From "The System as a Focus" to "The System as Perspective" A Discussion of the Ming-Dynasty System for Granting Imperial Titles to the Ancestors of Civil Officials

The Ming-dynasty imperial title-granting system for the ancestors of civil officials was a method used by the Ming government to reward service. Depending upon an official's rank and merit, his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents could be awarded official titles or noble rank. In addition, the bequest of title-conferring decrees (gaochi) and official apparel (guanfu), along with imperial burial rites for deceased officials, accorded a special honor to those upon whom titles were bestowed, and endowed them with privileges distinct from those enjoyed by the common people. The operation of the Ming title-granting system relied upon the interactions between civil officials and the state, which took place within the political and cultural environment of the concept of "loyal and filial as one." The system sustained this interaction between officials and the state by means of the ascending hierarchy of titles that could be granted as well as the restraining mechanism that came into play after a title had been bestowed. The implementation of the Ming title-granting system and the practice of publicizing the honor of the title gave the system widespread social influence and an edifying role in society.