During the song dynasty, those who bypassed the civil service exams and gained government posts through privilege, including those whose fathers or grandfathers held high ranks in the government, began their government services 1)in the same position held by their fathers or grandfathers 2) in the ranks just above the highest posts held by non-aristocrats 3)as students of tutors who taught them the material covered by the civil service exams 4)at the lowest ranks, sometimes collecting taxes or hearing legal cases in remote places

The song dynasty governed during the years 960 - 1279.

At that time it was a tradition for the goverment to make exams in order to recruit men who will serve and have goverment positions. In this dynasty the exam was called "the palace examination".

Those who bypassed the civil service exams and gained government posts through privilege, including those whose fathers or grandfathers held high ranks in the government, began their government services:

2) in the ranks just above the highest posts held by non-aristocrats

Why?

The Palace Examination approval determined the candidates acquired the academic degree of doctor that allowed access to the highest public administration positions.

a is correct

hope this let me know if it is right

the exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service.