I Want to Be Emperor.

Summary

Liu Che, after receiving praise, feigned ignorance about the Zhigong and Sanbei Cases, prompting Confucians to explain. The Zhigong Case involved a son taking the punishment for his father's sheep theft, highlighting themes of honesty and filial piety. Confucians favored a version where the son was pardoned, while Legalists argued for a harsher interpretation. The debate revealed deep philosophical divides, with Confucians emphasizing familial loyalty and Legalists advocating for state law. Liu Che recognized the importance of diverse thoughts in academia and sought to mediate, suggesting that both records held essential truths. This historical dispute reflects enduring tensions between Confucianism and Legalism, particularly regarding moral obligations to family versus the state.

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