Holding the highest official position in the court, becoming the top scorer in the imperial examination; Passing the imperial examinations in succession

On the front of it are the words “Holding the highest official position in the court and becoming the top scorer in the imperial examination”, and on the back is the pattern of “A egret and lotus representing successive successes in the imperial examinations”.

“Holding the highest official position in the court” implies becoming an official of the highest rank and wielding the greatest power, signifying the elevation of status and victory in competition.

The “first rank” is the highest grade for ancient officials, symbolizing the peak of power. In ancient China, the official uniforms were marked with patches to indicate the rank. For first-rank civil officials, the symbol is usually a crane. It represents the highest rank that commoners can achieve through their own efforts, and it is highly respected. “Holding the highest official position in the court” means having power.

“Becoming the top scorer in the imperial examination”: The imperial examination system was established in the Sui Dynasty. The term “top scorer” for the first place in the imperial palace examination began in the Tang Dynasty and became a fixed system in the Song Dynasty. In the folk, it is praised as “The unicorn in the sky and the top scorer in the world”. In the 1,500-year history of the imperial examination in China, only more than 700 “top scorers” were produced. Therefore, the “top scorer” represents the peak of culture and intelligence. “Passing the imperial examination” specifically refers to, after passing the imperial examination and becoming a jinshi, being allowed to use the architectural style of the nobility and building a special facade in front of the house to show glory. It is a form of “bringing honor to the family”. This form of “passing the imperial examination” was only used for the top three (the top scorer, the second place, and the third place) in the imperial palace examination during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In addition to “bringing honor to the family”, those who “become the top scorer in the imperial examination” can also wear saffron flowers on their chests and ride horses on the imperial road, which is called “parading and boasting of one’s official position”.

The combination of “Holding the highest official position in the court and becoming the top scorer in the imperial examination” means obtaining wisdom, ability, power, and status through one’s own efforts.