China's civil service examinations, known as the **Keju**, have a long and storied history, dating back to the Sui dynasty (581-618 AD) and continuing through various dynasties until their abolition in the early 20th century. The examinations were designed to select candidates for the state bureaucracy, aiming to create a meritocratic system for civil service appointments.
### Historical Context
- **Origins**: The examination system began in an


