single] starting point.
Weigh the positional advantage and establish your authority;
adapt to the situation and institute [standards of] righteousness.
Therefore,
the way the sage brings benefit to the world is like the way the spring qi engenders vegetation.
Each grows small or large in accordance with its inborn [nature] and measures up to its greater or lesser [vitality].
The way the sage eradicates wrongdoing in the world is like the way the rivers and streams flow into the sea.
Each complies with the inherent potential of the land and is directed to the south or the north.
Therefore,
although their paths are different, their destinations are the same.
1[Likewise, although sages possess] different methods, their virtue is the same.
Their inclination to promote benefit and eradicate wrongdoing is one.
For this reason,
the essence of bringing benefit lies in achieving it, not in whether it is much or little;
the essence of eradicating wrongdoing lies in expelling it, not in whether it is to the south or the north.
Investigate the merit [of the officials] and demote or promote them;
examine the affairs [that they have managed] and employ or dismiss them.
With regard to those who have brought increase, call them “selfless”;
with regard to those who have not brought increase, call them “troublesome.”
Grab hold of their reputation and evaluate their actual performance. Do not accept empty words.
Reward those who have merit;
punish those who commit crimes.
Reward generously those whose merit is are abundant;
punish heavily those whose crimes are abundant.
[If there are some] who are unable to accomplish anything, do not reward them, even if they have a reputation for worthiness;
[If there are some] who do not neglect their official duties, do not punish them, even if they have a reputation for stupidity.
Rewards and punishments must be used in accordance with [each person’s] actual performance, not in accordance with his reputation. When [the distinction between] the worthy and the stupid is determined by actual performance and not by externalities, then
right and wrong cannot be confused;
happiness and anger cannot be excessive;
villainous and rebellious men cannot be troublesome;
and all the myriad things will achieve their proper place. This being the case, the numerous officials will strive to the utmost to carry forth their duties and will vie to advance their merit. [21/28/5–14]
Section 21.2
The method to examine and test [officials]:
important ones at a measured pace,
unimportant ones quickly,
high ranking ones slowly,
low-ranking ones swiftly.
Lords of the Land monthly conduct tests in their states;
provincial governors seasonally conduct tests in their provinces, four tests comprising one examination.
The Son of Heaven annually tests the empire, three tests comprising one examination.
From start to finish, an official must undergo three examinations and then may be promoted or demoted. He is given a formal pronouncement called a “rating.” [21/28/16–17]
Section 21.3
The way to examine and test [an official] is to
collate his rank [of nobility] and emolument,
summarize the duties [of his post],
reckon his length of service,
and set out his accomplishments,
[in order] to calculate his merits and weigh his faults. Take what is abundant to cancel what is scanty; consider his reputation [in the light of] ascertainable facts. First privately [i.e., in a closed session of court] establish his ranking, first of all comparing him with two or three [groups], in order [to grade him in the] upper, middle, or lower [subrank], and thereby to examine [his suitability] for employment or dismissal. After that, in a public [session of court,] gather [the candidates] and, in accordance with their [earned] designation, pronounce them accepted or dismissed. [In determining whether] to increase or decrease [their emoluments] by more or less, there should be a clear standard and order of ranking. [Establish] nine ranks, laid out as three times three, so that each rank has an upper, middle, and lower [subrank]. Level one is the highest; level five is the middle; and level nine is the lowest. Most officials revert to the middle rank; those who are superior to the middle rank receive [the highest rank]; those who are inferior to the middle rank are demoted. Those who receive [the highest rank] are few; they [are assigned to] the first rank and rewarded. Among those who reach the fourth rank, those who are demoted are more numerous; they are [assigned to] the fourth rank as a diminution. Among those who reach the first rank, their movement is contrariwise. Three times four is twelve, so when the ranking is completed, one apprehends the entire ranking [scheme] to demote or promote them. Time after time, each has his own ranking; each follows his assigned position. In order to comprehensively arrive at the numbers, there is an initial re-rating, [then] [a second], then [a third], and [next] a fourth re-rating, [so that] in each case no one fails [to be assigned to] his [proper] grade. This, too, is using the complete rating [scheme] to demote or promote them. [21/28/19–25]
Section 21.4
There is an initial re-rating; this is called the “second upgrading.” There are a next [second], next [third], and fourth re-rating; this is called the “third upgrading.” Nine years is a term in [any given] grade. If [there are those who] attain an additional nine, at the same time they are purged [after?] six, being dismissed in a third [re-]grading. Six and six, they attain their level. At the same time, the middling among them attain three; they are comprehensively purged. At the same time, three and three are [re-]rated. Those who attain six at the same time attain one rating.
This is the “four [re-]ratings.” Demotions are [handled in] the same way.
2 [21/28/27–29]