My subjects are too rebellious!

Qin Chuan sat on the dragon throne, staring ahead, as if he could penetrate the palace walls and see the vast world.

In his mind, the Confucian idea that the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans were solidified as the foundation for the stability of imperial power was intertwined with his ideas about national development and the prosperity of the people, forming a complex train of thought.

"Scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans have been the foundation of the country since ancient times, and the cornerstone of the stability of imperial power."

Qin Chuan thought to himself, "Confucianism advocates maintaining social stability and order through the clear division and interdependence of these four classes. Scholars govern the country, farmers cultivate the land and pay taxes, craftsmen make tools, and merchants circulate goods. Each performs his or her duties and is content with his or her place. Only then can the country be stable and peaceful for a long time."

"If we stick to the old system and refuse to change, how can the people display their talents in a broader world, and how can the country remain competitive in an era of rapid change?"

Qin Chuan frowned. He knew very well that it was not easy to break this rigidity and allow the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans to integrate with each other and develop together while maintaining their own characteristics.

But he also understood that only in this way could the country truly achieve prosperity and strength and allow the people to live a richer and happier life.

Qin Chuan secretly made up his mind.

"We should not only attach importance to the training and selection of scholars, but also encourage farmers to innovate farming techniques, improve production efficiency, support craftsmen to invent and create, promote technological progress, and at the same time, regulate the behavior of merchants."

"As the ruler of the world, I should take the people's heart as my own and the prosperity of the country as my own responsibility."

Qin Chuan's thoughts surged like the tide. When he was pondering how the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans could both consolidate the imperial power and promote national development, an idea quietly emerged - "Confucian skin and legal bones".

"Confucian skin and legal bones"

These four words echoed in Qin Chuan's heart. He seemed to see the solid skeleton of the Legalist school's strict system beneath the gentle cloak of Confucianism.

Confucianism, with its benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness as its core, emphasizes moral education and harmonious order. It is an important force in maintaining social stability and promoting goodness in people's hearts.

The Legalists, on the other hand, are known for their strict legal system and strict enforcement, and are the cornerstone for ensuring the efficient operation of the state machinery and maintaining social justice.

Although pure Confucianism can educate people's hearts, it often appears too idealistic in the face of complex and changing reality and is unable to cope with various challenges.

Although the Legalists can govern effectively, they may lose the support of the people because they are too harsh.

Therefore, the idea of ​​"Confucian skin and legalistic bones" is his attempt to find a balance and integration between the two.

"Using Confucianism as a cloak, we will educate the people, improve their moral standards, and create a harmonious social atmosphere. Using the Legalist system as a framework, we will build a strict legal system to ensure the implementation of national policies and maintain social justice and order." Qin Chuan planned silently in his mind.

Such a governing philosophy can not only give full play to the advantages of Confucianism in cultivating people's goodness and moral education, but also make use of the power of the Legalist system in governing the country and maintaining order.

The two complement each other and together provide solid support for the country's prosperity and strength.

But...how to put it into practice?

...........

In the vast land of Beiliang, the land is covered with snow and the wind is cold, but it is also a magnificent sight.

A mansion built of thick bluestone is located in a corner of Beiliang City. The mansion is as warm as spring, forming a sharp contrast with the severe cold outside.

Inside the room, the fire was burning brightly, and the flickering flames illuminated Cao Cao's weathered face.

He was dressed in an exquisite fox fur coat and holding an exquisite jade cup. The amber wine in the cup was swaying gently, exuding an enticing aroma.

Next to Cao Cao, a beautiful woman was sitting, her skin was as white as cream, her eyes were clear as autumn water, and she was looking at him with a smile, her eyes were full of tenderness and admiration.

The beautiful woman opened her red lips slightly and spoke to Cao Cao in a gentle manner. Her voice was as soft as silk and lingering.

"Although the land of Beiliang is frozen all year round and everything is sleeping under the snow, the people are simple and honest, and the people are tenacious. They have long been accustomed to this harsh weather. I was born and raised here, and I know that although this place is bitterly cold, it is also warm and affectionate. People's hearts are warm, which is even warmer than the warmth of spring."

The beautiful woman chuckled, her eyes moving, as if the snowflakes outside the window were more vivid because of her words.

She opened her red lips and continued, "In the past, in Beiliang, there was a winter day when the snow blocked the door and the neighbors stayed indoors. Suddenly, one day, the children in the village found a line of strange footprints in the snow. They were neither cats nor dogs, nor human footprints. Everyone was curious and followed them to explore. When they reached a secluded place, they saw a group of wild rabbits that had mistakenly entered the snow while looking for food. They were cuddling each other to keep warm. Everyone couldn't help laughing when they saw this. This matter spread and became a joke in winter, adding a bit of vitality and fun to this cold place."

"Years ago, Beiliang held an ice horse race, which was a grand event. The horses were dressed in colorful silk and stepped on the ice, galloping like the wind. The riders were heroic and had superb skills. During the competition, a rider accidentally slipped, but did not fall off the horse. Instead, he slid several feet on the ice with a funny posture, which attracted laughter from the audience."

"Every winter solstice, every household will pickle 'ice and snow lamb'. They put the selected lamb in ice and snow, add special spices, and slowly pickle it. When it is taken out in the spring, the meat is tender and has a unique flavor that is endlessly memorable. A visitor from afar tasted this for the first time and was amazed. He said it was the best in the world and he must bring it back home to enjoy with his relatives and friends."

"........."

Outside the window, snowflakes are flying, dressing the whole world in silver and white.

Cao Cao occasionally looked out the window, a trace of nostalgia flashed in his eyes. He gently stroked the hair of the beautiful woman beside him, enjoying this rare peace and warmth.

"Although Beiliang is cold, people's hearts are warm."

Cao Cao whispered to himself, as if he was talking to the beautiful woman, or as if he was talking to himself.

.......

Just as Cao Cao and the beautiful woman were sharing a warm moment in the house, illuminated by the fire and full of affection, a completely different scene was taking place in the side room.

Dian Wei and Xu Chu, two brave and incomparable generals, are now sitting around a rough wooden table.

The table was filled with all kinds of meat and several jars of liquor, steaming and fragrant.

Dian Wei held a bowl of strong liquor in his hand and drank it all in one gulp. He then wiped the wine stains from the corners of his mouth and laughed, "Fatty Xu, this Beiliang liquor is really strong. Drinking it will warm your whole body and even dispel some of the coldness!"

Xu Chu was not to be outdone. He lifted the jar and blew directly into his mouth. After a few gulps, half of the jar of wine was already drunk. He wiped the water droplets on his face, not knowing whether it was sweat or wine. He smiled and said, "Dian Hanzi is right. But for me, Xu Chu, this little bit of cold air is nothing. The stronger the wine, the better, so that it can show our heroic spirit!"

The two smiled at each other, and then immersed themselves in the delicious food in front of them, eating meat and drinking wine with big mouthfuls.