How did Confucianism impact China's society on the era of the Tang and Song dynasties?

Question

anonymous · Answer

One important way that Confucianism's influence was felt was in the civil service exams that both dynasties used to bring in the best and smartest to work in government. Instead of relying on ties of family influence and power that might inherit certain government positions, the exam system allowed anyone to compete intellectually for a position on pure merit.

This also ensured that the people hired were more loyal to the government than to a particular political family. But more importantly, demonstrated their education. This created an efficient class of bureaucrats to help run the empire.