Xi Simi visited Tian Chengzi. They climbed a terrace and looked around. The view was unobstructed on three sides, yet to the south, trees of Xi’s mansion blocked the sight. Tian Chengzi said nothing about it.
Back home, Xi Simi sent men to cut down the trees. After a few cuts were made, he ordered them to stop. His steward asked: “Why change your mind repeatedly?”
Xi Simi replied: “An old proverb goes: He who sees fish in the deep pool meets misfortune. Tian Chengzi plans great rebellious deeds. If I show I have perceived his hidden thoughts, I shall be in grave danger. Leaving the trees standing brings no blame, but to see through what another keeps unspoken is a serious offense.” So he gave up cutting the trees.
Note
It is dangerous to perceive others’ unspoken ambitions. In complicated political environments, one should refrain from prying into secrets and keep a low profile to stay safe.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher, recording the story to illustrate wisdom in court survival. This text is excerpted from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I).
Xi Simi
A nobleman, thoughtful and cautious in judging human minds and political risks.
Tian Chengzi
Steward
Servant in charge of household affairs, confused by his master’s decision.
Proverb about hidden secrets
The saying “He who sees fish in deep water is unlucky” means prying into others’ confidential schemes will invite disaster.
Unspoken intentions
In ancient politics, powerful officials often hid their true plans. Silence itself was a hint of secret plots.
Regicide and usurpation
Tian Chengzi intended to stage a coup, a top-level political taboo. Those who learned the secret were likely to be eliminated.
Feign ignorance
A classic self-preservation tactic in dangerous officialdom: pretend not to notice hidden intentions to avoid suspicion.
隰斯彌見田成子，田成子與登臺四望，三面皆暢，南望，隰子家之樹蔽之，田成子亦不言，隰子歸，使人伐之，斧離數創，隰子止之，其相室曰：「何變之數也？」隰子曰：「古者有諺曰：知淵中之魚者不祥。夫田子將有大事，而我示之知微，我必危矣。不伐樹未有罪也，知人之所不言，其罪大矣。」乃不伐也。
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