Was Cao Cao and the Cao Wei actually legalist?
Was Cao Cao and the Cao Wei an real legalist? In my opinion, no. In the books he said to apply strict laws, meritocracy, state control of wealth. However he avoids certain principles that separated him from other dynasties like the Qin.
-Not naming himself the ruler of China when he got control of the Emperor. A rather feudalistic belief system naming him first King of Wei.
-The focus on skeming and maneuvering in court politics rather than battlefield success. Cao Pi for example was very focused and cutthroat politics involving daggers and armor in court.
-The focus on the Prime Minister rather than the Emperor. I feel Cao Cao and Cao Pi fell for this philosphy and gave future prime minister much more power than they should so Sima Yi just copied him.