The meaning of "Only checks and balances, not constraints":
When dealing with others, you cannot suppress or interfere with others. The best way is for both parties to restrain each other to improve themselves.
"Only check and balance, not restrict" comes from the eight-character motto given by Zhong Yao to Sima Yi. It is also one of the important methods of ancient imperial art. Because although there is a saying that "a gentleman is not a party member", it is really difficult to do so.
In "Emperor Kangxi", Kangxi began to feel heartache, and this was the case after being prompted by Xiaozhuang. Since it is impossible not to be a party, and if there are more people, there will definitely be a party, so it is better to let the factions check and balance. Let the factions conflict and fight each other, so that the power is balanced, and all require the monarch's judgment and tilt. The monarch will be safe and have stronger control.
It is actually very difficult to actively cooperate and become a check and balance party. It's not something you can check and balance if you want to. The monarch just gives in. You must be strong enough, so this point in the play is a bit far-fetched. It was impossible for Sima Yi to have the ability to check and balance at that time. "Don't be restrained" also applies to the monarch. What he wants to do cannot be blocked or stopped, such as proclaiming himself emperor.
(Related information on checks and balances and constraints):
Checks and balances:
Relative equality can only occur if there is a balance of power between the two, because once the two Or there will be a deviation in the power between many people, and a powerful individual or group will oppress those individuals or groups that are weaker than him, breaking the relatively equal relationship under this balance.
The result of oppression is to seek benefits, which is to use the power of the strong to distribute benefits. Therefore, in order to achieve relative equality, we must establish a basis of checks and balances. Without this basis of checks and balances, relative equality cannot be established.
Constraints:
Constraints are a common phenomenon in politics. Suspicious rulers generally do not trust their ministers, fearing that their ministers will become too powerful and difficult to control, thereby threatening their own rule. Therefore, when arranging a minister to do a major event, he often arranges for another opponent to supervise or supervise from the side. Containing the minister to form a force that is not easy to control and avoid disasters is a phenomenon that has been common in thousands of years of history, and many stories have been derived from it.
Reference link: Baidu Encyclopedia: Checks and Balances
Baidu Encyclopedia: Constraints