What means leaving the capital for distant travels? In ancient times, Duke Jing of Qi enjoyed traveling by the sea. He ordered his ministers: “Whoever suggests returning shall be put to death.”
Yan Zhuoju remonstrated: “Your Highness delights in the sea journey, yet what if some minister plots to seize the state? Even if you enjoy this now, where will you find safety later?”
Duke Jing said: “I have issued an order that those urging return shall die. Now you dare to defy my command.” He raised a dagger‑axe to strike him.
Yan Zhuoju replied: “In the past, Jie killed Guan Longpang (or Guan Longfeng) and Zhou killed Bi Gan, Prince of Shang. If Your Highness kills me today, I shall stand as their third loyal martyr. I speak for the state, not for myself.”
He stretched his neck forward and said: “Strike me now!”
Duke Jing lowered his weapon and hurried back to the capital.
Only three days after his return, he learned that some subjects had plotted to bar him from re‑entering Qi.
Duke Jing retained his state thanks entirely to Yan Zhuoju’s courage.
Hence it is said: leaving the inner court for distant travels and ignoring remonstrating ministers endangers one’s life and rule.
Note
This anecdote warns rulers: prolonged travel away from the capital creates political risk. Loyal critical advice must never be ignored, as it protects both the ruler and the state from internal rebellion.
Representative Legalist thinker of the late Warring‑States Period. This passage is excerpted from The Ten Faults (Shi Guo), illustrating the seventh fatal mistake of rulers: distant travels that separate them from state affairs and loyal advisors.
Duke Jing of Qi
Duke Jing, Spring‑and‑Autumn ruler of Qi State, fond of pleasure‑seeking journeys and nearly losing his throne due to prolonged absence from the capital.
Yan Zhuoju
Loyal and fearless minister of Qi who risked death to persuade his lord to return home.
Guan Longpang & Bi Gan
Two legendary loyal ministers killed by tyrants Jie and Zhou, classic symbols of martyrdom for state justice in Chinese political culture.
Ruler’s Duty to Stay in the Capital
Ancient Chinese political norm: the monarch must remain at the capital to supervise governance; long‑distance leisure travels create power vacuums for rebellious ministers.
Daring Remonstrance
A valued political virtue: loyal officials must speak truth to power even at the cost of their lives, as Han Fei emphasizes here.
Tyrant‑Minister Martyr Tradition
By invoking Guan Longpang and Bi Gan, Yan Zhuoju frames his own potential death as noble martyrdom for the state.
奚謂離內遠遊？昔者田成子遊於海而樂之，號令諸大夫曰：「言歸者死。」顏涿聚曰：「君遊海而樂之，奈臣有圖國者何？君雖樂之，將安得？」田成子曰：「寡人布令曰言歸者死，今子犯寡人之令。」援戈將擊之。顏涿聚曰：「昔桀殺關龍逢而紂殺王子比干，今君雖殺臣之身以三之可也。臣言為國，非為身也。」延頸而前曰：「君擊之矣！」君乃釋戈趣駕而歸，至三日，而聞國人有謀不內田成子者矣。田成子所以遂有齊國者，顏涿聚之力也。故曰：離內遠遊，則危身之道也。
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