Civil Service Recommendations

To serve in government, one must be totally beyond reproach. Alternatively, get your father to hire you.

The sprawling and far-reaching empire is constantly in need of civil servants.

A system was long ago established for men to enter into government work by recommendation. At first, wealth was the only measure - insulation against bribery and corruption - yet it was soon required that a candidate be recommended by his commandery.

Only those 'filial and incorruptible' individuals, with relevant experience, can be chosen. Yet over time the system has become inevitably infected by the hereditary trappings of nepotism.