In BC 140, Dong Zhongshu responded to the "remonstrance" of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty three times in a row, and put forward such ideas as "ousting a hundred schools of thought and respecting Confucianism alone", which was appreciated by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. He also integrated some thoughts of Taoism, Yin-Yang and Five Elements into Confucianism and reformed them, forming a new Confucian system with the characteristics of the times. Neo-Confucianism was fully affirmed by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, and was determined as a textbook stipulated by the state. Confucianism gradually became the mainstream of traditional culture in China.

In the early years of the Western Han Dynasty, following the way of Huang Lao, governing by doing nothing, sharing interest with the people, and having a relaxed political atmosphere, hundred schools of thought was revived. However, political unity needs ideological unity to adapt to it, and an academic thought that makes a theoretical explanation for political unity is urgently needed. However, the abuse of legalism in the Qin Dynasty caused serious consequences. Therefore, only the doctrine of the mean Confucianism can meet the needs of the society at that time, and Confucianism at this time is a new ideological system that keeps pace with the times, which is a mixture of Taoism, Yin and Yang, Five Elements and even some legalist thoughts. This is also the reason why Confucianism was valued in the Han Dynasty.

1) stipulates that Confucian classics are compulsory textbooks, and there are tutors who specialize in studying and spreading the Five Classics, which makes education monopolized by Confucianism;

2) The establishment of imperial academy broke the previous rule that aristocratic bureaucrats were officials from generation to generation, and greatly improved the status of Confucianism;

Note: imperial academy is not only the first government-run institution of higher learning in China, but also the earliest officially established institution of higher learning with the purpose of imparting knowledge and researching knowledge in the world. With the establishment of imperial academy, children of non-aristocratic families can also enter official positions with imperial academy's qualification. The status of Confucianism has been greatly improved, and the theory of a hundred schools of thought has gradually become unknown.

3) Schools were established in counties all over the country, local education systems were initially established, and Confucian scholars in counties and counties were promoted. Confucianism began to occupy an exclusive position among the people.

Note: Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also encouraged scholars to engage in Confucian education in private schools, which laid a solid social foundation for promoting Confucianism.

Since then, Confucian scholars have gradually become the leading role in China's cultural arena, and Confucianism has become the orthodox thought respected by rulers of past dynasties, and has gradually become the mainstream thought of China's traditional culture.