| Summary: | 碩士 === 世新大學 === 中國文學研究所 === 103 === This thesis is based on Sun Guangxian’s “Bei Meng Suo Yan”, and attempts to investigate his concerns for the intellectuals in the Five Dynasties at the late Tang Dynasty. Sun was born in the late era of Tang Dynasty, which was periled by frequent war and battle. His life was typical of the intellectuals in the troubling Five Dynasties; living a life away from his homeland pursuing a career in local governments. His recollection describes the persons and events of the time. The thesis further attempts to discuss Sun’s perspectives of the history in a time which political chaos was caused by eunuch, malady began to appear in the selection of government officials, and the occupation of territory by local military power. From these discussions, Sun’s way of dealing with things in this troubled time is explored.
The plight of the intellectuals in the Five Dynasties was first discussed, so that the background context can be established. The imperial government was under the political influence of eunuch at the time. Although various emperors had plotted to uproot such influence with imperial courtiers, such attempts resulted in failure. Eunuch political power fought back, gradually eroding the national strength of the late Tang Dynasty. When local military powers began to rise in self-governing states, local governments needed numerous government officials for civil service. Intellectuals of the time had an alternate opportunity to consider from pursuing an imperial position. However, the occupation of territories by military officials has lead to frequent wars in the late Tang Dynasty, and the eventual collapse of the imperial house. The malady that began to rise in the recruitment of government officials was used to the advantage of the high officials. Candidates seeking to secure positions in the government began to manipulate person relationships or take sides with the high officials. Examiners accepted candidates based on reputation instead of examination performance. When a candidate was selected into civil service, there exists a chance of being out of employment, and hence caused a loss of talent in the nation.
Next, the choices made by intellectuals in the late Tang era, as recorded in Bei Meng Suo Yan, were discussed. This chapter pursued a pattern of event from civil serviceman examination, political interference by eunuch, to the rebellion and occupation of territories by local self-governing states. From the emotional state and reaction of intellectuals after failing civil serviceman examination, and, the mentality of high officials in selecting candidates, the way in which intellectuals achieve personal ambitions via the civil selection institution was investigated. Faced with political influence of the eunuch, some intellectuals conceded promotion via eunuch influence, few opted to expostulate in rivalry, and most that turned to eunuch were due to incompetence of the position. In the late Tang Dynasty, entering a local government was a common experience for the intellectuals of the time. From the discussion, the standards adopted by intellectuals in taking a position in self-governing states can be observed. Some were accepted into civil service due to their talent, some due to family backgrounds and history, and some sought aegis during wartime. In general, intellectuals avoid close ties with self-governing states with large ambition.
Finally, the concerns for the intellectuals in Sun Guangxian’s “Bei Meng Suo Yan” were employed to discuss his views and appraisal for the intellectuals who were promoted under the influence of eunuch. Sun’s review and critique of the deficient examination institution, how competent intellectuals needed to traverse between high officials, as well as selection of civil serviceman via private relationships were also discussed. Further discussion was made on Sun’s critique of the pros and cons of courtiers serving as local government leaders based on the attitude of military officials and intellectuals.
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