《旧唐书·本纪·卷九》
内外八品以下官员及平民有博学文辞之士，各委派本州本司推荐使皇上知道。
内外八品已下及草泽有博学文辞之士，各委本司本州闻荐。
Officials of all ranks below the eighth, as well as civilians with exceptional literary talent, were to be recommended to the emperor by their respective prefectures and offices.