Question 3 (1 point) Why was the Shi class so powerful, even though they were not wealthy? Select the best answer from the choices below.

a
They often determined if an emperor had lost the Mandate of Heaven
b
They could command battles
c
They served as scholars and officials in the government
d
They had the respect of all the other classes, as well as the emperor

B. They could command battles

Explanation:

In Ancient China people were divided into four classes based of their occupation. The four classes were Shi, Nong, Gng and Shang. Shi were gentry scholars, nong were peasent farmers, gong were artisand and craftsment and the shang were traders and merchants.

The gentry scholars of Zhou and Shang dynasty were called Shi class. They were considered as belonging to low level aristocratic lineage. Shi class had privileges that other people didnt have, they were allowed to ride chariots into battle. They could also command battles from the chariots.