King Hui of Wei held an alliance at Jiuli, planning to restore the authority of the Son of Heaven. Peng Xi said to the ruler of Zheng: “Do not agree to this. Major states dislike having a supreme emperor reign over them, while minor states benefit from it. If you and other major states refuse to comply, how can Wei rally minor states to enthrone the Son of Heaven?”
Note
This passage from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I) reveals that all political decisions among vassal states are driven by practical interests. One should judge policies based on the overall power structure and the stance of different parties.
Late Warring States Legalist thinker. This passage records political tactics and state relations of his era.
King Hui of Wei
Ruler of the State of Wei, who attempted to take the lead in supporting the Zhou royal house to expand his influence.
King Hui of Wei was a ruler of the State of Wei during the Warring States period. He moved the capital to Daliang, hence the name King Hui of Liang. He is famously known for his conversations with the philosopher Mencius about governance, where he asked, “Who benefits the state?” Mencius replied, “Why must you speak of benefit? Only benevolence and righteousness matter.” Under his rule, Wei became powerful but later suffered defeats by Qi and Qin, in Battle of Maling, Battle of Guiling, etc.
Peng Xi
Advisor of the State of Zheng, adept at analyzing the interests of various vassal states.
Ruler of Zheng
Monarch of Zheng, a small state amid the conflicts of powerful states.
Alliance of Vassal States
In the Warring States period, regional lords often formed alliances to compete for dominance, adjust power relations or deal with the declining Zhou royal court.
Son of Heaven
The nominal supreme ruler of ancient China, the king of the Zhou Dynasty. By this time, he had lost actual power but still held symbolic status.
State Interest Game
Powerful states opposed restoring the emperor’s authority for fear of restrictions; weak states hoped to use the emperor’s prestige to safeguard themselves.
魏惠王為臼里之盟，將復立於天子，彭喜謂鄭君曰：「君勿聽，大國惡有天子，小國利之。若君與大不聽，魏焉能與小立之。」
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