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A. L. Y. CHUNG
ground for scholars, the Hanlin Academy, through the various Imperial discussions, achieved a close relationship with the emperor, resulting in mutual influences. The first kind of these Imperial discussions was known as Imperial Discussion Banquets (Chiang-yen) and they took place in mid-spring and mid-autumn.30 On these occasions, two Chinese and two Manchu Hanlins were appointed to prepare lecture materials in conjunction with the Chancellor of the Academy.21 These lecture notes were rendered in the Manchu and Chinese languages for royal perusal and consent.22
The other kind of Imperial discussions was the Daily Discussions (Jih-chiang). It was stipulated that each year after the mid-spring Discussion Banquet, the Daily Discussions were to be held on alternate days until the summer solstice (June 21st). It was then temporarily stopped due to the hot weather of summer. The process of discussions would be resumed after the mid-autumn Discussion Banquet until the winter solstice (December 22nd). Discussions were then suspended until the next spring.23
The original copy of notes of the Daily Discussion was presented to the emperor in the early morning after officials of the Government Boards and Courts had presented their daily reports and memorials. If the discussion notes were approved, then the Chancellor of the Academy would take two or three Hanlins to the palace to serve as talkers. The discussion notes of each meeting were filed together for further references.
The Daily Discussion system founded in the early years of the dynasty was greatly elaborated by the second Emperor, K'ang-hsi. In 1673 the emperor ordered the Daily Discussion practice actually to take place daily, rather than on alternate days24 and during his reign, the meetings continued to take place without stop. Even the repairs to the palace premises in 1673 did not prevent the emperor from holding them.25 Later in the same year, the discussion procedure was ordered to last through the "winter cold and summer heat",26 In other words, they then took place nearly every day of the year.
Side by side with the Imperial Banquet Discussions and the Daily Discussions was the requirement that high officials, including the Hanlins, in rotation should present to the emperor com-