Compensation mechanism of villages and communities in Thanh - Nghe - Tinh regions for confucian intellectuals

Abstract

Thanh - Nghe - Tinh regions are well-known for their poor countryside, with extremely difficult natural conditions. These, however, are also famous for being the birthplace of many dynasty founders, emperors, and famous intellectuals who contributed greatly to build the country. This is because the localities have applied many states’ preferential policies towards Confucian scholars, and at the same time, each village and commune have their own remuneration conducts for Confucian intellectuals. The remuneration regime of villages and communes in the Thanh - Nghe - Tinh regions were clearly shown through the provision of tuition fees for students; exemption from all labored duties and services, providing reception and procession for those passed the metropolitan examination, appointing positions at royal courts, granting land and setting up a registration stele for those who successfully gained the doctoral degree titles. These policies had encouraged people to value education and consider examinations as a path to advancement that brings honor not only to individuals, families, and clans but also to the reputation of the entire village and commune.