孝廉 Traditional form: 孝廉 Pinyin (reading): xiàolián Definitions: xiaolian, two examination subjects in Han, later a single subject in Ming and Qing successful second degree candidate Characters: 孝 - filial piety, obedience; mourning 廉 - upright, honorable, honest Traditional characters: 孝 - filial piety, obedience; mourning 廉 - upright, honorable, honest