Trace the changing definition of the elite in pre-modern Chinese society (from earlier dynasties to Tang, and to Song, a

[answerhappygod]

Trace the changing definition of the elite in pre-modern Chinese
society (from
earlier dynasties to Tang, and to Song, and to later dynasties such
as the Qing) in terms of socio-
political and cultural status. What played important roles in and
contributed to the changes from
the aristocratic elite to the meritocratic elite, then to the local
gentry elite and socio-political elites
of ruling ethnic peoples such as the Mongols and Manchus?
Please summarize. Thank you!