Final answer:
Emperor Taizu reformed the civil service exam to award government jobs based on merit, striving for a meritocratic system that fostered a gentry class of educated scholars.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emperor Taizu reformed the civil service exam because he wanted to award government jobs based on merit. The reforms were an effort to ensure that those who governed did so because of their abilities and virtues, signifying a move towards a more meritocratic system. These examinations tested candidates on their knowledge of the Confucian and Daoist classics, literary skills, and other sophisticated subjects.
While the system aimed for fairness, it was largely influenced by family status and connections. Despite the prevalence of such inconsistencies, the exams were designed to create an upper class of scholars—known as the gentry—based on educational merit rather than on birth or wealth. This reform encouraged the rise of well-educated administrators who would govern various regions and communities, aligning with Confucian principles.