Interpretation of Cishizi during the Liang and Chen Dynasties
Hou-Jing Riot marked the prelude to the decline of Liang and the rise of Chen,during which time the higher clan settled in Nanjing suffered devastating blows,giving the indigenous chiefdoms in all parts of the south the opportunity to rise and finally become an overwhelming political power.Along with this historical process e-merged the special title Cishizi,as we can see so many times in the historical materials.Former scholars have mis-construed it as an empty name.Actually,it is a special official title set up by the monarch to deal with the social changes brought by the riot.It also signifies regal recognition for outstanding contributions.Therefore,it has practi-cal political implications.Cishizi not only marks the official's place in the officialdom hierarchy,but also manifests the strict linkage between merit and status,corresponding to the dual purposes of the dynasty to draw over both the powerful and those who have a humble background but have made outstanding achievements.Cishizi not only re-flects the continuity of the original system,but also features adaptiveness and innovation,allowing the dynasty to flexibly manage officials'ranks in order to consolidate its ruling.
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