The imperial power was supreme, and the imperial examination was the only way to rise. The officialdom was highly hierarchical, with more emphasis on civil service than on military affairs. The social classes were clearly defined, including scholars, peasants, industry and merchants, but merchants could improve their status by donating official posts or marrying into each other. War was dominated by cold weapons. Gunpowder first appeared but was not popularized. The spread of knowledge relied on engraving and printing. Rules of survival: keep a low profile to save your life, keep a high profile to seek death; if you have no backer, don't mess with the powerful.
