jīng​shǐ​zǐ​jí

four branches of literature

  1. Classics division
    the first of the four categories of traditional Chinese bibliography, comprising Confucian classics and linguistic studies
  2. history section
    the second of the four traditional categories of Chinese literature (comprising historical works)
  3. Philosophers
    the third category of the traditional Chinese four-division library system, consisting of philosophical or technical works
  4. belles-lettres
    the fourth of the four traditional categories of Chinese books (Classic, History, Philosophy, and Literature or Collected Works)