Final answer:
Without sitting for the civil service exam in the Tang Dynasty, one could secure a government job through clan connections with the imperial house, the 'shadow privilege' of relatives in government, or by having powerful personal connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alternative Pathways to Tang Dynasty Government Jobs
Under the Tang Dynasty, while the civil service exam was the main pathway to government positions, there were alternate methods for securing a job without taking the exam. First, a person could obtain an official position through their family connections if they were members of clans with a close relationship to the imperial house, such as the Li clan. Second, the "shadow privilege" allowed relatives in government to designate a son or nephew for office. Lastly, personal connections with the imperial Li clan or other powerful figures could secure top government posts without the civil service examinations.
Although associated with meritocracy, the examination system was influenced by social and economic status. Affluent and aristocratic families had the means to educate their children or bribe officials, while most common citizens lacked the luxury of time and resources to dedicate to education or personal connections needed to take the exam.
It is important to note that these alternative routes to government service were less transparent and more exclusive, emphasizing the enduring influence of aristocratic power even with the civil service examination system in place.