What did the ancient scholars in China do?

Before Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Confucianism was the only respect, and Confucian classics meant a hundred schools, while Confucian classics meant scholars who were good at it. After Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty respected Confucianism alone, Confucian classics began to refer specifically to Confucianism. Ordinary scholars are learned people, mainly teaching and educating people, studying ancient books, or lobbying politicians for their own theory of governing the country. A famous scholar was a social celebrity at that time, and his students were all over the world, which had a great influence on some political trends and cultural customs of society, while unknown scholars were generally disciples of the authorities or knowledgeable students. At that time, there were few scholars, and ordinary scholars would not bow for that bucket of rice as long as they had a little brain. The social atmosphere at that time was universal respect and even awe for scholars. Later, the implementation of the imperial examination system further consolidated the position of Confucianism. Only well-known Confucian scholars can call themselves masters of Confucian classics, and Confucian scholars must have a protege who is an official in the court. This kind of Confucian scholar is to concentrate on studying or playing with mountains and rivers, or discussing facts and talking about the past and the present. I think everything is empty talk except those that really educate people to learn.