谬种流传 — “Absurd theories”

During the Song Dynasty, He Dan observed severe irregularities in the imperial examination system, where bribery was rampant, enabling individuals without genuine talent to illicitly gain official positions. He submitted a memorial to the imperial court, detailing the various malpractices and harms of the previous examinations.

He pointed out that if the examinations were not strict, the quality of the selected talents would be low. Moreover, if these unqualified individuals were to preside over future examinations years later, it would cause the roots of error to be passed down through generations.