China's System of Standardized Tests That Gave Individuals Government Positions

China's system of standardized tests that gave individuals government positions based on merit

A) was supported by the majority of the people and thus became very successful.
B) lasted through the Han period but was eliminated during the Song Dynasty.
C) failed to keep wealthy families from purchasing high government offices for their sons.
D) did allow some commoners into public service, but the wealthy still kept the vast majority of the positions.
E) was viewed as a good idea in theory, but in reality gave the mandarins too much power.