A full century has passed since the 1898 Reform. During the short-lived Hundred Daysof Reform which happened one hundred years ago,reformers only tried to abolish the style of the eight-legged essay instead of the age-old imperial examination system,though they vigorously attacked it. Why did they do so? To abolist the style of eight--legged essay was less important than to make other reforms. But, after the coup by the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, the style of eight-legged essay was immediately revived. Obviously,it was regarded as the first important thing at that time. Seven more years later, however, the govenment of the Qing Dynasty gave orders to abolish the imperial examination system.How did such a radical chang come about? The imperial examination system,in fact,wasnecessary not only for the government rule, but also for both officials and "gentlemen"tomaintain social stability and their own vested interest. Therefore,the abolition of the imperial examination system would be made not by any order from government but by a tacit amination system and to establish schools mirrored the changes of social and cultural background in the late Qing dynasty.