Abstract:

The term, subscription (juan na or zi xuan), is usually referred to as "selling official positions". The government sets out relevant regulations, fixes the prices, and sells official positions in public, which gradually develops into a system, called the subscription system. This system in the Qing Dynasty originated in the period of the reign of Emperor Shunzhi, developed and matured during the reign of Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong, declined during the reign of Emperors Xianfeng and Tongzhi, and terminated during the reign of Emperor Xuantong. The subscription system provided opportunities for surplus literati to acquire official status, and served as a complementary to the imperial examination system. In addition, it raised funds for river control and coast defense, and therefore temporarily alleviated part of the financial crisis of the government without adding burdens to the people. The subscription system, however, was inferior after all. During the reign of Xianfeng and Tongzhi, for the purpose of suppressing peasant uprisings, the government utilized the system so extensively that it led to a great number of redundant personnel in society. The system jeopardized the country, injured the people, corrupted the political system, and finally resulted in the destruction the Qing Dynasty.

Key words: the subscription system, the fall of the Qing Dyansty