A Brief Discussion of Classical Language Stories in Tang Dynasty and the Imperial Examination System

On the basis of an investigation of the imperial examination system and short stories in classical Chinese in the Tang Dynasty, this paper points out that the imperial examination system for selection of officials contributed to the bringing up of a large number of scholars who were different from those in the previous ancient times, and that this system also helped bring up the groups of writers and readers of short stories in classical Chinese in the Tang Dynasty. The style of scholars in the Tang Dynastyshaped by the imperial examination system--the behavior patterns, value concepts, psychological spirit, and literature trendsand habits displayed collectively by the scholars who successfully passed the imperial examination--was the necessary prerequisite which made it possible for the Chinese short stories in the form of prose to develop and grow mature on the basis of accumulation of previous narration art; meanwhile, this type of style determined the substantial essence and aesthetic flavor of short stories in classical Chinese in the Tang Dynasty.