Exploration into the Background of Final Imperial Examination in Hong Wu and Yong Le Period in Ming Dynasty

Final imperial examination is the highest level in the imperial competitive examination.In Ming Dynasty it begins in the fourth year of Hong Wu reign(1371) and usually it is the emperor who will supervise the examination by himself.Later the examination is made by the member of the imperial academy and determined by the emperor.Altogether there are 16 times of the imperial competitive examinations and there are correspondingly 16 subjects for the final imperial examination.These subjects are about how to rule a country and history plays an important role in it.At the same time,each subject should also be related to contemporary politics and shows characteristics in this aspect.The winner in the final imperial examination must have high level of knowledge and application of it.