How civil servants were chosen during the ming dyanaty?

During the Ming Dynasty, civil servants were primarily selected through a rigorous examination system known as the imperial examination, or "keju." This system emphasized Confucian texts and principles, and candidates were tested on their knowledge of literature, philosophy, and governance. Successful candidates, known as "jinshi," gained prestigious positions in the government, which helped to create a meritocratic bureaucracy. This approach aimed to ensure that officials were educated and capable, rather than appointed solely based on aristocratic lineage.