Answer :
Final answer:
The ideas expressed in the excerpt most directly challenged Legalism in imperial China.
Explanation:
The ideas expressed in the excerpt most directly challenged Legalism in imperial China. Legalism was an ideology that advocated for strict adherence to laws and harsh punishments to maintain order and control. However, Confucius's teachings emphasized the importance of guiding people with virtue and good customs, rather than relying on policies and punishments. This directly contradicted the principles of Legalism, which focused on fear and punishment to govern the people.
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