China’s ancient imperial examination, which was no easier than today’s competitive college entrance exam, took into account candidates’ looks when selecting. The ancient exam, which lasted from the Sui dynasty (581-618) to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1912) before its abolition in 1905, was a system that selected state bureaucrats based on their merit rather than blood. As the system became well established in the Song dynasty (960-1279), the exam was held once every three years. The content of...