The idiom "万选青钱" originates from the story of Zhang Wencheng, grandfather of Zhang Jian, a Tang Dynasty official.

During Emperor Gaozong's reign, Zhang Wencheng passed the imperial examination and was appointed as a military advisor to Prince Qi Li Fan. However, he was not skilled at ingratiating himself with others, which hindered his career advancement.

He tried to improve his official status by repeatedly taking the imperial examinations, attempting them eight times. Each time, he achieved the highest distinction, '甲科' (first class), but was never successfully appointed to a higher office. Because his literary talent was so exceptional, and his writings were highly praised and desired by many, like valuable 'green coins,' people referred to him as '青钱学士' (Green Coin Scholar).

This term eventually evolved into '万选青钱,' metaphorically describing writings or articles of outstanding quality that are universally admired and chosen.