Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty implemented Confucian principles that significantly influenced his treatment of the nobility. The correct analysis would be:
He gave power to people who passed Confucianism tests.
Wudi established a system of appointments based on merit, primarily through the examination and education in Confucian ideals, rather than solely by noble birth. This approach diminished the traditional power of the noble class while elevating those who were educated in Confucian doctrines, aligning with Confucian emphasis on moral integrity and capability. This shift had lasting effects on Chinese governance and societal hierarchy, as it encouraged a bureaucratic system based on meritocracy over aristocracy.