In Chinese mythology, there was a system called the imperial examination that was used to select people who would work for the government. It was like a test that people had to take to show that they were smart and could do a good job.
The test had different levels, kind of like different grades in school. People had to study really hard to pass the test because it was very important to them and their families.
The test was held at big places called examination halls. Hundreds of people would come to take the test, and they would sit at desks and write down their answers. The test questions were about different things like history, literature, and science.
If someone did really well on the test, they would get a good job working for the emperor. They might become an advisor or a judge or even a general in the army.
The imperial examination was used for a very long time in China, and it was an important way for people to show off their knowledge and become successful. However, it also caused a lot of pressure and stress for the people taking the test, and some people thought it was unfair because only certain people had the opportunity to take it.