This article examines the situation in the Western Han Dynasty where the Confucianist and Legalist schools began to converge. A predecessor to this tendency was Shu Xun Tung, a Legalist of the Han Dynasty, Jia Yi and Tung Shu-chung.
Si Ma Tan described the Han Dynasty Confucianists as being ”scholarly without using what was pertinent” and ”assiduous without achieving results”. The ”Yi” section of the Silk Scrolls discussing ”pertinent points” as a means in ruling a country coincides with this notion of ”using what is pertinent” as a similar method in the Shang Tun Shu, Agriculture and War Chapter.
The Han Fei Zi emphasizes ”not ignoring what is pertinent” in ruling a country. It also emphasizes using rewards and punishments in persuading the people to refrain from evil and debauchery. A section of the ”Yi” Silk Scrolls proceeds form the same vein.
Confucianists revered ”virtue” and admired the worthy, while the Legalists revered ”wisdom” and employed the worthy. The ”Yi” Silk Scrolls connect the Confucianists and Legalists. Consequently, this article contends that the ”Yi” Silk Scrolls have definite Legalist tendencies in Confucian ”Yi” studies.
