Meanings

merit (ability, efficiency) rating

work done for enjoyment (as a diversion)

eventful times for the nation (world)

things being very eventful at home and abroad

faction-based personnel appointment

scandal

odd job

troubles brought on by what one has written

elegant appreciation of nature through artistic pursuits such as poetry, painting and calligraphy

red tape

points to note

fiend for work

large enterprise

fill-in (in magazines, newspapers, etc.)

personnel changes through favoritism

something like that

to take care doing something

one may well say so, but ...

to have an accident (esp. traffic accident)

imperial cause