Cao Shen vs Gongsun Hong

After Xiao He's death, Cao Shen succeeded him as chancellor of the Han dynasty. He continued Xiao He's policies without alteration, following the principle of 'non-action' (wu wei) in governance.

Cao Shen maintained the legal and administrative framework established by Xiao He, avoiding new initiatives. He selected officials who were simple and honest, and dismissed those who were overly ambitious. This policy of non-interference allowed the Han economy to recover from war.

Cao Shen was known for his daily drinking and apparent lack of activity as chancellor. When criticized, he argued that he was simply following the superior precedents set by Xiao He, and that any changes would be harmful. This approach became a famous example of Daoist-inspired governance.

Gongsun Hong advocated for the creation of the Imperial Academy (Taixue) to train officials in Confucian classics. This institution became the model for China's civil service examination system and standardized Confucian education.

As prime minister, Gongsun Hong instituted policies that favored Confucian scholars for official appointments. He established quotas for recruiting scholars from the provinces and emphasized moral cultivation in governance.

Gongsun Hong became the first commoner to be appointed as prime minister (chengxiang) of the Han dynasty. His rise from a humble background as a pig herder to the highest office exemplified the meritocratic ideals of the Han examination system.

Gongsun Hong counseled Emperor Wu against aggressive military campaigns against the Xiongnu, advocating for a defensive strategy. His advice was often overruled, but he remained a trusted advisor known for his cautious approach.