Confucianism significantly influenced Emperor Wudi's treatment of the nobility, particularly in how he navigated the balance of power between the ruling elite and the scholarly meritocracy he sought to cultivate. Among the options provided, the most accurate assessment is:
He gave power to people who passed Confucianism tests.
Emperor Wudi established a civil service examination system that prioritized Confucian education and ideals, allowing individuals from various backgrounds, including the gentry and even some from humble origins, to enter government service based on merit rather than nobility or wealth alone. This approach diminished the exclusive power of the traditional nobility and shifted the emphasis towards a meritocratic bureaucracy informed by Confucian values.
While Wudi's policies did not entirely diminish the power of the aristocracy (as they still held significant social and economic advantages), the establishment of civil service exams marked a significant change in governance that aligned closely with Confucian ideals of merit and ethical governance, positioning Confucian scholars as a critical component of the administration.