《明史·志·卷四十七》
洪武三年，皇帝训谕廷臣说： 六部总管天下的事务，不是学问广博该洽、才能与德行都好的贤士，不能够居此任。
三年，谕廷臣曰： 六部总领天下之务，非学问博洽、才德兼美之士，不足以居之。
In the third year of the reign of Emperor Hongwu, the emperor instructed his court ministers: The six ministries have general control of the affairs of the state, and none but learned, honest and capable persons may occupy such a position.