by Han Fei
Duke Jing of Qi was touring the Shaohai coast.
A messenger on horseback arrived from the capital and reported:
“Yan Ying is critically ill and is dying. I am afraid you will arrive too late to see him.”
Duke Jing immediately rose to leave.
Another messenger arrived soon after.
The duke said: “Hurry and harness the Fanju horses; let Zouzi and Han Shu drive the chariot.”
After traveling several hundred paces, he thought the driver was not going fast enough, so he snatched the reins and drove himself.
After another few hundred paces, he thought the horses were not moving fast enough, so he abandoned the chariot and began to run on foot.
Note
Duke Jing of Qi
A ruler of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period. In this story, he acts impulsively out of anxiety, showing how excessive eagerness leads to inefficiency.
Yan Ying (Yanzi)
A famous, wise minister of Qi, highly trusted by Duke Jing. His critical illness triggers the duke’s panic.
Han Fei
A leading Legalist philosopher of the Warring States Period. He used this story to criticize imprudent, hasty behavior and emphasize rational action.
Chariot riding in ancient China
Chariots drawn by fine horses were the fastest official transportation for nobles; driving skill was highly valued.
Messenger on horseback
A rapid relay messenger system used in ancient states to deliver urgent news between the capital and remote areas.
欲速则不达 – Haste Makes Waste
This idiom means:
- If you act too hastily in pursuit of speed, you will fail to reach your goal efficiently.
- Impulsive, impatient action often backfires and causes delays.
- One must follow proper procedures instead of rushing blindly.
齐景公游少海，传骑从中来谒，曰：”婴疾甚，且死，恐公后之。”景公遽起，传骑又至。景公曰：”趋驾烦且之乘，使驺子、韩枢御之。”行数百步，以驺为不疾，夺辔代之；御可数百步，以马为不进，释车而走。
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