I really did read this chapter on the Mandarins, but could someone help me out with this term? I think I know what it is referring to but I would like to have a better handle on it coming into class tonight. I hope the saying, "There is no stupid question," applies to this class as well. Thanks!

All I know about the Mandrians is that they were one of the nine ranks of public officials in the Chinese Empire.

Believe it or not I asked the same question. Mandarin's, I would imagine are an elite group with influence.