In Ming China, the reestablishment of Confucianism resulted in the rise of scholar-officials or mandarins, who were second only to the emperor in social status due to their roles in governance.
- The reestablishment of Confucianism in Ming China elevated the scholar-officials, commonly known as mandarins, to be second only to the emperor in the social hierarchy.
- This was a result of their revered status and their pivotal role in the governance of the empire.
- The mandarins were selected through a rigorous, merit-based examination system on Confucian texts, which solidified their authority and importance within the Ming society.
- This reflected the Confucian ideal of government by educated and moral individuals, which was emphasized in teachings such as those of Neo-Confucian thinkers like Zhu Xi during Song times, who valued personal moral understanding and educated efforts.