Kong Wenzhe ignored the generals. When he saw Chu Fan nod, he thought it was an agreement with him, and then continued: "If we can treat the prisoners with tolerance, we can not only win the hearts of the people, but also establish the image of Wei as a benevolent and righteous country among other countries.

In the long run, neighboring countries will no longer view Wei as a threat, but as a model to learn from. Only in this way can we truly achieve lasting peace and stability, and allow Wei to gain greater prestige and respect among all nations."

After listening to Kong Wenzhe's remarks, some civil servants in the court felt that his views were very reasonable and his words were full of wisdom and justice.

However, at the same time, the generals' dislike for Kong Wenzhe gradually deepened. They believed that if simple morality could really solve the problem, then there would be no tragedy such as the Xiongnu invasion of Wei, and so many brave soldiers would not have died.

The generals thought to themselves: These civil officials talk endlessly about their lofty ideals in the court, but they are nowhere to be seen on the real battlefield. If these civil officials' families—their wives, children, and parents—had also suffered the slaughter of the Huns, would they still be so tolerant and generous in talking about benevolence, righteousness, and morality?

Of course, Chu Fan would not be easily convinced. He knew very well that Confucianism was indeed a profound and practical knowledge in governing the people.

However, if Confucian teachings were applied to the emperor and his officials, this approach might seem quite foolish to others. If these Xiongnu were treated favorably, or if the captives were released directly, wouldn't they attack Wei again once they regained their strength?

Chu Fan continued, "Kong Hanlin, do you think that if we treat the Xiongnu captives well, they will still choose to invade our Wei State when they are in trouble due to lack of food?"

In response to Chu Fan's question, Kong Wenzhe proposed a solution. "If the Xiongnu are truly in trouble due to a food shortage, we can sell them grain or lend them grain to alleviate their plight," he replied.

Chu Fan smiled slightly after hearing Kong Wenzhe's answer. He did not stop there, but continued to ask: "But if the Xiongnu become powerful again, will they forget the kindness we once showed them and turn their troops south again to pose a threat to our Wei State?"

Kong Wenzhe pondered for a moment, then slowly replied, "Benevolence and righteousness are not things that can be cultivated overnight; they need time to settle and ferment. Even if the Xiongnu become powerful again in the future, our benevolent and righteous actions will surely leave a deep impression on them. People are not hard-hearted, and they may even be grateful for our tolerance and kindness, thus avoiding war."

Chu Fan clapped his hands and shouted, "Kong Hanlin is right. If a war breaks out in the future, let Kong Hanlin go to the enemy country and use our benevolence and righteousness to influence them so that they will not invade our Wei State."

Kong Wenzhe's face suddenly turned gloomy when he heard Chu Fan's words. The generals who were worried that His Majesty would be persuaded by Kong Wenzhe finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If Your Majesty is really persuaded by Kong Wenzhe, then all the efforts made by Mu Yunfeng and the soldiers who sacrificed their lives on the border, all the efforts and sacrifices will become meaningless.

Chu Fan continued to ask Kong Wenzhe, "Kong Hanlin, you should be familiar with the Analects written by your family's ancestors. So, I have a question for you. Can you translate this sentence for me?"

At this time, not only Kong Wenzhe, but also all the court ministers were confused and puzzled, not understanding why His Majesty suddenly raised such a question. Weren't we just discussing the handling of prisoners of war?

Although Kong Wenzhe was very confused and didn't understand why His Majesty suddenly asked such a question, he still replied respectfully: "I do have some understanding of the Analects of our ancestors."

Chu Fan continued to ask, "Then, could you please ask Hanlin Kong to explain to me in detail: 'At fifteen, I set my heart on learning; at thirty, I established myself; at forty, I had no doubts; at fifty, I understood the will of Heaven; at sixty, my ears were obedient; at seventy, I followed my heart's desire without transgressing the rules.' What is the deeper meaning of this sentence?"

Kong Wenzhe confidently explained, "Your Majesty's words are meant to encourage people to be self-disciplined and self-study. They describe a person's understanding of himself from the age of fifteen to seventy..."

Kong Wenzhe spoke a long list of truths that all scholars know, as if he was imparting wisdom to everyone present.

Kong Wenzhe spoke to Chu Fan in a tone of teaching a student, as if Chu Fan was still his student. His confident expression and tone revealed the majesty of an elder and respect for knowledge.

However, Chu Fan said, "Kong Hanlin, you are wrong. What Confucius meant by this sentence is that if an emperor only has 100,000 or 50,000 cavalry, then he should learn the governance methods of other countries and draw on their successful experiences to make up for the lack of his own military strength.

When a monarch has 300,000 cavalrymen, he should establish his majesty and make his subjects fear him.

And when the number of his cavalry reaches 400,000, the emperor will no longer be confused about his duties and mission.

When his cavalry expanded to 550,000 people, he was able to deeply understand the true meaning of the throne given to him by God.

Once he has 600,000 cavalrymen, the monarchs of other countries will speak flattering words to him out of awe when they see him.

When his cavalry reaches 700,000, the emperor can do whatever he wants, without being bound by any rules or restrictions.

As Kong Wenzhe listened to Chu Fan's arguments, he became increasingly shocked. He couldn't believe that the teachings of Confucius could be interpreted in this way; to him, it was simply the words of a tyrant. Kong Wenzhe couldn't accept that the emperor he had mentored would become a tyrant. So, in extreme anxiety and anger, he collapsed in a fit of rage.

Seeing this, Chu Fan said, "It seems Kong Hanlin is really too tired. He actually fell asleep while standing in the hall. Someone, send Kong Hanlin home and let him have a good rest."

Chu Fan's remarks shocked not only Kong Wenzhe, but also all the civil and military officials in the court. For the civil officials, the shock was so great that they were at a loss, not knowing what to do.

However, the generals' hearts were filled with completely different feelings. They didn't care about the profound meaning of Confucius' words. They were focused on the ambition displayed by His Majesty and the immensity of Wei's military might when it possessed 700,000 cavalrymen. This filled them with immense excitement and anticipation.