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The long history of China's imperial examinations, known as the keju system, began during the Sui dynasty (581-618 CE).
While its roots can be traced to earlier periods, the Sui dynasty is credited with establishing the system as a primary method for selecting civil officials based on merit, not just aristocratic birth.
The system was further developed during the Tang and Song dynasties and reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It was finally abolished in 1905.
The Chinese people's belief that success in these exams would lead to "financial prosperity and promotions in the imperial courts" was rooted in a practical reality and a deeply ingrained cultural value system:
* A Path to Social Mobility: The keju system was, in theory, open to all men, regardless of their social or economic background (with some exceptions like certain "undesirable" professions).
This offered a rare opportunity for talented individuals from commoner families to rise in status.
Before the examination system, government positions were often hereditary or based on aristocratic connections, locking out a vast majority of the population. Passing the exams was seen as the most direct and prestigious route to upward social mobility.
* Official Positions and Their Benefits:
A successful candidate who passed the exams would be granted a position in the government bureaucracy. These official roles came with significant benefits, including:
* Financial Security: Officials received a salary, which provided a stable and comfortable income for themselves and their families. This was a stark contrast to the often precarious lives of farmers, merchants, or artisans.
* Political Power and Influence:
As government officials, they held authority and power. This could be exercised at the local or national level, allowing them to shape policy, administer justice, and exert influence over their communities.
* High Social Status: Passing the exams and becoming an official brought immense prestige and honor not just to the individual, but also to their entire family and hometown.
The title of "scholar-official" was highly respected and was a clear sign of success and intelligence.
* Confucianism and Meritocracy:
The examination system was heavily based on the Confucian classics. This meant that the exams tested not only a candidate's intellectual prowess but also their moral character, as defined by Confucian principles.
The system promoted the idea that the most virtuous and knowledgeable men should govern society.
This meritocratic ideal, even if not always perfectly executed, gave people hope that talent and hard work, rather than just birth, could lead to a better life.
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