Why was education and the pursuit of knowledge valued in medieval China? What could educated people claim?

Many literate people were needed to run a huge country. Only those who passed difficult exams could become officials and enter the special class of service nobles. Officials were trained in cities in special schools.

Remember: The process of learning a person lasts a lifetime. The value of the same knowledge for different people may be different, it is determined by their individual characteristics and needs. Therefore, knowledge is always needed at any age and position.