Which of the following statements concerning Chinese merchants is false?
a. The cultural elite viewed Chinese merchants as unproductive, making a shameful profit from selling the work of others.
b. Early in the Han dynasty merchants were prohibited from taking civil service exams or holding public office.
c. The government sometimes forced merchants to loan large sums of money to the state.
d. State officials and landlords ostracized Chinese merchants, having no relationships with them despite the potential for profit.
Answer: D