







精明强干 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “Shrewd, capable, and highly efficient”. Astute and competent in managing tasks and affairs. Literally, “shrewd and capable; astute and competent”.
During the Qing Dynasty, the Nian Rebellion broke out. The common people, unable to bear the Qing government's severe oppression and exploitation, rose in support. The Qing government dispatched forces led by Sengge Linqin, Yuan Jiasan, Mao Changxi, and others to suppress the uprising.
Mao Changxi believed that the Nian Rebellion was a result of official tyranny, where officials were solely focused on exploiting the people, leading to their immense suffering. He suggested that the government should select officials who were '精明强干' (shrewd and capable) and '爱民如子' (cared for the people like their own children).