Abstract:
In the Tang Dynasty, the system of official retirement became gradually complete, and the officials’ conception of retirement grew steadily mature. Considering the national interests, personal physical condition, ethics and morals, and ceremony and norm, most officials in the Tang Dynasty thought retirement to be a reasonable conduct and would actively produce a retirement application at the age of 70. Many officials applied repeatedly to retire, and the few who refused to retire would be severely criticized by the public. After retirement, most officials would turn away from politics and go home, recuperating quietly, or building ponds and academies, or traveling and sightseeing, and live a light and restful life. This attitude towards life showed the choice of living value of the officials in the Tang Dynasty.
